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Driver Ticketed After Crashing Minivan Into Diamonds Restaurant In HowellDriver Ticketed After Crashing Minivan Into Diamonds Restaurant In Howell

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Slick road conditions are partially to blame for a crash over the Christmas holiday weekend in which a car went through the window of a popular restaurant in downtown Howell. The crash happened around 4:30pm Saturday at Diamonds Steak & Seafood restaurant and is being attributed to snowy road conditions, speed and an inexperienced driver. Officers with the Howell Police Department were dispatched on a report of a minivan that crashed through the front window of the restaurant at the corner of Grand River and Michigan Avenue. Police Chief George Basar says officers arrived and found that a 19-year-old female had tried to negotiate a turn from westbound Grand River onto southbound Michigan Avenue. He says different factors contributed the crash but roads were snow covered and slippery at the time so the woman lost control and careened into the front window. Basar says a witness noted the vehicle was traveling faster than what would be considered a prudent speed given the road conditions. He noted there were no signs of any drug or alcohol use, and it was simply a matter of road conditions and an inexperienced driver. The woman was cited for careless driving and violation of a restricted license. Restaurant officials explained via a social media post it was lucky that nobody was in the building nor was the driver injured. Teams of crews worked over the holiday period to get everything cleaned up and repaired so they could resume normal business operations today. (JM)

Police Say 18-Year-Old Fowlerville Man Dead From Self Inflicted GunshotPolice Say 18-Year-Old Fowlerville Man Dead From Self Inflicted Gunshot

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A Livingston County man died Christmas Day from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The incident happened around 11:30pm last night at a home in the City of Howell and the 18-year-old Fowlerville man is not yet being identified by authorities. Howell Police Chief George Basar tells WHMI officers were dispatched to the 200 block of Tomkins on a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, he says officers discovered the 18-year-old deceased from a single gunshot wound to the head. Basar says preliminary investigation indicates it was self-inflicted but the investigation is continuing. Several witnesses were present at the time of the shooting and further details are not being released. (JM)

Brighton Plaza To Undergo Facade Facelift Brighton Plaza To Undergo Facade Facelift

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A façade improvement project is moving forward in the City of Brighton. A site plan application was received for the Brighton Plaza located at the corner of Cross Street and Grand River. It houses Gus’s Carry Out restaurant, retail shops and a barber shop. The owners are proposing to redevelop the facade and create a more modern look and the Planning Commission reviewed plans earlier this month. Gus’s storefront was improved earlier this year and the plan is to continue that look across the building according to owner Julie Willett. She says efforts will be made to reduce disruption and noise to the tenants. Willett told the commission the Gus’s storefront goes straight up, so the windows and everything else is flush and the same would be done for the barber shop. Willett commented the building won’t look that much different, except there would be a flat face to hang signs versus an angled roof line. It was noted that the Gus’s project did not go to site plan review. City staff said any façade improvements, other than minor alterations, are required to undergo site plan review by the planning commission. Since the whole building is being done, staff considered the project to be more than just a minor façade improvement. The site plan was ultimately approved and is not required to go before the City Council. Businesses are expected to remain open during construction. (JM)

Hartland Firefighters Fight Blaze In Zero Degree Temperatures Hartland Firefighters Fight Blaze In Zero Degree Temperatures

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Firefighters battled an early morning blaze as outside temperatures hovered around zero. At approximately 2:15am, the Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority was dispatched to a possible structure fire. Upon arrival, crews from Engine 63 and Engine 60 found fire in the attic space and were able to quickly extinguish the fire and save the home from further damage. The home suffered minor smoke damage as well as some damaged drywall and insulation. Officials said crews did a great job and noted the outside temperature was zero, which typically makes operations more difficult. Meanwhile with the recent snowfall and holiday gatherings, the fire department says subdivisions, tight streets, and other communities tend to get congested with cars parking on the side of the road but fire trucks need to get through in case of an emergency. Officials ask that individuals avoid parking in the road if possible, as fire trucks are much bigger than the average vehicle. Facebook photo. (JM)

Workshop To Aid Business Owners With "Presence And Bearing"Workshop To Aid Business Owners With "Presence And Bearing"

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Local business owners are being invited to Brighton for the latest in a line of workshops to help them with intangibles that can lead to success. The Senior Core of Retired Executives, or SCORE, is a volunteer non-profit organization that has spent more than 50 years helping small businesses get off the ground. Their next free workshop is coming to the Brighton District Library to help educate business owners and is focused on “presence and bearing.” It will take place on New Year’s Day from 7pm until 8:30pm. SCORE Mentor Ken Kuna said it is important for small businesspeople in the community to know that SCORE is there to help them. Too often, he says, young entrepreneurs don’t have knowledgeable people to go to or bounce ideas off of, and that is where SCORE Mentors become really valuable. For this workshop, Mentors will be onhand to help interested parties with the importance of branding, passion, body language, and how to demonstrate that you are living your business’s message. Registration is appreciated. To sign up for this free event, call the Brighton library at (810) 229-6571. (MK)

USDA Designates Livingston County As Primary Natural Disaster AreaUSDA Designates Livingston County As Primary Natural Disaster Area

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Farmers and ranchers in Livingston County may qualify for natural disaster assistance if they encountered agricultural damage caused by a frost in May. On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a release declaring Livingston, Ingham, and Jackson counties as natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by frost and freeze that occurred May 7th through the 9th of this year. Several other counties will qualify for assistance as well because they are contiguous. All qualified farm operators in the designated areas are eligible for Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans, provided eligibility requirements are met. Farmers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of the declaration to apply for loans to help cover part of their actual losses. Farmers who suffered at least 30 percent loss in crop production or physical livestock can borrow money to cover up to 100 percent of production or crop losses up to $500,000. FSA will consider each loan application on its own merits, taking into account the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability. Additional information about the FSA’s emergency loan program and eligibility requirements can be found at the link below.

Local Nonprofit's Upcoming Gala Aims To Unveil Prominence Of Human TraffickingLocal Nonprofit's Upcoming Gala Aims To Unveil Prominence Of Human Trafficking

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Organizers of a fun but informational event in Howell next weekend are hoping to inspire the community to join the fight against human trafficking. The “Unmasked Gala” will be held Saturday, January 6th from 7 to 10pm at the historic Howell Opera House and will feature a DJ, dancing, and games. Guests can also partake in tours of the Opera House and giveaways. But there is a dual purpose that serves as the foundation of the event’s ultimate goal. The gala is organized by The Key Project, a nonprofit that began in Livingston County with a goal to educate the community about human trafficking in order to strengthen the fight against it. Key Project President Mariah McDonald says it’s easy to disregard the issue in an area as prominent as Livingston County, but wants to make it clear that human trafficking is not beholden to a specific demographic, noting it can affect any city, county or area, as well as any age, race, or gender. As an example, McDonald says she was at the Howell Carnegie District Library recently and saw a human trafficking poster inside the women’s restroom. The poster has peel-off stickers with a helpline number on them, which individuals in a compromising situation can take and call. McDonald says three stickers were missing. For her, she says that means Livingston County still has work to do and that the issue is very real, even in such a prominent community. McDonald says the theme of the event is to “unmask” human trafficking and let it be known for what it really is. McDonald says the crime can often be hidden behind a glamorous veil, disguising its true intentions. Informational booths will be at the event to promote awareness and knowledge of the realities of human trafficking. Ethical shopping vendors will also be present and will be selling items made by anti-trafficking organizations. McDonald stresses that the gala is free for the community to attend, but any money raised by the raffle or through donations will be given to safe houses and street outreach projects The Key Project facilitates. Though a ticket is not needed, guests are encouraged to register to attend the Unmasked Gala so event organizers can plan accordingly. A link to register is available below. (DK)

Lyon Township Named Five-Star CommunityLyon Township Named Five-Star Community

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Lyon Township was listed as a five-star community by eCities, which collected data on 277 communities across Michigan on factors including economic development, entrepreneurship, growth, and resident involvement. Lyon Township officials say the municipality’s employers and Downtown Development Authority work hard to create an inviting atmosphere in order to attract and retain businesses to promote economic development. Officials say the region’s growth is also centered on the re-development of their downtown area and connecting old historic locations in the community with incoming businesses. DDA and Economic Development Coordinator Christina Archer says some of Lyon Township’s assets include value-based land options located within smart zoning districts, a variety of development opportunities, and a high quality of life for employees. Archer says the goal is for “…companies to come, grow and stay in Lyon Township” and “to feel great about their decision to invest” there. Officials at Lyon Township say they are honored to be listed by eCities as a 2017 five-star community. eCities benchmarks best practices that are used by communities throughout the state to make improvements to their own approach. The research group says understanding the best practices and utilizing those concepts across Michigan will have a positive impact on the state’s economic future.

Pet Safety Urged During Extreme Cold Pet Safety Urged During Extreme Cold

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The recent arctic blasts can create hazardous situations and local residents are being encouraged to take appropriate steps to stay safe during the extremely cold and potentially life-threatening temperatures. The same goes for pets. Just because animals have a fur coat, doesn’t mean they’re immune to the bitter cold and can suffer from hypothermia, frostbite and other cold weather injuries. Livingston County Animal Control Director Aimee Orn says when it comes to the extreme cold, if people see something concerning they should not hesitate to call. Orn says there is no law requiring people to bring their dog or pets inside but they can educate people on the proper way to do it, although it’s not ideal when it’s this cold. Orn says they tend to see frostbite issues with paw pads being exposed, but also on the tips of ears and noses. She says pets that normally live indoors should be let out to go the bathroom and brought back in as soon as possible. For dogs or animals that live outdoors, Orn advises bringing them inside some type of facility such as a barn or garage when it gets this bitter cold to provide extra shelter. If that is not possible, she says a proper dog house should be properly insulated with straw, along with extra bales of straw around it. Orn says there are concerns with the feral cat population. For those taking care of a feral colony of cats, she says they too should have proper shelter set up. Outside animals should also be provided with a heated water dish so it doesn’t freeze. (JM)

Food Assistance Work Requirements Reinstated January 1st Food Assistance Work Requirements Reinstated January 1st

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Federal food assistance work requirements are being reinforced in the New Year for some Livingston County residents that want to continue receiving benefits. Michigan began receiving a waiver from the federal requirements in 2002 due to high unemployment, but with an improved economy and a significant reduction in the jobless rate, the state is no longer eligible. It does not affect people with families or children. That means to continue receiving the assistance in the form of a bridge card, able-bodied adults will have to work or volunteer their time for an average of 20 hours per week, each month in unsubsidized employment or in an approved employment and training program. They can also qualify by participating in community service by volunteering at a non-profit organization. Able bodied adults are defined as recipients ages 18 to 49 without dependents who do not have a disability that prevents them from working or who meet other federal criteria that exempts them from the requirements. The changes are effective January 1st and individuals will have three months from that time to find a job or meet other requirements, although there are further exemptions. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services administers the benefits and earlier sent out notices to those impacted in ten counties including Livingston to notify them of the upcoming change. Approximately 16,000 people are affected by the change in the ten counties, including approximately 1,190 people in Livingston County. The state has been implementing the work requirements in phases. Livingston is among ten identified in the second phase of the reinstated requirements. Counties identified in the first two phases can be attributed to their low unemployment rates and better job situations. The waiver is expected to be phased out statewide by October 2018 or sooner. Those impacted should speak to their MDHHS case specialist or visit the link is provided. (JM)

Appeal Denied For Local Man Convicted Of Assaulting Roomate Appeal Denied For Local Man Convicted Of Assaulting Roomate

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The sentence handed down to a local man convicted in an assault case will stand. The Michigan Court of Appeals recently issued an opinion in the case of 59-year-old Jack Norman Rukes, who was convicted by a Livingston County Circuit Court jury of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder. Rukes was sentenced as a second-offense habitual offender and ordered to serve a minimum of one year and six months to a maximum of 15 years in prison. Rukes had been renting a room in Joe Hubenschmidt’s mobile home, where they and several others were said to be drinking and socializing on June 4th, 2015. Rukes allegedly took offense to Hubenschmdit calling him “bro” and banter reportedly escalated throughout the day. Witnesses said they heard a loud noise from outside, went in to investigate and saw Hubenschmidt lying on the kitchen floor, covered in blood, and Rukes sitting on a sofa in the living room. Hubenschmidt testified that he was attacked from behind by Rukes, who repeatedly hit and kicked him. Hubenschmidt was hospitalized for several lacerations that required stiches and had extensive bruising and swelling on his face but also sustained fractures to his eye socket and jaw. At trial, Rukes maintained Hubenschmidt attacked first and he struck in self-defense. In his appeal, Rukes argued the trial court erred by admitting evidence that he was previously convicted of aggravated assault against his former wife. He alleged separate claims of prosecutorial misconduct, ineffective assistance of counsel and that his pre-sentence investigation report contained numerous inaccuracies. Rukes further argued the evidence was insufficient to support his conviction. The appeals panel rejected all of the claims and stated the evidence was sufficient. The full opinion is attached. Rukes remains incarcerated at the Parnall Correctional Facility in Jackson County. His maximum discharge date is August 19th, 2030. (JM)

Police Identify Fowlerville Man Who Died From Self-Inflicted Gunshot WoundPolice Identify Fowlerville Man Who Died From Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound

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Police have released the name of a local man who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound following an incident on Christmas Day. Howell Police Chief George Basar tells WHMI responding officers found 18-year-old Jarred William Burns of Fowlerville dead as a result of a gunshot wound to the head. The incident occurred around 11:30pm Christmas Day at a home located on the 200 block of Tomkins in the City of Howell. Basar says preliminary investigation indicates it was self-inflicted but the investigation is continuing. Several witnesses were present at the time of the shooting and further details are not being released. (JM/DK)

Rezoning Would Allow Mueller's Orchard ExpansionRezoning Would Allow Mueller's Orchard Expansion

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The rezoning of a parcel in Fenton Township would provide the owner of a local orchard the opportunity to expand. Changes could be on the way at Mueller’s Orchard off of Linden Road. Earlier this month, owner Charles Mueller was present for the Fenton Township Board of Trustees meeting where a first reading for rezoning of land next to his orchard was held. The parcel, currently zoned as single family residential, would be rezoned as agricultural if approved. According to the Tri-County Times, the property was originally part of the parcel with the orchard 100 years ago, but had been split, rezoned, and sold different times throughout the years. Mueller bought it when it became available again to protect his orchard. One of the major features of the property is a barn nearby the orchard. Mueller said he hopes to recondition it inside as it was when it was built. The orchard’s petting zoo could be moved inside while the barn also serves as a museum so that visitors can see what a working barn used to be like. Residents who spoke up about the request at the latest meeting of the Planning Commission were in favor of the rezoning. The next reading will be held during their January 8th meeting. (MK)

Linden Business Owner Wants To Develop Union Block PropertyLinden Business Owner Wants To Develop Union Block Property

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A Linden business owner is reaching out to the city for help in developing a multi-story mixed use structure. Earlier this month, Nicole Wax, owner of Wax Orthodontics, presented her plans to develop the Union Block property of Linden City Council. Wax purchased the property in 2016, after it had been vacant for 9 years following a fire. According to the Tri-County Times, she originally planned for a 2 story building, but with city support and financial assistance can make it 3. Wax’s plans are for 2 stories of commercial space, and condominiums on the third. She’s aiming for a historic look to the building. Financial help for the project could come through a revitalization program from the Michigan Development Economics Corporation. Wax is hoping to have construction documents done by March, with construction starting in April, but to put condos in, she says she needs a tax abatement on the commercial floors. If the city is not willing to cooperate there, a representative from Wax’s development team said the city could help in other ways. Some of those ways suggested were paying for the water main underneath the building, paying for sewer taps, completing sidewalks around the property, or by waiving a liquor license fee for a proposed first story restaurant. Wax said she’s heard a lot of positive feedback and hopes this can help make a more walkable downtown Linden. (MK)

Vaupel Applauds New Laws Combating Opioid EpidemicVaupel Applauds New Laws Combating Opioid Epidemic

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A package of bills recently signed into law will help mitigate Michigan’s growing opioid epidemic, according to a local lawmaker. Lt. Governor Brian Calley enacted the laws Wednesday while Governor Rick Snyder is out of state. Calley has said the state is “taking an all-hands-on-deck approach” to the opioid epidemic, which he described as a “national emergency”. Republican State Representative Hank Vaupel of Handy Township says the bi-partisan legislation is the first step in the fight against opioid addiction. Vaupel, who is chair of the House Health Policy Committee, says the bills takes a multi-faceted approach by addressing different components he believes will be helpful in combating the opioid epidemic. Bills in the package will require doctors to educate patients about the potential harm caused by opioids prior to writing a prescription, increase access to addiction treatment programs, and implement school curriculum regarding the risks of prescription drug abuse. The laws also limit the amount of opioids that can be prescribed and require a legitimate physician-patient relationship in order to dispense the drugs. The requirement for health care providers to use the updated Michigan Automated Prescription System takes effect in June. While proud of the forward movement, Vaupel says the state still has a long way to go. In 2014, there were 568 opioid overdose-related deaths in Michigan. That’s a 911-percent increase since 1999, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. (DK)

Warden House To Potentially Become Historic DistrictWarden House To Potentially Become Historic District

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A house closely tied to the founders of Green Oak Township may soon be getting a historical site designation. The Warden House, located at 9797 Rushton Road was recently selected for historical district status by the township’s Study Committee. The committee’s request was before the Green Oak Township Planning Commission at their regular meeting Thursday night. Chairperson Lamberto Smigliani spoke of the significance of the site. He said, “So this charts back to the history of the township, the founding fathers of the township, and some of the history of Michigan and early settlements. This house has significance to the original families of Green Oak Township.” The house is a traditional stick frame farm house that was typical of what you find at the time the township was being founded 150 years ago. If given historical district status, the parcel which is currently zoned as R2-Single family, will not affect any of the surrounding parcels in any way. Township Planner Paul Montagno said in a letter to the Planning Commission that its new designation should not be detrimental to the existing land uses or future growth potential of the area. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of making the Warden House a historic site to the Township Board of Trustees. The Township Board will make a final decision at a future meeting. (MK)

Local Salvation Army Continues Toward 2017 Red Kettle Goal Local Salvation Army Continues Toward 2017 Red Kettle Goal

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According to the Salvation Army of Livingston County, the organization is getting closer to its Red Kettle goal, but is still a bit short as the end of the 2017 holiday campaign draws near. Major Prezza Morrison tells WHMI the Salvation Army is still about $52,000 shy of the target and is looking for donations to help them reach their goal of $385,000. The Red Kettle drive – which supplies about one-third of the organization’s annual budget - ended on the Saturday before Christmas Eve. In addition to helping people during the holidays, the effort provides food, clothing and utility assistance the year around. However, those wishing to donate can still do so by contacting the Salvation Army of Livingston County or donating online at salvationarmy.org/Livingston. (TT)

Addiction Assistance Program Expands To Police Posts StatewideAddiction Assistance Program Expands To Police Posts Statewide

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A law-enforcement led addiction assistance program has expanded across the state, making it available at all 30 Michigan State Police posts. The Angel Program allows someone with a drug addiction to walk into a state police post and ask for help, without the fear of being arrested or investigated. The MSP Brighton Post joined the program in September and it was announced recently that the program is now active and operational at every post in the state. MSP Lt. Kevin Caldwell says the opioid epidemic is very real and one that law enforcement can’t arrest its way out of. Law enforcement agencies believe combating the epidemic will be more successful if addicts are offered treatment instead of punishment. Caldwell says an individual who voluntarily walks into a state police post will be offered assistance, with their policy being not to ask for information that would start or further a criminal investigation. After a person is accepted into the program, they will be placed in a detox or long-term facility. They are then assigned an Angel volunteer who offers support throughout the process and transportation to the facility. Anyone seeking treatment can submit themselves to the program during post business hours, 8am to 4pm, Monday through Friday. The program is an avenue law enforcement agencies are using to combat the opioid epidemic while building positive relationships with those battling addiction. MSP is the first state police agency in the nation to launch a statewide effort like the Angel Program, which has successfully provided assistance to 38 individuals since it began. (DK)

Linden Man Accused Of Touching Children At Daycare Headed To TrialLinden Man Accused Of Touching Children At Daycare Headed To Trial

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A Linden man has been bound over on charges connected to allegations that he inappropriately touched children at a daycare operated by his wife. 60-year-old Douglas William Walsh was originally charged with four counts of 2nd degree criminal sexual conduct involving two alleged victims under the age of 13. He was arraigned on two more counts of the same charge earlier this month and then bound over to Genesee County Circuit Court. The charges stem from incidents that reportedly occurred in August of 2014 at the in-home family child care center operated by Walsh’s wife, Jana. Authorities conducted interviews in June with a nine-year-old girl and an eleven-year-old girl, both of whom said Walsh touched them in their genital area on more than one occasion in the basement and upstairs of the home. The child care home had its license suspended in July by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs as a result of the allegations, though its operator is not facing any charges. Jana Walsh is prohibited from operating a family childcare home at any other address and cannot accept children for care. She does however have the right to appeal the suspension order. Future court dates have not been scheduled for Douglas Walsh, who was released on a $60,000 bond. His attorney has previously said his client maintains his innocence. If convicted, Walsh faces up to 15 years in prison. (DK)

Two Local Officials Have Recently Resigned Their PostsTwo Local Officials Have Recently Resigned Their Posts

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Two local officials have resigned from their respective election-related positions. Livingston County Elections Coordinator Brenda Meek resigned. The position was posted in various locations including the county website December 4th through the 24th. No specific reason was given for her resignation. Clerk Elizabeth Hundley says she is in the process of reviewing the applications and looks forward to selecting the best candidate for the position. Meanwhile, Brighton City Clerk Pam Stewart has resigned her position, effective January 3rd. City Manager Nate Geinzer says that Stewart has done a great job for the city of Brighton but just decided to move on, after working more than nine years for the city. WHMI attempted to contact Stewart regarding her future plans but she was unavailable for comment. Stewart was appointed city clerk after the retirement of former clerk Diana Lowe in April of 2016. Geinzer says that Stewart did an “outstanding” job in handling the 2016 presidential election and also with making the new voting equipment operational, as well as training staff in its use. Geinzer says the city is now taking applications and, in fact, already has received several completed applications for the position. He says interested applicants should go to the city’s website for the job description, duties, and other pertinent information. The deadline for accepting applications is Jan. 8th. Geinzer says candidate interviews will be scheduled sometime after that, and he hopes the position can be filled by February, or March, at the latest. (JM/TT)
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