Gretchen Gomolka, who has been the city of Brightonâs finance director for just two years, has distinguished herself in that short amount of time by being elected to the board of the Michigan Government Finance Officers Association. Gomolka was elected in late September to its board of directors for a 2-year term.
The MGFOA is an association of public officials and finance professionals whose goal is to promote excellence in government finance. Associate members are represented in all areas of state and local government and include CPAs, bankers, brokers, lawyers, educators and others concerned with government finance. The association has over 600 members from nearly 500 Michigan communities.
Brighton City Manager Nate Geinzer said that Gomolka, in his words, ââ¦has been an invaluable asset to the City of Brighton and to me as a City Manager,â adding, âshe is always on the lookout for doing things more efficiently and finding ways to save money, whether hundreds of dollars or thousands.â Gomolka has a masterâs degree in accounting from Eastern Michigan University. She is married with two children and has been a Livingston County resident for 14 years. (TT)
Brighton Finance Director Elected To Statewide BoardBrighton Finance Director Elected To Statewide Board
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South Lyon District Dedicates New School To Former SuperintendentSouth Lyon District Dedicates New School To Former Superintendent
A new elementary school in the South Lyon Community School district has been dedicated to a former superintendent who served the district for over two decades.
Dr. William Pearson says heâs truly humbled that the William A. Pearson Elementary School was dedicated to and named after him. Dr. Pearson served as assistant superintendent and superintendent of the district during his 24 years there.
Pearson Elementary, located on 11 Mile Road, was funded by a $64(m) million bond. Bringing the project to fruition took about two years and construction of the building was completed just before the beginning of this school year. More than 570 students attend the school, some of whom were a part of a ceremony held there Sunday. At the event, the school was dedicated to Dr. Pearson with a plaque and performance of the new school song from third and fourth graders. He also received a decorated cardboard key to the school, which was meaningful to him because he says turning in his keys when he left was the hardest part.
Even after officially leaving, he still wasnât ready to go. Dr. Pearson was at the school on the first day to welcome students and give the morning announcements. In his briefing he encouraged students with his motto, âmake good choicesâ. Dr. Pearson says if that idea is ingrained into a childâs brain early on, they will go far.
Teachers who spoke at the dedication ceremony says the schoolâs mascot, the Pearson Pioneer, pays homage to Dr. Pearson and his leadership that blazed the trail for many district endeavors. Dr. Pearson says every time he drives by the school, he will be reminded of 24 great years spent with great people. (DK)
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Thousands Remain Without Power Following Saturday StormThousands Remain Without Power Following Saturday Storm
Approximately 1,000 DTE customers in Livingston County remain without power this morning following Saturday nightâs storm that moved through the area, downing dozens of tree limbs and bringing down power lines.
Most of the local outages appear to be concentrated in Marion and Iosco townships, with areas in the Howell area also affected. DTE is estimating some of the affected areas will be restored by 3:30 this afternoon, while other areas have no restoration estimate available.
The National Weather Service in White Lake Township reported wind gusts as high as 58 mph and said the hardest-hit areas were Livingston and Monroe counties, and the northwest part of Oakland County. In Livingston County, there were reports of trees blocking roadways, and the siding ripped off a house. (JK)
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Local Organization Assists All Veterans, Not Just DisabledLocal Organization Assists All Veterans, Not Just Disabled
A throwback comedy show coming to Howell will benefit a local chapter that assists veterans-in-need.
The Michigan Disabled American Veterans Chapter 125 covers all of Livingston County, South Lyon, and Milford. The organization provides a variety of services and camaraderie for vets, specializing in helping them with disability claims. Senior Vice-Commander for the Michigan DAV, and Chapter 125 Treasurer, Charlie Brock pointed out that there are several areas of disabilities that might not show on the surface. He said that while most people think of people with a disability being in a wheelchair or not being able to walk, this is not always the case. Brock said disabilities can also stem from the effects of Agent Orange, mustard gas, or emotional distress. He says it is important to be able to recognize them and have their doors open to help all the veterans who need it.
The DAV offers a large resource of information, activities, and projects to help in healing as well. Later this fall they are holding a Bob Hope USO Christmas Show at the Historic Howell Theater on December 1st and 2nd. A professional entertainer will put on a performance that harkens back to the shows the legendary comedian put on for troops going back to World War II. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at the box office or at the theaterâs web site.
Chapter 125 is also proud to announce that their auxiliary chapter, filled with many non-veterans who still want to help, will be receiving installation and receipt of charter from the National DAV on November 1st at the American Legion in Howell. The local chapter meets on the first Wednesday of every month at the Legion, beginning at 7pm, and membership is open to all veterans - no disability necessary. More information on the Disabled American Veterans can be found online through the link below. (MK)
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Hearing Set Tuesday On Revised School Plans For Genoa ChurchHearing Set Tuesday On Revised School Plans For Genoa Church
A hearing is set Tuesday on revised plans by a religious school to relocate to a Brighton-area church.
Livingston Christian Schools submitted new plans last month to relocate to the Brighton Church of the Nazarene in Genoa Township. The Townshipâs Planning Commission will review those at their meeting Tuesday night at 6:30pm. The school filed suit in 2015 against Genoa Township for its refusal to grant a special use permit to move into the church. Township officials cited traffic concerns, the schoolâs failure to follow the proper approval process and incompatibility with the township master plan among other reasons. Since then, LCS has been leasing space from Whitmore Lake Public Schools. The lawsuit was dismissed after a federal judge ruled the claims had no merit, a judgment later upheld by the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati.
As part of the revised plans, the school plans to stagger start and stop times to fall between the peak traffic of the nearby schools which includes Brighton High School, Maltby Middle School and Hornung Elementary. Additionally, LCS provided a traffic study that shows the church driveway should be widened to provide a longer left turn lane to ensure site safety. Plans show the school is anticipating 280 students by the year 2020. The Planning Commission will now make a recommendation on the revised plans to the township board, which will make any final decision. (JK)
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Chamber Event To Focus On Supporting Disabilities In Workforce Chamber Event To Focus On Supporting Disabilities In Workforce
An upcoming lunch and learn event will offer strategies to support those with disabilities in the workplace.
The Howell Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting the event this Wednesday. Officials say creating a diverse workforce is important to every organization. The event will focus on how to best support a diverse workforce, including supporting those with disabilities in the workplace. The collective discussion will include a presentation from Excel Employment Options and the Abilities Alliance of Livingston County.
Conversation topics include addressing barriers to employment as it relates to a disability but also informing businesses on how to provide competitive employment opportunities to people with disabilities. That can include training and job analysis with business staff and skills analysis with potential employees. Attendees will further learn about accommodation services, connecting to partner assets and services, and ADA Services. The lunch and learn event will run from 11:30am to 1pm Wednesday at the Howell Chamber building on East Washington Street. The cost is $20 and includes lunch and materials.
Registration information is available through the link. (JM)
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Local Man Pleads Guilty As Driver In Fatal Hit And RunLocal Man Pleads Guilty As Driver In Fatal Hit And Run
A plea has been entered by a Fowlerville man charged in connection to a fatal hit and run pedestrian collision.
Prosecutors did not offer a plea deal to 20-year-old David Michael Vega, who was charged with a felony count stemming from his role as the elusive driver in the September 2016 crash. In Livingston County Circuit Court Friday, Vega pleaded guilty as charged to one count of failure to stop at the scene of an accident resulting in serious impairment or death.
Last September, 19-year-old Ambrose Ian Sullivan of Northfield Township was walking home from his job at the Whitmore Lake McDonaldâs around 2am when he was struck by a vehicle. The driver was later identified as Vega, who fled the scene without reporting the collision. Family members reported Sullivan missing the next day, September 2nd. Green Oak Township Police and Fire Rescue Personnel received a call that day regarding an unresponsive man on the shoulder of Whitmore Lake Road, north of Eight Mile Road. Upon arrival, responders determined the victim, Sullivan, was deceased.
Vega faces up to five years in prison at his sentencing November 9th. (DK)
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Longtime Howell Township Official Retires Longtime Howell Township Official Retires
A Howell Township board member is officially retiring.
Former Clerk and Zoning Administrator Carolyn Eaton previously retired from those positions, but was later elected to the board as a trustee. Eaton has been with the township for roughly 18 years. She recently got married and will be moving to Hartland Township, thus can no longer serve on the board and her resignation was formally accepted during Monday nightâs meeting.
Eaton tells WHMI it has been such a pleasure serving and a really good experience working with the township, noting they were able to pull it out of some bad places when the economy tanked. Eaton says she just wishes more people would come to board meetings and participate a little bit more, which would be helpful because itâs truly a great a great community.
Board members said Eaton will be missed and commended her for her many contributions to the township. County Commissioner Don Parker was in the audience and further thanked her for a âjob well doneâ, saying the township is better poised because of all of her hard work.
Eatonâs last day will be November 9th. A search process will be getting underway and the board will be accepting applications for the open seat. The board has 45 days to make an appointment, and that candidate would serve until the November 2018 election. Linked In photo. (JM)
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Huron River Chain Of Lakes Workshop Planned In Hamburg Township Huron River Chain Of Lakes Workshop Planned In Hamburg Township
Residents are invited to attend a workshop focused on management of the Huron River Chain of Lakes system.
The workshop is designed to help residents understand the plant and weed system within the Chain of Lakes, along with some emerging lake management challenges. The chain is an eight-mile connection of nine lakes in Washtenaw and Livingston Counties that consists of: Big Portage, Little Portage, Baseline, Zukey, Strawberry, Whitewood, Gallagher, Ore, and Tamarack.
The chain is part of a select group of lakes where LakeScan monitoring and analysis have been applied. The state-of-the-art lake monitoring method provides comparisons of lake-to-lake and year-to-year conditions. Monitoring lake plant communities is said to be new and informative, and will ultimately help with management strategies and direction on what can be done to improve the lakes.
Dr. G. Douglas Pullman will be the presenter at the workshop on Friday, October 27th from 7 to 9pm at the Hamburg Township Hall on Merrill Road. (JM)
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Audit Confirms Success Of District's "Adaptive" PlanAudit Confirms Success Of District's "Adaptive" Plan
A five-year plan and careful financial decisions have Howell Public Schools on the right track, according to district officials.
Superintendent Erin MacGregor says the district, which had undergone a tumultuous period of leadership changes and uncertainty, has flourished under the plan that is no longer called strategic, but adaptive. District priorities and goals remain the same, but by shifting the focus, the plan is better prepared to address a change in the communityâs needs.
In its first phase, MacGregor says the district has been able to improve its structural framework, find more consistency in its standards, build partnerships, and increase safety and security measures. MacGregor highlighted those accomplishments at a board of education meeting Monday, before updating members on what goals the district has its eye on moving forward. Included in the next phase of the adaptive plan is organizing a formal communication system, reforming priorities, and adding student leadership opportunities.
Along with the plan update, board members at Mondayâs meeting were pleased to find the district has received an unmodified opinion from its annual audit. An unmodified opinion is a positive report that the district is doing well financially. MacGregor credits the district's good financial footing to making decisions that are fiscally responsible and ensure sustainability. (DK)
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Pinckney Woman Sentenced For $1.5 Million EmbezzlementPinckney Woman Sentenced For $1.5 Million Embezzlement
A Livingston County woman has been sentenced to prison after she admitted to stealing more than $1 million from a computer staffing firm.
53-year-old Debbie Broich of Pinckney pleaded guilty in August in Oakland County Circuit Court to five felony counts of embezzlement over $100,000 and one count of embezzlement between $50,000 and $100,000. On Monday she was sentenced to serve 33 months to 33 years behind bars. Broich was also ordered to make more than $1.5 million in restitution, $250,000 of which she paid immediately.
Broich was charged after an audit was conducted at Bloomfield Township-based Blue Chip Talent and its related company, Computer Consultants of America, where she worked as a bookkeeper. Bloomfield Township police say Broich embezzled the money over a period of six years âfor personal living expenses,â including buying new vehicles and paying credit card bills. The owner of the company reportedly became suspicious after reviewing the firmâs checking account and finding multiple checks issued in her name. (JK)
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Rezoning Sought To Allow Microbrewery In Howell Township Rezoning Sought To Allow Microbrewery In Howell Township
A rezoning request to allow for a potential microbrewery and neighborhood gathering place in Howell Township was tabled by the board Monday night.
A conditional rezoning of 4.24 acres of a larger 40 acre parcel is being sought from agricultural residential to neighborhood service. The parcel is located on the north side of Mason Road in an agricultural district but the use is a gravel pit. The surrounding area is primary residential or open space. Plans are preliminary, but as proposed, call for repurposing a vacant, decaying office building into a microbrewery. Those behind the project are seeking to have outdoor seating on a deck connected to the building, as well as an outside area with picnic tables, fire pits and small yard games such as corn hole and horseshoes. The applicant, Brad Jonckheere of Bedrock Ventures, was absent from the meeting. A memo states he is requesting the rezoning based on various conditions; once mining has been finished and reclamation is complete, and that a preliminary plan for a housing development for the remaining property has been approved.
A couple of board members indicated they had some general questions as well as others about hours of operation and the proposed site plan. Others questioned if there had been any review by the Livingston County Road Commission, as there were past issues with a separate project that did not come to fruition related to sight distance. The planning commission liaison commented that there has been no formal site plan submitted, and only the rezoning of the approximately four acres was being sought at this time.
The matter was ultimately tabled to the next regular board meeting, scheduled November 13th. (JM)
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Brighton Area Schools Still Looking for More Bus DriversBrighton Area Schools Still Looking for More Bus Drivers
The Brighton Area Schools experienced a bus driver shortage last year and at the beginning of the current term, but temporarily solved its problem with the recent hiring of one more bus driver.
As a result, the longest route in the district was able to be split and the length of ride time for the students shortened. Supt. Greg Gray tells WHMI that even though they have enough drivers for now, they still need more drivers in case somebody leaves or gets sick. Other school districts in Livingston County also have trouble recruiting enough drivers, and often end up using subs, but that in itself can become a problem if a regular driver gets ill. Gray says the bus driver situation is a national problem, not just a local one.
A recent survey by School Bus Fleet magazine revealed that 22% of private bus contractors call their driver shortage âsevereâ. That has forced many districts to consolidate bus routes, with fewer stops. Gray admits that being a bus driver is a demanding and stressful job and involves a split shift â all factors that tend to reduce the pool of interested candidates. However, Gray says it can be a great part-time job for retirees or stay-at-home moms with older or grown children who have a good driving record and a lot of patience with kids.
The Livingston Educational Service Agency, which oversees the drivers and routes in all county school districts except Fowlerville, recently upped the starting pay from $14.50 to $16 an hour, and the hope is that the measure will attract more drivers. (TT)
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Brighton Teachers Present Report On Patriot WeekBrighton Teachers Present Report On Patriot Week
A group of three Brighton High School social studies, government and civics teachers gave a presentation on Patriot Week at the Brighton Board of Education meeting Monday night.
One of the subjects the teachers discussed involved the activities that take place during the week, observed during the first week of school in the fall. Michelle Holowicki, who teaches a class called âClose Upâ, tells WHMI that a requirement of the year-long course is that the students take a trip to Washington, D.C. during the spring. Holowicki adds that the Close Up class is in charge of Patriot Week, and also organizes and supervises mock elections and school activities for civic holidays.
Superintendent Greg Gray says the proper way for the Brighton Area Schools to observe Patriot Week was an outgrowth of Board of Education discussions that started several years ago. Patriot Week is celebrated from Sept. 11th â the date of the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington â to Sept. 17th, Constitution Day -- the anniversary of the signing of the US Constitution. Thus far, Michigan and 13 other states have recognized Patriot Week with gubernatorial and legislative proclamations and resolutions. (TT)
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Officials Look To Extend Sidewalks To Pinckney High SchoolOfficials Look To Extend Sidewalks To Pinckney High School
The Village of Pinckney took a step forward in getting a walkway implemented along Dexter Pinckney Road.
During Mondayâs regular council meeting, council members approved moving forward with having Livingston County Engineers draw up a mapped out plan that would provide a walkway for pedestrians along one of The Villageâs busiest roadways. Dexter Pinckney Road has sidewalk up until M-36 and The Village is hoping to get some sort of walkway from that point on to Pinckney High School at the very least. The school does reach past the village limits, but the council claimed it already had support from Livingston County to follow through with the plan. Village President Linda Lavey stated she would even like to see the walkway stretch out to as far as Darwin Road if The County were to approve it, but the main goal is to make sure there is a safe pathway leading to and from the school.
The approval for the county to begin preliminary drawings for the project allows The Village of Pinckney to pay for any costs associated with the drawing of up to $5,000, which would be taken out of The Villageâs General Fund. Should the project continue to go through, it is slotted to begin in 2018 and will be paid for by Livingston County. The path is intended to be bicycle, skateboard, and rollerblade friendly.
Everyone on the council appeared to be eager and hopeful of finally getting the long awaited project underway. (DF)
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Lane Closures Could Spell Weekend Delays On I-96 Lane Closures Could Spell Weekend Delays On I-96
Lane closures are planned on I-96 near Howell this weekend and could bring backups.
The Michigan Department of Transportation advises there will be a double lane closure on westbound I-96 at Latson Road for pavement patching in the center lane. The double lane closure will be in place starting at 9:30pm Friday lasting through noon on Sunday.
Motorists are advised to plan extra time when traveling through the area and to watch for traffic slowdowns. (JM)
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Music Show Benefits Livingston County Sheriffâs Office Mounted Unit Music Show Benefits Livingston County Sheriffâs Office Mounted Unit
A recent concert helped raise funds for the Livingston County Sheriffâs Office Mounted Unit.
The Livingston County Sheriffâs Office says the Annual Country Western Music Show at the Howell High School Performing Arts Center this past weekend was âa tremendous successâ and featured country music recording star John Berry. The Mounted Unit is a team of local equestrians who volunteer their time, equipment and horses in support of the Sheriffâs Office by offering unique community services. Funds raised from the concert go toward the purchase of uniform gear as well as specialized training for volunteer members and their equestrian partners.
The Livingston County Sheriffâs Office says it sincerely appreciates the overwhelming support of the community and the outstanding efforts of the Mounted Unit volunteers. Facebook photo. (JM)
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2017 Fenton Ghost Walk This Weekend 2017 Fenton Ghost Walk This Weekend
Folklore, stories, myths and legends will be explored during weekend walking tours in Fenton.
Tales of past and present spirits will come alive as the Fenton Village Players and the Fenton Historical Society team up for the Ghost Walk tours this Friday and Saturday. Itâs not a haunted or scary event but rather designed to combine heritage, folklore and stories about the ghosts of Fenton. The walking tours are less than one mile and wind around Fentonâs historic district.
Attendees are advised to come prepared with appropriate footwear, water or whatever needed to be comfortable as the terrain might be uneven. Tours leave every 15 minutes, starting at 7pm Friday and 6:30pm Saturday.
Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the event. Details are available through the link provided. (JM)
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ART of Infertility Workshop Coming To Brighton District LibraryART of Infertility Workshop Coming To Brighton District Library
A national organization based in helping people come terms with infertility is holding a special workshop in Brighton.
The ART of Infertility is a national organization founded by Elizabeth Walker of Jackson that uses art exhibits as a way of raising awareness and helping people through trying times when they cannot bear children. Walker said that after her and her husband received their diagnosis in 2009, she began creating artwork as a way to have a visual representation of what she was going through. After coming to terms with her diagnosis and connecting with others, she found the strength to share her work and eventually take it on the road across the country and internationally.
Walker said one thing she has learned is that infertility affects more people than most imagine, being between 1-in-6 and 1-in-8 of those trying to conceive. On Monday, October 23rd Walker will be holding a workshop for people affected by infertility at the Brighton District Library. She will share her art, as well as pieces from her collection that has grown to around 200 items from nearly 100 artists she has met along her journey.
The workshop will be a place for people who have struggled with infertility, miscarriages, infant loss, and pregnancy loss to come into a safe space together and share their stories if they like. Walker said that everyone has a unique experience, but the emotions are often the same. Attendees will also make air plant terrariums with gravel, stones, gemstones, shells, and plants so that everyone can create a living piece to take home. More information on the ART of Infertility can be found through the link below. To reserve a spot, you can also email; sjohnstonadvocate@gmail.com or call (734) 546-8589. (MK)
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Panel Hears Arguments In Case Against Former Howell Restaurant OwnerPanel Hears Arguments In Case Against Former Howell Restaurant Owner
The Michigan Court of Appeals heard oral arguments yesterday in a sexual assault case involving a former Howell business owner.
52-year-old David Price III, owner of the now-closed Hog Wild BBQ and Catering in Howell, was charged in two separate cases with multiple counts of criminal sexual conduct. A ruling to exclude evidence in his case is being challenged, which was heard Tuesday in Lansing by a three-judge panel of the Michigan Court of Appeals.
The charges stem from allegations made by two 20-year-old women who were fairly new employees at Hog Wild when each incident occurred. The first assault occurred on the victimâs first day of work in November 2014, and on the third day of work for the other victim in August of 2015. Price claims the sex in both instances was consensual.
The first victim went to St. Joeâs Livingston following the alleged assault. The evidence gathered from that visit matched up with Priceâs DNA. However, she passed away in 2016. In January of this year, a judge granted a motion on behalf of Price that excluded evidence of prior acts from being admitted as evidence in the current case against him. The Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office then appealed. Thereâs no timeline on when the appeals panel will issue a ruling, but it could take several months. (JK)
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