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Hune Maintains Perfect Voting Record For 2017Hune Maintains Perfect Voting Record For 2017

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The man who represents Livingston County in the senate is again being recognized for his voting record. For the seventh year in a row, Republican State Senator Joe Hune of Fowlerville maintained a perfect record of voting attendance. Last year, the Senate had 622 roll call votes, bringing Hune’s total number of uninterrupted votes to 5,646; the longest streak in the Senate by 650. Hune likened the Legislature to business and sports saying, “…when someone doesn’t show up to work, the whole team suffers.” Hune says the Legislature relies on one another to help tackle the issues voters care about. He says it’s his duty but also his pleasure to represent the 22nd District. Hune was one of 14 senators who did not miss any votes in 2017. A full record of votes can be viewed at the link below.

Meteorite Found On Zukey Lake Set For AuctionMeteorite Found On Zukey Lake Set For Auction

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A chunk of the meteor that exploded over Livingston County last month will hit the auction block in New York. Ashley Moritz of Royal Oak and her partner Christopher Rodgers found the meteorite on Zukey Lake in Hamburg Township four days after the January 16th incident. Weighing in at just under two ounces, the meteorite is now on display at Rockefeller Center in New York City and is slated to be part of an auction at Christie’s of London entitled "Sculpted by Nature: Fossils, Minerals and Meteorites," set for April 10th through the 17th. According to a news release from Christie’s, Moritz said she, “spotted a little hole in a patch of snow on the ice and was so excited upon extracting a small black rock.” The meteorite is classified as a chondrite, described as non-metallic meteorites formed when various types of dust and small grains that were present in the early solar system accreted to form primitive asteroids. The Chicago’s Field Museum, which has a different specimen from this same meteorite shower said that because it fell on winter ice, “This is one of the best-preserved meteorites” in its collection. Christie’s says the same is true of Moritz’s find, which is expected to have an opening bid of $12,000. Pictures courtesy of Christie's of London. (JK)

Experts Discuss Barriers & Opportunities To Autonomous VehiclesExperts Discuss Barriers & Opportunities To Autonomous Vehicles

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Leaders and innovators in the world of self-driving vehicles were in Howell for a discussion on the current state and future of the industry. Automated vehicles have been a popular topic for the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce as they held their 3rd Good Morning Livingston event on the subject at the Johnson Center at Cleary University, this morning. Representatives from 3 different companies invested in self-driving vehicles and vehicle-to-vehicle technologies shared their knowledge and took questions from the community. Pierre Bourgin of NAVYA, a French-based developer who recently opened up operations in Saline, discussed the importance of needing to be “better than humans” in order to secure trust. NAVYA has begun recently running self-driving shuttles that carry 15 passengers in Europe. Bourgin said reaction from passengers often runs from an initial state of marvel to “oh, its just a bus...” in minutes. He explained this was a good thing as they were making riders feel comfortable. Adela Spuller of the Center for Automotive Research spoke of changes to infrastructure that could be coming in the next 5 to 15 years to accommodate the technology. She sees a near-future where traffic lights are connected and can communicate with a traffic control center. They can transfer information to vehicles like what color the light is, as well as weather information to warn of inclement weather approaching. Spuller believes self-driving cars will also make people more willing to travel longer distances to work and on vacation because of the ability to do other things on the commute. When asked about a timeline for mass deployment of self-driving passenger vehicles, Spuller said most OEMs are hoping for 2020, but she sees 2030 as being more realistic commercially. Seun Phillips of Planet M discussed the nature of connecting developers of the technology to OEMs and how the Michigan automotive industry can thrive from it. He also addressed the trust issue with passengers. He said some OEMs are using “geofencing,” which is when a car has the ability to stay on a predetermined path. Phillips called it a key first step towards getting people comfortable with it, but to be fully autonomous, you have to be able to work in any infrastructure and environment. Consensus among panelists was optimism about the technology and direction the industry is heading in. Some of the bigger obstacles they saw were around existing road conditions, battery life in winter weather, and skepticism about communities making decisions around their use and implementation. (MK)

Police Investigating Incident In Gregory Involving ChildPolice Investigating Incident In Gregory Involving Child

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Unadilla Township Police are investigating a report that a 9 year old child was approached by two men in a vehicle in downtown Gregory Tuesday afternoon. Police say a red Chevy truck with a red camper top and tinted windows approached the child about 4:30pm. The driver was a white male, 30-40 years of age, with a small black beard. He was wearing a camouflage shirt and a camouflage hat. The passenger was a white male. The driver reportedly said to the child, "I see you little kid, get in." The child then ran away. The vehicle was last seen heading north on M36. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Unadilla Township Police Department at 734-498-2325. (JK)

Howell Alliance Community Creates Safe Spot For StudentsHowell Alliance Community Creates Safe Spot For Students

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A new group has formed for Howell High School students who want to foster positive relationships between peers regardless of sexual orientation. Howell High School drama teacher Amanda Malo said she was approached by a student at the end of the last school year asking if she would be a sponsor for a gay-straight alliance. Malo, realizing the student wouldn’t ask if there wasn’t a need, joined with fellow teacher Jay McDowell to form the Howell Alliance Community which began meeting last month. She says the H-A-C is not a club, but rather an open community to all 9th through 12th grade students regardless of their orientation or gender identity. She said it started as a gay-straight alliance, but is so much more now. They work with GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian, Straight, Educational Network and are also open to the pan and trans communities. Malo said it really is a place to come together and talk about issues they all face in high school. In their 3 meetings thus far, they have alternated between educational teaching and making the community a social place where the kids can talk about issues they face. Malo said the students have spoken up, wanting their voices heard, and are looking to branch out to the middle schools in hopes of creating safe places for students there. The students have also created a sign campaign that can be seen in many classrooms, informing students on what to do if they feel they are being bullied. Support from the community has been all positive. Malo said she has heard from many alumni and parents of students who said they wished this community existed when they were in school. Malo invites anyone with questions to contact her through email at maloa@howellschools.com. (MK)

Seminar Discusses Correlation Between Domestic Violence & Human TraffickingSeminar Discusses Correlation Between Domestic Violence & Human Trafficking

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Human trafficking and domestic violence were the subjects of an informational seminar recently hosted by a group of Brighton High School student advocates. Teens Advocating Against Domestic Assistance, or TADA, drew attention to both issues at the event Tuesday, held at the high school. Guest speakers discussed common signs, myths and the similarities between human trafficking and domestic violence, as well as what can be done to prevent or put an end to each. LACASA Youth Prevention Services Coordinator Kayla Grant says both situations can begin with the “Romeo Effect”, in which the trafficker or abuser appears sweet at first, then slowly gains control over time. Grant says “Romeo” will groom the victim into a state of isolation and eventually, possession. Special Agent Amy Tanana of Homeland Security Investigations agreed, saying there is a similar pattern when a victim descends into an abuser or trafficker’s control. Tanana says some indicators that a person may be a victim of trafficking are a sense of fearfulness, noticeable marks on their body indicating abuse or a controlling figure that is constantly with them; signs that can also apply to victims of dating violence. Tanana and Grant also worked to dispel common myths among the two subjects, both saying that victims of each don’t always know that they’re victims. For parents at the meeting, Tanana and Grant recommended they pay attention to who their child is hanging out with or talking to as cell phones and social media can be used as avenues to connect with a potential victim. The National Human Trafficking Hotline received 958 leads in Michigan in 2017, however Tanana says trafficking statistics are hard to pin down because victims don’t always come forward or are unable to. She says this form of “modern-day slavery” is extremely profitable, as humans can be sold over and over again, unlike drug trafficking. With awareness as the central focus, attendees were reminded that domestic violence and human trafficking do not discriminate based on demographics, meaning either can happen to anyone at anytime, anywhere. (DK)

Former Council Candidate Files Discrimination ComplaintFormer Council Candidate Files Discrimination Complaint

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A discrimination complaint has been filed by a former South Lyon City Council candidate. Joyce Clohosey, who was interviewed January 18th for an open council seat, filed the complaint this week with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights. Clohosey claims she was discriminated against by Councilman Carl Richards during her interview based on sex and family status because she has an infant at home. Clohosey, who had unsuccessfully run for council in the November election, was one of three candidates interviewed at a special meeting. During her interview, Councilman Richards asked her whether she’d recently had a baby, followed by a question about how long ago the infant had been born. The Oakland Press reports that at Monday night’s city council meeting, Clohosey read a letter to council, which was addressed to the city’s attorney, Christopher Johnson, asking for an apology and requesting that council members take discrimination training. In her complaint, Clohosey states “it’s clear that if not for Mr. Richards’ discriminatory views about women and the appropriateness of mothers of young children serving on city council, I would have received at least three votes from the six-member council, which would have necessitated a runoff process.” Clohosey believes that because she had the highest vote total among candidates not getting elected last November, she would have been selected for the open council seat if not for Richards’ “discriminatory comments.” Clohosey has also filed a FOIA request with the city seeking all documents and emails related to the candidate selection and interview process as well as recordings of previous meetings in December and January. The city has until February 23rd, to respond to her request. Council ultimately ended up appointing management consultant Stephen Kennedy to fill the vacant seat. (JK)

City Of Howell Moves Toward New Sewer & Water Fee ScheduleCity Of Howell Moves Toward New Sewer & Water Fee Schedule

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The City of Howell is looking to update the method used to determine the cost of tapping into the municipality’s water and sewer system. The current method uses REUs, or Residential Equivalency Units, to ascertain the expected use compared to a typical household. City Manager Shea Charles says this structure came about as early as the 1970s. Charles tells WHMI the city is interested in adopting a new method in order to assure proper funding for the systems. Charles says as technology has evolved, it’s become apparent that the guesswork isn’t the best approach. The City is instead looking to adopt a fee schedule that’s based on the size of the physical connection to the system and uses straight pipe sizes. Charles says knowing the impact that a certain tap will have on the system eliminates the debate of how many REUs to assign a use. The city is contracting Utility Financial Solutions at a cost of $7,000 to develop the new fee structure. On Monday, City Council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the study and implementation. The city will be caught in an interim period during which the study is being conducted and the start of construction season. Charles says the city anticipates issuing building permits within that time frame, so individuals pulling the permits will be given the option to either pay the tap fees based on the current structure, or wait until the new structure has been implemented. If they choose to wait and the new structure indicates higher fees, property owners have the right to revert to the old system and pay the lower charges. That option only applies to permits issued from this point forward and will terminate once the new fee schedule is adopted. (DK)

City Of Howell Contributes Funds To Fillmore County Park DevelopmentCity Of Howell Contributes Funds To Fillmore County Park Development

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Development of a Genoa Township park will be funded partially by local governmental units, including the City of Howell. On Monday, Howell City Council unanimously approved a resolution entering into an agreement that calls for a $2,000 contribution to the development of Fillmore County Park. The matching assistance funds will be used in conjunction with a federal Land and Water Conservation grant. The grant will fund half of the estimated $172,000 project. In addition to the City of Howell and the county’s contributions, Marion and Genoa Township each committed up to $3,000 in match assistance. Located at Euler and McClements Roads in Genoa Township, Fillmore County Park is 198 acres of open space that is being developed in phases. In a recent memo to Howell City Council, Planning Director Kathleen Kline-Hudson stated significant progress has been made on Phase I, which includes a multi-use athletic field, 5k natural surfaced trail and a half-mile hiking trail. Park plans and specifications are currently being reviewed by the Department of Natural Resources. The project is expected to go out to bid this spring, with construction to follow in the summer. (DK)

Fowlerville Man's Appeal Of Sex Assault Conviction RejectedFowlerville Man's Appeal Of Sex Assault Conviction Rejected

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A Livingston County man convicted of sexual misconduct with a teenage girl has had appeal denied in the case. 33-year-old Jeremy Alan Slayden of Fowlerville was sentenced to 10 months in the Livingston County Jail in 2016 after a jury convicted him of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct and furnishing of alcohol to a minor. He was also ordered to spend five years on probation. Slayden’s conviction arose from the sexual assault of his daughter’s 13-year-old friend in February of 2016. The victim testified Slayden had purchased alcohol for her and his daughter and served it to them at his home. She testified that after falling asleep on the couch, she awoke to Slayden putting his hands underneath her bra. She then got up, went into a bedroom and texted her boyfriend. He told his mother, who called State Police. When a trooper arrived at the home the next morning, the victim said Slayden asked her to lie or he would end up going to jail. She initially denied the incident when asked by the trooper, but then later broke down and told her mother it was true. Slayden denied the incident occurred and said any alcohol being consumed by his daughter and her friend was without his knowledge. In his appeal he claimed he had ineffective counsel at trial and was the victim of prosecutorial misconduct. The Appeals court denied both of those claims and affirmed Slayden’s conviction and sentence. (JK)

Brighton Unified Basketball Game To Benefit Special OlympicsBrighton Unified Basketball Game To Benefit Special Olympics

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The Brighton Unified Team, a co-ed basketball team that involves students in the Brighton Area Schools’ special education program, will play Northville Wednesday at the Brighton High School field house. The Brighton Unified Team consists of students with disabilities and those from the general student population. Jody Renicker is one of three coaches of the Brighton Unified Team and is also a special education teacher at Brighton High School. Renicker says she has seen “a huge impact on the school culture” stemming from the program, saying there is now much more kindness and acceptance of people’s differences on the high school campus. Brighton Superintendent Greg Gray tells WHMI that attending a Unified Team game, and seeing the camaraderie between the players with disabilities and their non-special needs counterparts, is a rewarding experience. Admission to the game is free, but cash donations will be accepted at the door for the Special Olympics program at the high school. The event is part of Kindness Week at BHS, with special activities each day geared toward showing kindness to others while respecting each others’ uniqueness. The Brighton High School Spirit Club will be handing out “Respect” bracelets at the game and Respect stickers have been distributed throughout the school. Renicker credits Brighton Athletic Director John Thompson for being instrumental in organizing a KLAA Unified League, which consists of Brighton, Hartland, Novi, Northville and Grand Blanc. Brighton Unified also plays flag football in the fall and bocce ball in the spring. Locally, the program is now in its second year. The parent program, Unified Sports, has grown by leaps and bounds in the last few years. It is an international program run through Special Olympics involving about 1.4 million people throughout the world. Its purpose is to foster social inclusion through practice sessions and competition with other Unified teams and to give students with disabilities a chance to participate in competitive team sports. (TT) Photo courtesy of Jody Renicker.

Southeast Elementary Building To Be Used As Preschool & High SchoolSoutheast Elementary Building To Be Used As Preschool & High School

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Two new programs are set to launch at the former Southeast Elementary School building this fall, with a goal to better serve preschool and high school students. The Howell Public Schools Board of Education approved the two initiatives Monday. The Early Childhood Collaborative is an effort formed by Howell Public Schools and the Livingston Educational Service Agency (LESA) and will allow for the expansion of offerings to the district’s youngest learners, according to HPS Superintendent Erin MacGregor. The program houses HPS and LESA early childhood education classrooms under one roof. MacGregor says one of the initiative’s many benefits are before and after school care provided to students in the program. He says it will also allow for efficient use of district resources, an issue that contributed to the decision to close Southeast Elementary. District officials say declining enrollment led to the school's closure as well. Southeast will also be used for the Secondary Innovative Learning Initiative, which will be a non-traditional high school comprised of about 80 students. MacGregor says the unique program is aimed at students who struggled in a traditional high school setting but may benefit from a more personal environment. The goal is to create a “family-like culture” and offer learning opportunities tailored to students’ specific needs. (DK) Picture courtesy of change.org.

State Police Remind Motorists To Slow Down & Move Over For Emergency VehiclesState Police Remind Motorists To Slow Down & Move Over For Emergency Vehicles

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State police say there have been several car crashes involving troopers within recent months, prompting them to remind motorists they have to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles. Since September, Michigan State Police Brighton Post troopers have had three close calls while policing traffic crashes. The most recent crash occurred on February 9th when a sergeant’s patrol vehicle was struck by a passing vehicle. The sergeant was assisting a motorist who was stuck in the median when a driver lost control and struck the sergeant’s patrol car. In a similar situation in December, a driver failed to move over to the right lane and struck the patrol car, causing it to hit the trooper who was outside of his vehicle. In September, a trooper from the Brighton Post was policing a traffic crash in Washtenaw County when a driver lost control on the wet pavement and struck the back of the patrol car. The patrol vehicles’ emergency lights were activated in all three situations. Though no one was fatally injured in the crashes, Lt. Mario Gonzales, assistant Brighton Post commander, reminds residents it is a state law that requires drivers to move over when possible for emergency vehicles with their lights activated. If changing lanes is not a possibility, motorists must slow down and proceed with caution. Gonzales says drivers involved in a crash in adverse weather conditions often blame the weather or the road condition. While both may be factors, Gonzales says, “…the responsibility for maintaining control of the vehicle in all situations lies solely with the driver.”

Hamburg Township Named Among 10 Safest Cities In MichiganHamburg Township Named Among 10 Safest Cities In Michigan

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Several local communities are among the safest in Michigan. The National Council for Home Safety and Security has released its Safest Cities in Michigan report for 2018. Hamburg Township, South Lyon and Milford all made the list, which named a total of ten communities. To identify the safest cities and/or communities, the council reviewed the most recent FBI Uniform Crime Report statistics, along with their own population data and internal research. Any cities that failed to submit a complete crime report to the FBI and communities with populations under 10,000 were eliminated. They were then ranked based on the number of reported violent crimes and property crimes per 1,000 people. The variables were then weighted and assigned a value. Hamburg Township, a town of 21,714 lodged 14 violent crimes and 80 property crimes per 1,000 inhabitants, coming in third place. South Lyon ranked 5th with seven violent crimes and 50 property crimes at a population of 11,801. Milford filled the 9th spot. Of the 134 communities identified, Green Oak and Lyon Township respectively placed 20th and 21st. The report can be viewed at the link below.

Nine Couples Say "I Do" At Howell Coffee ShopNine Couples Say "I Do" At Howell Coffee Shop

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Several couples took advantage of “Free Wedding Day” at downtown Howell coffee shop, yesterday. Valentine’s Day was Free Wedding Day at the Uptown Coffeehouse courtesy of Howell firefighter and ordained minister Bill Fenton. Nine couples took advantage of the event, some getting wed for the first time, many others renewing their vows. Fenton said he married one couple for the 4th time earlier in the day. A Howell couple re-tied the knot in secrecy. Having been married earlier in life, and then divorced, they weren’t ready to tell everyone they know they were getting married again. Their spot was almost blown up when members of the Livingston Lamplighters walked by. Seeing free weddings being held in the coffeehouse, they popped inside for a surprise Valentine’s Day serenade. Brighton firefighter Bryan Berry and his wife Lisa closed the event with a renewal of their vows they originally made 20 years ago, last August. Last year, Fenton performed 26 weddings on Valentine’s Day and said he had a feeling this year’s number would be smaller from the lack of phone calls he’s received about it. It didn’t discourage him. He said it’s an honor any time he gets to be the one who helps a happy couple get started on a new life together. Fenton started marrying couples at the Uptown Coffeehouse 6 years ago. Last year he began talking with the owner about holding the Free Wedding Day, in which he drops his usual $50 service fee, as a way of giving back to the community. He likes using the coffeehouse because it gives couples a nice alternative to standing in front of a judge. He plans on holding this event again next year, so save the date. (MK)

Community Weighs In On Proposed Power Plant For Handy Twp.Community Weighs In On Proposed Power Plant For Handy Twp.

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A proposed project to construct a power plant in Handy Township came under community scrutiny and praise at a Planning Commission meeting Wednesday. Commissioners met in the Fowlerville Junior High School’s auditorium in anticipation of a large turnout, which they received. There, community members shared their thoughts on an electrical power plant that could be built north of Mason and Truhn Roads. Competitive Power Ventures has an option on the property, giving them a two-year due diligence period to decide whether it’s an appropriate location for their plant. The Planning Commission was tasked with voting on resolutions related to the project, including amending the zoning map to allow for research and development uses, amending the ordinance to regulate energy plants and amending the township’s master plan to determine land use. Commissioners voted unanimously to approve all three resolutions. The first two must receive approval from two other governmental bodies to become official, however the master plan amendment is final. Kate DeRosier attended the commission’s meeting as an active member of the local Sierra Crossroads group and an opponent of the project. She disagreed with the commission’s decision to amend the master plan, saying it was an opportunity to uphold the deliberate process in formulating the master plan 10 and a half months ago. Other project opponents cited a potential decrease in property values and environmental impacts as reasons of concern. Groundwater usage was also brought up, specifically the amount the plant would use per day. Frank Munsell, who owns part of the land being considered for the project, says compared to the amount used by neighboring communities, 400,000 gallons per day "is not a big deal" in the grand scheme of things. Marion Township resident Rich Benson told commissioners if approved, the plant would benefit the area by bringing in jobs, boosting the economy and increasing electric reliability. But Andrew Nowicki of Cohoctah Township felt there was more discussion to be had about the project’s effect on the economy. Nowicki says it is a misconception that the environment is separate from the economy and that economic decisions cannot be made without factoring in the possible environmental impacts. In addition to the resolutions, the Planning Commission also considered and approved the property owners’ request to reduce the amount of acreage that would be rezoned from 145 acres to 125 acres south of Sargent Road. The township’s Board of Trustees will make the final decision on the resolutions, excluding the amended master plan, though a date for a meeting to consider them has not been determined at this time. (DK)

Brighton Area Schools Maxed Out on Snow DaysBrighton Area Schools Maxed Out on Snow Days

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The Brighton Area Schools has already had the maximum number of snow days it can have without having to make up any more days off. Due to a snowstorm that dumped up to eight inches of snow in some areas, school was called off in Brighton last Friday. Unfortunately, it was the district’s sixth snow day and the state only allows six days in which school is cancelled due to inclement weather. There is a process where the state school superintendent can waive having to add additional school days, but that’s extremely rare, and there must be extenuating circumstances. If there are any more snow days, Brighton Superintendent Greg Gray tells WHMI he would have to meet with the teachers’ union, since it is part of the contract, as to how and when to make up the lost classroom time. Gray says the district always takes a conservative approach when it comes to the decision on whether to cancel classes for the day since children’s safety is paramount. There shouldn’t be any need to make that decision anytime soon, however. There is no snow in the next 10-day forecast, which calls for high temperatures ranging from the upper 30’s to low 50’s. (TT/JK)

Women Go Red For Heart Health AwarenessWomen Go Red For Heart Health Awareness

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An event to raise awareness of the number one killer of women was held today at Crystal Gardens Banquet Center in Genoa Township. More than 200 women interested in learning more about heart disease attended the 5th annual Livingston County Goes Red for Women luncheon. The event was hosted by The Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce, Professional Women’s Club of Michigan, IHA and Michigan Heart at Saint Joseph Mercy Health System. Lila Lazarus is a health reporter for the St. Joe Mercy Health System and says events like this go a long way to making women more aware of these critical issues, especially when you consider that every 34 seconds a woman has a heart attack in the U.S. One of the main topics of discussion was prevention of heart disease, most especially through a plant-based diet. One of today’s speakers was Dr. Shilpa Reddy, a cardiologist at Michigan Heart. She said one of the big misconceptions is that vegetarian and plant-based diets are the same, but that it is unprocessed fruits and vegetables rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals that support heart health, while white rice and white bread-based foods can actually be unhealthy. (JK)

Judge Suzanne Geddis Announces Candidacy For New Circuit Court SeatJudge Suzanne Geddis Announces Candidacy For New Circuit Court Seat

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53rd District Court Judge Suzanne Geddis is running to fill the newly created Circuit Court position in Livingston County. Currently held by 53rd District Court Judge Carol Sue Reader, the judicial seat will move to the 44th Circuit Court on January 1st, 2019, following a recommendation from the State Court Administrative Office. Reader cannot run again due to age limitations. The position was created as a result of what County Commissioners, the Supreme Court and the Legislature say is an imbalance between the number of cases at the Circuit and District Court. Geddis announced her campaign today. In 2004, she became the first female judge to be elected to the District Court. She has been one of the county’s three District Court Judges for over 13 years. During that time, Geddis also presided over Circuit Court cases. Before running for judge, Geddis was a prosecutor. She joins Dennis Brewer in the race, who announced his candidacy for the Circuit Court position earlier this week. Whoever is chosen for the new seat will serve the first term for eight years instead of the usual six, so that judicial seats will eventually be staggered and up for election every two years. (DK)

Howell Man Sentenced To Prison For Car Crash DeathHowell Man Sentenced To Prison For Car Crash Death

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A lengthy prison term has been handed down to a Livingston County man for a fatal traffic crash. 20-year-old Jordan Watson of Howell pleaded no contest last month to 2nd degree murder and other charges that he was drunk and behind the wheel when he drove into two Waterford Township homes in 2016, causing the death of one of his passengers. On Wednesday, Watson was ordered to spend between 19-and-a-half years and 50 years in prison on the 2nd degree murder charge, which stemmed from the death of 19-year-old Gage Remsberg of Highland Township, who died two months after the October, 2016 crash. Watson was also ordered to serve sentences of 10 to 15 years on counts of OWI causing death and OWI with a suspended license causing death and 3 to 5 years for OWI causing serious injury and OWI with a suspended license causing serious injury. His attorney had tried to withdraw the no contest plea saying Watson was like a “deer caught in the headlights” and unable to think logically when he made the plea, but that was earlier rejected by Oakland County Circuit Court Judge James Alexander, who handed down yesterday’s sentenced, which will be served concurrently. Authorities said Watson was traveling south on Scott Lake Road in excess of 90 mph, when his vehicle crashed through the attached garage of an unoccupied home and into the side of an adjacent home. He had a blood-alcohol content of 0.32% at the time of the crash, four times the legal driving limit. Also charged in the case is 18-year-old Sophia Buttazzoni of Commerce Township who was a passenger in the vehicle. Police say the car in question belonged to her father, but she had legal control over it that night and is accused of knowingly allowing Watson to drive while he was intoxicated. Buttazzoni is set to go to trial March 22nd. (JK)
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