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Fowlerville Man Enters Plea In Fatal CrashFowlerville Man Enters Plea In Fatal Crash

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A plea has been entered by a Fowlerville man for his role in a head-on crash that killed a young boy last year. 50-year-old Robert Earl Wilson pleaded guilty Monday in Shiawassee County Circuit Court to reckless driving causing death and reckless driving causing serious injury. In exchange for the plea, prosecutors dismissed charges of operating under the influence causing death and three counts of operating under the influence causing serious injury. The Owosso Press-Argus reports that those counts had been added after lab tests indicated he had morphine, amphetamines and hydrocodone in his system. But it was later determined that he had been administered morphine in the ambulance after the crash and that the other drugs were prescriptions and within therapeutic limits. Wilson told the judge he was driving his Chrysler Town and Country van October 9th, 2016, on Fowlerville Road in Antrim Township, when he reached for a cupcake, allowing the van to cross the center line and crash head-on into a Ford Fiesta occupied by a family of four from Byron. A 10-year-old Fowlerville Community School student was killed in the crash. His parents were hospitalized with injuries ranging from severe to critical. The boy’s sister was also injured. They have all since recovered. Wilson was also injured and appeared in court with a walker. His sentencing was delayed until March 2nd so that he could undergo a scheduled surgery. Wilson faces up to 15 years in prison. (JK)

Celebrities & Arc Members Strut Their Stuff At 24th Annual Fashion ShowCelebrities & Arc Members Strut Their Stuff At 24th Annual Fashion Show

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Individuals with developmental disabilities and local celebrities worked their runway walk at an annual fundraising fashion show. The Arc Livingston’s 24th Celebrity Fashion Show was held at Crystal Gardens Banquet Center in Genoa Township Thursday night. The Arc is a nonprofit organization that advocates for people with disabilities to help them build independent and contributive lives. The money raised at the fashion show allows the Arc to provide services and support to those people and their families at no cost. At the event, Jeff and Sarah Thomas told their story of what the organization did to help their son Alex, who has a high-functioning form of autism. The Thomas’s wanted guests to know their donations that benefit the Arc, which in turn benefited their son, has made all the difference. The Thomas’s say before they found the organization, their children struggled to adjust, especially in school. They say now, Alex is doing better than ever. The Thomas's report Alex has become a gifted public speaker, Dean’s List ranker, and is in his second year of the commercial aviation program at Western Michigan University. Before the fashion show began, this year’s Arc Angel Award was presented to Sandy Bader, who was recognized for her many years of dedication to the organization. A performance from the Arc Bell Choir kicked off the evening’s main event, which featured 17 Arc members and 14 local celebrities. One of those celebrities was creator and host of “From Glory Days”, Kurt David, who has participated for the last several years. He walked with an Arc member that he has a personal connection to; his wife’s cousin. David says giving back is the most important thing and the event is the perfect opportunity to do so. Mona Shand of Brighton also walked the runway with her partner Eleanor Grace Malang (pictured). 10-year-old Madelyn Buckley is an Arc member that modeled in the show. She helped auction off a puppy with her celebrity partner Janina Jacobs, an entrepreneur and international golf and travel writer. Madelyn says helping in the puppy auction was her favorite part. She says she had a ton of fun and wants to model in the show again. The total amount raised at the event has yet to be tallied, but Arc executive director Anne Richardson noted the event had almost 400 guests, adding the community’s support is fantastically overwhelming. Richardson says the fashion show not only highlights the very people they support, but gives those people a chance to share their unique gifts with the community that supports them back. (DK)

Early Registration Ends Soon For Howell Fantasy 5K Early Registration Ends Soon For Howell Fantasy 5K

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Early registration for a popular holiday run in downtown Howell ends Monday. Organizers say it’s time to put on your favorite, festive running gear and work off Thanksgiving dinner at the Fantasy 5K on Friday, November 24th in downtown Howell. The race begins at 6pm and the certified course is down Grand River, prior to the Fantasy of Lights Parade that starts at 7pm. Pre-registration is $30 through 5pm Monday per runner. It increases to $35 after that. Proceeds from the Fantasy 5K benefit local charities and officials say last year, more than $8,000 was donated to local non-profit organizations. Those interested can register online through the link or in person at the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce office. All registered 5K participants will receive a Fantasy 5K long-sleeve t-shirt and a lighted, blinking Rudolph nose while supplies last. (JM)

New Services Coming For Veterans In Livingston CountyNew Services Coming For Veterans In Livingston County

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The new director for Livingston County Veterans’ Services has plans for greater outreach moving forward. Former Special Forces Communications Sergeant in the Army Adam Smiddy took over the role this past July. A 2004 Brighton High School graduate, Smiddy served active duty for several tours through 2013. He told WHMI he’s hoping to make his new office more involved than it ever has been before. Smiddy said his goal is to get out to the different places veterans are and not be as passive an office as it has been in prior years. He said they need to better get the word out that they exist and are there to help and serve those who served our country. Starting in January, Veterans’ Services is going to begin operating a mobile office. Starting in Brighton, they will spend designated time at the VFW with a counselor available for veterans who don’t want or can’t make it out to the Howell office. The roving office will move all around the county, also making stops in Fowlerville, Hartland, Hamburg, and Pinckney. Smiddy also wants to kick start mental health services in the area. Currently, most of those services are only available through the Ann Arbor VA office, and transportation and time commitment have become a burden for many. Another area that Smiddy sees as having room for improvement in is homelessness. Veterans Services is looking into answers that could help solve the problem of the lack of affordable housing in the county for vets. With much of their clientele being from the aging population, Smiddy said they are looking at ways of helping the younger generation of veterans. As a result, a new program to help with child care costs will be starting soon. Finally, he invited all veterans who may need help putting a meal on the table this Thanksgiving to come to the Howell office on Tuesday from 8am to 5pm. Those who do can receive a full turkey dinner courtesy of the Livingston Lamplighters. The Livingston County Veterans’ Services office is located at 2300 East Grand River, Suite 109, in Howell. (MK)

Adoption Day Ceremony Set Next Week In HowellAdoption Day Ceremony Set Next Week In Howell

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With the theme of “Giving Thanks for Families,” courts statewide will celebrate Adoption Month next week, including here in Livingston County. Probate Court Judge Miriam Cavanaugh along with Michigan Supreme Court Justice Brian Zahra will join Livingston County families as they celebrate the Thanksgiving season by welcoming new members to their families. Michigan’s 15th annual Adoption Day is set for next Tuesday, November 21st with events across the state. “Giving Thanks for Families” is a holiday tradition held on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving each year, highlighting the importance of adoption and the needs of children in foster care. In Livingston County, a ceremony will take place at 10am at the Judicial Center on South Highlander Way in Howell. Families will be celebrating, along with judges, court staff, and social workers as adoptions are finalized for several local children. Michigan Adoption Day is co-sponsored by the Michigan Supreme Court, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the Child Welfare Services division of the State Court Administrative Office, and Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange. (JK)

Plan Will Try & Reverse Math Trend At Country Elementary Plan Will Try & Reverse Math Trend At Country Elementary

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Pinckney Community Schools is working hard to towards helping struggling math students in one of their elementary schools. Country Elementary Principal Les Sharon went before the Board of Education Thursday night to discuss his School Improvement Plan. Much of the focus was on 3rd graders who weren’t advancing in math up to the same levels as others in the state over the course of each school year. Data suggested that 1st and 2nd graders were showing accelerated growth, but that trend was then reversing when students reached 3rd grade. Various reasons were discussed. One was teacher turnover. Where Farley Elementary has had the same teachers for 3 years, Country has 7 different educators teaching in 3 classrooms over that time. Sharon said as a result of this some of the teachers have had limited background in 3rd grade curriculum coming in. He also noted inadequate administrative support and oversight on his part, for example, saying he needed to better. Superintendent Rick Todd said he appreciated Sharon owning the problem, complimenting him and the other principals in the district for taking their performances personally. Todd said this slowing of learning in 3rd grade math was unique to Country Elementary, and that Farley Elementary was showing better than average numbers. Sharon then shared ideas they have begun implementing to help turn things around. He said they now teach math at the same time every day, and students are being taught the same material at the same time across classrooms. Todd said they have focused their curriculum and are working hard to make sure they implement it with fidelity and strong instructional integrity. (MK)

Tree Sponsorship Open For "Rec The Halls" In Howell Tree Sponsorship Open For "Rec The Halls" In Howell

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Families, businesses and community members are being encouraged to decorate trees that will be displayed in downtown Howell as part of an annual holiday event. The 4th Annual Rec the Halls event approaching next month at the Hive Youth Services Center on North Walnut Street. Attendees can decorate trees, make holiday crafts, ice skate if the weather permits, take pictures with Santa, play in a life size Toyland, write a letter to Santa or visit vendor booths for last minute gifts. Every family that provides a toy/donation for Toys for Tots will be entered to win a 3.5ft Lego Tree. Tree sponsorship is currently open and trees will be displayed in Downtown Howell for the entire month of December and at the Rec the Halls event. Those looking to decorate trees can purchase one online or by contacting the Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority at 517-546-0693. Rec the Halls is free and will run from 5-8pm December 9th. More information is available through the link, and in the events section of our website. (JM)

Handy Township Board Approves Installation Of 300 New Water MetersHandy Township Board Approves Installation Of 300 New Water Meters

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New and improved water meters will soon be making their way into some Handy Township communities. 265 homes at Red Cedar and another 46 at Silver Springs will be affected. Handy Township Supervisor Ed Alverson said the time is right to update the system. He said the current meters are aged and tired, and that if the system is not updated, there may come a point where they can no longer read them. He said they can still read the current meters by remote, but they are not as effective as they should be. A motion was passed at the meeting to loan the water fund the $90,000 from the general fund to cover the investment. Alverson said this shouldn’t affect the township’s cash flow over the next year, and he expects the water fund to begin paying back the general fund in installments next summer. Township Clerk Laura Eisele will oversee the project that she says will probably be done in phases. Alverson said the pros far outweigh the cons with the new meters. On the negative side is the cost and needing to go to each person’s home to replace the meters. The biggest positive is that residents with new meters will be able to go online at any time and monitor their water usage. (MK)

Woman Who Threw Tool At Car On "Her" Road Wants Judge Removed From CaseWoman Who Threw Tool At Car On "Her" Road Wants Judge Removed From Case

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A hearing has been adjourned for a Hamburg Township woman facing charges connected to an altercation over the use of Island Shore Drive. Trial for 65-year-old Mary Ann Lamkin was originally scheduled to begin Monday, however court records indicate that date has been removed as Lamkin’s representation is looking to have the presiding judge recused from the case. A motion to recuse Judge Michael P. Hatty was filed Friday. A motion hearing December 14th will decide whether he will remain as the presiding judge or not. The case against Lamkin is in regards to an altercation she had with a motorist in May who was driving on Island Shore Drive. Lamkin has been at odds with the township and her neighbors for years over the status of Island Shore Drive. Lamkin claims the road is her private property, despite being the only access for other residents and a local hardware store. An easement has been granted by a judge. Over the years, Lamkin and her husband have filed numerous personal protection orders against neighbors and their family members. She also served jail time for her actions in blocking the road. In the most recent incident, Lamkin is accused of arguing with the man who was driving on the road and then hitting his vehicle with a garden tool. When police arrived, Lamkin told them the man tried to run her over with his van. She was charged with malicious destruction of property and false report of a felony. The contentious issue of the road’s status has presented problems beyond Lamkin and her neighbors. Township Supervisor Pat Hohl previously told WHMI Island Shore Drive has been in contention for the past 30-plus years and during that time, township residents have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on increased insurance and litigation involving Lamkin. (DK)

Salvation Army Seeks Volunteer Bell Ringers Salvation Army Seeks Volunteer Bell Ringers

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As the holiday season kicks off, the Salvation Army of Livingston County is asking for community support in the form of volunteer bell ringers. The goal for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle season is $385,000, a slight increase over last year. Major Prezza Morrison told WHMI businesses and groups can register online to ring, even for whole day slots, along with individuals and families. Funds raised from the campaign are not just for Christmas but help with the work the local Corps does in the community. For those who might be financially struggling, the local Corps will also hire individuals to ring bells during the campaign. Locations are available throughout Howell, Fowlerville, Pinckney, Hamburg, Hartland and Brighton so community members don’t have to go too far out of their way to find a site to ring. Those interested in volunteering to ring a bell can visit the link below and select their preferred shift. (JM)

Lane Closures Planned On US-23 Monday & Tuesday Lane Closures Planned On US-23 Monday & Tuesday

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Although the US-23 Flex Route is in operation, lane closures are continuing early next week. The Michigan Department of Transportation says the lane closures on US-23 are needed for the placement of permanent pavement markings. On Monday, a single lane closure will be in effect on southbound US-23 from M-36 to 6 Mile Road between 10am and 5am the following morning. Then on Tuesday, a single lane closure is planned on northbound US-23 from Warren Road to M-36 between 4am and 3pm. After 3pm, the contractor will work in the Flex Lane, which is the inside shoulder, and two lanes will be maintained on northbound US-23. M-DOT asks that motorists please drive with caution in the work zone and watch for traffic slowdowns. (JM)

Local Nutcracker Performance Will Assist Local GroupsLocal Nutcracker Performance Will Assist Local Groups

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The performance of a holiday classic will also serve as a fundraising opportunity for several local organizations. The Academy of Russian Classical Ballet and Russian Artists International, led by lifelong Livingston County resident Jessica Morschakov and her husband, Nikolai Morschakov, will stage their 13th annual presentation of The Nutcracker ballet on Saturday, December 2nd at the Brighton Center for the Performing Arts. This holiday classic features students from the United States and Canada ranging in age from 4-19. The cast will also include special professional guest artists from Moscow, Russia, and the Oakland Homeschool Choir. In keeping with its tradition of supporting local charities, a portion of this year’s ticket sales will benefit the Charyl Stockwell Academy in Brighton. Additionally, the Academy of Russian Classical Ballet is sponsoring a collection for Foster Closet of Michigan, which provides free new clothing and toys for infants, toddlers, children and teens in foster care. A donation center for Foster Closet of Michigan will be available at the Brighton Center for the Performing Arts the night of the performance. Tickets are available online through the Brighton Center for the Performing Arts. You’ll find the link below. (JK)

Brighton Area Schools Wins Top Design AwardBrighton Area Schools Wins Top Design Award

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The Brighton Area School District has won the Governor’s Award from the Michigan Design Council for the top team effort in the Michigan Design Prize competition. This is the first year that the event has included the Governor’s Award. Brighton Area Schools’ team members, along with district officials, were presented the trophy in late October at the University of Michigan Art Museum in Ann Arbor. The trophy is actually a sculpture, with the Michigan Design Council commissioning a Michigan sculptor to design and sculpt it. The name of the sculpture is “Aspiration”. In addition to receiving the top team award, four Brighton students scored several individual grand prize winners — all of them elementary school students. They include Cecelia Pruski and Eliot Buchhop, both 4th graders at Hawkins, Isabelle Gronow, a 3rd grader at Hornung, and Smith Christie, a kindergartner at Spencer. For their efforts, the winning students got a special day with an industrial designer, plus a medal and recognition at the awards ceremony. The Michigan Design Council is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose purpose is to promote industrial design in schools across the state at all grade levels, from kindergarten to college. Hundreds of children from across the state participated in this year’s competition. (TT)

Brighton Police Dept. Gets Delivery of New SUVsBrighton Police Dept. Gets Delivery of New SUVs

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The Brighton Police Dept. has received delivery of two new police cars – both of them Ford Explorers. They will be replacement vehicles for Chevrolet Tahoes. Police Chief Rob Bradford tells WHMI that since the SUVs are slightly smaller and lighter than the truck-based Tahoes, they will get better gas mileage and have better braking and other advantages. Since they are replacement vehicles, the police dept. will continue to have 7 patrol cars. Purchase of the new SUVs will come out of the police department’s budget. Bradford says both vehicles will have carbon monoxide detectors in them, but stresses that the police dept. has other Explorers and they’ve had no problems with them. Some police departments around the country have reported problems with the specially equipped Explorers, which have after-market modifications that allow them to be used as police vehicles. As a result, Ford dispatched five teams of investigators around the country to help police departments which have reported exhaust fumes inside their SUVs. Ford blames improperly installed or sealed modifications such as added emergency lights for the rash of carbon monoxide complaints associated with police SUVs. (TT)

Brighton to Embark on 2-3-Year Project to Install Sewer LiningBrighton to Embark on 2-3-Year Project to Install Sewer Lining

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At its meeting Thursday night the Brighton City Council awarded the low bid for installation of 650 feet of sanitary sewer lining on Rickett Road. The low bid out of three bids for “cured in place” pipe, totaling $24,000, was submitted by Insituform Technologies of Howell. The work will involve installing the 650 feet of sewer liner in the part of the city where the sewer pipe is weakest, as revealed by video cameras. Originally, the city planned to have a much more ambitious project that would address all areas of the city where there are sewer lines that could rupture. City Manager Nate Geinzer told council that it would be better to do the most critical area now and address the other parts of the city where sewer liner might be needed as a 2-3 year project starting in 2018. The funds used to do the project will come out of the city’s utilities budget. (TT)

Online Registration Open For 10th Annual Runway RepurposedOnline Registration Open For 10th Annual Runway Repurposed

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The 10th Annual Runway Repurposed fashion show is seeking out prospective designers. Runway Repurposed is a fundraiser for the Howell Opera House that combines the art of fashion design with the use of recycled clothing and materials. Residents of all ages with a talent for fashion design are encouraged to take used clothing items and turn them into new designs, which are then displayed and sold at the fashion show and silent auction. Designers are encouraged to register online early to reserve a spot. Those who don’t register online can do so in person at the clothing and fabric selection set for Saturday, January 13th and Monday, January 15th at Oak Pointe Country Club. That’s when contestants will select pieces of clothing they wish to use to create a new, original garment for the competition, which will be held on Sunday, February 25th at Oak Pointe. There are six competition categories this year: Young Beginner; Student; College Design Student; Adult; Avant Garde and Advanced. The College Design category is new for 2018, while the Advanced Designer category has a $500 cash prize. All competition winners will receive a trophy and prize.. Further details are available through the link below. (JK)

Downtown Howell Storefront Decorating Contest Returns Downtown Howell Storefront Decorating Contest Returns

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Businesses located within the Howell Downtown Development Authority District are again decorating their storefronts to further beautify downtown and kick-off the holiday season. The theme this year is “winter fun”. The storefront decorating promotion is a public voting contest held in conjunction with Howell’s annual Fantasy of Lights parade. Howell Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Cathleen Edgerly tells WHMI local businesses continue to step up their game with how visually attractive and inviting their storefronts are for the season, adding they love that so many businesses take part in the contest and visitors get to see storefronts decorated nice and bright. Two businesses will win the friendly competition by collecting the most votes for people’s choice or by being selected as the best storefront by Howell Mayor Nick Proctor to win the mayor’s choice award. Public voting is from today through Monday, November 27th at 5pm and can be done online through the link. Only one vote per person is permitted. FB photo. (JM)

US-23 Flex Route To Be Discussed At Community Lunch SeriesUS-23 Flex Route To Be Discussed At Community Lunch Series

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Local leaders, planners, and community members will discuss the US-23 Flex Route at an upcoming lunch meeting. The US-23 Flex Route, which was officially opened last Monday, will be the topic of the Livingston County Planning Department’s Brown Bag Lunch Series next week. The event will be held Wednesday, November 29th, from 12 to 1pm at the Livingston Educational Service Agency (LESA) in Howell. Kari Martin, Region Planner for the Michigan Department of Transportation, will be the meeting’s guest speaker. Event organizers say attendees can learn how to navigate the Flex Route as they adjust to the new transportation system. The US-23 Flex Route is Michigan’s first and is located between M-14 and M-36. Signs, cameras, and electronic message boards are used to guide motorists in using the median shoulder as a temporary third lane and of any traffic issues ahead. The Brown Bag Lunch Series is held quarterly and serves as a networking event for the community. Guests will need to bring their own lunch and are asked to RSVP by emailing KKline-Hudson@livgov.com or SBarb@livgov.com. (DK)

Protest Planned At Hearing For Teen Convicted Of Sexual AssaultProtest Planned At Hearing For Teen Convicted Of Sexual Assault

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A peaceful protest will be held next month by community members speaking out against a teen who admitted to sexual assault, while hoping to encourage any other victims to come forward. The event will be held prior to a status conference for a Brighton Township teen that was accused of sexually assaulting three girls over the past two and a half years. The Brighton High School junior, who is not being identified because he is a juvenile, was originally charged with 31 felonies. He entered into a plea deal into which he only admitted to six of the counts, including first degree criminal sexual conduct. His plea deal and 45-day sentence at the Monroe County Youth Center was met with shock by the victims and parents. Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt sought a review of the sentence, but it was reaffirmed by a juvenile court judge. Last week, parents of the victims urged the Brighton School Board of Education to expel their daughters’ rapist. Next month’s protest has a similar goal. Protest organizer Heather Green, who is related to one of the victims, says the offender should not be allowed to return to school. She alleges there are other victims who have yet to speak out and hopes the protest will encourage them to do so to help provide justice. The protest will be held Monday, December 4th, at 12pm outside the Judicial Center on South Highlander Way in Howell. Green reiterated the protest will be peaceful, with no intentions for it to “start a riot”. She does however feel the perpetrator needs to be held accountable and receive treatment. Green says she wants the victims to know their testimony in court “wasn’t all for nothing.” (DK)

Cleary University's Multi-Use Athletic Complex Up For ApprovalCleary University's Multi-Use Athletic Complex Up For Approval

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Plans for a multi-use athletic complex at Cleary University are nearing the finish line. The Genoa Township Planning Commission met recently to review site plans and an environmental impact assessment for the proposed recreation facility and athletic field component. The proposed facility would be centrally located on the site of Cleary University. It would accommodate baseball, softball, soccer and lacrosse in one facility with an artificial turf field, lighting, bleachers and dugouts. A storage building and concessions building would also be constructed and the parking lot would be expanded. The Commission ultimately recommended approval with conditions and the project will go before the Genoa Township Board when it meets tonight at 6:30pm at the township hall on Dorr Road. Assistant Township Manager/Community Development Director Kelly VanMarter tells WHMI it’s exciting as the township has been doing a lot of work with Cleary University and this project is a big deal for them. She says it was a good submittal that met all requirements and the commission recommended approval. Precautions were also taken when it comes to lighting. The athletic complex will require large light towers that will be tall and bright but being it is in a centralized location in a commercial area, officials don’t anticipate any significant off-campus impact. VanMarter says the commission did add a requirement that the lights must be turned off within one hour after an event ends, so there are some controls put in place to try and mitigate any potential issues with lighting. Among other conditions is that an easement be provided prior to the issuance of a land use permit, as the project encroaches slightly onto the M-HOG property line where the water tower is located. VanMarter says Cleary is proposing a groundbreaking on November 30th for the athletic fields and recently just broke ground on a second student housing building on site to meet demand. (JM)
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