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Brighton in State Unified Basketball FinalsBrighton in State Unified Basketball Finals

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Brighton will be fielding two teams – the Orange team and the Black team - in the State Unified Basketball Finals. About 450 athletes and 125 coaches and chaperones will gather for the finals. This will be the second year the Brighton Unified teams have participated in the State Unified Basketball Finals. Jody Renicker - a special education teacher at Brighton High School and one of three Brighton Unified coaches – tells WHMI the kids will get a police escort, and they’re asking the community to come out and support the Brighton students. The students will leave in their chartered bus shortly after 10 a.m. and proceed from the high school down Main Street to the downtown andon to Kalamazoo. Some 50 Brighton students – both with and without disabilities – will be taking the trip. Renicker says the Brighton teams are 8-2 on the season and unbeaten in the KLAA Unified League, with their only defeats being two losses to Grand Blanc. Renicker says Grand Blanc is in a different division than Brighton, however, and the two teams will not meet in the tournament. As a result, she says the Brighton squads have a good chance at a state title. Gold, silver, and bronze medals will be awarded to the first, second and third-place teams – just as in the regular Olympics. (TT)

City Of Brighton Releases 2017 Annual ReportCity Of Brighton Releases 2017 Annual Report

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Brighton city officials have released their annual report where they look back at 2017 and forward to this current year. The document, subtitled this year, “A Year of Progress,” highlights how efforts set by City Council in 2016 to move Brighton forward are going. One of the biggest issues identified in 2017 was a need improve the condition of the city’s streets. A ballot proposal will be coming to voters this year that could help. A lot of work was done around the Millpond last year, as well. The city launched their Millpond Restoration Project and obtained a permit to begin work on the shoreline beginning this spring. They engaged the community by holding quarterly “Coffee with Cop” meetings and held a celebration for Brighton’s 150th birthday. The downtown camera system was improved upon along with repainting all the crosswalks and installing LED signage at them for pedestrian safety. Some of the focuses highlighted at for 2018 include implementing a downtown recycling program, redesigning the city’s websites, and adopting a new Master Plan. A link to the complete 2017 Annual Report can be found below. (MK)

Fenton Schools Placed In Precautionary "Secure Mode" ThursdayFenton Schools Placed In Precautionary "Secure Mode" Thursday

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A local district went into secure mode after a report of a possible suspicious person on school property. Fenton Area Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Adam Hartley sent out a district communication about the incident on Thursday. A call was made to Fenton Police around 10am about a suspicious person walking by Andrew G. Schmidt Middle School on Donaldson Drive. Police notified the district, which in turn placed all of the schools in “secure mode” for precautionary reasons. That means teaching as normal but classroom doors remain closed and locked with hallway activity limited. No one is allowed to enter the building, and classes/lunches run on a normal schedule. Elementary schools have inside recess. Hartley says Fenton Police were quick in assessing the situation, did not find evidence of a threat, and thus the secure mode was lifted. Hartley says police later learned the suspicious person was a Fenton resident out for a walk, there was no threat, and students and staff were never in danger. He thanked first responders and staff for acting quickly, while also making sure students understood why buildings were placed in secure mode. Hartley further stressed how important it is to be aware of surroundings and communicate anything that may seem out of the ordinary. (JM)

Huron River In Hamburg Township To Crest This WeekendHuron River In Hamburg Township To Crest This Weekend

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The rain that fell in Livingston County this week has resulted in flood warnings and several road closures. The flooding forecast for the Huron River in Hamburg Township has changed from minor to moderate severity. The river was at 7.1 feet and rising, flood stage is 6.5 feet. The river is expected to crest around 7.2 feet and then remain near steady through the weekend. The National Weather Service says scattered light rain through the weekend will have little impact on the river’s current situation. The flood warning is in effect until further notice. Between 2 and 3 inches of rain fell from Monday through Wednesday in Livingston County, and its absorption into the soil was hampered by frost. That resulted in widespread flooding and several roads remain closed throughput Livingston County and surrounding areas. Those are detailed in a separate story on our website. However, the situation is said to be improving and some roads that were previously closed to traffic re-opened today. (JM)

Flood Warnings, Road Closings Continue in Livingston CountyFlood Warnings, Road Closings Continue in Livingston County

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Flood warnings continue in effect this afternoon for the Huron River in Livingston County’s Hamburg Township and the River Raisin in Monroe County. However, in Livingston County, Road Commission Managing Director Mike Craine tells WHMI the flooding and road closure situation is slowly improving. as of noon today, two roads that had previously been closed are now re-opened to traffic. They are Iosco Road between Elliot Road and Kane Road in Iosco Township and Sober Road between Nicholson Road and Stow Road in Conway Township. However, two new closings have been added to the closure list. They include McCabe Road, west of Evergreen Road in Green Oak Twp., and Golf Club Road, west of Hacker Road on the Genoa-Oceola Twp. line. Other road closures that remain in effect include the Center Road-Green Road intersection; Fisher Road between Curdy and Clyde roads in Howell Twp.; Fleming Road between Chase Lake and Steinacker roads in Cohoctah Twp.; Hughes Road between M-59 and Lyngre Road in Oceola Twp.; and Van Amberg Road between Spencer and Pleasant Valley roads in Brighton Twp. Mason Road near Norton re-opened around 4pm Friday. The National Weather Service says between 2 and 3 inches of rain fell from Monday through Wednesday in Livingston County, and its absorption into the soil was hampered by frost, the frost line being about 2.5 inches below the surface. With temperatures above freezing over the past several days, that frost line is expected to move closer to ground level, allowing more rainwater to be absorbed into the soil and reducing the flood threat even further, although the possibility of light rain, drizzle, or a wintry mix over the next few days could slow down that process.(TT)

Brighton Students Compete In Destination Imagination TournamentBrighton Students Compete In Destination Imagination Tournament

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A total of 11 students comprising two teams from three Brighton schools will be participating Saturday in the Destination Imagination Region 1 Tournament at Waterford Mott High School. This is the first year that the Brighton Area Schools has participated in the competition. One of the teams, called “The Dogz”, are competing today in the Challenge Drop Zone, which requires them to create a structure composed of wood, rubber bands, cork and fishing line, to hold weight and be able to absorb weights being dropped on it. The team members are Elijah Grove, Reece Miller and Karl Reusze from Maltby Intermediate School and Carson Bond of Scranton Middle School. The other Brighton team is called the "DI Dabbers”. It consists of Katelyn Bond and Bella Pipesh from Maltby and five 4th graders from Hornung Elementary: Colter Kashian, Pierce Pettengill, Frank and Mackenzie Foltyn, and Drew Smith. The DI Dabbers are competing in a Project Outreach challenge called Inside Impact, in which they had to think of a community need and create a project to address it. The team tackled homelessness and organized a drive to create care package bags for homeless shelters in Ann Arbor. The group collected over 800 items and delivered them to the shelters. They also had to learn about “infographics" and create storage devices to hold their props, scenery and costumes. The team will be competing in the state tournament at Michigan State University on April 14th. (TT)

Democrat For Congress Talks Health Care, Gun Control, More At Town Hall MeetingDemocrat For Congress Talks Health Care, Gun Control, More At Town Hall Meeting

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Health care, gun control, and a distrust of the incumbent were topics shared by a democratic candidate for congress. Democrat Chris Smith held a town hall meeting at the Howell Opera House Wednesday night. The attorney and 23-year professor at Michigan State University is opposing Republican-incumbent Mike Bishop for his 8th District Congress seat in November. Smith, an author of 45 books on public policy and law, said that the last presidential election made him realize that somebody needed to do something and that no republican can go unchallenged. With his education and life experience he believes he is the one to do it. Promising to accept no money from special interest groups or political action committees, Smith criticized Bishop for doing so. He claimed Bishop is trying “to hide what he is doing because his vote is right down the line with political action committees.” He critiqued Bishop’s accessibility at listening sessions and claimed he was afraid to speak against President Donald Trump or House Speaker Paul Ryan. Many of the two dozen in attendance asked Smith about his stance on the topic of gun control in the wake of the latest school shooting in Florida. He said is in favor of regulation, but also believes in the 2nd amendment. “I know what the legal definition of the 2nd amendment is from the Supreme Court’s cases,” Smith said, “and we have a lot of room to talk about policies that may limit access to firearms to people who shouldn’t have them, to think about what kind of firearms should be available, in addition to things like background checks, waiting periods, training, licensing, and not treating firearms manufacturers with special treatment that manufacturers of other danger items (don’t get).” Smith also spoke up in favor of universal health care. He said that single-payer universal health care needs to be the goal, because if it’s anything less, Congress won’t work towards it. He stated that Medicare for all is the ultimate goal and we are a better country for it. Smith also spent time answering the public’s questions on veteran’s affairs, defense spending, and being an advocate for public education. More on Smith and his platform policies can be found on his website, www.ChrisSmithforMich.com.

Rep. Vaupel's Humane Animal Euthanasia Bill Signed Into LawRep. Vaupel's Humane Animal Euthanasia Bill Signed Into Law

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A local lawmaker’s bill has been signed into law, ensuring a more humane and safer approach in animal euthanasia. Governor Rick Snyder recently considered and signed two legislative proposals from Republican State Representative Hank Vaupel of Handy Township. The first proposal allows additional types of tranquilizers to be used for safer and more humane euthanasia at animal control and shelter facilities. The drugs could be used early in the euthanasia process as better options to calm and immobilize badly injured or sick animals. Vaupel, a long-time veterinarian from Fowlerville, says this is an important change in the best interests of both the animals and the people handling them, as animals sometimes can become dangerously aggressive and hard to control when they are badly hurt and frightened. The second proposal requires training for those using the tranquilizers. Vaupel worked with the Michigan Humane Society, the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association, the Department of Agriculture and other groups while putting together his legislation. House Bill 4813 is now Public Act 34 of 2018.

Spring Weight Limits Going Into Effect To Protect Local & State RoadsSpring Weight Limits Going Into Effect To Protect Local & State Roads

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Seasonal spring weight restrictions go into effect this coming week. The Michigan Department of Transportation and local agencies are enacting additional annual spring weight restrictions to protect roads starting at 6am Monday. Each spring, in accordance with state law, weight limits are reduced on non-all-weather roads as temperatures begin to rise and the ground begins to thaw. The restrictions do not affect passenger vehicles, but apply to commercial trucks. The restrictions limit the amount of weight trucks can carry on the roads and are intended to minimize damage to the roads while the ground is thawing. County road commissions and city public works departments put in place their own seasonal weight restrictions, which usually, but not always, coincide with state highway weight restrictions. Signs are generally posted to indicate which routes have weight restrictions in effect. Officials say the restrictions help ensure roads last as long as possible, with fewer potholes. Livingston County Road Commission Managing Director Mike Craine tells WHMI “compliance with these seasonal restrictions saves everybody money in the long run.” The weight restrictions have an impact on several industries including building construction, because it restricts companies’ ability to move heavy equipment. The restrictions do not prevent trucks from operating on affected roads; they just have to operate with a reduced load. Weight restrictions are enforced by weighmasters employed by the Road Commission, the state, local communities or the Sheriff’s Department. Violations can result in a citation and fine. For weight restriction information and updates, call 800-787-8960, or visit MDOT's website at www.michigan.gov/truckers, under "Restrictions." The link is provided. Anyone wanting an update on the status of the weight restrictions can call the Road Commission for Oakland County’s weight restrictions hotline at (248) 858-4765, or view the attached press release. (JM)

Pinckney Grad Leads Environment & Community Service Efforts In FlintPinckney Grad Leads Environment & Community Service Efforts In Flint

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A Pinckney High School graduate is making his mark in Flint, as he works to implement change in the city that he says is worlds apart from Livingston County. 22-year-old Zachary Hayes says it was a slow transition from Livingston County with its investment and growth, to a city like Flint, which he feels is “past its peak”. Hayes graduated from Pinckney in 2014 and is now studying Energy and Sustainable Systems with a minor in City and Regional Planning at UM-Flint. Hayes believes Flint is the perfect location for his studies as it places him on the forefront of an area in need of change. Hayes hopes to contribute to that shift in his future career, but has already made a difference by initiating and engaging in environmental and community service efforts in the legacy city. After realizing UM-Flint did not have a student environmental group, he revived FUEL, a club that participates in recycling challenges and community cleanup events. Hayes has also started a Food Recovery Network campus club. The group gathers leftover food that is still good but would otherwise be thrown away, and donates it to local organizations. 4,600 pounds of food have been donated to two nonprofits since the club’s inception. When the Flint Water Crisis came about, Hayes helped digitize a map of the city that identified where lead pipes were located. He distributed water bottles and filters to residents, before being asked to help conduct research on the health crisis in a study with U of M Ann Arbor. Hayes sampled, filtered and extracted DNA from the water, seeking a correlation between an outbreak of Legionnaire’s disease and the lead-tainted water supply. The study has since been published in the Environmental Science and Technology Letters. Hayes says these initiatives have taught him a valuable lesson by exposing him to how others live; tying his passion to the city and community. Hayes still calls Livingston County and Pinckney his home, but says Flint is his "adopted city". Hayes wears many hats as an environmentalist, advocate and campus leader, yet he will put on another when donning his graduation cap this spring. He hopes to find a job within the city, keeping in mind his goal to make it a better place. (DK) Cleanup photo credit: Michael David Photographic Studio

Pat Convery Receives Ambassador Of Tourism AwardPat Convery Receives Ambassador Of Tourism Award

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The longtime president of the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce has received an award of special recognition for years of commitment to enhancing tourism in Livingston County. The Livingston County Convention and Visitors Bureau awarded its 2018 Ambassador of Tourism Award to Pat Convery, the retiring Howell Chamber president who also serves on the LCCVB board. The Ambassador of Tourism Award has been given out only a few times over the organization’s 25-year history. The recognition is given to an individual, business, or organization for their support and commitment of time and energy to the Livingston County tourism industry. Convery was presented with the award during the LCCVB February board meeting. Board Chair Jimmy Banish says “For fifteen years, Pat has been a dedicated board member and served on several CVB committees. Pat is always willing to share her expertise in local businesses, events, and resources”. Banish says with the award, they thank Pat for her support and commitment to growing tourism in Livingston County. Convery is retiring after a 28-year career at the Howell Chamber and will step off the LCCVB board in March but will still be active in the community. LCCVB Executive Director Mary Zucchero said Convery is an extremely dynamic and effective leader that inspires their board and tourism partners to provide exceptional service to all. (JM)

Senate Candidate Questions Opponent's Legislation To Protect CSC SurvivorsSenate Candidate Questions Opponent's Legislation To Protect CSC Survivors

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A candidate challenging a local legislator for a Senate seat says recently introduced bills intended to protect student-survivors of criminal sexual assault don’t go far enough. Adam Dreher is running as a Democrat for the 22nd District State Senate seat. State Representative Lana Theis of Brighton Township is running for the GOP nomination and earlier introduced House Bills 5530 and 5531 as part of a bi-partisan package in response to a recent case where a 16-year-old Brighton Township teen pleaded guilty to 6 felonies, including 1st degree criminal sexual conduct, involving multiple victims. Both the teen and his victims were students in the Brighton Area Schools district and it was unclear whether the district would allow the perpetrator back into the school following his sentencing, which only mandated he serve 45 days in a youth center. Families of the victims approached Theis about what they felt were loopholes in current laws. Theis says the bills solve the problem of having the victims go back to school with their assailant, and the language was desired by the victim’s families and school administration. HB 5530 would prohibit an individual convicted of criminal sexual assault to enroll in the same school their victim attends. HB 5531 expands the mandatory expulsion law to include those who commit criminal sexual assault against another student in the same district they are enrolled in. The press release from Dreher is attached. Dreher says “survivors deserve better” and the bills proposed by Theis read as half-measures based on unfamiliarity with the criminal justice system, disguised as an effort to protect the local survivors. Dreher added his fear is that introduction of the bills was merely a political move in the hopes of getting easy "wins" in Lansing before an important election. In response to Dreher’s assertions, Theis told WHMI the victims and families reached out asking for help and she responded. She says they showed incredible courage when testifying before a committee recently and for her opponent to demean that and make it political is “pathetic”. (JM)

Brighton Unified Team Wins State CrownBrighton Unified Team Wins State Crown

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A Brighton Unified basketball team, composed of both students with and without disabilities, has won the Gold Medal at the State Unified Basketball Finals, held Saturday at Western Michigan University. Brighton fielded two teams – the Orange team and the Black team - with the Black squad winning the championship trophy. Lisa Johnson, one of the Brighton coaches, tells WHMI that the kids did an outstanding job. In the first game, Brighton Unified Black defeated the Area 16 Hornets 25-12 and in the second game edged out the Area 22 Blue Jays 18-16 to win the Gold. In the games, which are organized through the auspices of the Special Olympics program, Gold, Silver and Bronze medals are awarded to the top three teams - the same as in regular Olympics competition. The Brighton Orange team also performed well, finishing in 4th place. The Orange squad lost 34-27 in the first game and were edged out 28-27 in the second. This was the second year the Brighton Unified teams have participated in the State Unified Basketball Finals. About 450 athletes, and 125 coaches and chaperones, were represented in the state finals. The last game of the season for the Brighton Unified teams will be this Tuesday at Belleville. (TT)

Livingston County Walk For WarmthLivingston County Walk For Warmth

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2018 marked another successful year for OLHSA’s Walk for Warmth. Hundreds of supporters gathered at The Hartland Educational Support Service Center on Saturday morning to participate in the 28th Annual Walk for Warmth. Walk for Warmth is a fundraiser put on by Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency; or OLHSA, in an effort to raise money for utility assistance during the winter months for those in need. All of the money raised from Saturday’s events will stay directly in Livingston County. Chair of the Walk for Warmth, Brent Earl, told WHMI the positive story of a man who greatly benefited from the fundraiser. He spoke of a man who just recently defeated cancer and was able to get through the difficult time due to support from OLHSA and The Walk for Warmth. The day was filled with hundreds of participants walking their way through the hallways of the old Howell High School with many dressed in costumes. A magician, mascots, and dozens of sponsors also attended the event. Earl later went on to say there is no end in sight for the annual Walk for Warmth. He promised there will be another Walk for Warmth in February 2019 (DF)

Community Resource Fair Connects With Home Show AttendeesCommunity Resource Fair Connects With Home Show Attendees

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A community resource fair is planned in conjunction the Livingston County Home Show. The 55th annual home show connects visitors to local resources for home improvements with more than 200 exhibits, but also features the popular Taste of Livingston and family activities. The home show will also showcase the Livingston County United Way’s 17th Annual Community Resource Fair. Displays from about two dozen nonprofits will be available, ranging from health and human services to youth and volunteer organizations. Table space is still available for interested local nonprofit organizations. There is a $30 fee per table. Downloadable registration forms are available through the link provided. The home show and resource fair are planned April 13th through the 15th at the Howell High School Field House. There is no charge to visit the Community Resource Fair, however, regular admission fees apply to attend the adjacent Home & Garden Show. The fair and home show hours are 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 13; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 14; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 15. (JM)

Spencer Road Re-Opens In Northfield TownshipSpencer Road Re-Opens In Northfield Township

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A road in Northfield Township has re-opened following earlier flooding. The Washtenaw County Road Commission re-opened Spencer Road between North Territorial Road and Five Mile Road. It has been shut down to traffic since around 11am last Wednesday due to flooding. Recent heavy rains and melting snow led to impassable roads, prompted flood warnings and evacuations in parts of the state. Various roads throughout Livingston County were also closed due to dangerous conditions. (JM)

Milford High School Student Charged After Writing Threat On Bathroom WallMilford High School Student Charged After Writing Threat On Bathroom Wall

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A student is facing criminal charges after police say he admitted to writing a threat on a bathroom wall at Milford High School. The assistant principal was conducting a random inspection last Thursday when he discovered the words “Don’t Come to School Tuesday” written on the wall above a urinal in the men’s bathroom. The Milford High School liaison deputy with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Highland Township substation reviewed surveillance video and while interviewing several students, two admitted that they knew who wrote the statement because they had observed him write it. The student suspect was briefly interviewed at the school and transported to the Highland Township Substation, where police say he admitted to writing the statement on the wall but did so in jest and meant no harm. The student’s mother was contacted and consent was given for a search. The Sheriff’s Office says nothing suspicious was found inside the cell phone, laptop computer, the student’s bedroom or inside the Milford Township residence. All firearms in the residence were inside a gun safe, which the student does not have access to. The 17-year-old student was lodged at the Oakland County Jail. The Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office has since issued one count of malicious destruction of a building less than $200 against the student, who was expected to be arraigned in 52-1 District Court in Novi. (JM)

Microbrewery Proposed For Former Coffee Shop Space In HartlandMicrobrewery Proposed For Former Coffee Shop Space In Hartland

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A local resident and business owner is hoping to bring a microbrewery to Hartland Township. Located in the Hartland Town Center off Old US-23, the space that was once home to Kahuna Coffee could have the proposed microbrewery as its new tenant. Ryan McDonald, who lives on the border of Hartland and Brighton, says he’s spent four to five years looking for the right place and is hoping it’ll be the former coffee shop’s vacant building. The Hartland Town Center is zoned General Commercial, which means a Special Use permit is required for a microbrewery to operate there. McDonald’s request for the permit came before the township’s Planning Commission for a public hearing and their consideration Thursday. The microbrewery garnered a positive response from the Hartland Business Association and residents who spoke at the meeting. The project was also well-received by the Planning Commission, who unanimously voted to make a recommendation to the Board of Trustees to approve the permit request. The Board of Trustees will consider the request at a March meeting and must approve it for McDonald to proceed. McDonald says he and his wife, Nikki, want to create a family-friendly establishment that will be an asset to the area. He says the microbrewery would be "laid-back" and perfect for old and new friends to gather at. McDonald and his family also own the 59 West restaurant in Highland. McDonald says it’s in his blood to give back to residents in this way and is teaching his kids the importance of community involvement. Current plans for the microbrewery include food offerings and indoor seating for 50 to 60 people. If McDonald receives the township’s final approval, he looks to open the business this October. (DK)

Howell Man Charged With Stalking Headed To TrialHowell Man Charged With Stalking Headed To Trial

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A felon and registered sex offender who evaded police for over two months has been bound over for trial on a felony stalking charge. 38-year-old Edward Franklin Hulbert of Howell was recently bound over to Livingston County Circuit Court, after District Court Judge Suzanne Geddis determined there was enough evidence to send his case to trial. Hulbert is charged as a 4th time habitual offender and is facing one count of aggravated stalking. Hulbert, who is known to have an extensive and violent criminal history, was wanted on two outstanding felony warrants; one for the aforementioned charge and another for a probation violation on a felony assault charge. Court records indicate the aggravated stalking incident occurred September 27th. A warrant for Hulbert’s arrest was issued and he remained at large until Howell Police received a tip that led to his arrest in December. Prior to his arrest, the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office received information that Hulbert was at a residence in the City of Howell. On October 11th, the Sheriff’s Tactical Response Team was activated, but Hulbert was not found at the home at that time. He evaded police for over two months, but was taken into custody without incident when he was arrested in December. Hulbert is a registered sex offender, related to a 2003 conviction of criminal sexual conduct with intent to commit sexual penetration. Future court dates have not been set at this time.(DK)

System Malfunction Triggers Lockdown At South Lyon High SchoolSystem Malfunction Triggers Lockdown At South Lyon High School

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Police say an unexpected lockdown today at South Lyon High School was the result of a system malfunction. The South Lyon Police Department responded to the high school this morning following the activation of a building lockdown. A memo from South Lyon Community Schools' administration to parents and students states that the lockdown was not a planned drill. After receiving a number of calls regarding their response to the school, the South Lyon Police Department issued a statement indicating that a system malfunction triggered the unscheduled lockdown. The school’s administration, officers from the South Lyon Police Department and deputies from the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office performed a systematic check of the building room by room and did not find any issues, problems or threats, deeming it secure. Further details regarding the cause of the system malfunction have not been released. (DK)
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