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Livingston Health Department Confirms New Measles CaseLivingston Health Department Confirms New Measles Case

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A case of a contagious disease is being highlighted by local health officials. The Livingston County Health Department is investigating a measles case that was confirmed this week in an adult Livingston County resident who works in Washtenaw County. Officials say this is the second case of adult-onset measles in Livingston County and that it highlights the importance of routine measles vaccination for all people to prevent the disease and future measles outbreaks. The first case was reported earlier this year by an individual who was on the same airplane as an infected child who had not been vaccinated. The department says they are providing the information to local residents about this latest case because of potential exposure to measles at multiple locations throughout Livingston County and the region. The Oakland County Health Division has since warned that the same case is connected to a possible exposure at a restaurant in South Lyon. Anyone who either visited or worked at Lucas Coney Island on Pontiac Trail on September 29th between 11am and 3:30pm is urged to call a doctor if they are not vaccinated or exhibit any signs or symptoms. According to health officials, Livingston County resident was contagious, but without symptoms, when they visited the restaurant at that time. The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, is available at local health department sas well as through primary care doctors and many area pharmacies. You’ll find additional details below. (JK)

Boater Dies After Mishap On Lake FentonBoater Dies After Mishap On Lake Fenton

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Authorities say a 57-year-old man has died after his leg was severed by a boat propeller while trying to remove the boat from a Fenton Township lake. The Genesee County Sheriff's Office says Mark Elmer and a friend were working to remove the boat from Lake Fenton on Thursday, but the boat was stuck on a hoist due to low water levels. The department says the friend revved the boat's engine while Elmer jumped on the back of the boat in an attempt to free it from the hoist, but he fell into the water and was cut. He was taken from Fenton Township to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. (JK)

Engine Braking Truck Drivers May Soon Be Fined In Marion TownshipEngine Braking Truck Drivers May Soon Be Fined In Marion Township

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Trucks in Marion Township may soon be subject to getting a ticket if they continue to use an alternative and noisy method of braking. There is no state law against engine braking in Michigan so it is up to individual municipalities to put a stop to it if they find it getting to be nuisance. Marion Township Supervisor Bob Hanvey shared what he knew about the controversial maneuver. Hanvey said that it comes from a device mounted in the engine that controls a valve that, when activated by the driver in the cabin, converts exhaust into a way to reduce engine speed.The problem comes from the louder noise that engine braking creates as opposed to the sound a truck makes using its conventional brakes. Trustee Dan Lowe said that the purpose of engine braking is to keep brakes from overheating when going down mountains, and thus there is no reason to do it in Michigan. He pointed out four areas in Marion Township where it is especially problematic. He identified D-19, Francis Road, Norton Road, and Cedar Lake as being the worst spots for noise pollution. Lowe proposed that drivers caught engine braking be fined $500. There was concern that illegal engine braking has been a tough case to uphold in court in other areas of the country. As such, the Board of Trustees voted to send the matter to the Planning Commission to write up specific language for a general ordinance. (MK)

Hurricane Relief Event For Water Island Saturday In Fenton Hurricane Relief Event For Water Island Saturday In Fenton

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A relief supply drive in Saturday will benefit a small U.S. Virgin Island hit hard by recent hurricanes. Water Island is the smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands and has no significant commercial establishments, stores, or FEMA or Red Cross distribution sites. Therefore, the islanders rely on St. Thomas for all of their needs. In the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria that caused substantial damage to the island and travel is limited to St. Thomas. Furthermore, the aid supplies there are not available to those on Water Island. The island has a population of roughly 400. There are said to be occasional drops of items and bottled water from the United State Coast Guard at the island’s only dock. A local man vacations on the island and has become close with people there, as well as the owners of a campground. Tony Puente is having the items collected from an event Saturday shipped to St. Thomas, which will then be boated over. He says the devastation from the hurricanes is still much evident today, saying the first caused significant damage but the second really destroyed things and decimated homes. With no electricity on the island, those who live there don’t have good communication so they don’t know when they can cross the channel to get first aid supplies or visit doctors at a medical center set up. Puente says it’s been almost two months since the first hurricane and the island is in pretty dire straits so they’re trying to help them out. The supply drive will be held in the parking lot of the VG’s store on Silver Lake Parkway in Fenton from 10am to 4pm Saturday. Among the items being collected include hygiene products, non-perishable food and spices, self-generating flashlights or radios, candles, lighters and batteries. A full list is available in the attached flyer. Photo: Virgin Islands Campground. (JM)

City Of Howell Receives Another “Unqualified” Opinion On AuditCity Of Howell Receives Another “Unqualified” Opinion On Audit

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Another favorable audit is on the books for the City of Howell. The City received an “unqualified” opinion, indicating the statements fairly present the financial position of the City’s activities. The general fund ended the year with a fund balance of $2.1 (m) million, which is the same as projected. A mandate from the state required auditors to do a compliance of Act 51 funds involving major and local streets. It was concluded the City expended funds in compliance with the Act in all material respects. City Council and City Manager Shea Charles gave many compliments to staff and management prior to accepting the audit report for the fiscal year that ended June 30th. Charles says the City has had clean audits for the last several years, and has also received excellence in financial reporting awards. He gave kudos to all of the finance staff and especially Finance Director/Treasurer Catherine Stanislawski, saying she’s done an amazing job over the years and he couldn’t be prouder. During the audit presentation to City Council, Mark Kettner from the Rehmann Robson firm commended the City for the timely filing of the report, saying it was very early when compared to other municipalities. (JM)

Venetian Masquerade To Benefit Howell Opera HouseVenetian Masquerade To Benefit Howell Opera House

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A party like many in the county have never seen is being held to benefit renovations to the Howell Opera House. A Venetian masquerade will take place at the historic building next Wednesday night. Attendees are being asked to wear “After 5:00 Attire” and masks for the fundraiser that will kick off the second act of renovations to the Opera House. Restore the Glory Act I saw the main floor get fixed up and helped pay off the mortgage. Now in Act II, supporters are hoping to finish the second floor. The masquerade is being held by the Livingston Arts Council. Council member Blythe Patterson said that work done on the Opera House has a way of resonating throughout the downtown Howell area. She said they currently hold over 550 events on the first floor that brings in around 12,000 people each year. Finishing the second floor will allow them to hold more events like banquets and graduations that can seat up to 400. Patterson said she believes this will be a real game changer for the downtown community. The party runs from 7pm to 9pm and will have live entertainment, a bar, and hors d’oeuvres. The Ladies Chorale will be singing upstairs, a string quartet from Livingston County will be playing downstairs, and special surprise entertainment is planned. The Arts Council is asking for a minimum suggested donation of $100 and RSVP is required. Register by emailing events@howelloperahouse.com (MK)

Livingston Has Highest Per-Capita In Region For Gun Ownership Livingston Has Highest Per-Capita In Region For Gun Ownership

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Livingston County is highest in the region when it comes to per-capita concealed pistol licenses. The Detroit Free Press put together an analysis of the total number of CPL licenses approved, as well as the status of other permits including disqualified, expired, pending, revoked, suspended or surrendered for each county as of October 2nd. The Southeast Michigan region is made up of Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne Counties. Livingston County had a total of 15,937 approved. Based on population, Livingston had the highest amount of guns per-capita or 84.5 per 1,000 residents. Nearby Genesee County stood at 69 and Wayne County 61.6. State lawmakers recently debated the issue of gun ownership while considering legislation that would allow lawful gun owners to carry concealed weapons without a permit or training. A link to the analysis is provided. (JM)

Congressman Bishop Says Fungal Meningitis Victims Will Get Direct CompensationCongressman Bishop Says Fungal Meningitis Victims Will Get Direct Compensation

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A local congressman says direct compensation has been secured or fungal meningitis victims and their families. Congressman Mike Bishop’s 8th district was hardest-hit by the 2012 outbreak as more than 200 people became sick and 15 people died after receiving the New England Compounding Center’s tainted injections from a clinic in Brighton. Nationwide, there were 78 deaths from the tainted steroids. Bishop says he has received confirmation that the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office will receive the full $40 (m) million set aside by the Department of Justice last year and will make payments directly to victims or their families who apply. The DOJ Office for Victims of Crime recently approved Massachusetts’ amended Grant Adjustment Notification, allowing them to award funds directly to those who meet the necessary criteria. Bishop says this is helpful for victims because previously, concerns were raised that victims may have to potentially pay back money received from this program, should later payments come through from insurance companies or civil settlements. Whether that scenario would have materialized or not, due to these concerns, Massachusetts sought a Grant Adjustment Notification. By so doing, they removed the distribution of funds from their state law, and thus have removed any concerns about potentially needing to pay these funds back at a later date. Bishop says this will give victims and families, many of whom still struggle with day-to-day finances, much needed peace of mind that the money they are receiving is actually theirs. The Massachusetts Attorney General’s office is currently establishing a process through which claims will be disbursed. To be eligible for these funds, victims must apply by March 1st. Bishop's office has released further information about applying for compensation: 2018 (please note, that date has changed from the previous deadline of December 15, 2017). After the applicant’s case is verified, they will be eligible to receive a direct payment of $25,000, with the option to submit additional documentation to receive compensation beyond that amount. Eligible victims have received a Victim Identification Number from the FBI. If you believe you or a loved one was harmed by a contaminated injection from the New England Compounding Center (NECC) in the fall of 2012, please contact Congressman Bishop’s D.C. office at 202-225-4872 for more information. (JM)

Pipeline Company Cited For Spilling Gas-Water Mix Into Local WetlandPipeline Company Cited For Spilling Gas-Water Mix Into Local Wetland

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Energy Transfer, the company constructing a pipeline that runs through Livingston County, has been cited for spilling a mixture of gasoline and water into a wetland area near Pinckney. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) confirmed the spill Friday with the issuance of a violation to Rover Pipeline, LLC. Local anti-pipeline group, ET Go Home, filed a complaint with the MDEQ Wednesday regarding the smell of petroleum in water discharged from the pipeline project. Residents noticed an ongoing water spill on the construction easement on Dexter-Townhall Road near the border of Livingston and Washtenaw Counties, according to ET Go Home. Residents estimated hundreds of gallons of water per minute were spilling over the silt-fence reservoir meant to temporarily contain water moving from one wetland to another. They noticed the water smelled strongly of gasoline and contacted the MDEQ, who took samples of the water Thursday. The violation notice to Rover from the MDEQ states groundwater contaminated with petroleum is being captured through the de-watering process, which is being employed for the pipeline installation. That groundwater is being discharged to the wetlands adjacent to the Portage River. The MDEQ is requiring Rover to cease any unauthorized discharges, treat the water prior to discharge, and withdraw a sample daily that must be registered with the MDEQ. Rover must confirm their intent and submit a letter of actions to the MDEQ by October 18th. The MDEQ’s official violation notice is attached below. (DK/JK)

High Winds Cause Downed Power Lines in Livingston CountyHigh Winds Cause Downed Power Lines in Livingston County

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Livingston County Central Dispatch is reporting that as a result of the high winds, a couple of power lines are down. Wires are down on West Allen Road in Handy Twp., and are arcing. The Fowlerville Fire Dept. has been dispatched to the scene. A power line is also down on Cornwell Lane off Strawberry Lake Road in Hamburg Township. However, that electrical line is not reported to be arcing. The Hamburg Twp. Fire Dept. has been dispatched to the scene. People are urged not to touch, or get near, a downed power line. Meanwhile, the traffic lights on D-19 (the Howell-Pinckney Road) that were out this morning are once again operating. The traffic signals had been out this morning at the I-96 ramps, Wright Road and at Coon Lake Road. DTE was notified and a crew was sent to the scene to make repairs. (TT)

Pinckney Schools Have Creative Solution To Bus Driver ShortagePinckney Schools Have Creative Solution To Bus Driver Shortage

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The Pinckney Community School district is taking a resourceful approach to dealing with a shortage of bus drivers. Superintendent Rick Todd says PCS has the same problem that many other districts have- not enough bus drivers. Todd says the district put out an email letting the community know about the lack of drivers and it generated some interest, but not enough to close the gap. Todd says the shortage isn’t necessarily a bad thing as it indicates a solid economy. Livingston County has one of the lowest jobless rates in the state, which means not many of its residents are out looking for a job. Todd says a lot of area employers are feeling the effects and schools aren't immune to that. PCS has just enough drivers to cover all of the morning routes. The challenge is afternoons, when there is the additional job of getting students to after-school athletic events. The district got creative last year and bought a large van that can transport 10 students. Decked out in school colors and emblazoned with the mascot, Todd says it’s been a big hit. The vehicle is purchased through a state bidding source and cost approximately $25,000. Todd says the district has seen enough cost savings to know the investment basically pays for itself. The Board of Education chose to build their fleet of vans and approved the purchase of a second one at their meeting Thursday. They’re also not opposed to buying more in the future. While the district hopes to hire more bus drivers, Todd says they will consider other options that are financially responsible, but get the job done. (DK)

Empty Bowl Project Event To Help Fight HungerEmpty Bowl Project Event To Help Fight Hunger

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A fundraiser to raise money and awareness for those in need of food assistance is coming to Milford. The Empty Bowl Project is coming to Bakers of Milford on Sunday, November 5th, from noon to 3pm. The Community Sharing Outreach Center is asking residents help fight hunger by coming out and enjoying a simple meal of various soups and bread. This “simple meal” is meant to be a reminder that for many families that may be all they have. Everyone is invited and if you bring a painted 2017 Empty Bowl soup bowl it will count as your entrance donation fee. Those without can purchase one already painted at the door. For more information, visit www.emptybowlproject.org, or call Community Sharing at (248) 899-0347. (MK)

Birthday Ball Will Celebrate Anniversary of U.S. Marine CorpsBirthday Ball Will Celebrate Anniversary of U.S. Marine Corps

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A birthday ball to celebrate the 242nd anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps will be held next month in Howell. The David Murnighan Marine Corp League, Detachment 161 will host the event on Friday, November 10th at Crystal Gardens in Genoa Township. All active, reserve and honorably discharged Marines, corpsmen and their families and friends are welcome to attend. A reception will begin at 6 p.m., followed by a prime rib dinner. Music will be provided by Fast Eddie with raffles and 50/50 drawing. Tickets are $20 each and will only be sold through November 1st. The Marine Corps League is a nonprofit, federally recognized veteran’s organization. All funds raised will be used to purchase flags to celebrate Flag Day in June, supporting veterans at the VA Hospital, while also supporting the community by participating on Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Armed Force Day. The group’s Honor Guard also renders Military Honors monthly at the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly and to local fallen veterans in Livingston County. You’ll find details about the anniversary dinner in the events section. (JK)

Man Caught With Heroin Picking Up Girlfriend From JailMan Caught With Heroin Picking Up Girlfriend From Jail

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A hearing is set this week for a Chelsea man who reportedly brought heroin with him when he went to pick up his girlfriend from jail. 26-year-old Jeffrey Samuel Picklesimer returns to 53rd District Court tomorrow for a probable cause conference. He is charged with delivery/manufacture of narcotics less than 50 grams, which stems from the October 2nd incident. Police say around 11:40pm, a 2003 Buick with all of the windows rolled down was seen waiting in the parking lot of the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office. A deputy found Pickelsimer reclined in the driver’s seat of the vehicle “passed out”. Even though temperatures that night were below 60 degrees, Sheriff Mike Murphy says Pickelsimer was sweating and it was difficult to wake him up. Pickelsimer informed the deputy he was just sleeping while waiting to pick his girlfriend up, who was going to be released from jail. Pickelsimer’s vehicle was searched, where police discovered five full bindles of heroin and several empty ones. He was lodged in the Livingston County Jail on a $100,000 bond. (DK)

South Lyon Man Headed To Trial On Cocaine ChargesSouth Lyon Man Headed To Trial On Cocaine Charges

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A South Lyon man has been bound over for trial on a felony cocaine charge that could put him in prison for two decades. 20-year-old Elijah Christopher Dalke was bound over Wednesday to Livingston County Circuit Court, after a judge determined there was enough evidence to send his case to trial. Green Oak Township Police arrested Dalke last month after a traffic stop turned up 5.5 grams of cocaine in his vehicle. Green Oak Police Chief Jason Pless said officers had responded to reports of a fight at the Woodland Ridge Mobile Home Park, at Nine Mile and Rushton roads, just after midnight. When officers spotted Dalke driving away from the scene, Pless said officers pulled him over and after smelling alcohol, administered sobriety tests. He was then arrested for operating while intoxicated. A subsequent search of his vehicle turned up three small packages of cocaine, which Pless says appeared packaged for delivery. Dalke is charged with delivery or manufacture of narcotics/cocaine less than 50 grams, a felony carrying up to 20 years in prison. He is also charged with consumption of alcohol by a minor. Future court dates have not been scheduled for Dalke at this time. (JK/DK)

Driver Crashes Into Howell StoreDriver Crashes Into Howell Store

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An accident Sunday morning left a gaping hole in a Howell storefront. Howell Police say a 59 year old female was preparing to back her Ford Escort out of a parking space at The Family Dollar store on Grand River and thought the vehicle was in reverse. The vehicle was instead in drive and when she accelerated, her car struck the building, leaving it halfway inside the store. There were no injuries reported. The driver was cited for Careless Driving. Police say there was no sign of any alcohol or drug use. Picture credit: Mindy Schoeberlein (JK)

Financially-Strapped Cancer Patients To Benefit From "A Night To Remember"Financially-Strapped Cancer Patients To Benefit From "A Night To Remember"

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A Milford-based nonprofit will hold its yearly fundraiser next month to benefit cancer patients facing financial difficulties. Five Points of Hope is a 501(c)(3) that awards monetary grants from its cancer care fund to patients that are struggling financially. The organization works with licensed oncology social workers to identify which patients qualify and provides up to $500 a year to those patients to help them pay some of their bills. Five Points Founder and Board President Erin Welsh says there is a real need as grant requests have doubled in recent years. Welsh was inspired to give back after losing her father to cancer and the diagnosis of a close friend. Five Points’ cancer care fund is supported by a number of events, but its biggest fundraiser of the year is “A Night to Remember”. The 17th annual benefit will be held at 6pm at the Edgewood Country Club in Commerce Township on Friday, November 3rd. Guests can participate in charity gaming, auctions, pampering stations, and shop from a variety of vendors. All proceeds collected that evening, including the $5 admission, will go to the cancer care fund’s patients. You can find more information about the organization and its fundraiser at the link below. (DK)

County Clerk Pleased With Resolution In Embezzlement Case County Clerk Pleased With Resolution In Embezzlement Case

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A former employee of the Livingston County Clerk’s Office has entered a plea in an embezzlement case. 46-year-old Colleen Marie Fortier of Howell pleaded no contest to embezzlement by a public official. She has been ordered to pay full restitution in the amount of $16,905 – an amount that was uncovered through the extensive work of Clerk Elizabeth Hundley and others. Hundley, who holds accounting and law degrees, discovered financial irregularities involving the clerk’s office in May of 2016. Hundley says she worked with very large cash amounts through her private business and had experience in recognizing a theft, so she went to work investigating once she noticed the pattern.An in-depth investigation involving Treasurer Jennifer Nash, as well as the Livingston County Sheriff’s and Prosecutor’s Offices, backed up Hundley’s findings after extensive research and the embezzlement was uncovered. Hundley tells WHMI she couldn’t have done this by herself and appreciates the cooperation between the many elected offices that were involved, adding she is very happy to put this behind them. Hundley says she was very disappointed to find the irregularity when she came into office, adding it’s not always the easiest thing to do but felt it was very important for the residents of the county, who she took an oath to serve, so she went to bat for them. Hundley says there will be full restitution to county taxpayers in the amount of $16,905 – adding she’s extremely pleased to have this matter settled and is hopeful it will not happen again. The embezzlement was said to have occurred between December of 2015 through May of 2016 and Fortier was placed on unpaid administrative leave after the internal investigation was initiated. Fortier resigned prior to the completion of the investigation and worked for the county for approximately four years. Fortier remains free on bond pending her sentencing in Livingston County Circuit Court. (JM)

Brighton Chamber To Host Candidate ForumBrighton Chamber To Host Candidate Forum

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The Brighton City Council will be the focus of a forum later this month. The Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a forum for candidates running for City of Brighton Council positions in the November 7th election. It will be held Monday, October 30th in the Conference Center of the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce on E. Grand River at 7pm. Candidates on the ballot include incumbents Jon Emaus, Renee Pettengill, Shawn Pipoly and Kristoffer Tobbe. Challengers include Susan Backhaus and Joyce Powers, although Powers is running as a write-in candidate. All six are vying for four positions on Brighton City Council. Each candidate will have the opportunity to deliver opening and closing statements and will then answer questions on a variety of topics. The general public may submit questions for the candidates, but they will be pre-screened for appropriateness and applicability to the positions. For further information, or to submit questions, contact Pam McConeghy, President & CEO of the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce at 1-810-227-5086 or online through the link below. (JK)

Howell Gathering To Focus On Shared Parenting BillHowell Gathering To Focus On Shared Parenting Bill

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A “Townhall Hearing” next month in Howell will seek public input for proposed legislation in which Michigan parents could see more joint custody and substantially equal parenting time. The event will be held Thursday, November 2nd from 6-8pm at the Howell Opera House. It’s being sponsored by the National Parents Organization which supports legislation by White Lake Republican State Representative Jim Runestad, who will be the guest speaker at the gathering. He says that with some exceptions, such as a history of domestic violence, the bill would require the court to begin with the presumption that shared parenting is in the best interest of the child. His bill would also prohibit a parent from moving more than 80 miles away from the other parent and giving substantial weight to the child’s custody preference if they’re 16 or older. Several groups are strongly opposed to the legislation, including the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Violence and the Michigan Judge’s Association Family Law Committee. They contend that the bill removes the focus in child custody disputes from what's best for the child to a parent's right to equal time with their child. But Runestad says a look at the data makes it clear that the current system is broken, citing 2013 stats that show joint custody was only awarded in 40% of divorce cases in Michigan, with wild disparities depending on individual counties. He also refutes claims that it removes judicial discretion in custody cases, saying that a judge could still override the presumptive nature of the bill if they feel there is a compelling issue of safety or child welfare. But he says to do so they would have to state on the record what those issues are, which they currently do not have to do. The bill, HB 4691, passed the House Judiciary Committee along party lines with Democrats opposed. Runestad chairs the committee and says he’s hoping to use public gatherings like the one in Howell to gather support for the bill getting a full vote and eventually becoming law. You’ll find details about the Howell Opera House gathering through the link below. (JK)
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