A balanced 2018 budget with no cuts and funding for department operations and capital improvement projects was approved by the Livingston County Board of Commissioners Monday night.
The budget (see link below) aligns with the countyâs 2015-2020 Strategic Plan and does not include any tax increase or reduction in service levels. Administrator Ken Hinton says it includes modest increases in revenues thanks to continuing growth in the county, coupled with an expanding national economy. Hinton tells WHMI growth in revenues will allow the county to continue all of the services currently provided and add some select new ones. He says the biggest one people will see a benefit from is an appropriation to public transportation that will be used to leverage additional grant dollars -providing five full time LETS drivers and allowing for more hours of operation and expanded service.
The $50,000 general fund appropriation to the Livingston County Essential Transportation System or LETS will be used as a local match, to accede approximately $315,000 in additional federal and state operating grant revenue. Commissioner Bob Bezotte said he thought it was an excellent move to better expand services to the southern portion of the county. Livingston County Democratic Party Chairwoman Judy Daubenmier and spoke during call to the public, saying it will be valuable for those without transportation. Dr. Leo Hannifin with the Livingston County Transportation Coalition echoed those thoughts, calling it a wise and fiscally sound decision to serve the needs of those that are not being met.
The other area of the budget that got additional funding for the coming year was court security services. Hinton says there have been a number of incidents in courthouses throughout the state and country so thereâs a heightened level of concern in the courts and the county is addressing that by moving to full time bailiffs.
Pensions are probably the biggest challenge but Hinton says the county has a solid budget and economy so their challenges are limited and not nearly at the level some other entities have to deal with. Pension costs are described as a major expense in all funds and represents 6% of all expenses. Funding pension obligations has been deemed a priority for the board, which is working to make additional payments to reduce unfunded liabilities. The county is funded at 71%, with over $41 (m) million in unfunded liabilities.
Prior to approving the 2018 budget, commissioners discussed what to do with some additional funds expected to be received this year from the Michigan Counties Workers' Compensation Fund, which should be in the neighborhood of $350,000. Commissioner Don Parker, who serves on that entity's Board of Trustees, put forth a motion to earmark the monies as an additional payment to the pension system and unfunded liabilities. It passed unanimously and will require an amendment to the 2017 budget.
In general, Hinton says the county has tried to address nonunion employeesâ challenges to meet rising expenses with an approximate 2% wage increase, which elected officials will also receive. The county has six collective bargaining units so their wages are governed by their contracts. Hinton says the county will be expanding options in its healthcare plan for non-union employees. The county self-insures for healthcare, which he says has been key with helping keep expenses in line and under control. Hinton says the county will be adding a high-deductible plan teamed with a health saving account as an option for non-union employees, adding it will be an opportunity to see how that goes in their workforce.
Finally, the 2018 budget includes a list of various capital projects. Hinton says every year the county reviews what will be done for facilities, parking lots and those types of items. He says acquisition of buses and ambulances are part of planned capital expenditures and different projects have different sources of funding. (JM)
Livingston County Commissioners Adopt 2018 Budget Livingston County Commissioners Adopt 2018 Budget
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Dogs, Puppies Removed From Fowlerville Home With Unsanitary Conditions Dogs, Puppies Removed From Fowlerville Home With Unsanitary Conditions
Officials are wrapping up an investigation into an animal neglect case in Fowlerville.
Livingston County Animal Control Director Aimee Orn tells WHMI officers acted on an anonymous complaint about animals in unsanitary conditions at a home on Daily Street in Fowlerville. A warrant was served on November 1st, resulting in six adult dogs and two puppies being removed from the home. They remain in the custody of Animal Control.
Orn says once the investigation is complete, the report will be forwarded to the Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office, which will determine if any criminal charges should be filed against the owner. (JM)
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State Says Action Being Taken To Address High Lead Levels In ApartmentState Says Action Being Taken To Address High Lead Levels In Apartment
The state is working with the owner of a Livingston County apartment complex to address high lead levels in one unit.
State records revealed that Island Lake Apartments on Grand River in Green Oak Township had the highest lead levels at 82 parts-per-billion or ppb. The maximum allowable lead content in water before action is required is 15 parts per billion. The water system serves a population of less than 50. Rama Cherukuri owns the apartments which are adjacent to the Island Lake Recreation Area and near Kensington Metropark. Two wells are the source of the water supply that provides water to all the apartments.
Tiffany Brown is the acting public information officer for the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. She says the high result is from just one apartment unit, which tested at 155 ppb, and that all residents were advised of the situation. She says language in the public education documents that were provided contained information on how to prevent lead exposure such as running the water until cold but did not specifically advise against drinking the water.
Brown says the resident in the apartment unit with the high lead level is not drinking the water, and the owner/operator will be taking actions to address the issue after the MDEQ and a supply representative conducted an onsite visit to investigate potential sources in July and sent a letter the following month with recommendations to address the issues. She says there will be follow-up sampling and communication with the resident. Brown says there will also be additional full rounds of lead/copper samples and all residents will be notified if there are further action level violations. (JM)
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Gathering To Focus On Hope & Healing In The Aftermath Of SuicideGathering To Focus On Hope & Healing In The Aftermath Of Suicide
An event in Howell later this month will be one of many across the state and country that will be held to show support for survivors of suicide.
Livingston County Community Mental Health will be once again hosting a program as a part of International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. The event will take place on Saturday, November 18th at the CMH Miller Building, 622 East Grand River in Howell from 9am to 12pm. It's being held in partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Southeast Michigan Chapter.
The program will include a showing of the documentary âLife Journeys: Reclaiming Life After Lossâ, panel and group discussions, and a presentation of area resources. It is noted that the documentary and discussion guide is not appropriate for children under 12 and those currently experiencing suicidal thoughts. Registration for the event and more information can be found through the link below. (JK)
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Plan Ahead To Keep Heat, Lights On This WinterPlan Ahead To Keep Heat, Lights On This Winter
As each day puts us closer to winter, many homeowners are reaching for the thermostat, and the push is on to make sure all Michiganders are aware of the resources that can help them keep the heat on.
Whitney Skeans with Consumers Energy says there are income-based payment plans and debt forgiveness programs that customers can take advantage of, as well as a large grant that was recently given out to service organizations across Michigan. "Nearly $50 million in energy-assistance funding and those dollars are available for programs that not only help the customer pay their energy bill, but also support a path to self-sufficiency."
Skeans says prevention is the best strategy and strongly recommends families in need look at their budgets and apply for assistance early, rather than getting into a pinch down the road. She says there are also small steps anyone can take to keep heating costs down this winter. "Dialing down the thermostat just a degree or two can make a big difference, especially when you're not at home, keeping your drapes closed during times when you don't need the sunlight, and also think about applying some window kit to keep the cold out and the heat in."
The state Department of Health and Human Services estimates that weatherizing a home can save families up to $450 each year in energy costs. More information about all these programs can be accessed by dialing 211, a confidential 24-hour helpline available anywhere in Michigan.
In Livingston County, residents can also contact the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency, or OLHSA, for details on winter heating assistance. Youâll find that link below.
The Public News Service contributed to this story. (JK)
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Lyon Twp Looking To Connect Sidewalks And Bike PathsLyon Twp Looking To Connect Sidewalks And Bike Paths
Lyon Township officials are exploring ways to address gaps between sidewalks and bicycle paths along the municipalityâs main roads.
A subcommittee has been developed to tackle the issue of lacking connectivity in the sidewalk and bike path network, while staying fiscally responsible. The committee is comprised of representatives from the Department of Public Works, township Board of Trustees, Park Advisory Board, and Engineering and Planning Department.
Several possibilities came from their first meeting, including a township-wide recreation millage to fund construction of connecting segments and rolling bike path construction into a road paving project. It was also suggested that property owners be required to pay up front for installation or pay the township back over time through a special assessment district.
Township Planner Christopher Doozan presented the committeeâs ideas at the townshipâs Board of Trustees meeting Monday. As they were discussed, the possibility of funding the project with grants was suggested. Trustee and committee member Lise Blades says the committee is continuing to look into all options of funding.
Blades says filling the gaps is a matter of safety, noting that she has witnessed children riding bikes on main roads and parents pushing strollers down Grand River. The townshipâs master plan lists a sidewalk along all of the mile roads as a goal. She indicated the committee will meet again soon, though a date has not been set at this time. (DK)
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Competency Exam Ordered For Man Accused Of Molesting Boys At Birthday PartyCompetency Exam Ordered For Man Accused Of Molesting Boys At Birthday Party
A man accused of molesting young boys at a birthday party in Brighton has been ordered to undergo a competency exam.
38-year-old Andrew Joseph Arnett of Westland is facing charges in two separate cases in Livingston County, both of which relate to inappropriate contact with underage boys. Arnett appeared in Circuit Court Friday, at which time he was referred to the state forensic center for a competency evaluation.
Arnett is accused of sexually molesting at least four boys under the age of 13 at a birthday party in Brighton last January. He is facing five counts of 2nd degree criminal sexual conduct and four counts of accosting a child for immoral purposes in that case. During interviews with children that attended the birthday party, police learned that other children may have been victimized by Arnett in a separate incident in Hamburg Township in June. Those allegations resulted in additional charges of 2nd degree CSC and accosting a child for immoral purposes in a separate case.
Arnett is due back in court January 5th for a follow-up hearing. (DK)
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Council Seats Up For Grabs In Howell & BrightonCouncil Seats Up For Grabs In Howell & Brighton
Voters in Howell and Brighton are casting ballots for open council seats.
In Howell, three seats are up for grabs, with incumbents Jeff Hansen, Jan Lobur and Scott Niblock being challenged by newcomer Andrew Yost. Mayor Nick Proctor is running unopposed.
Meanwhile, voters in Brighton will elect four council members. Incumbents Kristoffer Tobbe, Jon Emaus, Renee Pettengill and Shawn Pipoly are being challenged by Susan Bakhaus and Joyce Powers, although Powers is running as a write-in candidate.
Also up for a vote are two ballot proposals. Voters in the Linden Community Schools district are deciding a sinking fund millage proposal, while voters in the Washtenaw Intermediate School District are voting on a special education renewal proposal that would continue to levy a previously approved special education millage. Polls are open until 8pm. Youâll find additional details through the link below. (JK)
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Clerk Says Low Voter Turnout Tuesday, But Minimal Equipment Problems Clerk Says Low Voter Turnout Tuesday, But Minimal Equipment Problems
Tuesdayâs general election went extremely well in Livingston County despite low voter turnout.
Thatâs according to Clerk Elizabeth Hundley. She says there really werenât any issues with the new voting equipment and she was able to make it around to every precinct where an election was taking place. She says the feedback from election inspectors as well as voters was extremely positive. Hundley tells WHMI the city and township clerks were extremely happy with how the election went overall.
She says there was one slight glitch in one of the precincts but believes it was fixed before the polls even opened, saying it involved switching out a memory device.
Meanwhile, voter turnout was very low, at just over 10% of registered voters, and Hundley says itâs really sad to see so few people turn out because it is making an impact on everybodyâs daily lives. She thanked everyone who did come to vote, along with all of the election inspectors who worked and says sheâs looking forward to using the new voting equipment again in the future.
Tuesdayâs election was the first in which new voting equipment was used. Livingston, Genesee, Washtenaw and Oakland Counts all have the same new vendor and equipment. There were reportedly some issues in Washtenaw County with results being sent in due to low Wi-Fi connections. (JM)
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Washtenaw ISD Renewal Passes, Linden & Fenton Proposals FailWashtenaw ISD Renewal Passes, Linden & Fenton Proposals Fail
Only one of three local ballot proposals managed to pass in Tuesdayâs general election.
A special education millage renewal proposal in the Washtenaw Intermediate School district was approved in Tuesdayâs election. The district provides programs, supports and services for students in nine districts including Chelsea, Dexter, and Whitmore Lake. In addition to those casting ballots in Washtenaw County for the special education millage renewal, Livingston County voters also approved the measure with 58.52% of the vote. The approval will allow the ISD to continue to levy a special education millage of .9719 mills for eight years. Over 6,500 students, or 1-in-7, receive special education services through the ISD. The millage renewal, which goes through 2025, will generate around $15 (m) million a year in revenue to support students with individualized education plans. The millage funds help to free up general fund dollars that are typically used to cover the costs of mandatory special education services, which are then available to fund other programs for all students. Superintendent Scott Menzel tells WHMI they are extremely appreciative for the support of taxpayers and their recognizing that investing in the lives of children is an investment worth making.
As for other local ballot proposals, a Fenton City Charter Amendment proposal resoundingly failed by 755 votes. That would have allowed a voter-approved special millage to be collected for up to ten years, instead of the current three year limit included in the charter.
In the Linden Community Schools district, voters turned down a sinking fund proposal with 1193 votes against and 935 in support. Funds generated would have been used to update security and technology as well as make facility improvements. (JM)
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Yost Upsets Hansen To Win Howell Council SeatYost Upsets Hansen To Win Howell Council Seat
There was an upset in the Howell City Council race in Tuesdayâs election.
Newcomer Andrew Yost unseated incumbent Jeff Hansen. Jan Lobur and Scott Niblock retained their seats, along with Mayor Nick Proctor who was running unopposed. Yost is a Howell native, local business owner and active community volunteer.
In the Brighton City Council race, four incumbents were the top vote getters listed in online reporting Tuesday night. They include Renee Pettengill, Jon Emaus, Shawn Pipoly and Kristoffer Tobbe. However, candidate Joyce Powers waged a write-in campaign and WHMI was advised by the Livingston County Clerk that write-in candidate votes were not reflected in the voting total reports and it will likely be a couple of days before results are certified. Requests for write-in totals have been placed with the Brighton City Clerk.
In the City of Fenton, longtime Mayor Sue Osborn was re-elected. City Council incumbents Dave McDermott and Scott Grossmeyer were also re-elected and will be joined by newcomer Tracy Bottecelli.
A special education millage renewal proposal in the Washtenaw Intermediate School district was approved in Tuesdayâs election. The district provides programs, supports and services for students in nine districts including Chelsea, Dexter, and Whitmore Lake. In addition to those casting ballots in Washtenaw County for the special education millage renewal, Livingston County voters also approved the measure with 58.52% of the vote. The approval will allow the ISD to continue to levy a special education millage of .9719 mills for eight years. The millage renewal will generate around $15 (m) million a year in revenue to support students with individualized education plans. There are over 6,500 students, or 1-in-7, who receive special education services through the ISD. Superintendent Scott Menzel tells WHMI the renewal will go through 2025 and thanked the voters for coming out in support of children with special needs. He says they are extremely appreciative for the support of taxpayers and their recognizing that investing in the lives of children is an investment worth making.
As for other local ballot proposals, a Fenton City Charter Amendment proposal resoundingly failed by 755 votes. That would have allowed a voter-approved special millage to be collected for up to ten years, instead of the current three year limit included in the charter.
In the Linden Community Schools district, voters turned down a sinking fund proposal with 1193 votes against and 935 in support. Funds generated would have been used to update security and technology as well as make facility improvements.
All election results are considered unofficial until certified by the Board of Canvassers. A link to the Livingston County Clerk's page is provided. (JM)
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Howell Student's Design Selected For Fantasy 5K Race ShirtHowell Student's Design Selected For Fantasy 5K Race Shirt
Runners participating in a popular 5K run later this month will be receiving a special race shirt designed by a local high school student.
When the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce was looking for a shirt design for the Fantasy 5K they went to Howell High Schoolâs digital imaging program for the answer. Tasked with what the Chamber was looking for, students brainstormed their own ideas and took to Adobe Illustrator to bring them to life. In the end, the Chamber selected senior Adrea Eskolaâs design. Eskola said she drew her inspiration from thinking about the winter and holiday seasons. As a reward for being selected, Eskola will receive free entry into the Fantasy 5K race, a swag bag with past and present Fantasy 5K merchandise, and recognition on the race website and chamber publications. Eskola also earned a ride in a horse drawn carriage with Howell Mayor Nick Proctor during the Fantasy of Lights Parade.
The Fantasy 5K is a nighttime run where runners are encouraged wear holiday themed clothing and twinkling lights as they run down Grand River in Howell. This yearâs event takes place on Friday, November 24th, at 6pm. For more information, visit the link below. (MK)
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Tyrone Township Extending Allowed Leaf Burning Time Tyrone Township Extending Allowed Leaf Burning Time
Mild fall weather has led one local township to extending its open burn-leaf burning ordinance for this year.
The Tyrone Township Board of Trustees held a discussion at their regular meeting Tuesday night on whether or not more time should be allowed to give residents chance to burn their leaves. It was at the request of one homeowner for the reason that warm fall temperatures have kept leaves on the trees longer this season than usual. The last date for burning leaves according the ordinance is November 15th. The proposed extension would allow residents this year to burn until December 3rd. The motion passed by a 5-2 vote.
Trustee Charles Schultz spoke against the extension, believing the ordinance was put in for a reason and that there were other ways to discard of unwanted leaves on the lawn. Supervisor Mike Cunningham voted against it as well, citing information from the Environmental Protection Agency and the hazards that leaf smoke can cause to people who have COPD, asthma, or allergies. Cunningham said afterwards that he respects the decision of the Board and supports it. The Supervisor also offer up a tip for efficient burning, in case residents do decide to do it. He said that just raking wet leaves into a pile and lighting it is a bad idea, as they just sit, smolder, and cause smoke. Instead, start a hot fire and then add the leaves to them.
Trustee David Walker made the motion to extend, stating that December 3rd seemed as arbitrary a date as November 15th. Trustee Al Pool said he hadnât even started raking yet because the leaves havenât fallen. The Board finished by recognizing that the ordinance is something that should be revisited in the future. Cunningham said it was put in place before the last census and the population in Tyrone Township has almost doubled since. (MK)
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Gender Identity & Facility Policies Adopted By Williamston School Board Gender Identity & Facility Policies Adopted By Williamston School Board
Two gender-related policies have been approved by the Williamston Community Schools Board of Education.
The board Monday night adopted two separate policies after lengthy public comment on both sides of the issue. Officials say when first taken up in committee, the goal was to ensure the school community knows that the Williamston district will be a place where all students, including those who may identify as transgender, are welcome and will be supported. A letter to parents, staff and community members was sent out prior to the meeting, which can be viewed along with the draft policies in the attachment provided.
One policy specifically addresses gender identity and reaffirms that the district fosters an educational environment for all students that is safe, welcoming, and free from stigma and discrimination regardless of sex, sexual orientation, gender identify or gender expression.
The policy states specifically that the district shall accept the gender identity that each student asserts reflecting the studentâs legitimately held belief once the student and his or her parent/guardian notifies administration that the student intends to assert a gender identity that differs from previous representations or records. The district will then customize support to allow each studentâs equal access to educational programs and activities.
The other policy adopted covers all users of district facilities including restrooms and locker rooms. It states that any student who is uncomfortable using a gender-segregated facility is to notify staff and they will work with the student to fund an alternative that takes into account the privacy rights of all students, staff and visitors.
WLNS in Lansing reported that following the 6-1 vote, many people in the audience who were against the policies threatened recalls against board members and that they would take their kids out of Williamston schools. Photo courtesy of WLNS. (JM)
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Remediation To Begin Soon For Contaminated Site Of Former Gas PlantRemediation To Begin Soon For Contaminated Site Of Former Gas Plant
Chemically contaminated soil and groundwater on property in Hartland Township will be the focus of cleanup efforts set to begin next week.
The five acre parcel at Lone Tree and Pleasant Valley Road is the former site of a Merit Energy gas processing plant. The plant was decommissioned in 2015 and it was then that contractors discovered a chemical called sulfolane had leached into the soil and underlying groundwater. Community members were first notified of the spill in May of 2016.
Merit took action by sampling residential wells and installing monitoring wells to determine the extent of the contamination. It wasnât until this past July that officials confirmed the contaminated soil and groundwater was confined to the site. Merit was required by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality to develop a site remediation plan, which received approval in September. Hartland Township Trustee Matt Germane says the company plans to begin bioremediation next week.
Germane the in-depth investigation into the extent of the contamination is the reason itâs taken over two years to begin cleanup since the chemical's discovery. Germane says information from a pilot study indicated the companyâs bioremediation method will churn out results in 12 to 15 months. Merit is required to report to the MDEQ on a quarterly basis at a minimum. (DK)
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Request Denied To Revise Ordinance To Allow Campgrounds In Lyon Twp. Request Denied To Revise Ordinance To Allow Campgrounds In Lyon Twp.
Though standards for campgrounds are included in the townshipâs current ordinance, it does not actually permit them. An amendment to the zoning ordinance must be made to allow them in any district.
Such a request came from Wildlife LLC, who purchased property north of Haas Lake Park in August and was contemplating seeking approval for a campground on the parcel. The request was for a text amendment that would add âCampgroundsâ as a Special Land Use in Residential-Agricultural Districts. In addition to their request, the company sought variances to every standard identified in the municipalityâs ordinance regarding campgrounds.
A public hearing for the request was held by the townshipâs Planning Commission last month, at which a majority of residents spoke in opposition to it. Opponents cited decreasing property values, traffic concerns, and tax revenue impacts as their reasoning. A letter to the PC also claims âexcessive noise and strong odors of exhaustâ coming from the property have already âbecome the normâ.
The potential for a campground on the property did receive some support, as proponents suggested itâd be the best use for the property and would keep the area free of residential development. Ultimately, commissioners voted to recommend denial to the Board of Trustees.
The board reviewed the recommendation and request at their meeting Monday, and even considered sending the issue back to the Planning Commission for further discussion. However a motion to do so failed in a close vote, making the rejection official. Following the vote, one resident asked to speak in favor of the campground, but was shut down by Supervisor John Dolan who stated the discussion was âoverâ. Emotions flared and the exchange continued until a police officer guided the resident out. Dolan declined to comment after the meeting. (DK)
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Lansing Man Who Led I-96 Police Chase Gets PrisonLansing Man Who Led I-96 Police Chase Gets Prison
Sentencing has been handed down to a Lansing man who led a high-speed police chase on I-96.
36-year-old Deron Maurice Wilson will serve a minimum of four years in the Michigan Department of Corrections before he is eligible for parole, but faces a maximum of 20 years. He was recently sentenced in Livingston County Circuit Court on six counts including fleeing a police officer, felony firearms, and open intoxicants.
The charges stem from the April 15th incident, in which Livingston County Sheriffâs deputies attempted to pull Wilson over for a traffic violation. Wilson took off, leading a high-speed chase heading east on I-96. Wilson exited at D-19 and re-entered the interstate heading west. Deputies pursued Wilson until the chase became a safety concern, however his vehicle was spotted in Lansing shortly thereafter and he was arrested.
The incident was a violation of Wilsonâs probation, which he received after pleading guilty to retail fraud charges in Eaton County in 2015. For violating his probation, he was sentenced in Eaton County to a minimum of four years in the MDOC, which began on September 21st. That sentence will be served concurrent to his sentence out of Livingston County. (DK)
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Construction On Eager, Faussett Roads Starts Today Construction On Eager, Faussett Roads Starts Today
Some last minute road projects get underway today in Oceola and Tyrone Townships.
The Livingston County Road Commission has scheduled work on Eager Road between Golf Club and Gentry Roads; and on Faussett Road from Old US-23 east to just east of Runyan Lake Road. Crews will begin milling the existing pavement on Eager Road at 7am. When the milling is completed at Eager, then crews will move to Faussett Road.
The Road Commission says if all goes as planned, both roads will have the first of two lifts of asphalt done by tonight. The second lift of asphalt is scheduled to follow between Friday and early next week.
Motorists are advised that traffic will be maintained under flagger control and delays are to be expected. (JM)
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Fowlerville Family Hoping For Cards, Letters To Lift Daughter SpiritsFowlerville Family Hoping For Cards, Letters To Lift Daughter Spirits
A local family is asking the community for cards and letters to help lift the spirits of their daughter who is battling brain cancer.
In September 2016, then 18-year-old Destiny Coselman of Fowlerville had a seizure, her first one ever, seemingly out of the blue. Destinyâs mother Jodi said that her daughter had occasionally suffered from headaches about once a month but that they were nothing that a couple of Advil didnât help. What they discovered at the doctorâs was that she had a tumor, grade 4 glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive brain tumors one can get. After the Coselmanâs first doctor gave Destiny 1-2 years to live, the family began to seek other help. Now they take her every-other month to the Duke University Cancer Center in North Carolina, where doctors are hopeful that a clinical trial drug will help her overcome her struggle. She recently completed her 3rd and final 8 week treatment and the family is heading down to Duke this week to learn the results.
Destinyâs mother Jodi said that her daughter has lost her peripheral vision, has trouble with eye movement and remembering words and phrases and structuring sentences, but has kept great spirit and never had a âpoor meâ moment. She said Destiny has been a trooper through all of this and that she is â(her) hero, for sure.â
Jodi said that initially her daughter and family received a great outpouring of support from the community, but now after 14 months have passed, some of the letters and ongoing support that kept Destinyâs spirits up have begun to dwindle. She said she theyâve run a successful crowdfunding campaign and she doesnât want to ask for more money, but that a Christmas card or a letter to her daughter saying she is still being thought of might be real positive for Destiny. You can send a card to their home address, 10341 Alans Drive, Fowlerville, MI 48836. If youâd like to donate, you can do so through the familyâs Gofundme account online. The link is below. (MK)
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Ford To Match Every Dollar Donated During 12 Days Of GleanersFord To Match Every Dollar Donated During 12 Days Of Gleaners
WHMI and the Gleaners Community Food Bank of Livingston County are once again teaming up to help make sure local families in need get a holiday meal.
Gleaners estimates there are 1,000 area families who will need assistance to put a holiday meal on the table and with the organizationâs buying power, a full meal is possible with just a $20 donation. Starting this Saturday, November 11th and lasting until Thanksgiving, WHMIâs 12 Days of Gleaners will seek donations to make sure every family has a holiday meal.
But this year a special match partner has stepped up. Ford Motor Company will match every dollar that is donated during the 12 Days of Gleaners. Check for the link at whmi.com starting Saturday.
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