Both Brighton teams that competed over the weekend in the Region I Destination Imagination Tournament at Waterford Mott High School have advanced to the state finals.
This is the first year that Brighton has fielded teams in the Destination Imagination tournament. The Brighton teams were formed just six weeks ago in January, meaning the other schools, which had started last fall, had a head start on them. In the elementary school division, the D.I. Dabbers from Brighton took on a challenge called Inside Impact, which required them to create a project to address a community need. They took on the problem of 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.
The Brighton Dogz, who were in the middle school division, faced teams from Birmingham, Troy, Huron Valley, and other Oakland County school districts. They chose as their category the âChallenge Drop Zoneâ in which they created a catapult, which had to be under 170 grams in weight, using just wood, rubber bands, cork and fishing line as materials. The catapult then had the task of launching bean bags toward a specified target. The Dogz finished in a tie for 4th place in the 8-team field.
Jennifer Bond, who spearheaded the formation of the Dogz, said that they did a very good job, considering the time constraints. Bond is actually a teacher in the Walled Lake School District. However, she lives with her family in Brighton, and her two children are on the Brighton teams. The Brighton Dogz and D.I. Dabbers will be competing in the state tournament at Michigan State University on April 14th. (TT)
Brighton Students Advance In Destination Imagination TournamentBrighton Students Advance In Destination Imagination Tournament
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Moderate Flooding Continues Along Huron RiverModerate Flooding Continues Along Huron River
A flood warning continues for the Huron River in Hamburg Township.
River levels are dropping throughout Michigan after flooding last week and over the weekend because of heavy rains and melting snow. Moderate flooding is occurring along the Huron River. Flood stage is 6.5 feet. The Huron River is at 7.1 feet and slowly falling. The flood warning is in effect until further notice, although the river is forecast to fall below flood stage late Wednesday. The National Weather Service says dry weather is expected for the next few days which will allow rivers to continue to slowly recede across the region. However, another system coming through Thursday may bring more significant rainfall that could result in rises in the rivers again.
Meanwhile, the Grand River in Grand Rapids crested Sunday more than two feet higher than flood stage, after peaking Friday in the Lansing area. In southwestern Michigan, the Kalamazoo River was receding after peaking above a 1947 record. Some used kayaks and jet skis in flooded areas. (JM)
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Attorney: Lawsuit Against Judge Brennan About Truth & JusticeAttorney: Lawsuit Against Judge Brennan About Truth & Justice
A newly filed federal lawsuit accuses two sitting judges of retaliatory acts and conduct that violates First Amendment rights.
A complaint was filed Friday in U.S. District Court in Detroit by 53rd District Court Administrator Francine Zysk against 53rd District Court Judge Theresa Brennan and Livingston County Chief Judge Miriam Cavanaugh. Zysk alleges retaliation for her âsubpoenaed, truthful testimonyâ during Brennanâs divorce proceedings in regard to infidelities and other scandalous behavior. The complaint refers to Brennan as a âbully of epic proportionsâ and states Cavanaugh has retaliated against Zysk on Brennanâs behalf, but also for various actions related to Zysk speaking out against her ex-husband, Fowlerville Police Chief John Tyler. It further states Cavanaugh indulges Brennanâs juvenile refusal to communicate with Zysk regarding court business, which creates more work for everyone.
Attorney Jim Fett represents Zysk and says all of the retaliation is tied to her telling the truth in two subpoenaed depositions during Brennanâs divorce proceedings about her philandering, and other antics both on and off the bench. Brennan is alleged to have engaged in extra-marital affairs with at least two individuals including now retired Michigan State Police Detective Sean Furlong, who presided over the highly publicized double murder trial of Jerome Kowalski in January of 2013. Furlong was the chief prosecution witness during the trial.
The federal complaint says Zysk confirmed the duration of Brennanâs affair with Furlong, after learning the two lied in their depositions about it. It states the divorce proceedings exposed conduct amounting to perjury, obstruction of justice, witness intimidation and violations of judicial ethics. Allegations stemming from that testimony against Brennan include drinking in chambers, utilizing court employees for personal benefit on county time and her reading a book to subordinates about fellatio titled âBlow Him Awayâ, among others.
The complaint alleges Brennan routinely intimidates and terrorizes court employees, litigants and attorneys. Fett tells WHMI there are so many things wrong with the situation, on so many different levels but stressed the suit only deals with employment issues and âthe human carnage at the courthouse left by Judge Brennan and her anticsâ. Fett says Cavanaugh indulges Brennanâs toxic behavior and doesnât do anything about it, so consequently Zysk and other employees have to tiptoe around on eggshells to avoid setting Brennan off, which he maintains is ridiculous.
The lawsuit is seeking damages in excess of $75,000 for damage to Zyskâs reputation in the community and economic loss, as well as emotional distress. A copy of complaint and full statement from Fett are attached. Requests for comment on the lawsuit have been placed with Brennan and Cavanaugh. No dates have been scheduled. Meanwhile, Brennan remains on the bench. The Judicial Tenure Commission determined it was in the public interest to acknowledge an investigation into the allegations is occurring, which is rare. (JM)
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Community Contributors To Be Recognized At United Way BreakfastCommunity Contributors To Be Recognized At United Way Breakfast
An event that celebrates the collaborative energy and partnerships that strengthen Livingston County is approaching.
Livingston County United Way will hold its annual âSpirit of the Communityâ Breakfast on Thursday, March 15th, at Crystal Gardens in Genoa Township. Local leaders, business partners, organizations and youth will be recognized at the event for their commitment and service to the area.
Recipients will be announced for each award category, which will include the Charles W. Itsell Volunteer of the Year, Donald Epley Lifetime Community Service, Young Person of Distinction, Youth Organization of the Year and Randy Rudisill Business of the Year. Livingston County United Way is celebrating its 41st anniversary and says the yearly breakfast event reflects on the tremendous steps that have been taken to make the area a better place.
The cost of the event is $25 per person and reservations can be made through the link below. Facebook photo.
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Secretary Of State To Visit Highland Elementary School For National Reading MonthSecretary Of State To Visit Highland Elementary School For National Reading Month
Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson will visit a local school Wednesday as part of National Reading Month.
Johnson will visit Highland Elementary School in Highland Township at around 10am tomorrow. Sheâll talk with students about the importance of having strong reading skills in observance of National Reading Month.
During the month of March, schools stress the importance of reading for future success in academics and in the workplace and invite guests in to read to children. Johnson plans to read the book âA Fish Out of Waterâ by Helen Palmer to four kindergarten classes. (JM)
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Brighton Sexual Assault Victim Addresses School BoardBrighton Sexual Assault Victim Addresses School Board
The 14-year-old student who spoke to the board was one of several girls who were sexually assaulted by a 16-year-old Brighton High School student who eventually pleaded guilty to 6 felonies, including 1st degree criminal sexual conduct. However, since he was charged as a juvenile, he was sentenced to only 45 days at a juvenile center.
The girl testified at a committee hearing last week in Lansing on legislation introduced by State Rep. Lana Theis designed to close the loopholes on sexual assaults involving juveniles. The bills are scheduled to be voted on by the state house today and she and her mother plan to attend. The girl told WHMI after the meeting she believes the bills will help the victims in any future such cases.
Although both the offender and his victims were students in the Brighton Area Schools district, the assaults did not take place on school property. Because of this loophole, the girls were concerned about the boy coming back to Brighton High School, but a court referee later ruled that he could not return, and he remains under house arrest.
The mother told the board it was not their fault that they were powerless to prevent the boy from re-entering the school. And she told WHMI she feels the bills introduced by Rep. Theis will do much to close the legal loopholes.
The proposed legislation would require schools to expel students who are convicted of criminal sexual conduct against any student enrolled in the same school district. It also prohibits offenders from enrolling in the victimâs school, and prohibits any offender, regardless of age, from entering the school building of a person who has a personal protection order against him. (TT)
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South Lyon High School Getting School Resource Officer From Oakland CountySouth Lyon High School Getting School Resource Officer From Oakland County
The South Lyon Board of Education shocked City Council Monday night by announcing a partnership to bring a school resource officer into South Lyon High School.
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Board of Education President Randall Clark informed council during Monday nightâs meeting that starting March 1st, the Oakland County Sheriffâs Office will be providing South Lyon High School with an SRO. The announcement was made during call to the public and caught all council members by surprise. According to Clark, an agreement to fund an SRO for the high school has been made between the school board and Lyon Township. The high school has been without an SRO for over a decade after the city cut funding for the position due to an economic decline.
Noticeably upset by the announcement was South Lyon Police Chief Lloyd Collins. Collins said he was disappointed in the lack of communication between the school board and city. He described the announcement as an ambush and chose not to speak on the matter after the meeting â saying he needed time to evaluate the situation and would quote âBite his tongue and investigate the matter with the school board.â
The surprise announcement received mixed emotions from council members. One who was in favor was Mayor Pro-Tem Margaret Kurtzweil. Kurtzweil said she was pleased that a more financially stable community such as Lyon Township stepped up to support a major issue that needed to be addressed. Kurtzweil told WHMI she supports the Oakland County Sheriffâs Office filling this position 100%. Kurtzweil continued to praise both Lyon Township and the school board for taking the initiative and solving a problem that needed to be addressed immediately. (DF/JM)
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Fundraising Fashion Show Features Transformation CreationsFundraising Fashion Show Features Transformation Creations
A yearly fashion show that features local designersâ original pieces raised money for a new nonprofit in Brighton Sunday.
The Runway Repurposed fashion show, held at Oak Pointe Country Club, celebrated its 10th anniversary by raising funds for the Grassroots Arts Initiative, a scholarship program that is dedicated to supporting the arts and artists of all mediums.
In January, participating designers selected donated clothing and fabric items, then spent the next month turning them into original garments. This yearâs event had 32 designers among six competition categories. The designersâ work was judged by a panel that takes various aspects into consideration, like creativity and skill level.
Competing in the show for the second time was 21-year-old Grace Justice of Warren, who took home 3rd place in the Avante Garde category. Justice says she used every one of the six items she picked out to make a modern and commercial "I Dream of Jeannie" look. Kelley DeCoste of Howell competed in the event for the first time and won 2nd place in the Avante Garde category. She says there were many components incorporated into her modelâs âdestructed pixieâ look, which included multiple layers from a variety of dresses.
Some participants, like DeCoste, were new to the competition, while others were seasoned veterans. 24-year-old Emily Matticks of Byron has been competing in Runway Repurposed for eight years. She took home 1st place in the Avant Garde category with a dress that featured handmade butterflies and her own set of wings. Matticks says the dress was inspired by her grandma, who loved butterflies, and her own metamorphosis as a designer.
The hurdles designers faced in creating their pieces varied and even those who came out on top said it was not without some trial and error. 13-year-old Josie Madzik of Howell has been competing in Runway Repurposed since 2013. She won first place in the Student category with a look that mixed past with present. Madzik was inspired by mythology and history, but faced the challenge of creating a modern interpretation of a folklore and Scandinavian dress.
6-year-old Farah Bosch competed in the Young Beginner category and was the youngest designer overall. She placed first in her category and was also named the Rockinâ the Runway model winner, earning her the opportunity to pursue her talent with Your Entourage Agency.
In the Beginner category, Sophia DeBoer placed 2nd and Elaina Pennell placed 3rd. Gabriella DiBello won the Peopleâs Choice award and placed 2nd in the Student category, while Maria Manarino placed 3rd. In the Advanced category, Diane Sladowski placed 1st, Debbie Nachtegall 2nd and Joan Price 3rd. In the Adult category, Barbara Cleveland placed 1st, Marcy Harris placed 2nd and Joyce Wiltfong placed 3rd.
Mary Rettenmaier, creator of Runway Repurposed and president of the Grassroots Arts Initiative, says sheâs always very impressed by the amount of effort and skill that goes into the designersâ creations. She says itâs wonderful to see their work benefit a cause that promotes the arts and helps artists further develop their talent.
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No Foul Play Suspected In Death Of Hamburg Township ManNo Foul Play Suspected In Death Of Hamburg Township Man
No foul play is suspected in the death of a Hamburg Township man on the Lakelands Trail over the weekend.
Hamburg Township police and fire units, along with Livingston County EMS, were dispatched at approximately 3:38pm Sunday to an unconscious male laying on the Lakelands Trail east of Girard Street. Police say upon arrival, officers found a 53-year-old male resident unconscious and not breathing. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased at 4:16pm. According to relatives, the man had left his home to go jogging on the Lakelands Trail. Police Chief Richard Duffany tells WHMI the investigation is on-going, however, there were no signs of foul play.
Police are still awaiting the results of an autopsy that was performed but Duffany says itâs believed, based on pre-existing medical conditions, that the man suffered a medical episode while jogging. (JM)
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Theis-Sponsored Bills To Protect Minor Victims Of Sex Crimes Clears CommitteeTheis-Sponsored Bills To Protect Minor Victims Of Sex Crimes Clears Committee
A state House committee has passed school safety legislation designed to protect victims of criminal sexual conduct.
The House Law and Justice Committee passed House Bills 5530 and 5531 today, sponsored by Republican State Representative Lana Theis of Brighton Township. The legislative package aims to protect young victims of sexual-based offenses, while helping local school districts better protect their students who are victims of such crimes. The bills would require schools to expel students who are convicted of criminal sexual conduct against another pupil enrolled in the same school district; and prohibit an offender from enrolling in a school building where their victim attends school.
Theis says itâs important to protect students and there should be no safer place than an educational environment; adding events over the last few weeks have shown that. Theis says the bills were voted out of committee near unanimously, with a few exceptions, but theyâve moved a long way to protecting victims of criminal sexual conduct in the state, and itâs important to continue to do that. She says victims should have very heightened protections so theyâre doing everything they can to make that happen, saying no child should ever have to worry about entering an educational environment with someone who has attacked them.
The legislation was drafted in response to a local case involving a 16-year-old Brighton Township teen who eventually pleaded guilty to six felonies, including 1st degree criminal sexual conduct. Multiple victims were sexually assaulted by the teen, including one as young as 12. However, since the teen was charged as a juvenile, he was sentenced to only 45 days at a juvenile center.
(JM)
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Competency Exam Ordered For Man Charged With Break-In At Motorcycle ClubCompetency Exam Ordered For Man Charged With Break-In At Motorcycle Club
A man charged with breaking in to the Scorpions Motorcycle Club in Lyon Township will undergo a competency exam.
39-year-old Kinley Rae-John Kelm is facing charges of breaking and entering with intent, larceny of firearms, being a felon in possession of a firearm and two counts of felony firearms. Heâs charged in 52-1 District Court in Novi. A probable cause conference was held earlier this month and Kelm was referred for a competency evaluation. Kelm has a lengthy criminal history and was out on parole but has since been returned to prison following the alleged violation. A forensic review and competency hearing is scheduled April 11th.
Club members identified Kelm as a suspect in the break-in after noticing him in downtown South Lyon at a fundraiser, wearing a shirt that was from a locker inside the clubhouse. When questioned, Kelm reportedly said he was an out of state club member. Police were contacted and charges were later authorized. However, no charges have been filed in connection with a fire that was intentionally set and severely damaged the Scorpions Motorcycle Club headquarters building on Milford Road September 22nd â the same night as the break-in. The official cause of the blaze was ruled arson by investigators.
The club expects to start rebuilding this spring. (JM)
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Brush Fire Under Control In Marion TownshipBrush Fire Under Control In Marion Township
Authorities say a brush fire near the I-96 and D-19 interchange is under control.
The fire began early this afternoon outside of a Marion Township residence on Peavy Road, south of the freeway. Howell Fire Chief Andy Pless tells WHMI wind caused the fire to grow, spreading to approximately 100 acres. Flames eventually neared the road, prompting the closure of D-19 to traffic south of I-96.
Pless reports there were no injuries or structural damage. Pless says the brush fire is now under control and D-19 has reopened to traffic. The Howell, Brighton, Fowlerville, Putnam and Hamburg Township fire departments all responded to the scene. Further details have not yet been released.
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Green Oak Twp. Exploring Legality Of Canal DredgingGreen Oak Twp. Exploring Legality Of Canal Dredging
Green Oak Township officials are looking into a resident-initiated project that is somewhat unprecedented.
A canal on the north side of Whitmore Lake has shrunk and filled in over time, causing sediment runoff and yard encroaching. Property owners along the stretch want to dredge the canal and install seawalls so it can be safely accessed with boats. The group of residents is willing to take on a Special Assessment District (SAD) to cover the cost, even with project estimates ranging from approximately $5,900 to $50,000 per parcel based on the amount of frontage they own.
The group is also looking to dredge the opposite side of the canal, however the other side is Canal Road, which is considered âcommon landâ and not owned by anyone. Township Supervisor Mark St. Charles says heâs not sure the residents are legally allowed to improve common land property because there is no owner of record to assign the assessment to.
St. Charles says this situation is unique to anything he's encountered in his 20 years as an official. He wants to confirm the improvements can be legally carried out because if not, the SAD could be vacated by the Michigan Tax Tribunal.
St. Charles says heâs looking for second opinions from the townshipâs attorney and bond counsel before moving forward. The issue was discussed by Green Oakâs Board of Trustees at their Wednesday meeting. The board indicated they would be open to fronting the money to fund the project, which would be paid back by the residents through the SAD. (DK)
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Fowlerville Schools To Hold Student Safety Discussion For ParentsFowlerville Schools To Hold Student Safety Discussion For Parents
The Fowlerville Community School district will hold a parent meeting Thursday to discuss safety policies and protocols, in light of recent violent acts and threats.
The forum will be held at 7pm in the Fowlerville Junior High School auditorium. Superintendent Wayne Roedel says a district parent group recently expressed a desire to share their thoughts on gun violence and how the district responds to crisis.
The meeting comes just two weeks after the Florida high school shooting that left 17 students and teachers dead. Since then, there have been threats made at South Lyon and Milford High School, and the Stockbridge Junior/Senior High School.
Roedel says the purpose of the "Parent Conversation" is to provide an avenue and forum for them to share their thoughts, ask questions and receive answers. Roedel hopes to reassure community members that are concerned about student safety.
The session will be moderated by Roedel, Village of Fowlerville Police Chief John Tyler and Sgt. Jeff Soli, the school liaison officer. Questions and comments from the meeting will be published for anyone who is unable to attend. (DK)
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Hoarding Task Force To Focus On Getting Help, Resources To Those In NeedHoarding Task Force To Focus On Getting Help, Resources To Those In Need
A task force assigned to helping people with possible hoarding issues is changing directions to better help those-in-need.
The Livingston County Hoarding Task Force was created 18 months ago by representatives from in-home care, emergency services staff, mental health staff, and businesses that work on hoarding organization and clean up. In their time they have assessed the local problem, gathered home codes and fire safety standards, and developed a series of educational handouts. Community Collaborative Planner Anne Rennie said the most important thing they have learned is that hoarding is often misunderstood, with people judging without knowing the whole picture. She said there are components of mental health that can factor in as part of the disorder. Sometimes physical limitations, like older age, can cause a homeowner to look like they are hoarding, when in fact they are unable to put things back where they belong because of their physical state.
As a result of these findings, the task forceâs new direction is about respect and communication with individuals so they can help them find ways to help themselves. After an initial screening, task force members will be able to help homeowners connect to resources and clean up companies that can help. As hoarding is not illegal, it will be the homeownerâs choice to accept help. More information and the task forceâs series of 10 handouts can be found at https://www.livgov.com/hscb/Pages/LC-Hoarding-Task-Force.aspx. (MK)
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Outdoor Warning Siren Test SaturdayOutdoor Warning Siren Test Saturday
Monthly outdoor warning siren testing is getting underway again.
Northfield Township is advising residents that Washtenaw County's 87 warning sirens will be tested at noon on the first Saturday of every month from March through October. The first test is this Saturday at noon. Officials say if there happens to be a threat of severe weather on the day of a test, it will be cancelled. Warning siren activation is a signal to members of the public to immediately go indoors and monitor local Emergency Alert System media outlets for official information.
Except for scheduled testing, sirens will be activated for the following emergencies: The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning, a severe thunderstorm has been detected with damaging winds of 75mph or greater, a hazardous materials accident that requires immediate protective action by the public, or if an attack on the United States is imminent, underway, or has recently occurred. (JM)
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Brighton Supt. Says Protocols in Place to Deal with School ShootingsBrighton Supt. Says Protocols in Place to Deal with School Shootings
A local veteran addressed the Brighton school board Monday night, saying he was concerned that an incident such as the one at a Florida high school that resulted in the deaths of 17 people could happen in Brighton. The man, Max Bishop, said he has a granddaughter who attends a Brighton school, and that greatly increases his concern.
The board did not immediately respond to his comments since it does not normally do so at call-to-the-public. But after the meeting WHMI asked Superintendent Greg Gray about protocols in place to deal with violent situations in the Brighton Area Schools where there is the potential for injury or loss of life. Gray says they have crisis plans and a lot of pieces in place in relation to these types of events and they practice all the time. He says they donât share crisis plans because then they can become ineffective but they do practice them as an administrative team and as groups in the district. Gray it's a day no one ever wants to work through but they are trying be as prepared as they can.
In the Feb. 14 incident at a high school in Parkland, Florida, 17 students and adults were killed by a 19-year-old former student wielding an AR-15 semi-automatic weapon. Mass school shootings in recent years have changed how schools deal with gun violence. In 1999, two teens went on a shooting spree at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, killing 13 people before committing suicide. Since that time, 32 states have passed laws requiring schools to conduct lockdown drills to keep students safe from intruders.
Since an incident in 2012 in which 20 children were killed in Newtown, Connecticut, six states require "active shooter" drills each year. In such scenarios, the training must be tailored to respond to an armed gunman out to kill. And several states require shooting simulations with police officers.(TT)
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Livingston County Technical Rescue Team To Benefit From Rover Pipeline DonationLivingston County Technical Rescue Team To Benefit From Rover Pipeline Donation
Livingston County has received a $10,000 donation from a pipeline company that will ultimately benefit a special response team.
Donations were made to each of the three counties traversed by the pipeline in Michigan - Livingston, Washtenaw and Lenawee. The funds will be used by the departments to purchase new equipment, perform additional training, or for any needs that benefit the first responders in each perspective county. The local event was held at the John E. LaBelle Public Safety Complex in Howell Township and the funds are being designated to support the Livingston County Technical Rescue Team. Energy Transfer Spokeswoman Alexis Daniel tells WHMI theyâre excited to offer the donations to the local EMS agencies across the project areas but also work with them as they get into full operation. She says theyâve heard concerns but also what might be needed to support the local communities for a variety of emergencies, so the donations are available to support whatever they might need.
Livingston County Emergency Manager Therese Cremonte says this is really a great opportunity for Livingston County and local first responders. The funds will go to the Special Response Team, which will utilize it for various special responses such as hazardous materials or trench rescue. She says first line responders really need the funding because itâs difficult to come by and they always need equipment and training, including personal protective equipment they wear on scene.
All of the fire departments in the county have participating members on the Livingston County Technical Rescue Team, as well as EMS and the Sheriffâs Office, which mostly does dive-type rescues. Howell Fire Chief Andy Pless says itâs a county-wide rescue team that does several different things ranging from hazardous materials, technical rescue such as trench rescue and high angle rescue, as well as do dive and water rescues. He says the team will use the funds for hazmat and technical rescue, possibly some air monitoring equipment and other equipment. Pless says the funds will also allow them to do some training that will help with any kind of emergency response to a pipeline emergency.
Daniel says theyâre excited to finally wrap up construction, put critical infrastructure in place and be able to transport reliable natural gas â noting the total pipeline project that spans from Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio is more than 99% complete. The majority of the physical pipeline is in the ground and the restoration process will be completed in the spring. Daniel says what remains are HTDâs or horizontal directional drills, which are more than 83% complete. In areas where there is a road, river, wetland or stream, Daniel says the horizontal directional drill is the more environmentally friendly way to perform putting the pipe in because it actually drills underneath those, meaning less disruption. As they finish the drills and do the final tie-ins, theyâll be able to complete the full project. As for the final drills and tie-ins in Livingston County, Daniel says those should be finished by mid-to-late March and then restoration work will be taking place in the spring.
While the donations were said to be offered in goodwill by the company, those impacted by the pipeline project feel otherwise. Pinckney resident Clifford Rowley lives adjacent to the pipeline and tells WHMI the donation is essentially blood money that can nowhere near prepare counties for the potential catastrophic risks and damages now imposed upon residents and Michiganâs beloved environment. He says âmore practically, unless we have a fleet of water bombers on quick alert status nearby the potential of a Dresden or a Tokyo level firestorm - yes, WW II level destruction - has now been imposed upon the communities of Pinckney and nearby Silver Lake with minimal safeguards.â (JM)
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South Lyon City Council To Discuss New Public Comment MethodsSouth Lyon City Council To Discuss New Public Comment Methods
The city of South Lyon is beginning to discuss methods to make the public comment portion of their council meetings move more efficiently.
South Lyonâs City Council has decided to add the topic of public comment procedure to their next meetingâs agenda. Due to a large amount of participants speaking during the public comment portion of each city council meeting, the council agreed a more structured format would be beneficial. The current structure only allows speakers three minutes to address the council at the start of each meeting. The council briefly discussed methods that have proven to work well for other city councils such as adding a second allotted time for public comment and possibly extending the amount of minutes each speaker is allowed. Mayor Dan Pelchat told WHMI he is excited to see what the council comes up with as he hopes this will allow a more organized, structured, and efficient platform for public comment.
During the councilâs discussion, Joyce Clohosey rushed the podium to directly address Council Member Mary Parisien. Mayor Pelchat did not let her speak and asked her to take a seat as this was not a portion of the meeting that was allowed for public comment. Clohosey did address the council earlier in the evening regarding an incident where Council Member Carl Richards asked her if she recently has a baby during an interview for a seat on the city council in January.
When speaking with WHMI, Pelchat confirmed even though the council will discuss new methods for the public to address the council, at no point will the public be allowed to interrupt them during discussion. (DF)
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Fowlerville Police: Publishers Clearing House Scam CirculatingFowlerville Police: Publishers Clearing House Scam Circulating
Fowlerville Police are advising the community about another scam going around.
Authorities say the scammer claims he is from Publishers Clearing House and is calling to notify the victim theyâve won the million dollar jackpot. He convinces the victim to give the last five digits of their social security number and the name of their bank. The caller then has the victim open up a new account at their bank, so they can receive the bogus million dollar prize. Police say the scammer then transfers money from the victim's existing account into the newly opened account, and has the victim withdraw the money to send to New York to pay the "federal taxes" on the "million dollars" from Publishers Clearing House.
Police say the victim in this case is out thousands of dollars because she never realized they were wire transferring the "jackpot winnings" from her existing account into her newly opened account. (JM)
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