New safety features are being debuted on state snowplows this winter.
The Michigan Department of Transportation is gearing up for the snow and ice season and installing new flashing green lights on plow trucks to better alert motorists of their presence when crews are out working. The idea is to help make the trucks more visible to motorists and improve the safety of crews clearing roads and freeways.
MDOT spokeswoman Kari Arend tells WHMI itâs a safety improvement on fleet trucks and motorists will start seeing them on not only state plow trucks but county vehicles in some areas as winter kicks off. Arend says green and yellow lights are deemed some of the most visible to the human eye. She says the flashing green lights make plow trucks really stand out, especially in adverse weather conditions such as blowing snow, and they want motorists to see those and pay attention as they travel through the winter months.
As the season settles in, she reminds motorists to be ready for winter, drive for conditions, slow down, and donât crowd the plow so operators can do their job and make the roads safer for everyone. MDOT Photo. (JM)
Flashing Green Lights Being Installed On MDOT Snow PlowsFlashing Green Lights Being Installed On MDOT Snow Plows
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Charges Filed In Death Of Hartland ManCharges Filed In Death Of Hartland Man
Charges have been filed against a Fowlerville woman in connection with a Howell Township crash last September that killed a Hartland man.
53-year-old Sarah Jane Fluegel is set to be arraigned December 14th in 53rd District Court on charges of operating while intoxicated causing death and reckless driving causing death. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Office says 72-year-old Alan Zielinski was killed September 5th when his 2001 Jeep Cherokee was hit by Flugelâs 2016 Mazda 6 on Grand River Avenue east of Burkhart Road. The crash occurred where the roadway narrows down to one lane and authorities said at the time that road rage may have been at play. Zielinskiâs Jeep was forced off the road and overturned, hitting a telephone pole, a tree and a cement pillar. He was pronounced dead at the scene. While alcohol was not suspected as a factor at the time of the crash, toxicology reports on Fluegel eventually came back positive for narcotics.
Known as Papa Z to family and friends, Zielinski (pictured) is survived by his wife of 32 years, Marsha, two children and two grandchildren. (JK)
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South Lyon Council Holds Off On Deed Provision For Contaminated SiteSouth Lyon Council Holds Off On Deed Provision For Contaminated Site
South Lyon City Council members say they want more information before agreeing to begin the process of ending oversight of a piece of contaminated land.
The municipal parking lot at 128 S. Lafayette Street is owned by the city, but was contaminated over a five-year period in the late 80âs and early 90âs when an Amoco gas station stood on the property. It has since undergone extensive remediation paid for by BP North America, which merged with Amoco in 1998. BP is now seeking to add a restrictive covenant to the property deed, which would be the first step toward ending their oversight of the land, while also alerting future owners of the property about its history. BP says that while the site still has remnants of contamination, it is considered safe for non-residential use. The lot is also currently home to the South Lyon Farmerâs Market.
BPâs consultant says contamination levels have steadily been decreasing and any additional actions to accelerate that process are no longer feasible. It is offering to pay the city $15,000 to cover the costs of putting the covenant in place, including inspecting test wells the company wants to eventually close down. Several council members indicated they would like to see updated information in document form and tabled the issue until next month for further discussion. Picture courtesy of Google Street View. (JK)
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Brighton City Council Discusses Possible Headlee Override Next YearBrighton City Council Discusses Possible Headlee Override Next Year
Brighton City Council members spent the better part of their retreat at city hall this weekend discussing the revenue picture and the difficulty of gaining major new revenue sources, short of a Headlee override. An override would mean that, if passed, the Headlee Tax Limitation Amendment would be superseded and voters could be asked to approve âup to 20 millsâ - which is the limit under the City Charter.
At present, Brighton property owners pay 15.27 mills in city property taxes. However, the amount raised this year in city property taxes was about $500,000 less than it was in 2008, just before the recession hit. At that time, property values declined dramatically, and theyâve only recently begun to rebound.
City Manager Nate Geinzer says the problem with Headlee is that although property values can spiral downward fast, when the economy improves, property taxes can only rise by 5% a year, or even less, if the cost of living increase is lower.
Mayor Jim Muzzin tells WHMI council has looked thoroughly at every possible way to raise revenues to meet the demands of a full-service city, and it doesnât look as if there are any other alternatives than a Headlee override â if given voter approval.
If passed, a Headlee override would raise $1.85 million the first year. And even that wouldnât be quite enough to meet all of the cityâs needs. Muzzin says the city actually needs $2.5 million per year in order to get to where it needs to be. Geinzer says the cityâs excellent financial record is deceptive. He says the city has had to cut expenses to the bare bone to maintain a healthy fund balance and still be able to meet the publicâs expectation for services such as sewer, water, road maintenance, snow plowing and salting and leaf pickup.
Geinzer says the city is forced to keep putting off street maintenance and upgrades because the funds simply are not there. He adds that if no new revenue sources are found, Brightonâs fund balance will drop to zero in a few years.
Geinzer adds the city has received no help at the state level. According to the Michigan Municipal League, state revenue sharing to local municipalities has been cut by $6.2 billion over the past 12 years. However, unlike the state, Muzzin says the city has few ways to raise revenues. Discussion of a Headlee override, with possible action, will be taken up again at the first or second meeting in January.
(TT)
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Man Charged After Striking Public Safety Workers With Car, Leading Police On ChaseMan Charged After Striking Public Safety Workers With Car, Leading Police On Chase
A man found passed out in his vehicle is facing several charges after fleeing, injuring public safety officials and leading police on a chase.
25-year-old Brian Cremeans of Leslie has been arraigned in connection with the incident. It happened shortly after 2am Saturday when members from the Fowlerville Fire Department and Livingston County EMS were dispatched to the Mobil Gas Station on Fowlerville Road in Handy Township for a subject passed out in his vehicle.
Authorities say Cremeans was unresponsive in a 1999 Pontiac Grand Am and when he awoke, he put his vehicle in reverse and accelerated, striking a member of the Fowlerville Fire Department as well as a Livingston County EMS worker. Both sustained minor injuries. The vehicle also struck an ice cooler, a Fowlerville fire truck and a Livingston County EMS ambulance before Cremeans fled on Fowlerville Road into the Village, where Fowlerville Police located his vehicle and attempted to initiate a traffic stop but Cremeans continued to flee east on Grand River.
Deputies from the Livingston County Sheriffâs Office pursued the vehicle and stop sticks were successfully deployed by a deputy near Grand River and Burkhart Road, deflating the driverâs side front and rear tires. The Sheriffâs office says deputies were eventually able to get the vehicle stopped at Highland Road and Cremeans resisted verbal commands, prompting deployment of a taser to take him into custody. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
Livingston County Undersheriff Jeff Warder tells WHMI they do not feel any of those injuries were sustained during the incident, adding Cremeans made statements that he was possibly involved in an altercation prior to the Sheriffâs Office having contact with him. He remains lodged in the Livingston County Jail on a $50,000 bond and is facing multiple charges including operating while intoxicated, felonious assault with a motor vehicle, malicious destruction of property, fleeing and eluding and resisting/obstructing police.
Warder says theyâre very proud of the deputies and the way they responded, noting their actions made sure everyone was safe including the individual involved in the incident so theyâre happy with the resolution. (JM)
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Caution Tape Means Vehicle Checked For Emergencies Caution Tape Means Vehicle Checked For Emergencies
Livingston County residents are being advised of procedures in dealings with abandoned vehicles or others involved in spinouts during bad weather.
The Hartland-Deerfield Fire Authority issued an advisory for the public recently, saying all emergency agencies within Livingston County are using the same procedure. Officials say vehicles that have either been abandoned and/or involved in spinouts during harsh weather conditions will be marked with caution tape. The caution tape is tied from mirror to mirror over the windshield and a small section tied to the antenna, if the vehicle has one.
Marking vehicles in such a way is designed to let others know that the vehicle has been checked for any emergencies and that there is no need to respond back to it. If someone calls 911 to report a vehicle off the road, officials ask citizens keep in mind that a dispatcher may ask if any caution tape is on the vehicle. Facebook photo. (JM)
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Competency Exam Ordered For Man Charged In Domestic Violence Incident Competency Exam Ordered For Man Charged In Domestic Violence Incident
A Brighton Township man charged in a domestic violence incident will undergo a competency evaluation.
51-year-old Thomas Richard Webber will be referred to the state forensic center to be evaluated as to competency and criminal responsibility in connection to the November 15th incident. Webber is charged with 2nd degree child abuse, two counts of discharging a firearm at a building, four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and six counts of felony firearms in the domestic violence situation.
He allegedly choked his wife, and then discharged several rounds from a revolver in her vicinity and that of his teenage son. The revolver was legally registered, but not to Webber. Webber caused minor injuries to a 67-year-old relative living in the home by way of a meat cleaver, though police say none of the victims were seriously injured. Child Protective Services is investigating as Webberâs 4-year-old was present during the incident.
A follow-up hearing in the case is scheduled in March. (DK)
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Inert Grenade Found In Abandoned Trailer In Haas Lake RV ParkInert Grenade Found In Abandoned Trailer In Haas Lake RV Park
Authorities are investigating the discovery of a hand grenade in an abandoned trailer in Lyon Township.
Deputies with the Oakland County Sheriffâs Office Lyon Township Substation were dispatched to the Haas Lake RV Park on the report of a suspicious circumstance. An employee of the RV Park was cleaning out an abandoned trailer that had been left on the property by a customer, when she discovered what appeared to be a hand grenade inside the trailer. The employee picked up the device and moved it into an open field, then called 9-1-1.
Upon arrival, deputies were able to determine that the body of the grenade had been drilled out, but the device still had the fuse portion attached and the safety pin in place. The Michigan State Police Bomb Disposal Unit was contacted and a bomb technician from the unit responded to the scene to examine the device. The bomb technician determined that the device was inert but the fuse may still have had a charge.
MSP took possession of the device for disposal and detectives will be continuing to investigate. (DK)
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Health Officials Urge Hepatitis A Vaccination Amid Outbreak Health Officials Urge Hepatitis A Vaccination Amid Outbreak
Livingston County is one of multiple counties in Southeast Michigan considered to be part of a larger, ongoing outbreak of the Hepatitis A virus.
The extremely contagious liver disease is caused by the hepatitis A virus. Since August 2016, there have been 583 cases with a hospitalization rate of over 85% and 20 deaths linked to the virus across the region and Michigan leads the United States in cases per capita this year. Six cases and one death are attributed to Livingston County, and all but one required hospitalization. The virus appears to be spreading through direct person-to-person contact but has a lengthy incubation period and a wide range of potential sources so local health officials say itâs a pretty serious situation.
Livingston County has been selected to receive state funding to hire additional nurses and more support staff to conduct additional outreach and expanded vaccine clinics for a targeted population considered more high risk for contracting Hepatitis A. Director/Health Officer Diane McCormick was before the Livingston County Board of Commissioners General Government & Health and Human Services Subcommittee Monday night to provide an update on the situation, and a resolution was passed to accept the state funding. She tells WHMI they urge everyone get vaccinated, as well as those considered high risk, stressing the outbreak is nothing to take lightly.
Those considered high risk include the homeless or those in transient living, those with a substance abuse history, users of injectable or non-injectable drugs, those in close contact with someone who has the virus, individuals with multiple sex partners and men having sex with men. McCormick says the vaccine offers lifetime protection, is very effective and involves two doses but even one can prove to be very beneficial. It will be offered free to high risk individuals who are un-insured or under-insured through the local health department.
McCormick says theyâre looking at providing the vaccine to the Livingston County Jail to vaccinate inmates coming in and out, although no cases have been identified there to date. The Health Department will also be in contact with local restaurants and the food service industry, which she says is not at a higher risk of contracting the disease but itâs deemed a priority because of the potential to spread the virus to large numbers of people very rapidly. McCormick says theyâre also looking at expanding the availability of walk-in clinics and will also be going off site into the community at various locations and providing vaccinations.
For those with insurance, local pharmacies and healthcare providers typically stock the vaccine. It can also be purchased out of pocket through the health department.
More information and updates are available through the health department's website. That link is provided. A press release issued by mut9iple departments is also attached. (JM)
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National Guard Colonel From Milford Appointed To Michigan Community Service CommissionNational Guard Colonel From Milford Appointed To Michigan Community Service Commission
A Milford man is among the latest appointees to a state commission.
Governor Rick Snyder today announced the appointment of Scott Hiipakka of Milford to the Michigan Community Service Commission. Hiipakka is a colonel in the U.S. National Guard and is the program management director for the Executive Office of Governor Rick Snyder. He previously served as the senior strategic planner and advisor for the State of Michigan Flint Water Crisis. On the Commission, Hiipakka will represent experts in the delivery of human, educational, environmental, or public safety services to communities and persons.
Hiipakka holds a bachelorâs degree in advertising as a distinguished military graduate from Michigan State University, a graduate certificate of bioterrorism and a master of professional studies in homeland security from Penn State University, and a masterâs degree in strategic studies from the United State Army War College. He replaces Dayne Walling.
The 25-member commission is said to foster a culture of service by providing vision and resources to strengthen communities through volunteerism. It also develops a three-year comprehensive community and national service plan that is updated annually.
Hiipakka was one of three appointments announced, along with three re-appointments. Jessica Ives of Grass Lake and Kelsey Snyder of Ann Arbor were appointed, while Beverly Grant of Grand Rapids, Christine Lanning of Battle Creek, and Judith Watson-Olson of Gwinn were re-appointed.
Governor Snyder says the dedication of the individuals to community service will make them a great asset to the commission. Members will serve three-year terms expiring October 1st, 2020. Twitter photo. (JM)
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Lingenfelter Collection Hosts Toys For Tots Event This FridayLingenfelter Collection Hosts Toys For Tots Event This Friday
There will be a final chance this Friday to both see a unique world-renowned car collection and help make sure every child has a Merry Christmas.
The Lingenfelter Collection in Green Oak Township will open its doors to the public this Friday from 1-4pm in exchange for a donation of a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. The 40,000 sq. ft. showroom on Lochlin Drive contains 150 unique cars including Corvettes, muscle cars and exotics.
This Friday will be ten days before Christmas and owner Ken Lingenfelter says they hope to really top off the list of needed toys so that the Marine Corps League and Salvation Army can then properly prepare and process the toys to those families most in need. Youâll find details through the link below. (JK)
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Handy Township Approves Contract With Economic Development CouncilHandy Township Approves Contract With Economic Development Council
Officials are hoping to boost development in Handy Township by working with two agencies that claim to do just that.
On Monday, the townshipâs Board of Trustees approved a three-year contract with the Economic Development Council of Livingston County, or EDC, who in turn contracts with Ann Arbor SPARK. The agencies provide services they say attract and retain businesses, therefore promoting economic development.
While several municipalities in Livingston County and the county itself have contracted with the EDC and SPARK for a number of years, Handy Township has not. Supervisor Ed Alverson says the retirement of the townshipâs economic development consultant left a void, prompting a meeting with the EDC and SPARK. This is the first time the township will be under contract with the EDC, which is effective at the first of the year.
From the partnership, Alverson is hoping to see something become of the âformer Mitch Harris propertyâ. The 155 acres at the southwest corner of Nicholson and West Grand River went to tax sale and will be returning to the township at the end of the month. Alverson says heâd like to see it developed for either industrial or residential use.
Handy Township Trustee Gordon Munsell was the only board member to vote against approving the contract. At an annual rate of about $3,525, Munsell felt unsure about spending money in âlooking for something thatâs not thereâ. Some county commissioners and officials in other municipalities have also questioned the expenditure, and more specifically, how itâs being allocated.
But Alverson, who at one point served as an educational representative for the EDC, says he trusts the council and that officials are trying to do what is best for Handy Township. Speaking of the township, Alverson says, "Weâve been through some hard times and what weâre looking for is to get back on track, and weâre hoping that SPARK can help us through the Economic Development Council." (DK)
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Three Suspects Charged In Genoa Township Restaurant Break-InsThree Suspects Charged In Genoa Township Restaurant Break-Ins
Three Howell-area residents have been charged in connection with break-ins at two local restaurants.
The Livingston County Sheriffâs Office says that 21-year-old Wyatt Marshall and 20-year-old Michael Tournier, both of Marion Township, broke into the Pizza's Champ and Arby's restaurants in Genoa Township November 27th, while 21-year-old Taylor Schulte of Howell Township drove the getaway car. The trio each face two felony counts of breaking and entering a building with intent, one count of possession of burglarâs tools and one misdemeanor count of retail fraud.
That final charge was for stealing a crowbar from the Genoa Township Walmart, which they used to break into Arbyâs. Authorities credit Sgt. Chris Schmidt with putting the three crimes together, saying that after watching surveillance video of the Arbyâs robbery, he followed a hunch and then looked at video from Walmart, which showed the suspects entering the store shortly after 2am and stealing the crowbar. Itâs believed they had already robbed Pizza's Champ, where they stole a safe.
Tournier is a former Pizza's Champ employee, while Marshall used to work at Arby's. Some of the money from the robberies was recovered, although just how much was stolen overall remains unclear. All three are due for a probable cause conference in 53rd District Court on December 20th. (JK)
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Howell Manufacturing Company Recognized As Veteran Friendly Howell Manufacturing Company Recognized As Veteran Friendly
A Livingston County business is being recognized as a veteran friendly employer through the state of Michigan.
Tribar Manufacturing in Howell was among a record 157 job providers that were honored Tuesday during the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agencyâs 2017 Veteran-Friendly Employer Awards and Recognition Breakfast held on the campus of Oakland University. Organizations were recognized for earning bronze, silver or gold-level status as participants of the agencyâs Veteran-Friendly Employer program, based on meeting certain criteria.
Tribar Manufacturing was among 134 organizations certified as bronze-level Veteran-Friendly Employers for their veteran hiring policies and practices. The program helps veterans more easily recognize job opportunities in a variety of industries and identify employers committed to hiring and supporting veteran talent in their workforces. The program also recognizes organizations for their dedication to recruiting, hiring, training and maintaining veteran talent. In 2017, Veteran-Friendly Employers hired nearly 2,000 veterans.
MVAA Director James Redford said the growing program is not only helping Michiganâs veterans identify job providers who value and want them, but theyâre also working with those job providers to develop internal processes and programs to support employees who are veterans and active military members and their families. (JM)
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Parker Middle School Band Plays Commissioned SongParker Middle School Band Plays Commissioned Song
A local middle school band got a chance to perform a piece of music that that very few others have had the chance to experience.
Howellâs Parker Middle School 8th grade band had the unique opportunity to perform a commissioned arrangement at their winter concert last week. The song âGradientsâ was composed by Grammy nominated music educator, conductor, and composer Andrew Perkins. Perkins, who holds a specialist certificate in Orchestration from the Berklee College of Music and Masters of Music degree from the University of Michigan, said he was honored to work with the students and their band director, Jeff Stimson. In his 18 years as a teacher, this is the first time his students have had the chance to play a commissioned arrangement.
The 8th grade band was one of 9 ensembles from across the county to commission Gradients. Consorting like that allows more schools and bands to be involved by dividing the commissioning cost of the song. (MK)
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LCCA Announces New Substance Abuse Prevention CoordinatorLCCA Announces New Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator
A new Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator has begun working for the Livingston County Community Alliance.
The LCCA is a broad-based coalition aiming to reduce and prevent youth substance use while promoting a safe, drug-free lifestyle. At their regular meeting Tuesday night they welcomed back to their Executive Board, Megan Palmer. Palmer, who served as treasurer in 2010, had spent the last few years in Barry County. There she coordinated and implemented the Drug Free Communities grant for their Substance Abuse Task Force. She said she was excited to be back in Livingston County in this new role as Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator. One of the biggest challenges she said she faces is the stigma around substance use, and helping people grow to be more comfortable talking about it.
She also discussed some goals she had over the next few years with building their coalition, their base, getting more people involved, and more education out there. She said it is important for people to know the dangers of youth marijuana use, prescription drug use, and what they can do about it. She also wants to help people learn how to better talk with their kids about use and what their expectations are or should be. Palmer told WHMI that she wants to engage with all sectors of the community, âBecause everybody benefits when we prevent substance use.â
Palmer will also be chairing the Youth Marijuana Committee for the LCCA. She hopes to bring in speakers knowledgeable in marijuana law, how dispensaries and grows can affect communities, and proposed ballot language. For more information or to get involved with the LCCA, check out their website, www.livingstoncountycommunityalliance.org. (MK)
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Economist Says GOP Tax Plan Will Reduce Home-Buying IncentiveEconomist Says GOP Tax Plan Will Reduce Home-Buying Incentive
2018 is expected to be a solid year economically for Livingston County, according to the National Association of Realtorsâ Chief Economist. However, he believes the Republican tax reform will likely take away the incentive for some to purchase a house.
A housing market and economic forecast presentation was held at Genoa Township Hall Tuesday and was led by the NARâs Chief Economist, Dr. Lawrence Yun. Yun says momentum looks good for the coming year, predicting noticeable job and gross domestic product growth. Yun doesnât see a recession on the horizon, noting the low unemployment rate and large number of job openings. He does expect consumer price index inflation which will lead to higher mortgage rates, though nothing too alarming.
Yun believes President Donald Trumpâs Tax Reform Plan will pass, saying there are implications it will affect home buyers and owners, though nothing too devastating. Under the reform, the majority of Michigan homeowners will still be able to deduct the property tax as well as mortgage interest deduction; however Yun says the home-buying incentive lessens under the reform as more people would take standard deductions.
Yun says despite consumersâ solid interest in purchasing a home, there are âvery tight inventory conditionsâ for the housing market, leading to high home prices that are continuing to rise. Since 2011, the average income has only risen about 15%, while home prices are up 48%, harming first-time buyersâ ability to purchase. Additional inventory could have a number of benefits Yun says, especially as home ownership is at a 50-year low.
Yun says student loan debt plays a big role in the inability to purchase. A recent survey of millennials found that in tightening their budget to afford loan payments, the first sacrifice they make is purchasing a home and choosing instead to rent. Still, Yun says overall, 2018 should be an improving year for Livingston County.
Yun lightheartedly offers his biggest piece of advice, which is to buy real estate property next to wherever Amazon chooses to locate its second headquarters. (DK)
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SCHOOL CLOSINGS FOR WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13THSCHOOL CLOSINGS FOR WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13TH
The following districts have canceled classes for the day due to the impending storm;
Brighton Area Schools
Byron Area Schools & Child Care
Charyl Stockwell Academy District
Fowlerville Community Schools
Hartland Consolidated Schools
Howell Public Schools
Kensington Woods Schools
Linden Community Schools
Light of the World Academy
Livingston Educational Service Agency (LESA)
Pinckney Community Schools
Also closed;
Cornerstone Christian School
Freedom Work Opportunities
Holy Spirit Roman Catholic School in Brighton
Livingston Classical Academy
Maple Tree Montessori School in Brighton
Our Savior Lutheran School in Hartland (and Day Care)
Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran School
St. Joseph Catholic School in Howell
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Howell & South Lyon Students Present During Technology Showcase Howell & South Lyon Students Present During Technology Showcase
Students from across Livingston County recently joined hundreds of others from across the state to present technology demonstrations to lawmakers at the state capitol.
The 17th annual Student Technology Showcase recently took place in the rotunda of the state capitol building. It was presented by the Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning or MACUL. The 2017 Student Showcase featured demonstrations from students representing 39 different schools, including Howell High School. Students pictured from left to right are Rachel Gillette, Emma Barclay, Brett Rienas, Dale Buxton. Students from the Sharon J. Hardy Elementary School in South Lyon also presented during the showcase.
Students displayed a wide variety of technology projects that blended science, math, social studies and language arts with the latest digital tools. Their work featured paperless classroom and online learning demonstrations, coding, robotics, web design, and dozens of others.
MACUL Executive Director Mark Smith said itâs fascinating to see what students today can deliver with the support of effective curriculum, instruction and technology. He added theyâre excited to help showcase student interactions with 21st-century tools and ideas so that policymakers, educators and the public can fully appreciate the things now taking place in classrooms across Michigan. (JM)
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Bell Ringers Still Needed For Salvation Army KettlesBell Ringers Still Needed For Salvation Army Kettles
With less than two weeks left before Christmas, the Salvation Army of Livingston County is looking for additional help with their red kettle campaign.
One of the biggest challenges facing the Salvation Army this holiday season has been an insufficient number of volunteer bell ringers. The organization has had a difficult time filling the slots in some of their busier locations, leaving them without anyone to help collect donations for hours at a time at points. Major Prezza Morrison said that bell ringing can be a positive family or team building opportunity. She said anybody can sign up and participate in this charitable cause, from individuals, to families, to businesses. Morrison said the Salvation Army takes care of everything you need once youâre there. All you have to do is smile, say âMerry Christmas,â and thank people when they donate.
The red kettle Christmas campaign is responsible for roughly 1/3rd of the Salvation Armyâs yearly budget. Along with helping people during the holiday season, it also benefits programs that provide food, clothing, and utility assistance year round. They are roughly halfway to their goal of $385,000, but time is running out. Morrison said she has faith that the community will come through, and that the more kettles they can man, the easier it will be to reach it. Anyone wishing to help can sign up for a time through the link below. Ringers are needed every day through Christmas Eve. (MK)
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