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Former Sheriff Targeted For Allegedly Posting Hateful Facebook MemeFormer Sheriff Targeted For Allegedly Posting Hateful Facebook Meme

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A Livingston County commissioner came under fire during Monday’s meeting for a questionable social media post. Former Sheriff Bob Bezotte was targeted for an October Facebook post that showed a meme photo of two congresswomen - California Democrat Maxine Waters and Florida Democrat Frederica Wilson. The meme had a caption with obvious spelling errors and stated the “two despicable Democratic hags” need to be thrown out of office. The 74-year-old Wilson and President Donald Trump have been involved in a controversy related to the President's condolence call to the widow of one of the soldiers killed in an ambush in Niger, which Wilson maintains was insensitive. She is quoted as saying Trump is a “jerk” and a “liar” who “doesn’t know how to be a president.” The 79-year-old Waters has been leading a crusade to impeach Trump, referring to him as “a man with no good values, no good intentions and no good respect.” Various members of the Livingston County Democratic Party and others spoke during call to the public, saying the county runs on hatred with posts like that and it involves use of a public forum to be transparently racist. Chairwoman Judy Daubenmier expressed extreme disappointment and disgust with Bezotte, who she says felt no shame in sharing the meme. Daubenmier said a picture is worth 1,000 words and in this case, all 1,000 are racist, sexist and ageist plus politically intolerant – all in one meme. Her statement is posted below. Bezotte bluntly denied posting the meme and interrupted Daubenmier while speaking to call her a “liar”, saying he doesn’t know who posted it. Kimberly Bates of Brighton Township told Bezotte he represents the county and being a gay woman, those types of posts send a very unwelcoming message. She suggested if Bezotte doesn’t understand how Facebook works, then maybe it’s not the venue he wants to be in. Bezotte maintains he does not know who posted the meme, but it may have been an instance of unauthorized access. He repeatedly denied the accusations during the meeting and spoke with WHMI afterward. Bezotte says he is outraged at being called a racist and was both shocked and appalled at the accusations being made - saying nothing could be further from the truth. He felt the attack was kind of ironic and suspects it might be politically motivated – noting it’s coming up on another election next year and his opponent in the previous election is already running so he’s not surprised. That opponent would be Steve Williams, who was present at the meeting to give an update to the commission as he serves on the Huron Clinton Metroparks Authority Board of Directors. An investigation will be conducted and Bezotte says he will be in contact with the county’s Information Technology department to try and get to the bottom of the situation. (JM)

Protest Supports Assault Victims Prior To Hearing For Teen RapistProtest Supports Assault Victims Prior To Hearing For Teen Rapist

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Girls that were sexually assaulted by a Brighton Township teen attended his hearing yesterday with over 100 people at their side to support them. As the victims made their way into the Judicial Center in Howell, they were surrounded by community members holding signs to express solidarity. The group created a path for the girls and their families to walk through, leading them into the building in a show of figurative and literal support. Monday’s gathering was organized as a peaceful protest by relatives who say the victims have not received justice. The teen at the center of the case was originally charged with 31 felonies, but only pleaded to six and was given a 45-day sentence in the Monroe County Youth Center. Protester Jennifer Mersch says the light punishment will only continue a cycle of bad behavior. The mom says she's raising a seven-year-old son and she wants to teach him how to make good choices, that bad behavior has consequences, and no means no. Mersch says the “slap on the wrist” the teen has received as punishment sends the message that rape is okay, but that it only becomes okay when the community accepts it as such. She says the protest is her and others’ way of saying it’s not. Rachele Evers attended the protest with her 17-year-old daughter Thea and spoke of her own family's experience. Evers says one of her family members was raped by a relative and that the perpetrator received a plea deal and easy sentence. Both women say in addition to protesting what they believe is a lack of severity in treating similar cases, they gathered to support the victims. The group gathered just before a hearing in Livingston County Juvenile Court regarding the offender's release. Though he has served his full sentence, Referee Chelsea Thomason ruled the teen will not be released from the facility because he has not received a psychological evaluation yet, nor has a safety plan been created. The evaluation is tentatively scheduled for this Wednesday. A January 30th hearing will determine restitution fees, however future court dates regarding the teen's release have not been set at this time. Several family members expressed disappointment over the outcome of the hearing. 33-year-old Ashley, mother of one of the victims, feels the situation remains “open-ended”. 53-year-old Jackie, also a mother of a victim, says in terms of progress, there has been “none whatsoever”. The teen’s attorney, Edwin Literski, has declined to comment. (DK)

Public Interest Research Group Releases "Trouble in Toyland" ReportPublic Interest Research Group Releases "Trouble in Toyland" Report

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Now that the holiday shopping season is in full swing, anyone buying presents for kids is urged to do some homework before purchasing toys, particularly those with technology components. The U.S. Public Interest Research Group has released its "Trouble in Toyland" report. The list of toy-safety hazards includes some of the usual concerns over small parts and lead content, but today's high-tech toys raise new issues. The doll "My Friend Cayla" is on the list; it has Bluetooth capability that PIRG's Kristen Carver says is cause for concern. "Your child can ask it questions, and it talks back to you. It has an unsecured Bluetooth connection. Anybody could really access it and could potentially listen in on things that are going on in your home." The FBI recently issued a warning against toys that include unsecured technology, and the doll is banned in Germany. The company has insisted in public statements the doll is safe. PIRG also found high levels of lead in some fidget spinners sold at Target, although the retailer says it has since removed them from its shelves. Carver cites problems with toys found in dollar stores that had conflicting information on their packaging. "They had misleading labels. So, they had labels that said they're 'not for children under 8,' however they also had a '3-plus' label." She adds magnets and button batteries present extra concerns as choking hazards since they can cause severe damage to a child's digestive system and take extra time to be discovered in their bodies. To make sure smaller toys don't present a choking hazard to young children, Carver recommends using a toilet paper roll. Any toy or part that fits inside the roll could get lodged in a child's throat. The Public News Service contributed to this report. (JK)

Shepherd Of The Lakes Hopes To Join MHOGShepherd Of The Lakes Hopes To Join MHOG

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Monday night, Brighton Township’s Board of Trustees discussed the possibility of Shepherd of the Lakes obtaining their facility water from MHOG. Brighton’s popular Lutheran Church and School, Shepherd of the Lakes, is currently in the process of adding nearly 25,000 square feet to their facility. The additional space will be used for the addition of another classroom and activity room. Shepherd of the Lakes is now looking to have their water source come from MHOG by the end of their construction project which is slated to be finished approximately in May of 2018. MHOG provides municipal water to the townships of Marion, Howell, Oceola, and Genoa. Township Manager Brian Vick said that the discussion held during Monday’s meeting was to see how the board felt about the matter. Following Monday’s meeting, the next step is for the board to discuss the matter further with MHOG and the church. Should an agreement come to fruition, the church would be responsible for paying all of the fees associated with gaining MHOG’s services (DF)

Genesee County Commissioner Enters PleaGenesee County Commissioner Enters Plea

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A Genesee County Commissioner from Fenton has entered a plea to resolve misdemeanor charges against him. District 6 Commissioner Drew Shapiro had been charged with reckless operation of a vehicle and two counts of indecent language after police say he shouted ethnic slurs from his pontoon boat May 27th while on Silver Lake. He allegedly directed the remarks at an individual on shore who was dating his ex-fiancée. In court Monday, he entered a guilty plea to a single count of indecent language. In exchange, the other counts were dropped. His sentence was also delayed for 11 months, which will allow him to have the case dismissed if he successfully completes probation. Shapiro said while he regretted the events that took place, he denied that what he said were ethnic slurs. (JK)

Lansing Man Killed In Fatal Crash On I-96 Identified Lansing Man Killed In Fatal Crash On I-96 Identified

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Authorities have identified a man killed in a crash in Howell Township. The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office says 43-year-old Damien Lemarr Waller of Lansing was killed in last Thursday’s crash that happened before midnight on westbound I-96, west of Highland Road. Preliminary investigation indicated a 2011 Infiniti G37 and a 2015 Motor coach were traveling westbound on I-96 when the vehicles collided, sideswiping each other. Waller was driving the Infiniti, left the roadway and struck several trees in the median. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Livingston County EMS. The Motor coach driver, a 48-year-old Dearborn Heights resident, and the eight passengers in the coach were not injured and refused medical treatment. Both lanes of westbound I-96 remained closed for approximately five hours during the investigation. It is unknown if alcohol and/or drugs were involved but the Sheriff’s Office said speed was believed to be a factor in the accident. (JM)

Salvation Army Seeks Volunteer Bell Ringers This Saturday Salvation Army Seeks Volunteer Bell Ringers This Saturday

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Community volunteers are needed this weekend to help man red kettles throughout Livingston County and achieve something never done before. The traditional sound of bells ringing out from red kettles is as much a part of the holiday season as snow on Christmas, midnight church services and presents under the tree. The red kettle season is one of the Salvation Army’s largest fundraising events, which brings in almost a third of the Livingston County Corps’ annual budget. Money raised during the campaign helps the Army serve thousands in need each year in Livingston County through a wide array of programs including mentoring and education for kids, shelter for the homeless, energy assistance for the elderly and food for the hungry. However as many know, it takes an army to make that happen. Each year, the Army asks busy do-gooders to volunteer their time at the red kettle. The local Corps has never had 100% volunteers for any particular day, and fills gaps with paid bell ringers. This year, the local Corps wants to change that and is challenging the community to help this Saturday. Officials say there are roughly 105 hours remaining this Saturday, which equates to 53 volunteers. Volunteers can register for shifts online through midnight on Thursday through the link provided and select Saturday, December 9th. They can also sign up by calling or call the Corps at 517-546-4750 ext. 347. (JM)

Holiday Hope For Kids To Bring Festive Party To Special Needs ChildrenHoliday Hope For Kids To Bring Festive Party To Special Needs Children

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Students from Huron Valley Schools are holding a special holiday party for disabled children around the area. Holiday Hope for Kids is an annual event held by Lakeland High School leadership children each year. Its mission is to bring holiday cheer to special needs kids. For the party, LHS students decorate the gym in festive decorations and bring gifts for the young children who attend. Attendees will be treated to performances from the Lakeland band and choir, as well as get to spend the day coloring, playing games, and experience a special appearance from Santa Claus. More than 100 Lakeland High School students took part and raised around $4,000 in a bowling fundraiser to help pay for the event last month. In addition to paying for the party, the money will also be used to support many different student disability programs, students and families from across Oakland County, and several schools within the Huron Valley Schools district. The Holiday Hope for Kids event begins at 9:30am Thursday and runs until 1pm in the Lakeland High School Auxiliary Gym. (MK)

MSP Say Suspects Arrested In Snow Plow Thefts MSP Say Suspects Arrested In Snow Plow Thefts

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Two suspects have been arraigned in connection with the theft of snow plows from a business in Hartland Township. Troopers from the Michigan State Police Brighton Post say 26-year-old Joshua Couden of Wixom and 28-year-old Albert Cook III of Webberville were taken into custody last weekend in relation to the November 20th theft of eight snow plows from Beauchamp Landscaping off of Old US-23. Couden was arraigned on two felony charges, including larceny ($20,000 or more) and receiving and concealing stolen property ($20,000 or more). He is being held on $50,000 cash or surety bond. Cook was arraigned on two felony charges of receiving and concealing a stolen motor vehicle. He was given a $50,000 PR bond. Beauchamp's General Manager of Operations Ken Marone told WHMI they appreciate the community involvement in helping locate the plows within 35 miles of the facility – which he says was the result of tips, camera systems and good police work. Marone says they’re grateful authorities were able to track down the plows, saving the business a huge insurance claim. He noted Trooper Hammond really took the lead on the investigation and they’re grateful everyone put so much time and effort in. He added through multiple robberies in the past, they’ve been unsuccessful in recovering some equipment so it was really nice to have things work out this time around, get everything back and get some people locked up. Marone added upgraded security systems have really paid dividends when it comes to helping monitor their buildings and people won't get away with just taking things anymore. Police say several anonymous tips were received in regard to possible sighting of a light blue or green truck pulling a trailer full of plows being sighted the morning of the theft. Employees at Beauchamp’s also located several social media ads displaying identical plows for sale and Craigslist ads were found on the internet displaying the plows for sale using the same photo. Police say suspects were developed and LAWNET detectives assisted with surveillance. A search warrant was obtained and executed at an address in Webberville and the eight stolen plows were recovered along with additional stolen property including several vehicles, construction equipment, trailers, and other miscellaneous items totaling over $250,000. (JM/JK)

Burn Ban Issued For All of Livingston CountyBurn Ban Issued For All of Livingston County

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A burn ban has been issued on all open air fires in Livingston County. Authorities say the recent weather increases the risk of fires becoming out of control. With dry conditions and high winds, fires can catch and spread more quickly. The ban, issued by all fire departments across the county, applies to all open fires in Livingston County. It is effective immediately and will remain in place until further notice.

Former Sheriff Accepts Responsibility For Posting Controversial Facebook Meme Former Sheriff Accepts Responsibility For Posting Controversial Facebook Meme

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The former sheriff of Livingston County is claiming responsibility for a Facebook post local Democrats and others were offended by, calling it racist and sexist. Bob Bezotte now serves as a county commissioner and was criticized during Monday night’s meeting for an October Facebook post that showed a meme of Democratic Congresswomen Maxine Waters and Frederica Wilson, both African-Americans. It stated the “two despicable Democratic hags” need to be thrown out of office. Various members of the Livingston County Democratic Party including chairwoman Judy Daubenmier, spoke during call to the public, calling the meme sexist, ageist and hateful. Her statement to the board is posted below. Bezotte initially denied the post, calling Daubenmier a liar and alleging his account had been hacked. But he now says that after talking with his sister, who is the family expert on Facebook, he realizes that he must have been the one who posted it. Bezotte says he was not really aware of how social media works and that his original denial was due to his shock at the accusations being hurled at him, making him think it was a setup. He says he now takes responsibility for the post but it was the personal attack that really offended him, and being called a racist and sexist – noting he has African American family members and a gay niece. Bezotte says he’s now much better educated on how Facebook operates and says he’ll be more careful about future posts, adding his are usually related to the military or supporting police officers and he does support President Trump. Bezotte said while he’ll take responsibility for the post, he will not apologize because he feels the negative, derogatory things Wilson and Waters have put on Facebook related to law enforcement have been lies, adding both sides of the political aisle have a responsibility to be careful about what they say. He says he listens to what Democrats have to say and understand where they’re coming from but it’s too bad everything stems around politics and has to be along party lines, saying you can’t have a discussion anymore without being racist or laugh without somebody getting offended or getting criticized because you have a different point of view. Bezotte added he was embarrassed for the Board of Commissioners because all of the members are good people and had to sit there and listen to everything because of his Facebook post and for that, Bezotte says he does apologize to his fellow board members. He added there will also not be any wasting of taxpayer dollars on an IT Department investigation. Local Democrats, however, say the issue is not over. Some have called on Bezotte to resign, while others say he owes Daubenmier an apology for calling her a liar. It’s expected that a group may attend the next county commission meeting to again air their grievances. (JM/JK)

Registration Open For Runway RepurposedRegistration Open For Runway Repurposed

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Local designers are being sought for the 10th annual Runway Repurposed fashion show. 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. Further details are available through the link. (JM)

Pinckney Boy Scout Troop Receives 2017 Peace LightPinckney Boy Scout Troop Receives 2017 Peace Light

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A local Boy Scout troop participated in a special ceremony and is sharing the Light of Peace with any who are interested. Every November a child from Austria fetches the light from a grotto in Bethlehem where it is believed Jesus was born. The light is captured in a pair of blast proof miner lamps and then begins a journey where it is distributed to others across Europe, eventually making its way to New York. From there it spreads across the United States, and this year, Pinckney Boy Scout Troup 312 received the light in a ceremony held in Ann Arbor. That ceremony was held last week. Scout Master Chuck Thibodeau said it took a moment for the gravity of what they were participating in to sink in to some of the Scouts, but once they saw the pictures of the lantern’s travels, heard the stories, and saw the light themselves, everything began to make deeper sense. Thibodeau said the pastor at his church, Arise United Methodist, in Pinckney, was so excited to learn of the light being so close that they are lighting their advent candles from it and will share it with members of the congregation on Christmas Eve. Troup 312 is more than happy to share the Peace Light and pass it off to any others who are interested. Thibodeau said he is willing and prepared to drive the east-west I-94, I-96 corridor to deliver it. You can email him at cthib@live.com to arrange a date, time, and location to receive the light. (MK)

Appeal In Lawsuit Over Dead Cows To Be Heard Next MonthAppeal In Lawsuit Over Dead Cows To Be Heard Next Month

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A woman who says gas emissions from a company’s Livingston County facility killed her cattle will have her appeal heard next month. Peggy Zlatkin owned a farm located on Cherry Blossom Road in Milford, where she kept a herd of Hereford cattle. Zlatkin filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court last year alleging that on the evening of November 17th, 2013, the Merit Energy facility on Lone Tree Road in Hartland Township emitted a large quantity of hydrogen sulfide into the air. The lawsuit alleges that the hydrogen sulfide was then transported by natural winds to her farm, killing two cows immediately and forcing her to euthanize three others. Zlatkin voluntarily dismissed the federal lawsuit in October, and then filed it in Livingston County Circuit Court, where it was thrown out by Judge Michael Hatty. Zlatkin appealed that decision to the Michigan Court of Appeals in May, which finally set a January 10th date for oral arguments in the case. Zlatkin is seeking damages totaling $197,500 for the death of her five cows, having to move her herd to a farm in Montcalm County and veterinary expenses. The Merit Energy facility was also at the center of an investigation into potential groundwater pollution. As the plant was being decommissioned in the fall of 2015, it was discovered that the chemical sulfolane was present in nearby soil and groundwater. The company was required to clean the site up by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. Hartland Township officials say the impact to groundwater appears localized to the site and there is no evidence that residential groundwater was impacted. (JK)

Tyrone Twp. Won't Renew Contract For Economic Development ServicesTyrone Twp. Won't Renew Contract For Economic Development Services

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Tyrone Township will not be renewing its contract with an agency focused on economic development. For the last six years, the municipality has contracted the Economic Development Council of Livingston County (EDC) to provide services for business retention and expansion by way of Ann Arbor SPARK. The county and several municipalities recently renewed their contracts with the EDC, but Tyrone Township will not be. The Board of Trustees discussed the issue at their meeting Tuesday, reviewing the proposed agreement from the EDC that seeks $9,135 for services to be provided in the next calendar year. Not a single board member was in favor of renewing the contract, as many shared the feeling that they’re not entirely sure where the money previously invested has gone. Supervisor Mike Cunningham says the township has invested over $50,000 in the last six years, but doesn’t have a measurable of what they’ve received. Cunningham felt renewing was not feasible or in the best interest of residents’ tax dollars. EDC Chair Rich Perlberg attended Tuesday’s meeting and says when a proposal is not accepted, it was either not explained well enough or it was and the recipients simply didn’t buy the argument. He feels it’s a case of the latter and says though disappointed, he respects how the township handled the discussion. Livingston County Commissioner Dave Domas also attended the township’s meeting. When the county voted to approve a one-year contract with the EDC, Domas voiced concerns over what he says is a lack of transparency, sharing feelings similar to that of the Tyrone Township Board of Trustees. Domas previously said it’s not been made clear what business partners the EDC and SPARK work with, or where the money goes. (DK)

Hartland Township Parks Projects Coming In Under BudgetHartland Township Parks Projects Coming In Under Budget

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The Hartland Township Board of Trustees reviewed the progress and financials of their long-designed parks project. The numbers are coming in as work on both Heritage Park and Settler’s Park are nearing the end of their improvement projects. Township Manager James Wickman said they are coming in under budget. The project is on pace to come in at just over $1.56-million, which is $100,000 less than the board allocated for it. New picnic pavilions and restroom facilities have already been constructed, along with improvements to the parking area at Heritage Park. The playground equipment is about all that remains to be completed at the two parks. Heritage Park is getting more of a tot lot, while Settler’s is being designed as more of a destination with larger equipment for kids to play on. The two playscapes will cost the township just over $220,000 and are scheduled to be installed as soon as spring weather allows. Public Works Director Bob West addressed the board, stating that a much larger sum was anticipated there. The township also saved approximately $180,000 on construction costs, which more than helped offset higher-than-expected engineering fees. A ribbon cutting for Heritage Park will take place during Winterfest towards the end of January. Once the playground is in, the board will do the same for Settler’s. (MK)

Termination Of Local Addiction Treatment Contract Met With Anger, ConcernTermination Of Local Addiction Treatment Contract Met With Anger, Concern

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The cancellation of a contract will impact some patients in a local recovery and treatment program, creating barriers to those who are considered most vulnerable. The Brighton Center serves as the only Medication Assisted Treatment program in Livingston County, through which suboxone and methadone therapies are offered. Approximately 22 patients use Medicaid benefits to pay for services, which requires approval from Livingston County Community Mental Health. As of December 31st, CMH will no longer be contracting with The Brighton Center, meaning those individuals will have to find care elsewhere. Program Director Karen Scott says no reason has been given as to why. She says discontinuing a contract for local treatment options is creating additional barriers for people who are suffering with a chronic condition and seeking help to stabilize their lives –stressing they need local access to care, treatment and medication services. Scott says the loss of revenue will affect the agency, but they will continue to operate and provide a much needed service to Livingston County residents on a smaller scale. She says the bigger picture is the consumers who depend on the use of their Medicaid benefits are losing local treatment One person directly impacted is John Seitz of Fowlerville. He fell off of a roof, broke his back, ended up on painkillers and became addicted to opiates. He’s been in the program since April, which he says has changed lives. It’s tough with strict requirements but it has made all the difference for Seitz, who says he finally got his life together. He’s gained some weight and is healthy now but eight months ago, Seitz says he didn’t care about anything and just wanted to die. He says you do whatever you have to do to not be sick, describing withdrawal like having the flu times one-thousand. He says you feel it in every bone in your body and want to die, because dying would be easier than the pain when going through withdrawal. Seitz says he his life has been great now that he’s realized what’s important and drugs aren’t the only thing running his life on a daily basis, adding his son finally trusts him again with his grandson, who he describes as his whole world right now. He’s unsure about where things are headed though, saying the trip to Brighton is tough enough to make but he’ll be forced to travel to Ann Arbor for treatment once the contract is done. It’s 50 miles one-way to the closest clinic, compared to the Brighton Center, which is 18 miles from his home. Seitz told WHMI it’s not just taking away the medicine but a way of life for many, noting the improvements he and others have made through the program, counseling and group therapy. Seitz says it all makes no sense and no reasons are being given, adding the lives of 36 people are up in the air and Livingston County only cares about its image, speculating the clinic and program create a “black eye” for the county. Connie Conklin is the executive director at Livingston County Community Mental Health and declined to comment on the reason why the contract with The Brighton Center is being terminated. She noted that there are other providers in the surrounding area and they will work with consumers to get their recovery needs met. She stressed they will also work with them to address any barriers that may exist to receiving treatment. When asked about the perceived black-eye on the county, Conklin responded that Medication Assisted Treatment can be a very important service to individuals in recovery and one they are committed to providing to those that need it. The letter from CMH and a statement from Scott is attached. Photo: The Brighton Center. (JM)

Overnight Closures Planned Next Week On US-23Overnight Closures Planned Next Week On US-23

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Motorists can expect a new detour along US-23 and overnight closures next week. The Michigan Department of Transportation advises that there will be a full overnight closure along US-23 so crews can set the bridge beam at Joy Road that was previously damaged. Starting at 10pm on Tuesday, southbound US-23 between North Territorial Road and M-14 will be closed until 4am the following morning. M-DOT says a detour will be posted when the freeway is closed directing motorists westbound on North Territorial, southbound on Whitmore Lake Road, eastbound on Barton Drive to eastbound M-14, and then back to US-23. In addition, Joy Road over US-23 also will be closed during the same time frame, 10pm Tuesday to 4am Wednesday, with a detour posted. After the beam has been set, M-DOT advises there will be a shoulder closure on southbound US-23 daily until December 15th. Finally, Joy Road will continue to have one lane open with a temporary signal for approximately one month until construction is complete on the bridge. (JM)

Pet Rescue Says False Accusations Led To Animals Being Seized Pet Rescue Says False Accusations Led To Animals Being Seized

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All animals have been seized from a Livingston County-based animal rescue organization. Livingston County Animal Control officers were at Last Chance Rescue in Howell Township on Monday, and then returned Wednesday to seize all of the animals from the shelter. Last Chance Rescue operates out of a house and kennel on property owned by Sharon Kizer, founder and president of the group. According to an email from the organization, two disgruntled former volunteers have made repeated complaints to Animal Control that prompted the animal’s seizure. They say one had repeated “altercations” with fellow volunteers and was asked to leave and another is accused of misappropriating funds. Last Chance Rescue claims the pair orchestrated a campaign of falsified complaints. They further stated that they are sanctioned by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and “have never been in violation on any inspection” with them. However, Department of Ag officials confirm that they are investigating Last Chance Rescue, but the results of that inquiry won’t be known until next week at the earliest. In addition, Livingston County Animal Control officers have responded to complaints at the shelter in the past, that have included unsanitary facility conditions, dogs constantly being loose, sick animals being adopted out and the shelter being over the allotted number of dogs allowed under their kennel license. Despite that, the organization insists their kennel was not in violation, nor had any tickets issued by either Animal Control or the Michigan Department of Agriculture, both of which they say did inspections in the last month. They also say they are concerned about the fate of the animals that were seized, especially those that can’t be rehabilitated due to severe neglect or old age, which they fear means they will be the first to be euthanized by Animal Control. Details are still being by WHMI from Livingston County Animal Control as to the reason for seizing the animals. (JM/JK)

Pop Up Park Would Bring Mobile Greenspace To Downtown HowellPop Up Park Would Bring Mobile Greenspace To Downtown Howell

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A crowd sourcing campaign to help bring a transportable park with a focus on youth activities to Howell has begun. The National Main Street Center has offered a $3,400 matching grant to Howell Main Street to be used towards bringing a Pop Up Park downtown. Earlier this fall, Howell Main Street along with staff members from the Downtown Development Authority attended and presented at the International Placemaking Conference in Amsterdam. Meeting with urban developers from around the world, they shared ideas and were inspired by a variety of projects. Howell Main Street Chief Operating Officer Cathleen Edgerly said that one of the ideas they heard struck a chord and lined up with a community desire for more green space and youth-based activities. That idea is the Pop Up Park. Edgerly said the 25 foot by 25 foot mobile park would be the first of its kind in the United States. It would offer outdoor seating, games, and activities for kids of all age groups. She said they envision tying it in to existing events like Rock the Block and the Food Truck Rally to begin with. Howell Main Street has until December 29th to raise the $3,400 to receive the matching funds. You can learn more about the project and make a donation at https://www.ioby.org/project/pop-parks. A check can also be mailed to Ioby at: Ioby PO Box 4668 #74253 New York, NY 10163-4668 (Photo: ioby.org)(MK)
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