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Five Have Now Filed to Run Write-In Campaign For South Lyon MayorFive Have Now Filed to Run Write-In Campaign For South Lyon Mayor

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From zero to five, there is now plenty of interest in running for the mayor of South Lyon. When the July 25th deadline had passed and no one had filed to run for the two-year position, the status of the office was up in the air as current Mayor John Galeas previously said he was not interested in running for re-election. Then within days two residents filed to run as write-in candidates in the November 7th election; 34-year-olds Dan Pelchat and Bill Powell, both 2001 graduates of South Lyon High School. Now, South Lyon Clerk Lisa Deaton confirms that three others have also filed; 44-year-olds Michelle Berry and Bryan Capen and 24-year-old Ashley Enstad. Only Capen indicated a party preference, filing as a Democrat. City Council and Mayor are non-partisan offices in South Lyon. But there may still be others. The deadline to file as a write-in candidate isn’t until October 27th. Whoever does win will serve as the titular head of South Lyon’s government, as City Manager Lynne Ladner runs the day-to-day operations. The mayor serves on the council along with six elected council members. (JK)

Republicans & Democrats Dispute Reason For County's Record Low Jobless RateRepublicans & Democrats Dispute Reason For County's Record Low Jobless Rate

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Local elected officials are touting Livingston County’s low jobless rate, although one critic questions who should take the credit. 8th District Republican Congressman Mike Bishop issued a press release Thursday pointing out that the Michigan Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives found Livingston County held the lowest unemployment rate in the state for the month of June at 2.7%. Bishop said that the county “continues to be a prime example of efficient, conservative-led government” and attributed that to local and state leadership. The release also included responses from several local Republicans, including State Senator Joe Hune, who said the low jobless rate was the result of a conservative policy agenda, a sentiment echoed by State Representatives Lana Theis and Hank Vaupel. Board of Commissioners Chair Kate Lawrence, meanwhile, said that the county’s history of meeting challenges, particularly during recessionary times, was due to a “consistent discipline of cost containment while delivering meaningful service.” But when asked for her thoughts on the comments, Judy Daubenmier, who heads up the Livingston County Democrats, countered that, “Livingston County's low unemployment rate has little to do with what happens within the borders of Livingston County since 70 percent of our residents commute to jobs outside the county -- to Democratically-led counties like Wayne, Washtenaw, Ingham, and Genesee. Too many of the jobs to be found here in Livingston County pay so little that they fail to meet the cost of living here. That's why we are hiring buses to bring workers from elsewhere. Democrats are proud that President Obama was able to steer the economy out of the ditch and put it on a seven-year recovery. But there is much work to be done in Livingston County regarding employment, including attracting high-wage employers so that are residents are not driving long distances every day back and forth to jobs that pay adequately, and raising the minimum wage so that existing jobs within the county pay enough to live on.” Stu Sandler, a spokesman for Bishop’s re-election campaign, responded by saying, “"The Democrat Party's views on this is exactly why Livingston voters overwhelmingly vote Republican. The Democratic Party comments smack of Barack Obama's insult to small business that 'you didn't build it'. Job creators in Livingston did build this economy. Job creators and families appreciate the conservative fiscal policies and leadership that have led to Livingston having the lowest unemployment rate in the state. It's a wonderful fact about the Livingston community that should be celebrated, not criticized. Only the Democratic Party leadership could find fault in having the lowest unemployment rate in the state.” (JK)

Howell Chamber Of Commerce To Host New Business To Business ExpoHowell Chamber Of Commerce To Host New Business To Business Expo

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A Business to Business Expo is planned in Howell this September. Pairing local businesses to hire and support each other is among the member services offered through the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce. It encourages shopping and hiring local to create a stronger local business community. To further that mission, the Chamber will host its first Business to Business Expo on September 12th from 9am to 1pm at Cleary University’s Johnson Center in Genoa Township. Officials say the expo is intended to pair business decision makers with local service providers who work with and for businesses. Exhibitor spaces are exclusive to Howell Chamber members, but all decision makers are invited to shop and speak with local exhibitors. All attendees will enjoy refreshments, giveaways and goodie bags. For details on the Business to Business Expo, visit the link provided. (JM)

State Concludes Investigation Into Election Complaint By Hartland ActivistState Concludes Investigation Into Election Complaint By Hartland Activist

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The Michigan Bureau of Elections has concluded its investigation into allegations that members of the Hartland Board of Education violated the Michigan Campaign Finance Act. Hartland resident Wes Nakagiri filed several complaints in connection with the May 2nd Sinking Fund proposal in the Hartland Consolidated School district, which passed by a 241 vote margin. One complaint filed in April was in regard to a mass mailing by the district on the issue, which also alleged board members exceeded the amount allowed under law to produce and distribute flyers about the ballot question. State officials said based on evidence provided, expenditures appear to have totaled $246.93, which is below the $500 threshold that would have required board members to register as a committee. The department did note a section of the Michigan Campaign Finance Act that requires a person who spends $100 or more to advocate the passage of a ballot question to file an independent expenditure report. Board members will need to file those disclosure reports with the Livingston County Clerk’s Office and provide a copy to the state. The department further advised board members that identification statements such as “paid for by” must be on all printed campaign materials. Once that is done, the Bureau of Elections will consider the matter closed. Meanwhile, a separate complaint against the district was filed for not allowing Nakagiri personal access to use their email server and website to disseminate his opposition viewpoint. That was dismissed, along with a third complaint along similar lines against the Cromaine District Library. Nakagiri, who says the decisions indicate "Lansing justice truly is blind, willfully blind," claimed the school district violated state election law when its email system was used to distribute information on the Sinking Fund, but denied him equal access. Superintendent Chuck Hughes said at the time they believed they had provided appropriate information to constituents and the Michigan Bureau of Elections agreed. It said equal access to Nakagiri was not warranted under the Michigan Campaign Finance Act and that the complaints were dismissed. Nakagiri responded to that ruling by saying, “This flawed decision enables bureaucrats and government employees to disseminate deceitful information. Michigan taxpayers deserve better. Thus, I will be investigating judicial and legislative options to protect others from a similar travesty.” (JM/JK)

Community Gets Into Character For LibCon 2017Community Gets Into Character For LibCon 2017

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Education and pop culture fun combined at a community event in Genoa Township Thursday. LibCon 2017drew fictional characters from a variety of universes together at the 2/42 Community Church as a way to celebrate different literary cultures and encourage reading. Crafts, games and a cosplay contest were incorporated into the event with themes from Star Wars, Harry Potter, Pokemon and more. Among the evening’s activities was a display from the Ring of Steel Action Theater and Stunt group from Ann Arbor. The group trains and performs popular stunts and fight scenes, while also educating its audience about the history of acting and weapons they utilize. Group member Mariah Parkyn says the performances are fun for kids and informational. LibCon is a collaborative event between the Brighton, Howell Carnegie, and Hartland Cromaine District Libraries. The first LibCon was held two years ago and the event took a break in 2016 while the 2/42 church was undergoing renovations. It came back this year bigger and better. More activities were added and expanded to include other franchises. Comic book authors, illustrators, and creators attended and gave presentations. Janice Heilman, Youth services Librarian at the Howell Carnegie Library, says the mini comic-con strives to promote creativity and learning. Event organizers say they achieved their goal to reach as much of the community as possible. As it embraces each and every fandom, matching all levels of devotion, nothing is too nerdy for LibCon. (DK)

Okemos Priest Accused Of Embezzlement Seeks $800K Seized By PoliceOkemos Priest Accused Of Embezzlement Seeks $800K Seized By Police

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The attorney for a priest accused of embezzling from a church in Okemos is seeking $800,000 seized by Michigan State Police. The Rev. Jonathan Wehrle is charged with embezzling $100,000 or more from St. Martha Church in Okemos. But prosecutors say an ongoing audit shows an estimated $5 (m) million is missing from the church. Wehrle's Attorney Lawrence Nolan argued Friday that the priest and his mother should have access to nearly $800,000 seized by police. A judge who heard that request must decide whether there's enough evidence to send Wehrle to trial. That hearing resumes September 1st. Nolan earlier said $5 million is a "new high-water mark." The priest lives in an 11,000-square-foot home on 10 acres worth more than $1 million in Williamston. Nolan says money from Wehrle's family could have paid for it. Wehrle was placed on administrative leave by the Diocese of Lansing on May 9th. He's currently free on a personal recognizance bond. Photo: WLNS. (JM)

Area Superintendent Appointed To Early Childhood Investment CorporationArea Superintendent Appointed To Early Childhood Investment Corporation

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A longtime educator who was once a local finalist for the state superintendent position has been appointed to a state organization. Governor Rick Snyder recently named appointments and reappointments to the Early Childhood Investment Corporation. Among the appointments is Scott Menzel, superintendent of the Washtenaw Intermediate School District. Menzel resides in Whitmore Lake and was the one-time superintendent of Whitmore Lake Public Schools, before becoming the head of the Livingston Educational Service Agency, where he was superintendent from 2007 to 2011. He has served on the Early Childhood Investment Corporation Corporate Board and was recently awarded the Eastern Michigan University Scholar of Excellence Award. The Early Childhood Investment Corporation was created in 2005. The 15-member board is the state's leading group for information about and investment in early childhood programs. Menzel will serve a four-year term that expires on July 22nd, 2021. (JM)

Local Glass Artist Brings Her Craft To Brighton Local Glass Artist Brings Her Craft To Brighton

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An award winning local glass maker will be holding a workshop hosted by the Brighton Arts and Culture Commission next week. Dawn Ceccacci is glass artist from Howell. Next Thursday, August 10, she will be bringing her talents to Hyne Alley in downtown Brighton for the next event in the Arts and Culture Commission’s Story of Us: Summer Performance Series. The weekly series has been running since June and has brought several musicians, artists, and storytellers to the downtown streets. Ceccacci has been practicing her craft since 1999 and specializes in lampwork art, which the art of making small, intricate glass beads. While Ceccacci has made a living off these beads, she also gives back and donates many of them to Beads of Courage. Beads of Courage is a program that supports children who suffer from severe illnesses, and presents the kids and their families with beads that symbolize their strength and courage as they work through treatment. Ceccacci is a 2014 member of their Hall of Fame, and had beads she created represent the program on NASA’s Space Shuttle Endeavor. To learn more about her work, visit www.dawnsglassart.com. For more on The Summer Performance Series, follow Downtown Brighton on Facebook.

Local Red Cross Chapter To Hold Special 100th Anniversary Blood DriveLocal Red Cross Chapter To Hold Special 100th Anniversary Blood Drive

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The Livingston County Red Cross is hosting a special Blood Drive on Thursday, Aug 24th. Their goal for the drive is 100 pints, in celebration of the local chapter’s 100th anniversary in Livingston County. The drive will be held at the 2/42 Community Church in Genoa Township from 1-6:45pm. Organizers are also challenging all first responders to participate with the unit collecting the most pints winning a free lunch. They will be collecting food for the Gleaners Community Food Bank Donors who wish to take part in the Double Red Cell Program will also be accommodated. That program allows the American Red Cross to collect two units of red blood cells from a single donor as long as they meets eligibility requirements. Details can be found using the link below, where appointments can also be made using the sponsor code 242 or by calling Gail Combs-Tanner at 248-561-9154. (JK)

Runners Raise Funds And Remember Fallen Officer At Memorial 5.5KRunners Raise Funds And Remember Fallen Officer At Memorial 5.5K

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Runners took to the streets in Hartland Saturday morning to raise funds for several organizations while remembering the sacrifice of a fallen hero. The Sgt. Patrick O’Rourke memorial 5.5K and family fun run kicked off at Hartland High School with more participating runners than last year’s inaugural event. The run recognizes first responders and honors West Bloomfield Police Sgt. Patrick O’Rourke who was shot and killed in the line of duty in 2012. He is survived by his wife Amy and their four children who live in Tyrone Township. Amy says the funds raised by the race will benefit the Michigan Concerns of Police Survivors (MICOPS), The Hurley Foundation, the St. John the Evangelist Fenton Outreach Program, and the Fenton High School Athletic Department. Musicians were stationed along the path to encourage runners because Sgt. O’Rourke loved music, according to Amy. She waited at the finish line to greet the participants. The official finish line of the race was located at the 5.5K mark because 55 was Sgt. O’Rourke’s badge number and it means “I’m okay” in police 10-code. Amy tells WHMI she talks to her husband every day and believes he talks back through that number, including the morning of the race. While placing signs and traffic cones before the event, she says she noticed it was 55 degrees outside; an uncharacteristically cool morning for August in Michigan. Amy says signs like that give her and their four children some comfort. As runners made their way along the route, they passed over the Sgt. Patrick O’Rourke Memorial Highway, which is a stretch of Old US-23 from M-59 to Center Road. At that check point was Sgt. O’Rourke’s father, Dan O’Rourke. He waited next to the patrol car his son was driving the night he was killed. Dan says he acquired it shortly after his son’s funeral. After Dan received the vehicle, a company outfitted the car for him for free. The rehabilitated patrol car has working lights, sirens, and is emblazoned as the Sgt. O’Rourke memorial vehicle. The license plate is the officer’s date of death and a spotlight underneath the car projects an image of Sgt. O’Rourke’s badge onto the ground. Dan says the first time he saw the revamped patrol vehicle, he was speechless. As runners sprinted past the car, Dan smiled and said, “It’s a piece of my son that I hang on to.” (DK)

Sidewalk Trip Hazards Being Removed Around City Of HowellSidewalk Trip Hazards Being Removed Around City Of Howell

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Sidewalk trip hazards will be removed throughout the City of Howell. In 2011, the City identified an alternate method of addressing trip hazards and started utilizing a highly specialized method of horizontally saw cutting sidewalk to remove trip hazards, resulting in reduced liabilities and safer pedestrian infrastructure. The City contracts with a company that brings in a machine that cuts it down. It’s not grinded but an actual cut for a smooth finish. At a recent meeting, the Howell City Council authorized staff to contract with Precision Concrete Cutting to perform the work at a cost not to exceed $15,000. City Manager Shea Charles tells WHMI its about one-tenth of the cost of doing a full replacement on a sidewalk, so it’s a very cost-effective solution that enables the City to buy several years of life from the sidewalk before having to do full replacement. As part of the City’s sidewalk program, staff works to identify assorted trip hazards. The typical program focuses on areas of known hazards that are tracked annually through resident concerns, incidents and staff observations. Charles says a number of trip hazards have been identified all throughout the City. He says the repairs are part of ongoing efforts to promote walkability and safety and just part of their obligation as a community to make sure sidewalks are safe. (JM)

New Display Joins Brighton Biennial Sculpture ExhibitNew Display Joins Brighton Biennial Sculpture Exhibit

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A new sculpture created by two renowned artists is up for the public to enjoy in downtown Brighton. Metropolis is the latest piece in the Brighton Biennial Sculpture Exhibit. It’s among four new pieces that will add to the City’s existing permeant collection of public art. Metropolis is s approximately 16 feet tall made of stainless steel, oxidized carbon steel and blue glass sphere. It’s located between the Millpond and Main Street. The creation comes from Erik and Ismael Nordin, aka The Nordin Brothers, who are well known throughout the state for their large sculptures and unique pieces. The two founded the Detroit Design Festival and have been creating art and sculptures together for 20 years in their Detroit studio. Their work can be found in cities throughout Michigan. Erik resides in Brighton Township. Brighton City Management Assistant Jessica Reed tells WHMI they’re very excited to have the new Metropolis piece it in Brighton and it was a unanimous decision by commissioners. Reed says Erik is very invested in the community and the City excited to be working with him again, noting their pieces can be seen in the St. Paul park area while others have been featured in the city’s rotating sculpture exhibit. She says the new piece fits well with the Millpond and the look of that area. The Brighton Arts and Culture Commission is a group of volunteers who oversee the Brighton Biennial outdoor sculpture exhibit. The City has a number of permanent pieces as its public art display and then every two years, Reed says they bring in new pieces for people to enjoy. Three others will be coming in through the end of summer and fall and will be installed in the Imagination Station area, in the St. Paul area and in the sculpture garden by Stout. Walking maps are available at Brighton City Hall and on the City’s website. More information about the Nordin Brothers and the Detroit Design Center is available through the link provided. Photo: Erik Nordin. (JM)

Groundbreaking Set Tuesday For New Downtown Brighton DevelopmentGroundbreaking Set Tuesday For New Downtown Brighton Development

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A groundbreaking ceremony will be held Tuesday morning chronicling the newest development in downtown Brighton. Cheresko Development will embark on a project in which a vacant office building at 317 West Main St. will be demolished to make way for two new buildings. The structures will include two restaurants, office space and four high-end apartments. An L-shaped outdoor courtyard will also be constructed between the buildings to add to the aesthetics of the downtown Brighton environment. The courtyard will allow outdoor seating for diners that will include a gas fire pit and heated paver bricks for cooler weather. The Downtown Development Authority is assisting in the project by funding a pedestrian walkway to enhance access for walkers. Brighton city officials will be on hand for the groundbreaking, which will take place Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.

Lyon Township May Still Be In The Running For Foxconn FacilityLyon Township May Still Be In The Running For Foxconn Facility

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A local community might still be in the running for a development project by a Taiwanese electronic giant. Foxconn, which builds display panels for televisions and cell phones, announced in late July that it would invest $10 billion in a manufacturing plant in Wisconsin, which seemed to end speculation that the company would place the facility in Michigan, with Lyon Township one of the potential locations. But now Chinese media is reporting that Foxconn says it will build a research and development center in Michigan because of its proximity to the automobile industry. The news came as Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder met Saturday with Foxconn Chairman Terry Gou during his trade mission to China (pictured). Foxconn officials visited Michigan at least three times and have looked at several sites, including one in Lyon Township that totals 515-acres and is owned by construction giant Walbridge-Aldinger. The potential development follows a series of bills signed by Snyder two weeks ago that would provide significant tax incentives for companies like Foxconn. The lure of the huge investment from the foreign manufacturer was one of the primary selling points for the Legislature to approve the bills last month. Photo courtesy Governor's Office (JK)

Nonprofit Resale Store To Soon Begin Accepting Donations DirectlyNonprofit Resale Store To Soon Begin Accepting Donations Directly

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Starting next week, donations can be made directly to a new upscale resale store that will benefit victims of child abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault. The storefront for the LACASA Collection will be located in the Crossroads Town Center on M-59 at Michigan Avenue in Howell. Through the spring and summer, the organization has been collecting items during its “Stock the Shop” donation drive, with the public encouraged to drop off items at the LACASA Center facility on West Grand River in Howell Township. But starting Monday, August 14th, the store, located in the former Blockbuster Video, can start accepting donations directly. LACASA officials say in addition to clothes, shoes, and toys, they are also looking for home décor and furnishings including mirrors, complete sets of dishes, and jewelry. All donors will receive a tax receipt upon drop off, which will be in the rear of the building, where a buzzer will be located. Volunteers are also being sought and you’ll find those details through the link below. (JK)

Brighton Gears Up For Sesquicentennial CelebrationBrighton Gears Up For Sesquicentennial Celebration

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The city of Brighton has reason to celebrate this weekend. 150 of them in fact. This Sunday, enjoy games, car shows, dancing, live bands, and much more in honor of Brighton’s 150th anniversary. The family-based event commemorates Brighton’s incorporation into a village in March of 1867. A Community Picnic will start on Main Street in front of the Millpond at noon and continue until 4pm. Dance teams including the Dance Project, Brighton Ballet and Patriotic Squares will perform in the intersection next to the COBACH Center from noon-1pm and then again from 2-4pm. The Fifth Michigan Regimental Civil War band will perform songs from the mid-1800s with their authentic instruments of that era from 1-2pm at the gazebo. The Old Village Cemetery will be the setting for Old-Fashioned Games and a Cemetery Tour. There will be a Potato Sack Race at 1:30pm, followed by a Three-Legged Race at 2pm and concluding with an old-fashioned Watermelon Eating Contest at 2:30 pm. The cemetery tour will have docents positioned at ten gravesites and they will share facts and stories as they portray the Brighton person buried at that location. The tour will run from 3-4pm. The celebration is free to the public and will conclude with the Kiwanis Car Show and concert featuring 50 Amp Fuse, followed by a laser-light show. The celebration will run from noon till 10:30pm and is free to the public. Jim Vichich, the president of the Brighton Area Historical Society, tells WHMI the event will include a variety of historical happenings. You'll find a link below for more information on the 150th anniversary. (AS/JK)

Fundraisers Next Week Will Support Arc Of Livingston MissionFundraisers Next Week Will Support Arc Of Livingston Mission

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A pair of fundraising events next week will help benefit a local nonprofit which helps advocate for the special needs community. The Arc of Livingston provides support to families with children in need of special education services. One of the organization’s best known clients is Larry Prout Jr. of Marion Township (left), who last fall was made an honorary members of the University of Michigan football team. Larry Jr. has undergone more than 90 surgeries after being born with multiple chronic illnesses and says the advocates Arc has provided to him have made a real difference for him as a student. "They help me get into better classrooms and get me classroom assistance." His father, Larry Sr.(right), tells WHMI that Arc advocates help people successfully navigate what can be a complicated maze of bureaucracy. "That's so important in this county; having somebody advocating for people with special needs...If you're not familiar with special education, you have an IEP (Individualized Education Program) meeting with teachers and advocates and principals and find out the best course of action, the best plan, for that individual to learn. They're instrumental to that." The two fundraisers that will help fund that advocacy include a pop-up Bistro Saladpalooza at Brighton High School with The Great Foodini, Renee Chodkowski. That will be held Tuesday August 15th from noon to 1pm. Then on Friday the 18th, the Bowl for the Arc of Livingston will take place from 6-9pm at the Howell Bowl-e-Drome in which Larry Jr. will be using his custom-made eyeball bowling ball. You’ll find details for both through the link below. (JK)

Report: Hamburg Township & South Lyon Among Safest Cities Report: Hamburg Township & South Lyon Among Safest Cities

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Two local communities are among the safest in Michigan. SafeWise has released its annual 20 Safest Cities in Michigan report. Hamburg Township and South Lyon again made the list, each improving its ranking from the previous year. Hamburg moved up one spot and ranked 9th while South Lyon improved to 11th from 14th. Each of the communities that made the 2017 list has both violent and property crime rates that are significantly below the state and national averages. As a whole, Michigan has the eleventh-lowest property crime rate in the country, and the ranks 35th for violent crime. To identify the safest cities in Michigan, the most recent FBI Crime Report statistics from 2015 were reviewed, along with population data. Cities with fewer than 5,000 residents were not included. Communities were narrowed down based on the number of reported violent crimes such as murder, rape, and robbery as well as property crimes that include burglary, arson, larceny-theft and motor vehicle theft in each city. To further level the playing field, the likelihood of those crimes occurring out of 1,000 people in each city was calculated. Six cities landed on the list for the first time this year, including our number-one safe city, Adrian Township. Officials say the mixture of repeat cities and those making their debut indicates a strong statewide commitment to cutting down on crime and ramping up public safety initiatives. (JM)

2nd Annual Bert Loomis Memorial Ride Set This Weekend2nd Annual Bert Loomis Memorial Ride Set This Weekend

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An annual ride this weekend aims to honor the memory of a Genesee County motorcyclist. The 2nd Annual Bert Loomis Memorial Ride will take place this Saturday, August 12th. The 49-year-old Loomis lost his life in August of 2015 due to injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash that was caused by another motorist making an illegal U-turn on US-23. 24-year-old Breanna Lyn Clever pleaded no contest to a moving violation causing death after police say she used the emergency access turnaround between Clyde Road and M-59, which caused several cars to swerve to avoid hitting her. As a result, Loomis had to brake suddenly, lost control of his motorcycle and hit a truck. He passed away two days later from his injuries. Clever’s vehicle registration information was obtained from a passing motorist. She was later sentenced to one year in the Livingston County Jail. Loomis was retired from the U.S Navy and worked at Kennedy Industries in Wixom, where the memorial ride will begin. A Poker Run is planned this year and cars are welcome. Facebook photo. (JM)

Lyon Township Hires New DPW Director From Nearby Community Lyon Township Hires New DPW Director From Nearby Community

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Lyon Township has a new DPW director. The board met Monday night and voted to offer a contract to Bob Martin, who is currently the longtime Water and Wastewater Department superintendent for the City of South Lyon. He becomes the township's first DPW director. Board members commented that he brings a wealth of industry knowledge and various certifications. A committee reviewed applications and interviewed two candidates but members said they came to the conclusion they found the right man for the job as Martin stood out above and beyond. Martin attended the meeting and said he was proud to be a part of the team set up in the growing community and he’s going to work really hard to meet everyone’s expectations. It should be a smooth transition as Martin already knows some board members and others in the township he’s worked with over the years. He joked during the meeting that after his wife and family, his life is water – both clean and dirty. The board said they were excited to have Martin start and were comfortable setting a salary of $65,000, standard township benefits and three weeks of vacation time. The township will also pay for Martin to keep up on his certifications. Supervisor John Dolan told WHMI they’re excited to hire Martin and his experience will bode well for the township, especially since the municipality is in the process of constructing two water treatment plants. It recently authorized up to $17 (m) million in bonds for the improvements to the township water supply system. The township continues to experience growth and development, and additional demand on the current water system is driving the project. There is no firm start date for Martin yet, but that will be finalized in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, it was noted that the township maintained its AA+ bond rating. That will be beneficial for the community in bonding for the two water treatment plants. Ohio-based Artesian of Pioneer is designing the plants, and an update on progress was also provided Monday night. Owner Ed Kidston told the board progress is continuing as are meetings with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality about acceptable softening options. Basic design plans were also shown to the board and public. Photo: TPO Magazine. (JM)
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