A school in Fenton is hoping to raise funds for a dog to help students facing stress and anxiety. State Road Elementary School Principal Barry Tiemann has been researching the effectiveness of a therapy dog at Brighton schools and believes itâs time to take one on in his district. The school is looking to raise funds to cover the estimated $8,000 cost of adopting and training the dog. Tiemann said they are hoping to get a Goldendoodle, which is a cross between a golden retriever and poodle, for their calm temperament and because they are hypoallergenic, according to the Tri-County Times. Once adopted, the dog will be sent to a training facility in Ortonville for a year, and then live with the principal who will bring the dog to community events and school each day.
Businesses that donate $1,000 or more will be able to put their logo on the dogâs bandana for promotion on the schoolâs Facebook page. The majority donor will get to name the dog. Those interested can drop off or send their donation directly to State Road Elementary School, located at 1611 State Road, in Fenton. (MK)
Fenton School Raising Funds For Therapy DogFenton School Raising Funds For Therapy Dog
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December Jobless Rates Increase Seasonally Across State, CountyDecember Jobless Rates Increase Seasonally Across State, County
Livingston County now has the second lowest jobless rate of all Michigan counties.
Livingston Countyâs unemployment rate stood at 3.1% in December, marking just a slight increase from 2.8% in November. Livingston consistently held the number one ranking among all of Michiganâs 83 counties in the latter part of 2017, but fell to number two behind Washtenaw County in December.
The Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget reports that the stateâs local labor market changes in December were almost exclusively seasonal and typical. Officials say overall in 2017, the majority of the stateâs major local labor markets displayed payroll job gains, while unemployment rates were little changed from 2016. Jobless rates in both 2016 and 2017 were said to be relatively low by historical standards.
The state says over-the-year jobless rate reductions occurred in five areas, with the only significant decline displayed in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn statistical area that includes Livingston County. (JM)
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Pinckney Board Of Education Fills Vacant SeatPinckney Board Of Education Fills Vacant Seat
The Pinckney Community Schools Board of Education has filled their vacant seat with an eye towards technology.
Matt Maciag was voted in to the open Trustee seat at Thursday nightâs regular meeting of the Board of Education. Superintendent Rick Todd said heâs known Maciag for about a year and a half from serving on Toddâs own PTO-like sounding board, My Community Cabinet. Todd spoke to Maciag bringing a strength to the Board that will complement the districtâs effort to make Pinckney a destination for students interested in future technology. Maciag formerly was the Tech Director for 10 years at Dexter Community Schools, and now works in the automotive industry. Todd said Maciag has a deep passion and understanding for education, but also understands the districtâs challenges with funding and enrollment. The Superintendent said he belives it will be invaluable to have a board member come in with the perspective Maciag has.
Maciag has two boys in the PCS district, one at Navigator Upper Elementary, one at Country Elementary, and a third child on the way. He takes over for Paul Samways who resigned at the end of 2017 citing professional reasons. Maciag will finish Samwaysâ current term and will have to run for election in November if he wishes to remain on the board. Maciag was one of two candidates to interview for the position and received a unanimous vote following a nominating motion by Board Vice President Terri Bankes. (MK)
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Proposed Settlement Reached In Brighton Township Sewer LawsuitProposed Settlement Reached In Brighton Township Sewer Lawsuit
A proposed class action settlement agreement has been reached in a long running legal dispute between Brighton Township and sewer system users, who are less than satisfied with the outcome.
The townshipâs sewer system has been under fire for many years, with original users alleging theyâve been overcharged in assessment fees. A lawsuit against the township was filed by residents demanding a refund. The recent settlement was negotiated by the township, the class action legal teams and a court appointed mediator.
Terms call for the township to pay $1.5 (m) million from the general fund to a sewer settlement fund for a payout to original users. The township will also purchase 401 REUâs, with dollars coming from the general fund. When those REUâs are sold, then the revenue that comes in will go back to the general fund. $300,000 will come out of the township general fund to pay for litigation costs and the township also agrees to cancel future $80.50 quarterly charges for class members forever.
Township Manager Brian Vick tells WHMI the township firmly denies the charges have any basis and denies any wrongdoing.
He says the township denies that any of the charges were improper, denies that it intentionally or negligently committed any unlawful, wrongful or tortious acts or omissions. The township further maintains the claims asserted in the lawsuit have no substance or fact but agreed to enter into the settlement agreement to avoid further expense, inconveniences, distraction and risks of burdensome and protracted litigation. Vick says the financial health of the sewer system will be tracking in the right direction, and it has been since 2010, and this is another step in that direction. He noted two developments have already been approved in excess of 401 REUâs. An agreement calls for the developer of one project to purchase 222 REUâs within the next 15 months.
Those who initiated the suit say they were not permitted to participate in final decisions and have not agreed or signed off on anything. Resident Bob Potocki tells WHMI theyâre going to explore every option and try to figure out how to oppose this settlement and continue the fight to get fair treatment for all Brighton Township residents and sewer users. Potocki says the settlement is hardly something he could be happy about or any of the sewer users could be satisfied with. He says itâs merely an attempt to change how the money is charged to sewer uses but there is still no relief for sewer uses in the settlement. Potocki says its 103 pages of legal mumbo-jumbo that no one should be fooled by.
A court hearing is scheduled in April, at which time the proposed settlement will be before a judge for potential approvals. (JM)
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State Rep Candidate Receives Endorsement State Rep Candidate Receives Endorsement
A Livingston County commissioner is announcing her support for a local candidate seeking a state House seat.
Livingston County Commissioner Kate Lawrence, a Republican who represents the 1st District, endorsed Joe Riker of Brighton Township. Heâs running for the 42nd State Representative seat currently held by Lana Theis, who earlier announced a Senate bid. Commissioner Lawrence said she is honored to endorse Rikerâs candidacy. She says âAs a veteran Joe understands the definition of service and sacrifice. Since leaving the military Joe has continued to honor those words with the work he has done throughout Livingston County on the Livingston County Veterans Services Committee, the Livingston County Department of Health and Human Services Board and the Brighton Veterans Memorial Board.â Lawrence added that in the role, Riker will continue to serve his country by defending everyoneâs rights up in Lansing.
More information on Joe Riker and his campaign can be found through the link. (JM)
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Coldwell Banker Town and Country Real Estate Opens Office in Downtown HowellColdwell Banker Town and Country Real Estate Opens Office in Downtown Howell
Revitalization continues in downtown Howell with the arrival of its newest tenant.
Coldwell Banker Town and Country Real Estate has expanded, opening an office between the Cello Italian Restaurant and Thai Café, across from the Historic Courthouse. A grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony welcomed the real estate company into its new location Friday. A number of community members and leaders attended the event, including Howell Area Chamber of Commerce President Pat Convery.
Convery says it is "...Wonderful to have a trusted business in one of the great downtown buildings." She expects it will bring more foot traffic and says realtors can see what a great place Howell is to live and work.
The real estate group also has offices in Brighton, Fowlerville, Pinckney and Milford. Owner and Broker Karen Gill feels downtown Howell is âboomingâ and âthe new place to beâ. Gill says she is looking forward to getting to know the community better, getting involved, and giving back. (DK)
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Tree Removal Project Planned Along North Territorial Road Tree Removal Project Planned Along North Territorial Road
Some roadside safety improvements will be completed in Northfield Township thanks to federal funding.
The Washtenaw County Road Commission has been awarded Federal Highway Safety Improvement Funds (HSIP) to improve safety along North Territorial Road from Gotfredson Road in Salem Township to Spencer Road in Northfield Township. The funds were awarded specifically to remove trees that are too close to the roadway and pose a safety risk. The tree work will begin in early February, with all tree removals done before March 31st. A contractor, approved by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), will conduct the work.
Officials say the plan is to remove trees and brush approximately ten-feet from the edge of pavement within the existing public road right-of-way. Additional dead trees may also be removed from within the public road right-of-way. As for any impact on traffic, motorists can expect periodic lane closures. (JM)
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Rep. Hank Vaupel Says Mental Health Legislation Moving In Committee Rep. Hank Vaupel Says Mental Health Legislation Moving In Committee
A local lawmaker who co-chairs a mental health task force says theyâre moving forward with legislation to prevent substance abuse and improve mental health treatment.
Republican State Representative Hank Vaupel of Handy Township co-chairs the CARES or Community, Access, Resources, Education, Safety mental health task force. The task force recently unveiled a report and recommendations to make significant improvements to what many feel is Michiganâs broken mental health system. Vaupel says this is not a report that will just sit on a shelf, stressing it is a priority and they will be acting on it.
Vaupel also chairs the House Health Policy Committee. He says there are two bills theyâll be hearing in committee designed to prevent substance abuse while improving mental health treatment. One involves funneling some of the liquor tax funds to use for substance use disorders. Vaupel says they are also working on another bill that will allow emergency responders to be able to find treatment in the health professional recovery program, and open that up a little bit for more eligibility for people so they can actually seek help when they need it.
The CARES report is said to offer solutions to problems brought forward by real people, officials and organizations impacted by mental health care in the state. The bi-partisan CARES task force was created with a goal of reducing barriers to access mental health care, enhance current services, and improve current programs. (JM)
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Local Teen Crushed While Working On Car Local Teen Crushed While Working On Car
A South Lyon teen remains hospitalized after being critically injured while working on his car.
Green Oak Township Police tell WHMI the 16-year-old man was changing a tire on his vehicle in the driveway of his home Thursday evening, but then crawled underneath the car to inspect something that he observed to be "hanging down".
Police say it appears that the scissor jack that was holding up the vehicle slipped and the vehicle fell on the teen while he was underneath the car. His mother observed the incident and ran to a neighbor for help and emergency services were summoned. Crews with the Green Oak Fire Department extricated the teen by lifting the vehicle off of him with hydraulic tools, and he was subsequently transported from the scene to the hospital.
The teen is in the intensive care unit at Children's Hospital in Detroit. No additional information in regard to his condition was made available to police. (JM)
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More White Supremacist Flyers Posted In HowellMore White Supremacist Flyers Posted In Howell
In advance of this afternoon's planned March Against Fear, a response to the placement of white supremacist flyers in Howell last weekend, a new batch of flyers was posted around the Howell Carnegie District Library, where today's march is set to begin.
The flyers were found this morning stapled to trees and taped to lightposts around the library. The group behind the flyers, Patriot Front, is a nationally recognized white supremacy organization that uses the the Nazi-identified phrase âBlood and Soil.â The Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks hate groups across the country, says Patriot Front promotes a ââ¦dead-serious advocacy of white-supremacist ideologyâ¦intended to appeal to a more militant mindset.â Library Director Holly Ward Lamb tells WHMI that she's been in contact with the mayor and city manager about the incident. "I think the city is on it and I'm not worried at all." She added that this incident and the one last weekend "do not reflect Howell" and that "anywhere you will find elements that do not reflect the greater whole and I think this is an incident of that. I do." She says the library will remain open until 5pm as normal and she encourages patrons to visit as planned and she is not anticipating any problems.
Howell Police are investigating the placement of the flyers and are expected to be visible for today's march, which is being held by Citizens for Unity. The group is asking participants to meet in front of the Howell Carnegie District Library at 2:30pm. From there, they will proceed on a walking demonstration along Grand River. They ask participants to wear appropriate footwear and clothing and that signs promoting love, peace, equality, democracy, and all related themes are encouraged. They add that this will be a quiet, peaceful, kid-friendly demonstration with a goal of getting more attention than what they called âdespicable unwelcome cowards who are trying to stir up hate in our community.â (JK)
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Marchers Rally Against Racist FlyersMarchers Rally Against Racist Flyers
More than 100 people marched through Downtown Howell Saturday chanting and singing with a message of peace and equality.
The March Against Fear was organized by the grassroots group Citizens For Unity as a reaction to the placement of white supremacist flyers the past two weekends in Howell. The original incident occurred last Saturday as people were attending a fundraiser to benefit girls and women in India.
The group behind the flyers, Patriot Front, is a nationally recognized white supremacy organization that uses the the Nazi-identified phrase âBlood and Soil.â The Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks hate groups across the country, says Patriot Front promotes a ââ¦dead-serious advocacy of white-supremacist ideologyâ¦intended to appeal to a more militant mindset.â A second group of flyers was discovered this Saturday morning stapled to trees and taped to light posts around the Howell Carnegie District Library, which was the announced gathering spot for the march.
Approximately 120 men, women and children turned out for the march, including Chris Hilbrandt of Brighton, who grew up in Howell. "I'm sick and tired of our community, this beautiful town and Livingston County, being labeled and just the anger and the hate that comes from some people and it doesn't reflect who this towns is. That's why I'm here."
The group proceeded along Grand River to the Four Corners and then to the Historic Howell Theatre, where organizer Colleen Turk spoke to the gathering, drawing a loud cheer as she laid out their intent in making the public display of unity. "We didn't show up here today just for ourselves. We showed up here today for everyone who visits this community and lives in this community. Maybe they look different. Maybe their skin isan't the same color as ours. Maybe their religion isn't the same as ours. But they are welcome to visit here. They are welcome to live here and we will stand up for them!"
Howell Police are investigating the placement of the flyers and were visible for the march, which went off without problem as many cars drove by honking or offering thumbs up in support. Turk told those gathered that they had no intention of playing a âtit for tatâ game with those who placed the flyers and that the march was their stand at showing what the community stood for. (JK)
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Year-End Donations Up From 2016 For Livingston County Habitat For Humanity Year-End Donations Up From 2016 For Livingston County Habitat For Humanity
Livingston County Habitat for Humanity says donations from 2017âs year-end fundraising efforts are up from 2016.
Leaders of the nonprofit say while they didnât reach their âambitiousâ $25,000 goal, $7,748.50 was raised to build safe and affordable homes in Livingston County. Just over $5,000 was raised in the year prior, so leaders feel getting closer to the $10,000 mark in 2017 was a significant achievement for the organization.
Executive Director Larry Pfeil says Livingston Countyâs Habitat for Humanity sees a lot of $25 donations during their year-end appeal from people who give what they can. Pfeil says their belief in the organizationâs mission means a lot. Habitat for Humanity is currently building a home on North Street in Howell.
The organization is continuing its fundraising efforts by partnering with the SpartanNash Foundation and its family VGâs stores. VGâs shoppers can make donations to Habitat for Humanity at the checkout lane and 100% of the proceeds will be used to build more homes in the community for families in need. The retail scan campaign runs February 7th through the 18th. More information can be found at the link below. (DK)
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Brighton Company Joining MEDC At Arab Health Show In Dubai Brighton Company Joining MEDC At Arab Health Show In Dubai
A Brighton company will be joining the Michigan Economic Development Corporation at the Arab Health show in Dubai this coming week.
Arab Health is the Middle Eastâs largest and worldâs second largest healthcare congress and exhibition. The 2018 exhibition takes place Monday through February 1st and will showcase more than 4,200 companies exhibiting their latest innovations to more than 103,000 healthcare professionals attending from 158 countries.
Surgical Safety Scanner of Brighton, a provider of turnkey surgical instrument management solutions, is among those attending this yearâs Arab Health show. A link to the company website is provided. MEDC CEO Jeff Mason says Michigan companies are well-positioned to respond to the fast-growing demand for health care products and services in the Middle East, adding this yearâs exhibit provides an excellent opportunity to showcase Michigan technologies and know-how.
The participating Michigan companies will travel with MEDC to take part in pre-arranged business matchmaking meetings with prospective partners, distributors and buyers. Matchmaking meetings were arranged by the Michigan Arab Gulf Trade Center located in Dubai. Participants will also receive an in-country briefing about doing business in the region and receive their own kiosk in the Michigan booth at the show.
This is the sixth year MEDC has led a group of businesses to Arab Health, with companies that participated in the last three events reporting a total of $14 (m) million in increased sales as a result of attending. (JM)
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Brighton Area Fire Dept. Names Top Firefighters of YearBrighton Area Fire Dept. Names Top Firefighters of Year
Sgt. Corey Laber was named the Brighton Area Fire Dept. Firefighter of the Year for 2017 at ceremonies held this weekend at the Brighton Performing Arts Center. Fire Chief Mike OâBrian says that Laber has served with distinction in the mere four years he has been with the department, particularly on emergency runs.
Other awards included Firefighter of the Year at each of the five fire stations, including APO Brian Grainza of station 31, Doug Lytwynec of station 32, Sgt. Dave Mourer of station 33, APO Mark Cirella of station 34 and Jonathon Kupec of station 35. Also, Office Manager Claudette Monroe won the Distinguished Service award for her work and dedication in her 10 years of service. Finally, Brighton Area Fire Marshall Richard Boisvert was recognized for being named the state Fire Marshall of the Year in Michigan for 2017.
In other awards, Corrigan Towing and the fire dept. crew that responded to a dangerous crane collapse last fall on the shores of Lake Chemung won the Medical Service award. Finally, Jill Donovan, a trainer at Crossfit in Brighton, won the Civilian Award for her quick work in giving CPR to an individual who had gone into full cardiac arrest. O'Brian said Donovan's quick work in reviving him before a crew arrived to administer atrial defibrillation saved the life of the victim.
Chief O'Brian said after the ceremonies that the department held two fire academies last year and graduated 40 men and women as new, certified firefighters to serve at various fire departments. He said the Brighton department itself recruited 17 firefighters this past year, and now has a complement of about 80 firefighters overall. (TT)
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Local Lawmaker Supports Tax Relief Legislation Local Lawmaker Supports Tax Relief Legislation
A local lawmaker is supporting legislation he maintains would provide tax relief to Michigan families and senior citizens.
The bills continue and increase personal exemptions for Michigan taxpayers and their dependents on their income taxes, while providing additional relief for senior citizens. Republican State Representative Hank Vaupel of Handy Township voted for the three-bill package last week. Vaupel said the federal tax reform approved last month provided tax relief, but he believes more needs to be done to lift the tax burden from Michigan families and senior citizens. Vaupel said he believes it would not only improve the local economy by spurring consumer spending but also improve the quality of life for people in Livingston County. State Representative Lana Theis also voted in favor of the bills.
The three-bill package ensures Michigan taxpayers can continue claiming personal exemptions on income taxes after federal tax reforms signed into law last month. The legislation also gradually increases the state personal exemption from the current $4,000 to $4,800 for the 2020 tax year. The legislation ensures taxpayers in Michigan cities with an income tax will continue to be able to claim exemptions in relation to the Michigan income tax, rather than the federal tax code.
However, a spokesman for the state Budget Office said the cut could hurt Gov. Rick Snyder's plans to beef up road repair funding in the 2019 budget. Kurt Weiss said the governor is working with about $260 million to $280 million in "one-time" money that can be spent on one-time expenditures, and Snyder wants to wants to use a large chunk of it to improve state roads. House Bills 5420-22 now go to the Senate for consideration. (JM)
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Tyrone Twp. Man Charged In Foreclosure Scam Headed To TrialTyrone Twp. Man Charged In Foreclosure Scam Headed To Trial
A local man has been bound over for trial on charges connected to an alleged mortgage foreclosure scam, through which authorities say he stole thousands of dollars from Michigan residents.
54-year-old Lawrence Adell Sefa is charged with 15 felonies, including conducting a criminal enterprise and false pretenses, and 15 counts of Credit Services Protection Act violations, which is a misdemeanor. At a probable cause conference in 53rd District Court Friday, Judge Suzanne Geddis determined there was enough evidence to send his case to trial, binding him over to Livingston County Circuit Court.
Sefa is said to have stolen tens of thousands of dollars from Michigan residents facing mortgage foreclosures in a scam he operated through his company. An investigation was launched after the Department of Attorney General received multiple complaints regarding Sefa and his company, LAS Loan Assistance Centers. Clients claim Sefa and LAS took money from them up front for mortgage assistance and/or debt settlement, but never provided the promised services.
Sefa and LAS allegedly guaranteed specific outcomes, such as lower monthly mortgage payments, which is impossible to do. Sefa is also accused of withholding his clientsâ personal financial documents when asked to return them. He is currently free on bond and returns to court February 9th for a pre-trial hearing. (DK)
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Son Of WWII Veteran To Share His Father's War ExperiencesSon Of WWII Veteran To Share His Father's War Experiences
The son of a World War II airman will be recounting his fatherâs amazing tale during a special presentation in Brighton.
John Carah was a U.S. Army Air Force airman during the Second World War When Carahâs B-17 was shot down over France in 1943, he parachuted to safety, was rescued by the French Underground, and made his way to safety in Switzerland. His son, Warren Carah, will tell this amazing story of how his dad was then hired as an assistant military attaché, worked for the Office of Strategic Services, and was likely witness to several secrets of the war during an upcoming presentation at the Brighton District Library.
Carah said he began sharing his fatherâs story after becoming aware at how little younger generations knew about World War II. He calls World War II âprobably the most fundamental event in our recent history that brought us to where we are as a world leader and champion of democracy.â
Carah will have on display artifacts and pieces of his fatherâs plane that his father recovered upon returning to the crash site in 1996. The presentation will take place at the Brighton Library on Monday, February 5th, from 7pm to 8:30. Call the library at (810) 229-6571, extension 227 to register. (MK)
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Polar Plunge A Huge Success For Livingston County Special Olympics Polar Plunge A Huge Success For Livingston County Special Olympics
Saturday afternoon, the lake behind Brighton High School was filled with plungers jumping into the frigid water.
Nearly 200 people turned out for the annual Polar Plunge in an effort to raise funds and awareness for Livingston County Special Olympics. Before bracing the cold waters, the schoolâs gymnasium was filled with plungers and supporters dressed up for the parade of costumes. Everyone then made their way outside where several people plunged into the chilly water while supporters cheered them on. 100% of the funds raised over the weekendâs event will be going towards everything the athletes need for their Olympic games. Livingston County Special Olympics provides their athletes with everything needed for competing for free such as equipment, games, venues, insurance, and uniforms.
Event coordinators Vivian Nylund and Elizabeth Krause told WHMI that despite the milder than normal temperatures, this yearâs event was a huge success. They were also grateful for the continued support in the community for the annual event. (DF/JK)
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MSP Angel Program Expands CountywideMSP Angel Program Expands Countywide
A national law enforcement- run drug assistance program has been expanded to cover all of Livingston County.
Nearly 200 police departments nationwide, including the Michigan State Police Brighton Post, participate in the Angel Program. The Angel Program allows those with drug addictions to walk into a participating police department to seek help for their addiction without worry of arrest or investigation. The MSPâs Brighton Post has now gone a step a further and expanded the program to all law enforcement agencies in Livingston County.
First Lieutenant Joel Allen of the Brighton Post said in a release that this partnership with other departments will allow participants to use agencies closest to them or those they feel most comfortable at, while still getting the same help as entering the Brighton Post. If accepted into the program, the participant will be guided through a professional substance abuse assessment to help ensure the best path for treatment.
Those wishing to take advantage of what the Angel Program offers must arrive voluntarily to the post, and must not have active warrants, pending court action, or be a registered sex offender. More information about the program, including opportunities in becoming an Angel Volunteer, can be found by contacting the State Policeâs Brighton Post at 810-227-1051. (MK)
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Howell City Council To Hold Annual Retreat Howell City Council To Hold Annual Retreat
The Howell City Council will convene for its annual retreat in early February.
Council and staff are in the process of finalizing goals, objectives, and what members might want to prioritize for the next fiscal year. The upcoming budget is also expected to be discussed, along with municipal finance challenges.
City Manager Shea Charles tells WHMI they come together once a year to set goals and objectives for the next fiscal year, which starts July 1st. He noted they are headed deep into budget season, so that will also be discussed. Charles says the retreat is a good opportunity to check in with everyone, see where everything is at and where Council wants to go over the next fiscal year.
The two major initiatives that will be topics of conversation include a 10-year infrastructure plan for roads, water and sewer services; as well as property maintenance code and options, which have been an ongoing conversation amongst council. Mayor Nick Proctor indicated he would also like to continue discussion related to the police safety assessment.
Council members will be completing a survey that asks them to prioritize existing values and action items ahead of the annual retreat, which is scheduled for Saturday, February 3rd. The results will then be provided as part of the session to help facilitate conversation. (JM)
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