The Livingston County Sheriffâs Office is seeking assistance to locate a stolen trailer.
A trailer was stolen from the 7400 block of Denton Hill Road in Tyrone Township sometime between 10:30pm on December 7th and 10am December 8th. Itâs described as a 2018 Lightning 14âx7â enclosed trailer.
Anyone with information regarding the theft is being asked to contact Detective Don Welch at the Sheriffâs Office at 517-540-7930 or dwelch@livgov.com. A flyer with the VIN number of the trailer is attached. (JM)
Sheriff's Office Working To Locate Stolen TrailerSheriff's Office Working To Locate Stolen Trailer
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Brighton Council Approves Security Camera PurchaseBrighton Council Approves Security Camera Purchase
Brighton City Council has approved the purchase of up to $30,000 in digital police security cameras and related apparatus.
The cameras, which were given the okay at last Thursdayâs meeting, will be mounted at the corner of Main and West and at the West St. parking lot; at Pierce and North streets, West and North, and the Old Village Cemetery. There are currently no security cameras at the Main and West intersection and the West St. parking lot, whereas the other three will be replacement cameras. The new cameras include pole mount adapters, and the cameras will have a full, 360-degree field of view.
Purchase of the video cameras will come out of the police deptâs. 2017-18 Capital Improvement Project police millage budget. The purchases include all licensing and the cost of installation. The remaining funds from the police equipment budget will be used to start the upgrade of the security camera at city hall, which will be converted from analog to digital. (TT)
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Eager Road & Bridge Work Slated For 2018 Construction Eager Road & Bridge Work Slated For 2018 Construction
Long awaited road and bridge projects are slated for construction in Oceola Township.
The Livingston County Road Commission has a big slate of projects for the 2018 construction season, which includes the Eager Road intersection at M-59. The Eager Road bridge is also included in the list of projects. In October of 2016, the bridge located north of M-59 at Bigelow was closed by the Road Commission as a result of an inspection that found the load-carrying capacity of the bridge had been compromised. Oceola Township is partnering with the Road Commission to fund the project, which once completed, should improve traffic flow on both Eager and Bigelow Roads.
Managing Director Mike Craine tells WHMI the closure of the Eager Road bridge has had some big impacts and that will be completely reconstructed, while Eager Road will be realigned at M-59 in order to accommodate a traffic signal. Craine says the roads donât quite line up and that will be done so M-DOT can put in a traffic signal in a separate project at a later date. He says the bridge will be completely reconstructed on a slightly different alignment that is much safer than the pre-existing one.
The Road Commission has been working toward fixing the bridge and realigning the road. Varying levels of elevation complicate the project but Craine says theyâre making great progress in design work. He noted some tricky right-of-way discussions still need to be had with people who live along Eager Road but really want to improve the roadway and are aiming for 2018 construction to finally get everything resolved. (JM)
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Severe Weather Network Offers Shelter To Homeless In Livingston CountySevere Weather Network Offers Shelter To Homeless In Livingston County
Leaders of a local program are reminding those without a place to stay that they can find refuge at their centers during the cold, winter months.
The Severe Weather Network Homeless Center of Livingston County (SWN) is a collaborative effort between The Salvation Army, The Oakland Livingston Human Service agency (OLHSA), and local churches. The program provides a meal, fellowship, and overnight stays for homeless individuals, January through March. Those seeking short-term shelter are asked to contact OLHSA, which will direct them to the host church of the month and have them placed on the guest list. The program also connects its guests with community action agencies to aid in the transition into affordable housing.
The effort began at Centerpointe Church in Howell about a year ago and has since expanded to include other churches, agencies, and volunteers. Pastor Chad Gibbons says there is a great need for a homeless shelter in Livingston County, especially during this time of the year. The SWN reports there were 1,003 documented occurrences of homeless individuals in Livingston County in 2016, including 445 students and 51 veterans.
Gibbons says the program can always use help in the form of volunteers or by way of donations. Anyone interested in contributing is asked to contact Chilson Hills Church in Brighton at (810)227-9596. Individuals seeking referrals to the warming centers are asked to contact OLHSA at (517)546-8500. (DK)
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Nominations Sought For Volunteer AwardsNominations Sought For Volunteer Awards
The Livingston County United Way is asking the public to nominate people and organizations whose efforts have made a major impact over the past year.
The deadline is Wednesday, January 31st to nominate an individual, student, or youth organization to be honored at the United Wayâs Annual Meeting and Volunteer Recognition Breakfast. There are several potential categories for nominees. The Charles W. Itsell Volunteer of the Year Award will be presented to an individual whose service to the United Way went above and beyond normal volunteerism during the past year. The Donald Epley Lifetime Community Service Award is meant for a local person who has been dedicated to volunteerism over the course of years.
The United Way will also present a Young Person of Distinction Award to a local youth for outstanding service and leadership in the community, as well as the Youth Organization of the Year Award. Nominations are also being sought for the Randy Rudisill Business of the Year Award, which will be presented to a local for-profit business that shows a commitment to community.
Information on how to nominate people or organizations for these awards can be found through the link below. (JK)
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Future Or Folly? Breaking Down BitcoinFuture Or Folly? Breaking Down Bitcoin
They donât physically exist, yet just one can be worth upwards of $15,000. However, a local financial expert says when it comes to Bitcoin, unless youâve got money to play around with, itâs best to steer clear in terms of a serious investment.
Bob Laura of Brighton-based Synergos Financial says Bitcoin, which are basically lines of computer code that are digitally signed each time they travel from one owner to the next, cuts out the middle man on financial transactions conducted online. He tells WHMI that while that allows for transparency about the transaction itself, it also provides anonymity to its users. He likens it to placing money in a public locker where anyone can look inside and see what is inside, but have no idea who put it there and who takes it out. That makes it popular with tech enthusiasts and speculators, but also criminals.
The system is kept honest by a group of tech-users called miners, who network their computers into what is called a blockchain, which keep a record of every bitcoin transaction. Thatâs the window in Lauraâs locker analogy. Miners are then rewarded by occasionally being gifted with bitcoin. As long as miners keep the blockchain secure, counterfeiting shouldnât be an issue. Only 21 million Bitcoin were created, which Laura says provides them their value as there are no new ones expected to ever be added.
However, he says their value is subjective and likely to plummet without much notice. But for those determined to get in on the venture, Laura advises that a less risky way to take advantage of Bitcoinâs popularity would be to invest in companies like Overstock.com or Word Press that accept Bitcoin as payment. But even then, he says itâs not something he would recommend to his clients. In fact, he believes putting your money on red or black at the Roulette table might be a less risky bet. (JK)
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Hearing Set For Appeal On Evidence In Local Rape CaseHearing Set For Appeal On Evidence In Local Rape Case
The stateâs appeals court will again decide whether DNA evidence pertaining to a local rape case can be brought before a jury.
The Michigan Court Appeals has set arguments next month on the appeal of a ruling by Livingston County Circuit Court Judge Michael Hatty that DNA evidence is admissible in the rape case against 23-year-old Justin Michael Bailey of Oceola Township. In November of 2014, Bailey is alleged to have raped a 17-year-old girl at a friendâs party after she became sick from drinking too much. He was charged with two counts of third degree criminal sexual conduct.
The Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office requested that evidence be excluded from the trial that indicated DNA collected from the alleged victim was from two different males; Bailey, and an unidentified source. They maintained it violated the stateâs rape shield law, which protects victimâs sexual history being used against them. But after Judge Hatty ruled the evidence could be introduced by Baileyâs defense, prosecutors appealed.
In May of 2017, the court of appeals declined to hear the case, saying there was a, âlack of merit in the grounds presented.â Vailliencourt then appealed to the Michigan Supreme Court, which ruled in October that the lower court needed to make a decision. Oral arguments will be heard February 13th by a three-judge panel of the appeals court in Lansing. (JK)
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11th Annual Community Connect At Parker Middle School February 3rd 11th Annual Community Connect At Parker Middle School February 3rd
A free one-day event next month will connect area residents to needed information and a wide array of the services available to them in the community.
The Livingston County Homeless Continuum of Care Committee is hosting the 11th annual Community Connect event at Howellâs Parker Middle School on Saturday, February 3rd. The event is open to anyone in the community, although the goal is typically to try to connect with low income families.
This yearâs event will connect individuals and families to free information on employment and housing services, benefits information, health screenings, personal care items and laundry detergent, clothing and haircuts. Community Collaborative Planner Anne Rennie describes Community Connect as a one stop shop and pampered day for people in need. She says one side of the school is typically set up with resources and tables while the other is more giveaway and service focused in classrooms. Some include dental, vision, hearing and health screenings; flu shots, haircuts, massages, employment services, basic needs and food services, housing and utility programs.
Rennie tells WHMI the event is a well-oiled machine thanks to the hard work of the committee and over 400 volunteers who make it possible. She says some serve as guides and will sit down with a family to discuss needs and then help them navigate the different lines and resources. The event typically brings out around 1,000 people. A free breakfast, lunch and snacks are provided through local churches as well as fun activities for kids during the event.
There is no registration or criteria to attend and the event is open to all. More information about the 11th annual Community Connect is available in the events section or by contacting Rennie via email at arennie@CMHLIV.ORG. (JM)
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Gas Main Break Prompts Road Closures In BrightonGas Main Break Prompts Road Closures In Brighton
A gas main break has forced a road closure in the City of Brighton.
Brighton Police advise that Oakridge Drive will be closed near Rickett Road and Woodlake Drive for a few hours while the break is fixed.
Motorists are advised to find an alternate route until repairs are complete. Updates can be found on the City of Brighton Facebook page. (JM)
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Community Scholarship Program Open To High School SeniorsCommunity Scholarship Program Open To High School Seniors
Community scholarships are being offered to high school seniors in Livingston County, along with teacher classroom grants.
Up to ten scholarships of $1,000 each are available for Livingston County high school seniors as part of First National Bankâs 2018 Community Scholarship Program. The scholarships are available to local students regardless of whether they attend public, private or charter schools, or are home schooled, to continue their academic or vocational education.
Again in 2018, five teacher classroom grants of $250 will also be presented as part of the scholarship program. The selection criteria focuses on academics with a minimum 3.0 GPA required, community service participation, a written essay, recommendation letters, and challenges, if any, overcome to graduate.
Scholarship applications are available online at www.fnbh.com, local branch offices or from high school counselors. An application is also attached. Completed applications are due by March 9th and the recipients will be announced at the various schools scholarship events and at a dinner hosted by First National for the recipients, their family and invited guests. The teacher classroom grants will be selected as part of the scholarship process so no application is necessary.
Officials say staff and community leaders are involved in the selection process and the scholarships benefit the future leaders of the community, adding the grants help local teachers with their important work. More than $250,000 has been provided since the program inception. (JM)
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Brighton Board of Education Elects Officers for 2018Brighton Board of Education Elects Officers for 2018
The Brighton Area Schools Board of Education held its annual organizational meeting Monday night. And, as such, the annual election of officers took place, with the result being just one change from last year.
Andy Burchfield was again elected to serve as president, Dave Chesney as vice president, and Roger Myers as secretary. The one change was that Bill Trombley was chosen on a 4-3 vote to be board treasurer, replacing Ken Stahl, who remains on the board as a trustee.(TT)
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Brighton Supt. Greg Gray Receives Outstanding EvaluationBrighton Supt. Greg Gray Receives Outstanding Evaluation
After a series of closed door meetings to conduct his annual evaluation, Supt. Greg Gray has received stellar marks.
Board President Andy Burchfield tells WHMI that Gray, now in his 9th year, is an outstanding superintendent. Burchfield says Gray scored highest in the category of Community Relations, adding âworking with staff, students, and the board of educationâ are also areas in which he excels. âWeâre very fortunate to have Dr. Gray; heâs done a tremendous job and continues to move the district forward,â Burchfield said after the meeting.
Gray came to Brighton nine years ago from the Owosso Public Schools, where he was also the superintendent. Gray, along with Assistant Supt of Finance Maria Gistinger, are credited with getting the Brighton Area Schools out of deficit and building a comfortable fund equity. He is also given a measure of credit for passage of an $89 million bond issue by the voters in 2012, which has resulted in major facility and technology upgrades to district schools.
Nearly five years ago Gray had been picked to become superintendent of the Portage School district. However, he was persuaded by a community outpouring of support, and his family, to remain in Brighton. Gray has a bachelorâs degree from Alma College and masters and doctorate degrees in educational leadership from Western Michigan University.(TT)
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Duane Zemper Legacy Project Receives $15,000 Grant For Bronze SculptureDuane Zemper Legacy Project Receives $15,000 Grant For Bronze Sculpture
Grant funds will help propel a project to memorialize a Howell icon, although contributions are still being sought.
The Community Foundation for Livingston County has awarded $15,000 in support of a sculpture to be created in honor of the late Howell resident, Duane Zemper. The sculpture will be placed at the Howell Carnegie District Library in downtown Howell.
The Duane Zemper Legacy Project committee is a collaboration of the Howell Rotary, The Howell Carnegie District Library and the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, which provides fiduciary oversight. The group was formed to memorialize the enormous contribution to Howell by the man fondly known as âZemp.â The honored photographer valued education and was a co-founder of the Howell Archives.
Zemperâs preservation of photographs taken by his predecessors and those he took throughout his career have recorded the areaâs history for future generations. He was a photographer in WWII before moving to Howell in 1946, where he was an active community member until his death in 2016. He was a founding member of the Howell Athletic Boosters and was named Citizen of the Year by the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce in 1976.
After a nationwide request for proposals, the sculpture team of Colin & Kristine Poole of Santa Fe, New Mexico was chosen to create the sculpture. The Pooles are nationally-renowned and have family and roots in Livingston County. In the sculpture, a slightly âlarger-than-lifeâ Mr. Zemper will be holding his camera and leaning on a tall pile of books, wearing his trademark sweater and bolo tie. Always proud to be a Howell Rotarian and his 66-year perfect attendance record, his Rotary pin will be on his sweater. The goal of the committee is to have the sculpture completed and installed by the end of 2018. The rendering is pictured.
Contributions by both individuals and corporations are still being sought for the Duane Zemper Legacy Project. Information is available online at www.zemplegacy.org. The link is provided. (JM)
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Stacy Pasini Named New Howell Board Of Education President Stacy Pasini Named New Howell Board Of Education President
2018 is bringing new leadership to the Howell Public Schools Board of Education.
The board met Monday night and the first order of business was electing new officers. Former Vice President Stacy Pasini moved up to the president role, while former Secretary Brent Earl will now serve as vice president. Marcus Wilcox was nominated secretary and Courtney Tarara will serve as treasurer.
The nominations were all unanimous and Pasini told WHMI sheâs excited to take on the role of president. Pasini says they have a great board that works really well together so taking on the leadership role is a super exciting move and sheâs looking forward to the challenges. Pasini noted the district is in good shape, trying new innovative programming and lots of ways to continue to be leaders in education. So in the president seat, Pasini feels sheâs in a good position to continue moving forward, saying the board is very dedicated to doing whatâs best for children and families so sheâs happy to be their leader.
Vice President Earl told WHMI he feels honored to take on the role and based on what the board has done the last couple of years, 2018 should be smooth. He says theyâll try to keep everything organized and as calm as possible, adding thereâs good camaraderie between board members who enjoy working with one another and feels everyone is friends, which makes it easy and fun to work with everybody.
Following the election of officers, the board hammered out the meeting schedule for the coming year and made a few changes to dates. Only one meeting per month will be held for the majority of the year, although dates are being left open for flexibility in calling additional meetings if deemed necessary. Earl stressed the importance of committees carrying more load, which thoroughly vet a lot of the work, but said there is always flexibility to make sure things are approved in a timely manner.
Board members and Superintendent Erin MacGregor also took time during the meeting to recognize Mike Yenshaw for his leadership and guidance while serving as board president. Newer members thanked him for all of his help in getting them up to speed, noting Yenshaw puts in a lot of work and research and has really helped steer the district in a great way. (JM)
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Aviation Museum Again Offering Free Youth CAD CoursesAviation Museum Again Offering Free Youth CAD Courses
A computer training course in aircraft part design will be offered at a Livingston County museum beginning next month.
The Warbirds of Glory Museum in Brighton is dedicated to mentoring the communityâs youth to encourage those that are passionate about aviation. The museum is based around a WWII B-25 Mitchell Bomber that was recovered in Fairbanks, Alaska by the museumâs leaders and brought back to Livingston County for restoration. The museumâs youth mentorship program will again be offering computer aided design, or CAD, training.
The 4-week SolidWorks CAD Essentials class will take place on Saturdays starting February 3rd. Participants will be trained so that by the end of the course, they are able to examine a B-25 Mitchell Bomber factory drawing and design the same part in CAD. Museum Director Patrick Mihalek says there is a need for designers to recreate drawings in order to make replacement parts for the aircraft.
The course is free and open to 10 students ages 14 to 23. The deadline to register is January 25th. Visit the museum website through the link below to apply, or contact Todd Trainor for more details, 1-810-599-4035, todd@warbirdsofglory.org (JK)
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Grant To Help Fund New Autism Services Program In HowellGrant To Help Fund New Autism Services Program In Howell
Local kids and young adults with autism will benefit from a recent grant award.
Excel Employment Options announced that they recently received a $60,000 grant from the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan to support their new Autism Service and Supports Center in Livingston County. Regional Director Natasha Doan-Motsinger says there is currently a lengthy waiting list of kids who qualify for the Medicaid autism waiver, but who do not have access to services and thatâs who they are trying to reach.
She says the center uses Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, to help provide all-inclusive services, which are administered by a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst. Located in Howell, the center offers social and behavioral support therapy and employment resources for children and adults on the Autism spectrum, a mock apartment for the purposes of independent living skill instruction (pictured), a parent support group, job club for those seeking employment, and social/recreational activities.
Doan-Motsinger says because research has shown early intervention is critical to the long-term success for many of the people on the Autism spectrum, these services will result in reduced social and behavior barriers, increased independence and living skills and improved employment outcomes.
There is also a Grand Opening Celebration for the center planned for February 8th. You can get details through the link below. (JK)
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Green Oak Twp. Officials Plan For New Police Station, Rec Trails Green Oak Twp. Officials Plan For New Police Station, Rec Trails
Proposed developments and new projects in Green Oak Township could make budget planning more challenging than usual.
Supervisor Mark St. Charles says he plans for the worst and when it doesnât happen, the rest balances out. He feels budgeting is always challenging, saying itâs like trying to look a year and a half into the future, prepare for a multitude of possibilities, and then hope situations donât occur that could adversely affect revenue. In addition to those obstacles, township officials are tasked with creating a budget for the 2018/2019 fiscal year that will include some significant expenses.
The Board of Trustees met for a budget workshop session Monday and discussed one such item- construction of a new police station. St. Charles says the township is budgeting for almost two buildings as they work to outfit a new facility while the police department is using its old building in the meantime.
As for the townshipâs building department, St. Charles says new growth in the area is expected, but itâs a âroll of the diceâ when it comes to determining whether that growth will impact the departmentâs budget this year or further on down the line. Generally speaking, St. Charles says his budgeting approach is to remain conservative on revenues and overestimate expenditures.
The board is meeting next Tuesday to discuss the general fund, which will include budgeting for a section of recreational trails. That session will be held at Township Hall at 4:30pm. (DK)
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Sheriff's Office Recognized On Law Enforcement Appreciation Day Sheriff's Office Recognized On Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
Livingston County residents are being encouraged to show support for law enforcement officers.
Itâs National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day or L.E.A.D. In light of recent negativity directed toward law enforcement nationally, partnering organizations behind the effort say there is a need to show officers that citizens recognize the difficult and sometimes impossible career theyâve chosen in public service. Citizens are encouraged to take time to show their support and officials ask that if you see a police officer, thank a police officer - noting a simple thanks goes a long way.
The Livingston County Sheriffâs Office was recognized by State Representative Lana Theis of Brighton Township as part of Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. The proclamation recognizes the dutiful service of the Sheriffâs Office and expressed heartfelt appreciation for its tireless efforts to protect the people and property of the Great Lakes state.
A link to information about L.E.A.D. and ways to show support is provided. Facebook photo. (JM)
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Traffic Light Still Slated For Installation On Latson Road At Meijer StoreTraffic Light Still Slated For Installation On Latson Road At Meijer Store
A traffic light is still on track to be installed at a crash-prone area in Genoa Township.
A traffic signal is going up on Latson Road at Hampton Ridge Boulevard, at the Meijer entrance, in part as the result of several deadly crashes over the past few years. Itâs very busy area as a result of Grand River traffic, nearby subdivisions, and several businesses and attractions in the area. Genoa Township earlier finalized an agreement with the Livingston County Road Commission, with the two parties splitting the cost to construct a fully functional traffic signal.
Road Commission Managing Director Mike Craine tells WHMI earthwork and paving was done in anticipation of delivery of the steel poles and arms some time in February. He says theyâre doing a delivery check this week but steel items of this specification typically have 2-3 month lead times. Craine noted they also have a separate agreement for the electronics and that installation. He says they expect to have things running sometime in March, which is why the dirt/paving was done first.
Meanwhile, Genoa Township officials earlier indicated there are future plans to further improve safety around the Meijer entrance and exit ways by widening the pathways. That project would depend on when funds are available, as it would be paid for by Genoa Township. (JM)
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MDOT & State Police Work To Reduce Wrong-Way Freeway Drivers MDOT & State Police Work To Reduce Wrong-Way Freeway Drivers
A collaborative effort is underway in hopes of addressing wrong-way driving incidents and improve safety.
The Michigan Department of Transportation is working with Michigan State Police and the Southeast Michigan Transportation Operations Center to identify and ultimately stop wrong way incidents. Michigan State Police say crashes involving a wrong-way driver are usually fatal because of the speed, and there have been eight fatalities in the last five years. Because of the unpredictability of wrong-way crashes, the Center has been tracking reports of wrong-way drivers and recording frequent locations of wrong-way entry with the help of MSP. Incidents are then reviewed in the field by a diverse team of engineers to determine what countermeasures, if any, are appropriate.
MSP Special Enforcement Section Commander Lt. Michael Shaw says the wrong way collisions are horrific every time and itâs almost a guaranteed fatality for one of the passengers, if not everyone in the entire crash, which is why itâs so important to try and eliminate them. Shaw says imagine driving at freeway speeds and seeing a set of headlights coming right at you - thatâs why they advise motorists to stay out of the left lane except for passing. He says the majority of time, the wrong way driver actually thinks theyâre in the right lane of travel and going in the right direction but itâs vice versa. However, if someone does find themselves in the situation, Shaw says donât immediately jerk and swerve because a vehicle could be in the next lane. He advises to start doing some controlled breaking, slowly turn the wheel, look around and get out of the way, let the wrong-way driver go by and then call 911 so police can attempt to stop the driver.
The overall goal of recent efforts is to reduce the number of wrong way driving incidents that occur between July 1st, 2017 and June 30th, 2018 by 20% when compared to the previous year. Various steps are being taken to do that and M-DOT has instituted a protocol to alert motorists on electronic message signs that someone is going the wrong way, so other drivers can be aware. MDOT is placing wrong-way arrow markings on freeway ramps and has installed detection cameras for the earliest possible alerts of wrong-way drivers. Other measures include a lane separator system composed of plastic curb and reflective panels, which physically blocks the wrong-way movement.
M-DOT has created an informational video about the efforts to reduce wrong-way incidents and crashes. The link is provided. MDOT photo. (JM)
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