4/16/13 - Brighton Superintendent Greg Gray confirmed today that he is the sole finalist to become the new head of the Portage Public School district near Kalamazoo although it appears the Board of Education may be fighting to keep him. Brighton Superintendent Greg Gray has confirmed for WHMI that he is the sole finalist to become the new head of the Portage Public School district near Kalamazoo. The Portage school board selected Gray at their meeting Monday night. Mlive.com reports that Portage board members praised Gray's track record and said he was the candidate that best fit their criteria for the job. Gray told WHMI that the Portage district had a similar make-up to Brighton but was much larger and represented a logical step in his career. He also rejected the notion that he was leaving a job undone in Brighton, saying, "I disagree. In the last six to eight months we've secured nearly $300 million in revenue, we've worked very hard to right-size the budget here. We've worked very hard to staff our buildings and classrooms with the highest quality in terms of staff. You know, your goal as a superintendent is always to leave your former district in better shape than you found it and I think that with the help of my great staff here, we can definitely say that." Portage board members said that in his time in Brighton, Gray closed a significant budget deficit, introduced a K-12 world language program and oversaw passage of an $88.5 million bond. Gray is expected to be in Portage Thursday for the first of several public interviews. Thatâs the same time the Brighton Board of Education has scheduled a special meeting, which was announced today. The items listed for consideration include the administrative contract of employment for Gray. The agenda item related to Gray is proposing a significant salary increase from his current annual income of $138,000 up to $205,000. The special meeting will take place in the board room of the BECC building on Church Street at 7pm Thursday. Meanwhile, the Portage board is also planning a visit to Brighton and if appointed, Gray would replace Ric Perry. Perry resigned in January after a board investigation found that he had an affair with the district's human resources director, who also resigned. (JK)
Meeting Called After Superintendent Announces Likely Departure Meeting Called After Superintendent Announces Likely Departure
↧
↧
New Survey To Go Out With Summer Tax Bill In Tyrone
4/17/13 - Tyrone residents will be asked to fill out a survey on the effectiveness of the township government this summer. Clerk Keith Kremer tells WHMI the relatively-new township board is seeking public input on how the municipality should be run. The survey will ask residents for feedback on township priorities, the effectiveness of the government, areas in need of improvement, and how tax dollars should be spent. The boardâs most recent public survey took place about four years ago. The previous survey cost about $6,000, while the new survey will only cost about $3,000. This is in part due to the decision of the board to include the survey with the summer tax mailing in July, which will save on postage and labor. The new survey will also get more specific responses on certain topics, such as public safety, compared to the previous survey. Tyrone and Hartland recently allowed a decades-old contract for dedicated sheriff patrols to expire and new options are being sought. The data from the survey will be professionally analyzed and presented to the board. (TD)
↧
Tyrone Confirms Deal Offer For Dedicated Sheriff Patrols
4/17/13 - Hartland and Tyrone Townships are now in agreement about what kind of deal to offer the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department to replace the expired contract for dedicated road patrols. The two townships have contracted with the county for decades to pay for dedicated patrols in their borders. They allowed the contract to expire at the end of last month, claiming it was not worth the cost. Last night, Tyrone Township gave the green light to a deal previously approved by Hartland Township to offer to the sheriffâs department. Tyrone Clerk Keith Kremer says the two townships are home to 21% of the countyâs population, and with 23 non-contract patrol deputies on the road they should be entitled to about 4.8 dedicated deputies, which would add up to 24/7 road patrol. The deal being put forward by the townships presumes that constant coverage would be the base level of service, and would give the townships the ability to pay for an additional patrol car during certain times of day. Kremer says other possible factors, such as the percent of local businesses, moving violations, or tax contributions are associated with the municipalities, were not considered when determining the level of coverage to which the townships are entitled. He tells WHMI that paying for a second car in the townships would increase the level of service enjoyed by residents, including personal responses to minor calls that would not get that level of attention elsewhere in the county. The township governments will now take the deal before the sheriffâs department for discussion. (TD)
↧
Prosecutor's Office To Honor Local Crime Victims' Rights AdvocatesProsecutor's Office To Honor Local Crime Victims' Rights Advocates
4/17/13 - Next week is National Crime Victimsâ Rights Week, and the Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office will hold an award ceremony to honor local crime victim advocates on Wednesday. Each year, the prosecutorâs office honors those who have gone the extra mile in pursuit or defense of the rights of crime victims over the past year with its Above and Beyond Award. This yearâs recipients include Investigator Ryan Hamlin of the Unadilla Police, who displayed particular dedication during a larceny case; Daniel Chepeska, supervisor of the local Probation and Parole office, for his consistent efforts on behalf of crime victims; and the CASA Program, a child advocacy service at LACASA. The awards will be presented at a ceremony at 11:00am on Wednesday, April 24th at the Judicial Center in Howell. It will be followed by a luncheon for guests. (TD)
↧
Stuck Tool Blamed For Intrusive Enbridge Banging NoisesStuck Tool Blamed For Intrusive Enbridge Banging Noises
4/17/13 - Enbridge Energy says the loud banging noises heard near its pipeline yesterday were the result of work being done to remove a lodged inspection tool. According to a Enbridge, the tool became stuck inside the pipe near Stockbridge on April 13th, restricting the flow of natural gas. The company has declared force majeure and restricted transportation on the pipeline until the object can be dislodged and removed. The banging noises heard by residents are being attributed to work at a nearby valve facility. Work crews were purging the gas from a section of the pipeline to conduct maintenance, and the noise of the gas escaping the pipeline is described as very loud. The gas was released into the atmosphere, and Enbridge says because it is lighter than air it will dissipate without any negative environmental or health effects. That portion of the operation should be over, but air movers will be working on the pipeline around-the-clock for about five days. The company says the activity will produce a hissing noise that should not be loud enough to disturb residents. The entire process should be completed by Saturday. (TD)
↧
↧
Protest Planned for Governor's Appearance at Local GOP EventProtest Planned for Governor's Appearance at Local GOP Event
4/17/13 - An upcoming protest in Genoa Township is being viewed by union supporters and local Democrats as an opportunity to remind Governor Rick Snyder that not everyone in Michigan agrees with his policies, tax increases and what they call his "assault" on public education. Governor Snyder will be the keynote speaker during the Livingston County Republicans Lincoln Day Dinner Thursday while Senator Joe Hune will emcee the event. The Livingston County Democratic Party is teaming up with organizations including the Michigan Education Association and Citizens Against Government Overreach to organize a protest of Snyderâs appearance. Chairwoman Judy Daubenmier tells WHMI theyâre hoping for a good crowd and the protest is meant to show the Governor that there are people who oppose the actions of his administration even in conservative areas like Livingston County. The Howell Education Association represents teachers in that district and President Jay McDowell says the Governor needs to fully fund education and return it to the level it was when he first took office. He says he's sure many HEA members will be involved as they feel directly attacked by Joe Hune and the law he claims was written with former board president Debbie Drick and current board member Mike Moloney he says takes away the ability of the school board to represent the people of Howell. Drick and Moloney have denied helping to author the bill, although they were the only two individuals to testify in its favor during legislative hearings. The bill, which was signed into law by Governor Snyder, prevents school board members from voting on contracts in which an immediate family member is involved. In Howell, current board President Mike Witt and his wife, Secretary Kim Witt were unable to vote for a recent teacher contract proposal as Mrs. Witt's sister is a teacher in the district. The Lincoln Day dinner will be taking place at Crystal Gardens banquet center and protestors are encouraged to meet at the Howell MEA office at 4pm, where shuttles will be offered beginning at 4:45pm. Details can be found through the link below. Meanwhile, information about dinner can be found in the events section to the right of our webpage. (JM/JK)
↧
Sunrise Rotary Delivers Checks to Local Youth OrganizationsSunrise Rotary Delivers Checks to Local Youth Organizations
4/17/13 - A check presentation has been held for two organizations that serve local youth. The Livingston Sunrise Rotaryâs fourth annual Midnight in the Tropics fundraising event was held in February, with proceeds split between The Connection Youth Services in Howell and Reaching Higher, a Brighton-based leadership training program that teaches middle and high school students how to make positive life choices. At a gathering last week in Brighton, both organizations were presented $16,000 checks from the event. Reaching Higher officials say they hope to be able to use the additional funds as part of their effort to expand their program into the Pinckney school district. They currently run programs in both the Howell and Brighton districts. Connection Youth Services will use the funds to continue their mission of providing help to teens and families in crisis. Pictured from left are Reaching Higher Director Susie Dahlman, Midnight in the Tropic Chair Aleia Jackson, Youth Connection House Director Angela Parth and Livingston Sunrise Rotary Clubâs President, Kate Lawrence. (JK)
↧
Bras For A Cause Returns To Fund Breast Cancer ResearchBras For A Cause Returns To Fund Breast Cancer Research
4/17/13 - Some local men will be taking a hit to their pride to help raise funding for breast cancer research. Bras for a Cause is an annual event that features local male volunteers modeling custom brassieres for a crowd of women, collecting cash donations before their bras are auctioned off. The event will take place at the Cleary University Johnson Center on April 26th from 6:00 to 9:30pm. It will include a 50/50 raffle, appetizers, and a cash bar. An after party is planned at Clearyâs Pub in downtown Howell. Bras for a Cause was originated by Karen Gill, who will also be a judge for the fashion show this year. She says the event started off with about 100 attendees, and it has grown every year to an expected 300 people this time around. A portion of the proceeds from the event will go to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, an organization that helps women with breast cancer and provides funding to research for a cure. Follow the link below for information on how to RSVP. (TD)
↧
Michigan DAR Recognizes Howell History Teacher Michigan DAR Recognizes Howell History Teacher
4/17/13 - While his team prepares to represent Michigan at a national competition, a local teacher has been recognized for his work. Howell High School government teacher Mark Oglesby was recently awarded the 2013 Outstanding American History Teacher from the Michigan State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Lansing. Oglesby was nominated for the award by his former students Claire Kwan and Gabrielle Montesanti. Sue Reifert, a member of Howellâs Philip Livingston Chapter of the DAR, interviewed Oglesby and recommended him for the award from the state organization. Oglesby was chosen from a pool of nominees and presented with the award at a statewide DAR event in early April in Lansing. The local chapter will honor Oglesby at its May 7 meeting. Oglesby teaches Howell High Schoolâs We The People, civics education class, and is helping the group gear up for its trip to the national competition in Washington, D.C. later this month. Pictured is Oglesby receiving his award at the Kellogg Center in Lansing, April 9th. (JK)
↧
↧
Brighton Board to Discuss Revisions to Superintendent's ContractBrighton Board to Discuss Revisions to Superintendent's Contract
4/17/13 - Following news that Brighton Superintendent Greg Gray was looking to accept a position with the Portage school district, board members will be taking another look at his current compensation package and all the extra duties heâs taken on. Gray was the top choice following interviews in Portage and will be visiting the district there Thursday. The Board of Education has since scheduled a special meeting that same night at 7 and President Miles Vieau tells WHMI the sole purpose is to discuss possible revisions to Dr. Grayâs contract. He says some board members wanted to discuss Grayâs contract and see if something could be developed to keep him in the district. Gray currently earns $138,000 and cut his own salary when teachers were taking cuts. Vieau says Gray also took a pay cut from his former district when he was hired in because he knew the Brighton was in financial trouble but furthermore, heâs taken on multiple jobs. Gray serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources but will also be an assistant principal at Brighton High School next year and continues to oversee all of the work related to the bond approved by voters. The revised administrative contract included in the packet is proposing a $205,000 annual salary for Gray, who currently earns $138,000. Vieau feels itâs justified and will not only pay for itself but still save the district money in the long term. But fellow school board member Nick Fiani tells WHMI he's inclined to vote against such a large raise and says he isn't sure where the money to pay for it would come from. Fiani said that while it be would be a shame for Gray to leave while the recently-passed $88.5 million bond is still being implemented, he wishes him the best if he thinks Portage offers a better opportunity for him and his family. He says if that does happen, he isn't worried about attracting an equally talented administrator to the position and think there are several options within the district itself that would be more than qualified. The meeting is open to the public and starts at 7pm in the board room of the BECC building on Church Street. (JM/JK)
↧
Two More Local Deaths Linked to Fungal Meningitis Outbreak Two More Local Deaths Linked to Fungal Meningitis Outbreak
4/17/13 - Two elderly Livingston County residents have died as part of the national fungal meningitis outbreak. 87-year-old Joseph Ernest Rushlow of Brighton passed away on April 10th after receiving a tainted steroid injection. His funeral service is planned this Saturday at 11am at St. Patrick Church on Rickett Road. The Michigan Department of Community Health also confirmed the death of a 79-year-old Livingston County woman on April 2nd. As of this week, Michiganâs total case count stood at 259, including 16 deaths. Of those, six were local residents. MDCH Spokeswoman Angela Minicuci could not comment on the specific cause of death for the local cases but says they have all been related to the outbreak, whether the individual was continuing to need treatment and died because of it, never recovered after receiving their steroid injection or their illness contributed to other heath factors. The majority of patients are being treated at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor. While occasional deaths are still occurring, Minicuci says they have not had any new cases in a number of weeks and are hopefully seeing the end of the outbreak in Michigan, which has the highest number of fungal meningitis cases in the nation. (JM)
↧
Local Libraries Plan Events to Celebrate National Library WeekLocal Libraries Plan Events to Celebrate National Library Week
4/18/13 - It is National Library Week, and unique events are taking place at libraries across the county in celebration. First funded in 1957, National Library Week calls attention to local libraries and honors them as valuable resources and cornerstones of their communities. Last night, the Hamburg Township Library hosted local author Suzanne Bilek, who discussed her book âGreat Artists of Detroit.â The library will also hold a book sale on Saturday beginning at 9am. Tonight, the new Pinckney Library will host folksinger and storyteller Adam Miller, who will perform âFamily Folk Nightâ beginning at 6:30pm. Also tonight, the Cromaine Library in Hartland will hold a volunteer recognition event from 5 to 7pm with jazz music and refreshments to honor the contributions of its volunteers. The library is also kicking off its Big Reads program this week. The Fowlerville District Library is holding a âFood for Finesâ Library Amnesty event this week to benefit Gleanerâs Community Food Bank. More information on any of these programs can be found at the respective websites of the libraries. (TD)
↧
Highland Township Teen Arrested After Alleged Sexual Assault Highland Township Teen Arrested After Alleged Sexual Assault
4/18/13 - A Highland Township teen was taken into custody this week after allegedly raping a girl at knife point in the woods of a trailer park. The mother of the victim contacted the Oakland County Sheriff Departmentâs Highland Township substation shortly before 3:30pm Tuesday. Police say the woman reported that her daughter came home and said a 16-year-old boy from the trailer park had raped her at knife point in the woods. Police say the female victim sustained serious injuries during the attack and was transported to Huron Valley Hospital for treatment. Police says deputies were able to locate where the alleged assault took place in the woods and an evidence tech responded to process the crime scene. Police say the 16-year-old suspect was taken into custody and his mother was present for questioning at the Highland substation. He was later lodged at Childrenâs Village and criminal charges are pending. (JM)
↧
↧
Votes Sought for South Lyon Girl in Online Local Hero ContestVotes Sought for South Lyon Girl in Online Local Hero Contest
4/18/13 - A South Lyon girl who has been named a local hero is featured in an online contest as part of National Mobility Awareness Month and in the running to win a wheelchair accessible van. The month aims to show the world how people with disabilities can live active, mobile lifestyles and overcome challenges. Breanna Strange of South Lyon is one local hero featured in an online contest in which the public is encouraged to vote the person they feel most deserves to win a custom wheelchair accessible vehicle. Breanna suffers from a rare disease called Dystonia, which is a neurological movement disorder. Her family says itâs been a long and difficult road, and there is no cure for her disease but hope and faith gets them through. Her parents say both Breanna and her wheelchair have become too heavy to lift into their vehicle but with the amount of money that goes toward the expenses associated with Breannaâs care, theyâre unable to afford a new vehicle. The family says the new van would go a long way to reduce the stress on their situation, both physical and monetarily, and ask that the community support Breanna and vote for her online. A link is posted below. (JM)
↧
County 911 Holds Ceremony to Honor Efforts of DispatchersCounty 911 Holds Ceremony to Honor Efforts of Dispatchers
4/18/13 - Livingston County 911 Central Dispatch honored the outstanding efforts of its dispatchers yesterday as part of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. The ceremony held at the dispatch office handed out dozens of awards for the performance of dispatchers in high-stress circumstances, such as an aircraft crash in Brighton last September, a patrolman injured by a drunk driver in March, and the injury caused by the I-96 shooter in October. The Employee of the Year award, which is determined democratically by the entire staff, went to Joni Stidham, who was involved in at least four critical incidents and received a Life Saver award for her work as part of a team that responded to a suicidal woman. Stidham (pictured receiving award from 911 Director Don Arbic) tells WHMI working to support the team is critical to being successful as a dispatcher, so the Employee of the Year recognition means far more to her than any of the other awards because she had to be chosen by her peers. She says she was not expecting to receive the award. (TD)
↧
Faith Medical Clinic Set to Reopen This WeekendFaith Medical Clinic Set to Reopen This Weekend
4/18/13 - After a lot of fundraising, hard work and community support, Faith Medical Clinic will re-open its doors this weekend. The clinic serves those in need without medical insurance and will lease the old Pinckney library building on Mower Road, which has been on the market since November. Mitch and Laura Goldman founded the clinic and finalized a lease agreement yesterday morning with the Pinckney Library Board. Theyâll begin moving into the facility today and several volunteers will be helping move furniture from a warehouse in Livonia donated by a physician who owns a company and several urgent care centers. Under the terms of the deal, the clinic will rent the building for $2,000 a month. Since the building has been on the market for sale, the lease will be renewable every four months in case a buyer steps forward. Laura Goldman tells WHMI patients have been calling and keeping up with the news and everyone is very excited to know theyâre back in business. Itâs been about nine weeks since a fire destroyed the clinic's previous location in the old Putnam Township annex and Goldman says the chief concern has always been the status of their patients and being able to see them again. Ultimately, she says theyâre hoping someone will purchase the old library and then lease it to them at a nominal rate as an investment. Goldman says they will be seeing patients Saturday morning and then later on, a spaghetti dinner from 5 to 7:30pm is planned at the Pinckney Masonic Lodge. Goldman says itâs one of their annual fundraisers but it just happened to be good timing on the day they re-open for business. Meanwhile, donations are still being accepted and can be made at any PNC Bank Branch to The Faith Medical Clinic Fund. (JM)
↧
Brighton Firefighters Battle Trio of FiresBrighton Firefighters Battle Trio of Fires
4/18/13 - Three fires in the Brighton area destroyed a garage and a vacant home and damaged another homeâs porch. Fire Chief Mike OâBrian tells WHMI they were first dispatched to a fire in a detached garage off of Flint Road just before 7pm. Ammunition was stored in the garage which went off while they were putting out the fire, which took about an hour. The owner also reportedly lost some Civil War memorabilia. While they were working that initial scene, a second report came in of a house fire off of Chilson Road, although that ended up being a small porch fire. Then shortly after 10:15, they were dispatched to a fire in a vacant home on Hunter Road, south of Hyne. When firefighters arrived on the scene, at least half of the home was already engulfed in flames. Crews were able to extinguish the Hunter Road fire (pictured) within 90 minutes with no injuries. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation. Picture courtesy of Brighton Area Fire Authority. (JK)
↧
↧
Putnam to Sell Annex Building, Ponder New Twp. Hall ExpansionPutnam to Sell Annex Building, Ponder New Twp. Hall Expansion
4/18/13 - The old Putnam Annex building, which housed the Faith Medical Clinic until it burned down in February, will be put up for sale while Putnam Township officials decide what to do with the insurance money. The township will receive $70,903 in compensation for the loss of the building, which will be increased to $93,124 if they decide to rebuild the structure or build a new one elsewhere. Last night, the township board approved beginning the process to sell the Annex building for $60,000 or best offer. The building will be advertised through June 5th, then offers received will be brought to the board at its meeting that month. The board also approved the creation of a committee consisting of Township Clerk Sally Guyon and trustees Dick McCloskey and Bob Press to analyze the issue. It will be their responsibility to come up with options for spending the insurance money, but Superintendent Ron Rau tells WHMI the municipalityâs development plans recommend using it to build an extension on the township hall for additional storage and potential office space. The committee will have to determine whether adding to the township hall using the insurance money is feasible. (TD)
↧
Howell Area Fire Authority Declares Burn Ban Until Further Notice Howell Area Fire Authority Declares Burn Ban Until Further Notice
4/18/13 - Despite the recent rain and storms, the Howell Area Fire Authority has issued an open burning ban until further notice. The burn ban is in effect for the City of Howell, as well as Marion, Oceola, Howell and Cohoctah Townships. Local fire departments have been busy dealing with quite a few brush and grass fires and Howell Fire Chief Andy Pless tells WHMI the notice follows one yesterday off Warner Road in Howell Township that burned eight to ten acres and buried fire trucks in the mud. He says even with the recent rain, tall grass is still extremely dry and the high wind conditions cause fires to spread rapidly so itâs in the best interest of the public to ban any open burning. Pless expects that the burn ban will be in effect at least through the weekend. (JM)
↧
Huron River Again Predicted to Surpass Flood StageHuron River Again Predicted to Surpass Flood Stage
4/18/13 - The Huron River in Hamburg Township is expected to surpass flood stage by early next week. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for portions of Southeast Michigan, including Livingston County until Friday morning after heavy rainfall moved through the area yesterday and continued precipitation in the forecast. Currently the Huron River is below flood stage at 5.3 feet. However, National Weather Service predictions indicate the level will rise through the weekend and exceed the 6.5 foot flood stage by early Monday. Itâs then expected to top out at 6.8 feet by Tuesday afternoon before levels will begin to recede. If the water does hit flood stage, water will begin to flood yards or homes along the Huron River and Ore Lake. As it moves beyond that towards the cresting point, many boat docks will become submerged. However, if the predictions remain accurate, the water levels should go back down before reaching foundations and crawl spaces. A similar forecast for the Huron River exceeding flood stage was also issued last week, but was later downgraded. (JK)
↧
More Pages to Explore .....
