Brighton City Manager Nate Geinzer unveiled the proposed 2018-19 city budget, which includes a healthy end-of-year fund balance of $2.5 million, at Thursday's City Council meeting. The general fund budget totals about $8.75 million, and Geinzer says thatâs up slightly from the 2017-18 fiscal year budget of about $8.5 million. The current fiscal year ends on June 30th.
One major problem municipalities in Michigan have been facing in recent years is that of unfunded liabilities. In 2017, the Responsible Retirement Reform for Local Government Task Force found about $7.5 billion in unfunded pension liabilities and $10.1 billion in unfunded health care liabilities in local governments' finances. Geinzer says that under his city budget proposal, Brighton will be increasing its contribution to the unfunded OPEB, or retirement, liabilities, and its unfunded pension liability.
The city will be conducting three, and possibly four, workshops in the near future to discuss and fine tune the budget for the coming year. Sessions are scheduled for next Tuesday, April 10th, at 6 p.m., Thursday, April 12th, at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 17th, at 6 p.m., and with a fourth date on Thursday, April 19th at 5:30 p.m., if necessary. All sessions will be held at city hall. A public hearing on the recommended 2018-19 city budget will be held at the May 3rd council meeting. (TT)
Brighton Council Gets First Look at 18-19 City BudgetBrighton Council Gets First Look at 18-19 City Budget
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Former Brighton Woman Charged With FraudFormer Brighton Woman Charged With Fraud
Following an investigation into a bogus online fundraising account, a former Brighton woman has been charged in the case.
Candace Ann Streng was taken into custody Thursday night following an investigation by the Brighton Police Department into allegations that she falsely claimed to have cancer and was collecting donations to help with her medical expenses. Streng was arraigned this morning in 53rd District Court on two counts; False Pretenses of $20,000 or More, a 15 year felony and Use of a Computer to Commit a Crime, a 10 year felony. Bond was set at $200,000 and a Probable Cause Conference was set for April 17th.
Brighton Police began looking into allegations of a fraudulent GoFundMe account called âCandace Kicks Cancerâ in January. The account had been set up for Streng. Brighton Police previously said there was enough information from independent sources to strongly suggest the account was fraudulently used to accept donations based on Strengâs claim to have stage four breast cancer. GoFundMe records show 399 people donated money totaling $31,645 since April 15th, 2017.
Several fundraisers were held for Streng over the past year with friends rallying to her side. GoFundMe immediately closed the account, banned Streng, and worked with the Brighton Police Department to refund all the donors. (JK)
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Meeting On Headlee Override Proposal To Be Held TonightMeeting On Headlee Override Proposal To Be Held Tonight
A meeting on the Headlee override proposal to be on the ballot in Brighton this year will be held this evening, beginning at 5pm.
The meeting will be held at the home of Lynn Rosen, at 520 Glenwyth, off Oak Ridge Drive. According to organizer Susan Bakhaus, the purpose of the meeting is to enlist the support of city voters in opposition to the Headlee override that will be on the ballot August 7th. Bakhaus says the meeting is for building owners in Brighton as well as residents.
The meeting will include a discussion on residential and commercial property taxes in the city, the fact that the Headlee override will have no ending date if passed, and other aspects of the ballot issue. If approved, the override will allow the city to collect up to 20 mills in taxes from city property owners. The current millage rate is slightly over 15 mills.
City officials state that the revenues derived from the Headlee override would be used to repair and resurface city streets. A city analysis last year showed that the streets are in from fair to failing condition, and the city doesnât have the funds in its budget to bring them up to acceptable standards. (TT)
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Change Of Venue For Town Hall For Our Lives EventChange Of Venue For Town Hall For Our Lives Event
Due to the great level of interest, the 8th District Town Hall for Our Lives today, originally scheduled to take place at the Lakelands Golf & Country Club, has been moved to the historic Howell Theater.
The Town Hall takes place from noon to 2 p.m. at the theater, located at 315 East Grand River in downtown Howell. 8th District Congressman Mike Bishop has been invited to attend, but his office said he has a conflict.
Present at the forum will be Elissa Slotkin of Holly, former acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs in the Obama administration, and Christopher Smith of East Lansing, who are seeking the 8th District Democratic nomination. Also expected to attend is Republican gubernatorial candidate Dr. Jim Hines. (TT)
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Sheriff's Office Warns Residents Of "Jury Duty Scam"Sheriff's Office Warns Residents Of "Jury Duty Scam"
The Livingston County Sheriffâs Office is warning residents of a scam going around in which the scammers ask for money because the victim supposedly missed jury duty.
The Sheriffâs Office says community members should be on the lookout for fraudulent phone calls or emails regarding jury service. Scammers are pressuring citizens to provide confidential data, threatening prosecution for failing to comply with jury service and claiming fines are owed for missing jury duty.
Detective Sergeant Gary Childers says in this particular scam, the perpetrators sometimes claim theyâre with the Sheriffâs Office and will create an urgent situation, telling the victim they must make a bond payment or theyâll issue a warrant for the personâs arrest. Childers says the court system and Sheriffâs Office never operate that way.
He says anytime the caller sounds official, residents should use a published number for the supposed agency and then ask for the caller by name to see if they really are who they claim to be. Childers notes fraud is one of the most prevalent crimes in Livingston County and scammers depend on the victim to provide personal information or send money to them. He reminds no legitimate institution would want someone to pay in that unsecured fashion.
His best piece of advice is to never wire money to anyone you donât know, because once that money is sent, it and the scammer are likely long gone. Anyone who receives a call or email of this nature is asked to contact Detective Matt Young at the Livingston County Sheriffâs Office at (517) 546-2440. (DK)
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Repairs To I-94 Bridge Over Dancer Road in Dexter Start April 14thRepairs To I-94 Bridge Over Dancer Road in Dexter Start April 14th
Bridge repairs will impact traffic for about a week in the Dexter area.
The Michigan Department of Transportation will complete bridge repairs on eastbound I-94 over Dancer Road in Dexter. The work is part of an overall $1 (m) million investment in critical repairs to eight structures throughout Washtenaw, Eaton, Ingham, and Jackson counties. M-DOT advises work will require closing one lane on eastbound I-94 over Dancer Road while beam repairs are completed. While one lane will remain open to motorists, the closure is expected to cause 30 to 60-minute delays during peak travel times. Motorists are advised to find an alternate route if able. Dancer Road will be closed below I-94 and traffic detoured to accommodate this work.
The project is expected to start around 9pm on Friday, April 13th, with an estimated completion date of Friday, April 20th. (JM)
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Fenton Township Man Charged In Sexual Assault Of ChildFenton Township Man Charged In Sexual Assault Of Child
The alleged ongoing sexual assault of a child has landed a Fenton Township man in jail.
53-year-old Michael Sackrider was arrested on March 26th and charged with five counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct. The Genesee County Sheriffâs Office says they were initially contacted about the incidents in January. The alleged victim told investigators Sackrider, who was her motherâs ex-boyfriend, sexually assaulted her several times at his Linden Road home from 2006 through 2015 when she was between the ages of 11 and 16.
Following that interview, deputies initiated a traffic stop on Sackriderâs vehicle and took him into custody. He denied all of the charges when he was questioned about the allegations. Sackrider is lodged in the Genesee County Jail without bond. Future court dates are pending. (JK)
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Emagine Movie Theater Breaks Ground In Hartland TownshipEmagine Movie Theater Breaks Ground In Hartland Township
Construction will soon be underway for a new theater in Hartland Township, following a groundbreaking ceremony Friday.
The ceremony was held at the site of the soon-to-come Emagine movie theater, which will be located in the Hartland Towne Square Plaza at the northeast corner of M-59 and US-23. Community members, local officials and project leaders attended the kick-off, as well as representatives from Emagine Entertainment and developer Ramco-Gershonson.
Emagine Entertainment CEO Paul Glantz says heâs looking forward to serving the area and theaterâs guests, adding that breaking ground feels âspectacularâ. Glantz says he couldnât be happier to be bringing a state-of-the-art theater to the area and becoming a part of the community, noting the township has been very welcoming.
Discussion surrounding project plans began over a year and a half ago in the summer of 2016. Larry Fox, Chairperson of the townshipâs Planning Commission, says a lot of hard work and planning has gone into the much-anticipated theater. Township Supervisor Bill Fountain says, "We are just tickled to death to have them join the community". Fountain says the business is in line with the township's âfriendly by natureâ slogan and wished project leaders well.
The theater will feature 1,140 seats in ten state-of-the-art auditoriums and an EMAX screen. The theater will include various amenities including upscale décor, reclining chairs, special front row seating of cuddle chairs, a full-service bar and expanded concession menu. The official grand opening of Emagine Hartland is tentatively slated for December of 2018. (DK)
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Teen Convicted In Sex Assaults Ordered To Pay RestitutionTeen Convicted In Sex Assaults Ordered To Pay Restitution
A Brighton Township teen who admitted to sexually assaulting three girls has been ordered to pay restitution to two of the victims.
The 16-year-old, who is not being identified because he is a juvenile, must pay a total of $7,686.27 as was ordered by Juvenile Court Referee Chelsea Thomason. One victim will receive a little more than $3,430, while the second will be paid just over $4,250. The third victimâs parents did not seek restitution; however the other two victimsâ parents each sought approximately $40,000. The amount was requested for a variety of reasons, including psychological treatment and lost income.
In an email to WHMI, Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt says, âOur objective is always to seek full restitution for crime victims. The law requires that the courts comply with the constitutional mandate that victims be treated fairly and that full restitution be ordered. We provided an appropriate factual and legal basis for the court to order full restitution for these victims and their families. We were disappointed the court took such an inappropriately narrow view about what they were asking for.â Court officials say prosecutors didnât demonstrate their case.
The courtâs decision isnât the first to draw criticism from the victims, their families and community members. The first was the teenâs 45-day sentence in the Monroe County Youth Center. The teen was charged with 31 felonies connected to the incidents that occurred between February and August of 2016. He pleaded guilty to six of the charges.
Legislation prompted by the case was recently passed, requiring 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. (DK)
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17 Students Awarded $1,000 Scholarships For Textbooks17 Students Awarded $1,000 Scholarships For Textbooks
Several local students have been awarded scholarships that will help them as they continue their education at Michigan State University. The Livingston County Spartans have announced the winners of their 2018 Textbook Scholarships. 17 students from high schools across Livingston County will receive a $1,000 gift card which will be placed on file at the Student Book Store at MSU.
The Livingston County Spartans are a club that brings members of the Spartan family together through networking and social events, while supporting MSU in the community. They gather together at various establishments to watch games, participate in the Global Day of Service volunteering event, and hold the yearly Spartan Annual Family Picnic and Sparty Gala. This yearâs picnic is scheduled for August 12th at the Oak Pointe Picnic Pavilion in Brighton. The gala, to be held at Oak Pointe Country Club, is the Livingston County Spartansâ premier event for raising money for the textbook scholarships.
Award recipients are: Claire Brennan and Madeline Niblock from Howell; Madeline Carr from Fenton; Sophia Cislo, Kali Crotty, Jacob Demski, Alexis Doyle, Cassidy Gobeille, Julia Gray, Fiona Kristo, Abby Langell, Cole Spence, and Matthew Zawisa from Brighton, Brent Johnson from Father Gabriel Richard, Holly Leja from Hartland, and Maya Stevelinck from Pinckney.(MK)
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Local Boy Wins Bike, Helmet In Dental SweepstakesLocal Boy Wins Bike, Helmet In Dental Sweepstakes
A sweepstakes winner for a campaign encouraging children to maintain healthy oral hygiene has been announced by a local dentistry. In honor of National Childrenâs Dental Health month earlier this year, the Howell My Community Dental Center, or MCDC, ran a contest for kids 10 and under. The slogan for this yearâs campaign was âbrush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth for a healthy smile.â With a parent or guardianâs consent, children had a chance at winning a free bicycle and helmet.
The winner, Dallas Marchak, was presented a brand new, red BMX-style Next Wipeout bike and matching helmet at the Howell center on Monday. The MCDC is the largest non-profit Dental Support Organization in the country and has 38 centers in Michigan. They welcome patients covered through Medicaid, Healthy Kids Dental, Healthy Michigan Plan and those privately insured. They also offer the My Dental Program for those without insurance, providing reduced fees based on household income. They offer comprehensive care including exams, cleanings, filling, extractions, and dentures. For more information, visit www.mydental.org, or call (877)313-6232. (MK)
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Nearly 200 Attend Howell Town Hall on School Gun ViolenceNearly 200 Attend Howell Town Hall on School Gun Violence
The Town Hall forum was originally scheduled to take place at the Lakelands Golf and Country Club in Hamburg Twp., but had to be moved when it became clear that the high amount of interest required a larger venue. The candidates who appeared at the Town Hall forum to state their positions and answer questions from the audience included Elissa Slotkin of Holly, a Democratic candidate for the 8th Congressional District, Christopher Smith of East Lansing, who is also a Democrat running for the 8th District, and Dr. Jim Hines, a Saginaw obstetrician and a Republican running for governor of Michigan.
Slotkin is the former acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs in the Obama administration, and Smith is a professor at Michigan State University. Another invited guest, incumbent Republican 8th District Congressman Mike Bishop, was not in attendance. His office told organizers of the event that he had a conflict in his schedule. One of the questions asked of the panel by moderator Rob Osterman, a teacher in the Walled Lake School District, was whether â if elected - they would vote in favor of an outright ban on private ownership of AR-15 assault rifles. That type of weapon was used in the recent Parkland, Fla., school shooting that left 17 people dead, most of them students. Slotkin, herself a gun owner with a military background, replied that she would not support an outright ban. Dr. Hines, the lone Republican on the panel, also stated that he would not support an outright ban. Smith, the other Democratic candidate besides Slotkin for the 8th District seat, said he would vote for the ban, with some stipulations.
The town hall was organized to discuss the issue of gun violence in schools and communities and was billed as a non-partisan event open to the public. It was organized by The Town Hall Project, which helped organize the March for Our Lives demonstrations that took place around the country in late March to end gun violence in schools. (TT)
Pictured, from (L) to (R): Christopher Smith, Elissa Slotkin, Dr. Jim Hines, moderator Rob Osterman.
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Severe Weather Awareness Week April 8th-14thSevere Weather Awareness Week April 8th-14th
Livingston County residents and businesses are being encouraged to start preparing for severe weather season.
Severe weather season starts around April 1st and typically peaks in June and July before tailing off in the fall, although there have been events in October. Warning Coordination Meteorologist Rich Pollman with the National Weather Service White Lake Office says weâve actually had two very quiet years. He says 2017 marked a record low for severe weather in the region, which came on the heels of another record low year in 2016. There were 83 recorded severe events last year and the average is about 220. Those include large hail, damaging winds or tornadoes.
Pollman tells WHMI the law of averages eventually applies and there will be an above average year to even things out. He says severe weather is bound to hit southeast Michigan during the summertime and itâs a good time to prepare because weâll likely see more severe weather than the last two years, maybe the last two combined.
In addition to tornados, severe weather also brings the potential of flooding. Pollman says with climate change and a warmer planet, we do have more heavy rainfall events. He says theyâre seeing one or two inches from a rainfall event or thunderstorms producing three or four inches, which is a mark of climate change and weather data across Southeast Michigan. Pollman says in Michigan, damaging winds are one of the biggest hazards associated with severe thunderstorms and a known killer. Warnings and alerts are issued for a reason and when it comes to tornado safety, itâs best to find a permanent, sturdy building away from windows and doors. For severe thunderstorms, a good rule of thumb is to just get inside.
A statewide tornado drill will take place on Wednesday, April 11th, which Pollman says is a good opportunity for residents and businesses to practice weather safety plans. Details are available in the attached packet. (JM)
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Napier Road To Close For Paving WorkNapier Road To Close For Paving Work
A busy section of gravel road on the Lyon Township/Novi border is closing for paving work after some delays.
The Road Commission for Oakland County plans to close Napier Road between 9 Mile and 10 Mile Roads on the Lyon Township/Novi border beginning today in order to pave the gravel road. Wintry weather delayed the original April 2nd start date for the project. Officials say itâs still weather-dependent and could change.
The roundabout at Napier and 10 Mile Road will remain open during the Napier closure; however, the approaches on the south side of the roundabout will be closed to through traffic. Napier is a busy road carrying approximately 2,350 vehicles daily. The paving work marks the second phase of a project started last year and Napier Road is expected to re-open to traffic in mid-July.
Residential access to homes along Napier Road will be maintained, otherwise detours will posted for motorists. The detour for Napier Road through traffic will be 8 Mile Road to Beck Road to 10 Mile Road and vice versa. More information on the construction project and a detour map is available through the link. (JM)
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Oceola Township Resident Files For Seat On County BoardOceola Township Resident Files For Seat On County Board
An Oceola Township resident is seeking a seat on the Livingston County Board of Commissioners.
James Bruney filed the necessary petitions with the Livingston County Clerkâs Office to run as a Republican for the District 2 seat. District 2 encompasses Deerfield, Hartland and Oceola Township and is currently represented by Commissioner William Green, who has filed for re-election as a Republican. Democrat Jennifer Garcia has also filed for the seat.
Bruney, a local real estate agent, says the theme of his campaign is âYour voice mattersâ. He plans to reach out and host community forums as well as âFun Raisersâ. Bruney said heâs sick of fundraisers âoffering a few drinks and asking for moneyâ. Instead, he plans to offer community events at no charge and says people can donate if they want to. He pledges to be strong on safety, accessible and accountable and touted financial responsibility among other items. A link to Bruneyâs campaign Facebook page is provided. (JM)
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Improvements Coming To Several Oceola Township RoadsImprovements Coming To Several Oceola Township Roads
Several roads across Oceola Township will see improvements and repairs in the coming year.
The Oceola Township Board of Trustees last week discussed the decaying state of many of the townshipâs roads and approved projects to get them fixed. First on the docket was a request by residents in the Earl Lake area where homeowners approached officials about the project, which would be split between Oceola Township and Genoa Township. The Road Commission estimates that Oceolaâs share will be around $185,000. The Board of Trustees was all in agreement to use road millage funds for the project, with many stating they couldnât remember the last time work was done out there.. The Supervisor said the Livingston County Road Commission told him it wouldnât get done until 2019, but Bamber said if they donât have to sell bonds, thereâs a possibility of it happening this year.
Eager Road will also see improvements. $1-million dollars was approved of to be transferred from the Building and Site fund to the Road Improvement Fund within the General Fund for repairs to the Eager Road Bridge. Officials also approved of $100,000 for realignment of the road. Deerfield Township recently contacted officials about going half in on laying gravel on Allen Road between Argentine and Green. Gravel will also be laid on Hughes Road going south.
Finally, the Board agreed to participate in Road Commission projects in recapping Golf Club Road between Latson and Hughes, and Latson Road from Golf Club to M-59. These projects are all expected to be completed this year. (MK)
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Milford Department Of Public Services To Host Open HouseMilford Department Of Public Services To Host Open House
The first ever Village of Milford Department of Public Services Open House is planned in May.
Guests will have an opportunity to learn more about what goes into maintaining the Village parks, infrastructure and other aspects. Village DPS staff will have some trucks and large equipment on display for kids and community members to view. There will also be information on hand regarding drinking water and wellhead protection, storm water management, and other topics.
The open house will take place on Saturday, May 5th from 9am to noon at the Civic Center located at 1100 Atlantic Street. A link to the event page is provided. (JM)
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Competency Exam Ordered For Woman Who Threatened Local FamilyCompetency Exam Ordered For Woman Who Threatened Local Family
A woman who allegedly threatened acts of violence against a local family has been referred for a competency evaluation.
20-year-old Karen Lockwood of Richmond, Michigan recently appeared in 53rd District Court, at which time a judge referred her to the state forensic center for a competency exam and evaluation relative to criminal responsibility.
Lockwood, who is charged in two separate cases, is facing counts of unlawful posting of a message, communicating with another via computer/internet to commit a crime and malicious use of a telephone related to an incident on February 12th. In the other case stemming from an incident reported February 25th, Lockwood is charged with false report or threat of terrorism, using a computer to commit a felony and malicious use of a telephone in connection.
The Livingston County Sheriffâs Office says it responded to a social media threats complaint that involved Village Elementary School in Hartland Township. The initial report revealed a suspect was threatening a family from the Hartland area through Facebook messenger and by sending text messages to a family member's phone. Lockwood reportedly threatened âshooting up the school" where members of the family were students and burning the family's house down.
During the investigation, detectives learned that Lockwood had established numerous fictitious social media accounts, email accounts and internet based phone numbers to communicate the threats and conceal her identity. The Office says it was determined the suspect had no means to carry out the threats.
Lockwood has been lodged in the Livingston County Jail. At her most recent hearing, District Court Judge Suzanne Geddis denied a motion to reduce Lockwoodâs $50,000 cash/surety bond. Lockwood returns to court May 4th for a follow-up hearing regarding the results of the competency evaluation. (JM/DK)
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Police Identify Victims In Fatal Wrong Way Crash On US-23Police Identify Victims In Fatal Wrong Way Crash On US-23
The two people who were killed Sunday in a crash on US-23 caused by a wrong-way driver have been identified.
Michigan State Police from the Brighton Post say they responded to the crash on US-23 southbound near Six Mile Road at about 2:48 Sunday afternoon. Their investigation indicates that a Chevy Bolt driven by 74-year-old Chelsea man was heading northbound in the southbound lanes of US-23 when he struck a Ford Fusion with three occupants, killing two passengers. They are identified as 51-year-old Debbie Pinson of Broadview Heights, Ohio and 56-year-old Cathy Kretzschmer of Olmsted Twp, Ohio. Police say Pinson was the girlfriend of the Fusionâs driver, a 53-year-old male, also from Olmsted Twp. He was listed in stable condition. Kretzschmer was his sister.
Also listed in stable condition were two Ann Arbor residents. They were in a Chevy Silverado that was also struck. A fourth vehicle that was hit, a Chevy Equinox, was driven by a 47-year-old Brighton man who refused treatment at the scene. The Chelsea man identified as the wrong way driver was last listed in serious but stable condition. All of the injured are being treated at U of M Hospital.
Troopers ask anyone who witnessed the crash to contact the MSP Brighton Post at 810-227-1051. Picture courtesy of ClickOnDetroit.com. (JK)
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Brighton Area Schools Assistant Superintendent Announces ResignationBrighton Area Schools Assistant Superintendent Announces Resignation
Assistant Brighton Superintendent for Instruction Laura Surrey stated she will be leaving this summer, after the end of the current academic term, due to her family situation. She did not provide any details.
Surrey stated she has had a very rewarding and fulfilling time in the Brighton school district and was sorry she had to go. Superintendent Greg Gray tells WHMI he will hate to see Surrey go, remarking that she has done a âwonderfulâ job in her capacity as the one who sets the curriculum for the 6,000-student Brighton Area Schools.
Surrey has been with the district for 17 years in various capacities, starting out as a teacher, then becoming an assistant principal, then director of curriculum and since 2009, the assistant superintendent for instruction. She has been credited by many for being instrumental in improving the school districtâs overall academic performance with her curriculum changes and innovations. Surrey, whose contract expires on June 30th of this year, earns about $147,000 a year. (TT)
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