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Events Set In Howell This Week In Response To Charlottesville DivideEvents Set In Howell This Week In Response To Charlottesville Divide

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Two events this week in Howell will seek to unite the community in the aftermath of the deadly Charlottesville protests earlier this month. The first is a gathering Wednesday from 4-6:30pm at Block Brewery being hosted by a newly-formed grassroots organization calling itself “Citizens for Unity.” Billed as an informal community action forum, the gathering is being organized by Colleen Turk of Howell, who says she was inspired to bring citizens together following divisiveness in the wake of protests last week in Charlottesville involving neo-Nazis and the KKK in which one woman was killed by an avowed white supremacist and several others injured. Block Brewery was the site last week of a rally for President Trump which drew approximately 200 supporters following his controversial comments that equated the two sides that had gathered over the removal of a Confederate monument. The second event will follow on Thursday at the First Presbyterian Church in Howell. Interim Pastor Judi McMillan says the Prayer Service for Racial Harmony and Peace will allow people to join with their neighbors to acknowledge that there is “much work to do in this country on matters of race and justice” McMillan says they intend the gathering as a non-partisan event, but that “it’s important for white people of faith to speak and stand in solidarity with people of color, with black churches, and I think if we’re silent on the issue then we are complicit on the issue.” The prayer service will start at 7pm Thursday. Details on the "citizens for Unity" forum can be found by Clicking Here. More information on the Prayer Service for Racial Harmony and Peace is available by Clicking Here. (JK)

Candidates For Governor, Congress To Address County DemocratsCandidates For Governor, Congress To Address County Democrats

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Two candidates for high office will be in Livingston County to speak to area Democrats. Abdul El-Sayed is a candidate for the Democratic nomination for governor. Elissa Slotkin is campaigning for the Democratic nomination for 8th District Congress. They will both be speaking to Livingston County Democrats at their regular meeting this Thursday, August 24th. El Sayed is an epidemiologist and the former health commissioner for the City of Detroit. Slotkin, from Holly, is a former Acting Secretary of Defense. She began working with the CIA following the 9-11attacks and served 3 tours in Iraq. Slotkin worked for both Republican and Democratic presidents on the National Security Council. The meeting begins at 7pm and takes place at RE/Max Platinum auditorium at 6870 Grand River, between Brighton and Howell. Attendees should park in the back and use the rear entrance, making their way downstairs to the auditorium. The primary for both the Democratic nomination for governor and 8th District Congress will be held on August 7, 2018. (MK)

Project Hope Event To Inform And Educate On Addiction And OverdoseProject Hope Event To Inform And Educate On Addiction And Overdose

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A community event to bring addiction and overdose awareness and how it is affecting Livingston County and the country is coming to Howell. Thursday, August 31st is National Drug Overdose Awareness Day. Project Hope, which stemmed from Project Opiate, is holding an all-day event from 8am until 4pm that day at Cleary University entitled “United to Change.” Event organizers have invited many stakeholders to discuss what they think is important and what the community needs to be aware of when it comes to serious drug matters. 53rd District Court Administrator Francine Zysk sympathizes with friends and family who love someone who is affected by addiction. She said that you can read about it in a book and educate yourself as best you can, but you don’t really understand the problems until you yourself are an enabler or are being lied to and manipulated by someone using. She said that people often think they should know better than the lies they’re being told, but that’s when you start to understand that the person you care about is not doing it intentionally, and that addiction is a disease. United to Change is ideal for people who have faced this. Speaking at the event will be local law enforcement, the Michigan State Police, medical examiners, and substance abuse professionals. Real calls to 911 will be shared and powerful clips from movies will be shown that highlight the realities of overdose. There will be presentations on the Big Red Barrel and an opportunity to partake in Naloxone training. Attendees will receive a bag filled with an extensive information packet and tools to help those who may face addictions. A drug cup that recognizes seven different drugs and a prescription bottle timer that reveals the last time a bottle top was removed are among the devices included. The event is free, but limited to the first 150 people who sign up. You can register online through the link below. (MK)

Policy Change Allows Brighton Twp. To Bond Private Road ProjectsPolicy Change Allows Brighton Twp. To Bond Private Road Projects

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Brighton Township will now consider bonding private road improvement projects that are petitioned for by its residents. Supervisor Patrick Michel placed the issue on the township board of trustees’ Monday night agenda, which sought an amendment to the municipality’s Special Assessment District, or SAD Parameters, policy. Under the amended policy, the township will offer non-financial support by using its full faith and credit to secure bonds for potential road projects in subdivisions looking to fix their roads through an SAD. Michel told the board he’s been contacted by about four subdivisions interested in establishing their own SAD for road repairs. Michel feels the funding mechanism is low risk because 100% of the bonds will be paid back in coordination with residents’ property taxes. The belief that backing bonds for these projects is a minimal risk to the township is not based on past experiences, as board members are not sure if the municipality has done this before. Michel says he has “little faith” that the Livingston County Road Commission or state will be able to provide funding for private road projects in the near future. Clerk Ann Bollin felt there were other options, like a revolving loan fund, but Michel maintained it would be a greater risk for the township to act as a bank. Ultimately, the board voted 4-3 to approve the amendment to their policy. Residents can start the petition process this year and the board will consider bonding the projects brought forth during budget sessions. (DK)

Milford Mother Says Son Is One Of Ten Missing SailorsMilford Mother Says Son Is One Of Ten Missing Sailors

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A local mother is awaiting word whether or not her son is one of ten American sailors missing after a collision between a Navy destroyer and an oil tanker near Singapore. April Brandon of Milford says her son, 22-year-old Kenneth Smith, may be one of the missing sailors. On her Facebook page this morning, Brandon said there is still no news of her son. She said she was visited early yesterday by naval officers, but that nothing has been confirmed. She asked for friends and family to (quote) “keep hope, continue forward with your day, hug your family, love one another, pray or vibe positively, whatever it is you do.” Brandon says her son grew up in Novi and relocated to Virginia with his father as a teen to prepare for the Navy through the ROTC, following in his father’s footsteps. The USS John S. McCain collided with the tanker Monday as it was heading to Singapore on a routine port visit. It’s the second major collision in the last two months involving the Navy’s 7th Fleet. Seven sailors died in June when the USS Fitzgerald and a container ship collided in waters off Japan. That has prompted the U.S. Navy to order a broad investigation into the performance and readiness of the entire fleet. Facebook photo. (JK)

Exam Ordered For Man Charged In Fenton Township StabbingExam Ordered For Man Charged In Fenton Township Stabbing

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A man facing charges connected to a stabbing incident in Fenton Township has been ordered to undergo forensic testing. 22-year-old Justin Ryan Winslow of Caro appeared in 67th District Court last week and was referred for a competency exam to determine criminal responsibility. He is facing charges of assault with intent to murder, mayhem, and false report of a felony. Also charged in the case is 32-year-old Kathryn Marie Serra of Fenton, who is facing counts of being an accessory after the fact to a felony, false report of a felony and resisting & obstructing police. The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and Fenton Police responded to a report of a stabbing on July 28th at a home on Bay View Drive in Fenton Township and found a 28-year-old male victim with multiple stab wounds to the face, head and neck. The man told officers Winslow was responsible and had fled the scene along with Serra. They were apprehended a short time later at a mobile home park. Investigators say the trio, who met while they were patients at a psychiatric hospital, were drinking alcohol and taking prescription medications, when Winslow attacked the victim with a box cutter. Both Winslow and Serra originally told authorities the victim was attempting to sexually assault Serra, which led to the attack, but later admitted it was a lie. The victim was initially hospitalized with serious injuries, but then was released two days later. Winslow is due back in court October 18th for a follow up hearing while Serra is set to appear August 23rd for a preliminary examination. (DK/JK)

Brighton Twp.'s Call To The Public Policy Will Remain The SameBrighton Twp.'s Call To The Public Policy Will Remain The Same

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Efforts to amend Brighton Township’s policy regarding the call to the public period of their regular meetings have failed. Several changes to the rules of public participation were suggested, including prohibiting the transferring or sharing of minutes, increasing the limit of talking time per person from three minutes to four, and extending the number of days the township has to respond to residents’ questions. At Monday’s meeting, several community members in attendance voiced frustrations over the proposed amendments. Resident Mike Palmer (pictured) says the changes would “tamper with public input” and stifle tax payers. Township Manager Brian Vick disagrees. Referencing several public hearings and two calls to the public at the meeting, Vick said “no one can argue that we have not afforded people the opportunity to provide feedback to the board”. Trustee Sam Theis says the meetings’ public comment portion is not the only way citizens can make their voices heard, citing emails and phone calls as other options. Some residents claimed the changes would violate Michigan’s Open Meetings Act, but Supervisor Patrick Michel says the amendments to the policy were vetted by the Michigan Townships Association, as well as the state. Resident Jim Sarna threatened to file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office if the amendments were approved. That will not be necessary, as the motion to amend the policy with the aforementioned changes failed in a 3-4 vote. (DK)

December Trial Date Set For Milford Woman Charged With Killing HusbandDecember Trial Date Set For Milford Woman Charged With Killing Husband

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A Milford woman charged with murder in connection with the death of her husband won’t stand trial for the crime until later this year. Yvonne Cortis was charged with open murder following the death of 68-year-old Greg Cortis, who died from injuries sustained in the November 2015 crowbar attack. She was originally to have stood trial in October of 2016, but that was delayed so Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Cheryl Matthews could decide on the admissibility of statements Cortis made to police. Matthews ultimately ruled that what Cortis said outside of a patrol car was voluntary and could be used at her trial, while everything said after she was inside the car could not be admitted because she was then technically in custody and they were made prior to her being read her Miranda rights. The trial was delayed again last March to allow for further investigation by a self-defense expert. A trial date was then re-set for this Thursday, August 24th. However, court records show that once again it has been delayed, this time to December 7th. The only reason given for the delay was for additional investigation and discovery. Cortis is also charged with a count of animal torture for beating the family dog in the attack. Family members said the 60-year-old Milford woman has a history of mental illness, although a mental exam determined she was competent to assist in her own defense. Police say Cortis admitted to beating her husband and dog to put "them out of their misery." Cortis remains held without bond. (JK)

Fowlerville Teachers, Community, Frustrated At Lack Of Contract Fowlerville Teachers, Community, Frustrated At Lack Of Contract

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Teachers and community members pleaded before the Fowlerville Community Schools Board of Education in hopes of getting a new contract finalized. Teacher contracts are typically negotiated and passed early in the summer before the fall school year begins. In Fowlerville, however, the Board of Education and the teacher’s union have been unable to come to a mutual agreement. Tuesday night’s board meeting was the last before the new school year begins, and with no new contract in place, Superintendent Wayne Roedel said they would be going off the previous contract until both sides can come to a contract they both accept. During the public comment portion of the meeting, several teachers spoke up questioning the district’s message of coming together as one team, and hiring new teachers in at a higher pay rate than some of those who have put in more time. Elementary school teacher Julie Daniel asked the board to remember they have families and said that she didn’t want to stress about how she is going to get from paycheck to paycheck. 8th grade teacher Michelle Spisz blamed poor foresight by the board, saying that she knows contracts changes, but when you look at step schedules, the district’s plan is apparently flawed. She said she has given the district a decade of her life, and it was disappointing how they didn’t plan for how to afford her when she moved up from step 10 to 11. Fowlerville resident Mike Miller said it seems that hiring new employees in at higher step was akin to the board showing current employees how they can squeeze them under their thumb. Roedel told WHMI that they have offered the teachers a contract with a raise, but it was not as large as they wanted. He said that the budget is tightly balanced as-is, and if the teachers accepted what they offered even now, it would put them in a deficit, citing how troublesome that could become down the road. The board’s next meeting is scheduled for September 12th. (MK)

Tailgate Party Will Raise Money For Local FoundationTailgate Party Will Raise Money For Local Foundation

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Brighton students and their families will benefit from an upcoming tailgate party. Brighton High School football team will be going to the Big House in Ann Arbor on Thursday to play Belleville in their first game of the season, marking the second year in a row that the Bulldogs have played their opening game at the U of M football stadium. Brighton has been picked to play again at the Big House because they drew such a large contingent of fans last year — about 1,000 - and thus were invited back. Six high school football games are played at the Big House, with the proceeds going to the Chad Tough Foundation. In order to give the football team a big sendoff, a tailgate party will be held at 4pm Thursday in front of the Brighton High School cafeteria or inside the cafeteria if it rains. Hot dogs, hamburgers, and soft drinks will be provided by C.C. Catering of Brighton and dessert supplied by YoFresh Frozen Yogurt Cafe, located in the Brighton Mall. A live DJ will play music. The $20 price also includes a ticket to the game and bus transportation, provided by the Brighton Area Schools. The buses will depart at 5:45 p.m. for Ann Arbor and the game will start at 7 p.m. According to Scranton Middle School teacher Keri Harbrecht, seven buses will transport over 300 fans to the game and back to Brighton. In addition, many other families will be providing their own transportation. Proceeds from the tailgate party will go to the “I Will Right Now Foundation” that Harbrecht established last year after the death of her husband, Chris, from cancer. Harbrecht says that in the brief time it has been in existence, the 501(c)3 foundation has raised about $26,000, with the funds used to provide a family trip to Disney World, for respite care and VISA gift cards for alternative forms of medical treatment. The funds are earmarked solely for Brighton Area Schools parents, families, students, and employees. You'll find a link below for more information on the foundation. For tailgate party tickets email; harbrek@brightonk12.com. (TT)

Fenton Man Hopes Picnic Can Show Appreciation For Law EnforcementFenton Man Hopes Picnic Can Show Appreciation For Law Enforcement

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A community event in Fenton next month aims to thank law enforcement for all they do, while helping build positive relationships between citizens and police officers. The 2nd annual Police Appreciation Picnic will be held at Wind Walker Farms Saturday, September 23rd, beginning at 2pm. The event is free and will have live music, fireworks, a bounce house, food, games and a bonfire. Event Organizer Herman Ferguson (pictured at left) says he began the organization Concern Over Police Safety, or COPS, because he was “tired of the anti-police sentiment”. Ferguson’s objective is to increase awareness and police safety through education, and raise funds for safety training and equipment. Ferguson feels at a young age, children should be taught that officers are in the community to protect citizens, not victimize them. In turn, Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy says officers can do their part by being conscious of the impact they have on the community, whether it be good or bad. Ferguson says an encounter with a police officer when he was young built his positive perception and deep appreciation of law enforcement. Ferguson shared his personal story with WHMI, saying his father was an alcoholic and abusive, and in one particular incident was beating up Ferguson's mother badly. Ferguson, who was just seven years old, attempted to protect his mother and that's when his father turned on him. Ferguson says at that time, several police officers came through the door and wrestled his father away from his mother. One officer used his handkerchief to wipe the blood off Ferguson's face and promised they would not let his father hurt him. Ferguson says he washed the handkerchief and kept it for many years. He says that experience has stayed with him all this time and is what his mission is built on. Sheriff Mike Murphy says Ferguson’s story brought tears to his eyes and that officers often have no idea the impact they have on others. Murphy says, “We don’t get into this profession for the accolades or the things. We do it because I truly believe it’s a calling." Ferguson believes events like the Police Appreciation Picnic can offer positive experiences with officers like he had and change negative impressions. Donations at the event will be given to support COPS. Additional information about the event and beneficiary organization can be found at the “Concern Over Police Safety” Facebook page, a link for which is posted below. (DK)

Owner of Dogs In Fatal Attack Gets Jail TimeOwner of Dogs In Fatal Attack Gets Jail Time

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Sentencing has been handed down to a Howell man whose dogs attacked two smaller dogs, killing one and injuring the other. On Tuesday, 31-year-old Zackery Bradley was ordered to spend 20 days in the Livingston County Jail by District Court Judge Carol Sue Reader. He was sentenced on three counts of dogs running at large. Bradley is required to pay just over $9,070 in restitution to Roni Evans, the woman whose dog was killed in the February 25th incident. Evans was walking her dogs in the city of Howell when Bradley’s three larger dogs reportedly attacked her own. Evans’ shih tzu (left) underwent several surgeries and survived the attack, but her maltipoo (right) died from his injuries. Bradley’s dog Mia was found responsible for the death of the maltipoo and a judge ordered she be put down. One of his other dogs, Larz, was also condemned to death for drawing blood in the attack. While it was said all of Bradley’s dogs were involved in the incident, he maintains his therapy dog was not. Bradley, a veteran, suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and utilizes his therapy dog for emotional support. As part of his sentencing, Bradley was given one year of probation, during which he will not be allowed to own a dog or have them in his home. That includes his therapy dog. Animal Control is allowed to inspect his property at random intervals to make sure he is complying with his probation terms. Despite the order to destroy both Mia and Larz, only one has reportedly been euthanized. Bradley says he gave the other two to a rescue shelter months ago, and does not know where they are at this time. (DK)

Preliminary Exam Set For Fenton Man Charged In Deadly CrashPreliminary Exam Set For Fenton Man Charged In Deadly Crash

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The Fenton man police say was intoxicated when he crashed into another car and killed five people is due back in court for a preliminary exam next month. 21-year-old Matthew Jordan Carrier appeared in Livingston County’s 53rd District Court this morning for a probable cause conference. Testimony was not offered at the hearing, as both Carrier’s attorney and Livingston County Prosecutor Daniel Rose have requested a preliminary exam. The exam was scheduled for September 21st. Carrier is facing 19 felony counts, including 2nd degree murder, operating while intoxicated causing death and driving on a suspended license causing death. The charges were filed after a traffic crash that occurred at M-59 and Argentine Road in Oceola Township on May 9th. Investigators say Carrier ignored a stop sign as he traveled south on Argentine Road and smashed into a vehicle as it traveled eastbound on M-59. Two people in Carrier's car died. Three people in the other vehicle died, including a probation agent who had been honored at a Corrections Department banquet earlier that night. Carrier has previously said he recalls consuming large amounts of alcohol that night but doesn't remember the crash and says "it would be fair" if he went to prison. He remains jailed without bond. (DK)

Final "Story Of Us" Event To Be Held In Downtown Brighton TonightFinal "Story Of Us" Event To Be Held In Downtown Brighton Tonight

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A series of events focused on highlighting artistry in Brighton will come to a close with a final event this evening. The Brighton Arts and Culture Commission (BACC) says it created “The Story of Us” in an effort to tell the stories of the people that make the city a vibrant community. The summer performance series in downtown Brighton served as a physical place for local artists of all mediums to gather, work, and perform. Tonight’s finale will feature performances from two local dance companies at 7pm in Hyne Alley. Guest performers from Michelle’s Academy of Dance and Performing Arts Center (MADPAC) and Suttle Dance Company will showcase original choreographed and improvisational pieces. MADPAC is located in downtown Brighton and Suttle Dance Company is based in metro-Detroit. BACC indicates moving forward, “The Story of Us” program will bring more performances and workshop opportunities to the downtown area, as well as an Outdoor Photography Exhibit that will be installed in Hyne Alley this fall. (DK)

Democrats Target Drug Companies To End Price GougingDemocrats Target Drug Companies To End Price Gouging

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Michigan Democrats are urging lawmakers to hold drug companies accountable and end price gouging, instead of allowing the pharmaceutical industry to suggest their own solution. The Michigan Democratic Party is supporting a plan unveiled Monday by the House and Senate Democrats that seeks to do just that. Party Chair Brandon Dillon says the plan will “put people's well-being ahead of drug company bottom lines”, and says support from Republicans is needed. Dillon specifically named State Representative Hank Vaupel of Handy Township, who is also chair of the House Health Policy Committee. Dillon says Vaupel prefers “…allowing the pharmaceutical industry to regulate itself”. Vaupel says he wants the industry’s input to keep healthcare costs down, and that they are in the information and feedback-gathering phase. Vaupel tells WHMI he, and other lawmakers, want to make healthcare more affordable without implementing more regulatory sanctions. Vaupel says he is hesitant to do that because he feels regulations will drive up costs. He hopes the industry will come forward with self-restraints or valid ways to hold down costs, even though he admits they have not done that thus far. Vaupel feels the increasing costs are a result of the Affordable Care Act. He believes the ACA made it so the majority of drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration have to be utilized in the industry’s formulary with no restraints on costs. Vaupel says to slow down the payout, insurance companies pay less for the drugs, causing the purchaser to pay more. While Vaupel thinks input from pharmaceutical companies will provide a more viable solution, Dillon says letting the industry’s lobbyists write the rules will hurt Michigan families. Dillon claims Vaupel’s “support of the status quo” includes the drug industry immunity law sponsored by Attorney General Bill Schuette. Dillon says Michigan is the only state in the country that gives immunity to drug companies if they harm or a kill a patient, and believes Schuette refuses to go directly after drug companies on their prices or practices as a result. (DK)

Judges Recuse Themselves In Case Against Genesee County CommissionerJudges Recuse Themselves In Case Against Genesee County Commissioner

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Three judges have withdrawn from a case stemming from charges against a Genesee County Commissioner from Fenton over an incident that occurred during the Memorial Day weekend. District 6 Commissioner Drew Shapiro was arraigned on three misdemeanor charges following an incident that took place on Silver Lake on May 27th. The 28-year-old Shapiro was accused of shouting ethnic slurs from his pontoon boat at an individual on shore who is reportedly dating his ex-fiancée. He was charged with reckless operation of a vehicle and two counts of indecent language on June 30th. Shapiro’s pre-trial hearing was scheduled for last Wednesday, but was adjourned after District Judge Jennifer Manley disqualified herself from it. This comes following District Judge Mark McCabe and Chief Judge Christopher Odette’s decisions to recuse themselves, as well. All three cited compromised objectivity, according to MLive. One of Shapiro’s responsibilities as a county commissioner is to oversee the judge’s salaries. Shapiro, who is running for a vacant seat in the State House of Representatives, posted on Facebook following the arraignment that he believes this is a public smear campaign against him for being a Jewish Republican in Genesee County. If all county judges recuse themselves from the case, a judge from another jurisdiction could be appointed. No further court date has been set. (MK)

Gathering Held In Howell In Support Of Unity & Diversity Gathering Held In Howell In Support Of Unity & Diversity

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A concerned citizen pulled off a peaceful non-partisan party and forum in support of diversity in Howell and the rest of Livingston County. Following the events in Charlottesville, Virginia and a recent event at a brewery in Howell that left a bad taste in many people’s mouths, Howell resident Collen Turk became motivated. After hearing a recent gathering at Block Brewery that has caused a boycott being described as “Howell rearing its ugly head,” Turk invited members from both sides of the aisle to come together with the community in support of diversity. She wanted to show visible evidence of the many in the area that support their neighbors whatever their race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation might be. Wednesday night, political leaders, community leaders, and nearly 100 residents showed up at the bar for the event. The event began with an opportunity for all attendees to gather together and share their ideas and opinions over dinner and drinks. State Representative Hank Vaupel said that no one can support bigotry, hate, or intolerance, and there should be zero tolerance for hate groups. Fowlerville resident Joanna Vantaram was encouraged by the turnout, saying that she comes from a mixed family and that it is important to make sure everyone feels welcome. She said they need to show they are a diverse community, and not stuck in the Stone Age. Lifelong Brighton resident Glenn Ikens spoke about reversing a trend he’s seen gaining momentum nationwide. Ikens said that this country has always progressed in terms of inclusion, civil rights, and dignity, but that the fight for civil rights is never over. He said he sees a pushback and regressive trend from certain elements of our society and that he showed up to help make it known that this is not the way our country works. Several speakers addressed the gathering, encouraging everyone to come together and stay strong in the battle for civil rights. Sheriff Mike Murphy said that diversity is what makes the United States a great country. Livingston County Democrats Chair Judy Daubenmire complimented the city of Howell’s advances in laws involving the LGBT community. Republican Chair Dan Wholihan warned against collectivism and broad brushed stereotyping. Howell City Council member Steve Manor encouraged people to stand up and speak out against incidents they see- doing so nicely, but not tolerating. Residents were then given a chance to say their piece, with Turk keeping control of the gathering to make sure it stayed on-topic. She concluded by saying she is open to more gatherings like this, and has opened up a gofundme account to help with paying for accommodations. You can donate at https://www.gofundme.com/citizens-for-unity. (MK)

DDA Approves Revised Mill Pond Plan, Heads To Planning CommissionDDA Approves Revised Mill Pond Plan, Heads To Planning Commission

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The Brighton City Planning Commission got a look this week at the revised plan for the Mill Pond band shell and amphitheater. The plan was revised after citizens at previous City Council, Downtown Development Authority and Planning Commission meetings were critical of the project. Most public criticism centered on the destruction of at least five trees that provide shade for the current gazebo area, which is where the future band shell will be located. A petition drive was initiated, with over 500 signatures gathered against the plan. While the removal of trees was the main complaint, some also criticized plans to construct concrete seating and a concrete floor for the amphitheater. Since then, city staff and DDA consultants have worked to address concerns expressed by the public and planning commissioners at their July meeting, the PC ultimately tabling the plan. The revised plan was presented at the August 15th DDA meeting and Monday’s Planning Commission meeting, with the DDA voting to approve it. The planned improvements include replacing the existing gazebo with an updated band shell and stage, installing a concrete plaza and seating area, and landscaping. According to the city, altering the design will allow one oak tree to be saved. However, Beth Walker - who led the petition effort — said that, unlike the other trees, the oak tree doesn’t provide any shade, making saving that particular tree a moot point. The new plan includes planting large caliber shade trees, a grass hillside, and an enhanced stormwater basin. The plan also calls for a change in the accent color to blue on the band shell and plaza to match the water of the Mill Pond. Public seating will be slightly reduced with the new plan, but the angle of the band shell was altered to allow for easy viewing across the pond. But despite the revised plan, opponents still have concerns. Joyce Powers, who established the annual Brighton Area Women’s History Roll of Honor, tells WHMI the project “is something the people don’t want,” adding, “This doesn’t need to be a huge project; it can really be a simple thing.” Powers also says that the Mill Pond is right next to three “recognized Michigan historical sites” — the Old Town Hall, now the CoBach Center; Old Village Cemetery and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Powers says, in her words, “We need to show respect for the people who came before us and the people who will follow,” adding, "Keep it simple, flexible, and tasteful.” The full revised site plan will go to the Planning Commission in September for approval. People with questions or comments are asked to contact Brandon Skopek at skopekb@brightoncity.org.

Fowlerville Store Sells Million Dollar Powerball TicketFowlerville Store Sells Million Dollar Powerball Ticket

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It wasn’t the big prize, but a million dollar winning Powerball ticket was sold in Livingston County. Michigan Lottery officials today confirmed that one of the million-dollar tickets from Wednesday night’s massive $758.7 million was sold at O’Connor’s Deli on South Grand Street in Fowlerville. It was one of three tickets that matched the first five numbers – 06-07-16-23-26. The two others were sold in Melvindale and Novi. Only one ticket nationwide matched the first five numbers and the Powerball, which was 4. That ticket was sold in Massachusetts and is the second-largest lottery jackpot ever won in the United States. The record for a U.S. lottery jackpot is $1.6 billion, which was split between three winners in January of 2016. The million dollar winner sold in Fowlerville is the largest lottery jackpot there since 2015 when someone claimed $300,000 from a scratch-off ticket sold at the Fowlerville Sunoco station. (JK)

LESA Chooses Former Hartland Board Member To Fill Vacant SeatLESA Chooses Former Hartland Board Member To Fill Vacant Seat

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The Livingston Educational Service Agency has chosen a candidate to fill a vacant seat on their board of education. Eileen Jankowski, who served on the Hartland Consolidated Schools’ Board of Education from 2000 to 2009, was chosen by LESA board members last night, following a series of interviews. Sherri Osterman, former president of the Hilton Elementary School PTO and local resident Joe Malik also interviewed for the position. Board President Luann Loy says the diverse candidates were all excellent, but the board felt Jankowski had many of the qualities they were looking for and the best fit at this time. Loy says the board was looking for someone who is “measured in their response” and “isn’t looking to grandstand”. Prior board experience was a favorable qualification as well. Loy tells WHMI Jankowski will be involved in the board's upcoming strategic planning process. Jankowski says applied because she has missed being a part of the educational community and wants to get “back in the game”. She told the board she is interested in exploring professional development opportunities, and would like to take an active role in communicating to the public what LESA services are available. Jankowski will be filling the position of longtime board member and current Vice President Julie Hill, who is leaving because she is moving out of Livingston County. Jankowski will serve the remainder of Hill’s term, which runs through June 30th, 2021. LESA begins their school year this coming Monday. Picture from LinkedIn (DK)
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