A stepped up drunk driving enforcement campaign underway across Livingston County and the state of Michigan aims to reduce traffic crashes, fatalities and injuries.
The end of summer is traditionally marked by the Labor Day holiday, meaning last minute vacations and other activities before the back to school grind. Itâs also a time when drunk driving traffic crashes and fatalities tend to increase. Thatâs why the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning is partnering with local and statewide law enforcement agencies to target drunk drivers during the âDrive Sober or Get Pulled Overâ campaign involving stepped up patrols. The campaign runs through September 3rd and aims to discourage and crack down on drunk driving.
Communication Strategist Kari Arend tells WHMI the Labor Day holiday weekend is one of the deadliest in terms of drunk driving fatalities and they want people to celebrate the end of summer but do so responsibly. Over the 2017 Labor Day holiday period in Michigan, 15 people died in traffic crashes. Of those, more than a quarter involved alcohol. Arend says this is a national campaign and there is funding dedicated for additional patrols to ensure motorists are being responsible. She says for those out celebrating the end of summer and drinking, they just want to make sure everyone arrives at their destination safely and gets home safely. Arend says the âDrive Sober or Get Pulled Overâ campaign is one of several impaired driving campaigns planned through 2019. She says they want to put a focus on people driving responsibly and recognize that there is a zero tolerance for drunk driving and there will be extra enforcements.
A total of 359 people died in 320 alcohol-involved crashes in Michigan in 2017, the highest number of fatalities from alcohol-involved crashes since 2006. (JM)
Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over This Labor Day WeekendDrive Sober Or Get Pulled Over This Labor Day Weekend
↧
↧
Township Board Passes Police & Fire AssessmentTownship Board Passes Police & Fire Assessment
A special assessment for police and fire protection has been renewed by the Tyrone Township board, but not without some criticism.
The fees charged to various landowners vary, with commercial properties paying $250 per parcel, residential homeowners $150, $75 for vacant parcels, while parcels containing manufactured homes will pay $250 annually, plus $20 per unit. Itâs that particular fee that had two residents voicing opposition at last weekâs meeting, saying that homeowners were being unequally assessed compared to residents in the townshipâs two manufactured home communities; Cider Mill Crossing and Tyrone Woods, which together have approximately 700 units. Township officials point out that while the minimum residential lot is about three acres, manufactured homes sit on just an eighth of an acre. They also noted that many of the manufactured homes are occupied by renters, making it difficult to assess each one individually, while the park owners have to keep lot rents competitive, or risk losing tenants.
Supervisor Mike Cunningham adds that manufactured home communities actually end up paying more per parcel, as they are connected to the townshipâs sewer system while also paying 18 mills in school taxes for the commercial parcel of land. He also told WHMI that over the course of the two public meetings on the assessment; only three residents spoke out against it. The township expects the assessment will raise just over $605,000 annually. (JK)
↧
Teen Distracted Driving Course Returning To FowlervilleTeen Distracted Driving Course Returning To Fowlerville
Area high school students have an opportunity to take part in a free hands-on distracted driving course.
The Livingston County Sheriffâs Office is providing the course in conjunction with FT Techno of America and State Farm Insurance on Saturday, October 20th. The course allows teens to operate a vehicle under the direct supervision of sheriff and police personnel in several distracted driving scenarios, which include texting while driving and the use of fatal vision drunk goggles.
Two sessions are being offered, with each lasting four hours. The course has been designed to teach young driverâs the first hand dangers of distracted driving. The teens will be shown a short classroom discussion and video presentation before the supervised driving scenarios on the FT Techno test track in Fowlerville.
Space is limited to 20 students and a parent per class. Attendees must possess a valid driverâs license and be enrolled in high school, preference will be given to Livingston County residentâs first.
To sign up, contact the Livingston County Sheriffâs Office Monday through Friday between 8am and 4pm. The number to call is 517-546-2440. Further information will be given once enrolled. (EO)
↧
Handy Twp. Looking To Purchase Property Near Silver SpringsHandy Twp. Looking To Purchase Property Near Silver Springs
A subdivision in Handy Township that has yet to reach its full potential may still hold some promise, as officials explore purchasing property near the development.
Supervisor Ed Alverson says the township has become aware of and investigated 20 acres north of Silver Springs, which is west of Fowlerville Road and north of the village. At a board of trustees meeting last week, Alverson said officials have carefully considered the decision and decided to move forward in possibly purchasing the land. Board members adopted a resolution authorizing the purchase, which means the township can do so if a final price can be agreed upon.
Alverson says thereâs no estimate yet, as the process is ongoing. The land would also come with 40 REUs, or Residential Equivalent Units, which had been laid out in the beginning plans for the space. 204 homes were originally planned for Silver Springs, but Alverson estimates only about 52 have been built, due in part to the Great Recession.
Despite the available space for homes as the development currently exists and the admitted lacking need for more, Alverson still feels owning and controlling the land and REUs is in the townshipâs best interest, citing a lawsuit the municipality had been involved with years prior. The property does have an out lot that Alverson says will give the township access to phase five of the Silver Springs development. The township has owned the rest of the phases since 2015. (DK)
↧
Woman Jailed After Hitting, Injuring Ex-Boyfriend With VehicleWoman Jailed After Hitting, Injuring Ex-Boyfriend With Vehicle
A woman was arrested over the weekend for allegedly injuring her ex-boyfriend and hitting him with her vehicle.
Deputies from the Oakland County Sheriffâs Office and the Highland Township Fire Department responded to the 100 block of Bishop Drive on a report of an assault with a motor vehicle around 2:30am Saturday. Upon arrival, deputies observed paramedics treating an unconscious subject for his injuries. Deputies interviewed several witnesses at the scene and were advised that the suspect, a 38-year-old White Lake Township woman, had fled in her 2014 GMC Acadia. Witnesses stated that when they arrived at the victimâs residence, his former girlfriend was waiting in the driveway for him.
Witnesses advised that the victim was standing in the open doorway of the suspectâs vehicle while he was speaking to her. The Sheriffâs Office says the suspect placed the vehicle in reverse and allegedly struck the victim, dragging him into the roadway where he fell to the ground. The victim was yelling at the suspect for her to stop, but she placed the vehicle in drive and fled the scene. The victim, a 40-year-old Highland Township man, had been at a local tavern with some friends and had invited them back to his residence for a bonfire. Paramedics transported the victim to Genesys Hospital for further care, where he was treated for a broken rib and a possible spinal injury.
Deputies were able to locate the female suspect at her residence, where she told deputies she was assaulted by her former boyfriend. She said he refused to let her leave and when she tried to, the victim leaned into the car as she backed up into the roadway. She says the victim became dislodged from the vehicle and she fled the scene. The suspect denied striking the victim with her vehicle. She was arrested for assault with a motor vehicle and lodged in the Oakland County Jail pending the issuance of criminal charges. (JM)
↧
↧
Traffic Light Up At Busy Intersection In FentonTraffic Light Up At Busy Intersection In Fenton
A traffic light has been installed at a busy intersection in Fenton after a suspected drunk driver destroyed a large traffic pole.
A suspected drunk driver struck the traffic light and pole at the intersection of Rounds Drive and Shiawassee Avenue in early July. A 24-year-old Sterling Heights man was said to be traveling eastbound on Owen Road/Shiawassee Avenue. The road curves at the traffic light but the driver reportedly steered directly into the pole. He sustained injuries in the crash and fled the scene but was located in a nearby neighborhood. Since that time, the intersection has been treated as a temporary four-way stop. The Genesee County Road Commission programmed the traffic light Monday. The news was welcomed by many who travel in the area, including parents who said they were thankful the light went up before the start of school as traffic likely would have been a nightmare.
Meanwhile, a construction project on Fenton Road has been completed ahead of schedule by the Road Commission. Fenton Road between Grand Blanc Road and Cook Road is back open to all traffic but motorists are advised that police officers will be monitoring the newly paved road that has a posted speed limit of 45 mph. (JM)
↧
Howell City Councilman Scott Niblock Resigns, Applicants Sought To Fill VacancyHowell City Councilman Scott Niblock Resigns, Applicants Sought To Fill Vacancy
The deadline is approaching for interested candidates to apply for a vacancy on the Howell City Council.
Longtime Councilman Scott Niblock earlier tendered his resignation, effective August 26th. Council has 30 days from the effective date of the resignation to fill the position. The decision was said to be tied to work commitments, which limit the amount of time he can dedicate to serving on Council. Niblock has served on Council for the past 13 years.
Members earlier accepted the resignation and expressed both regret and appreciation for his years of service, commenting theyâve appreciated working with Niblock and recognize that he always acted with the Cityâs best interest in mind. City Manager Shea Charles told WHMI it was tough to see Niblock go as heâs provided a lot of great insight over the years, noting there was a lot of conversation amongst mayor and council members about how he will be missed. Charles says unfortunately, Niblockâs professional job commitments are beyond what he can do, to do both at the same time.
Qualified applicants are now being sought to fill that the position. Applicants must be a Howell City resident, registered voter and cannot be in default to the City of Howell. The deadline for applications for those interested in serving is 5pm this Friday. Council met Monday night and scheduled a special meeting that will take place on Wednesday, September 5th at 5:30pm in council chambers. The meeting will serve as both an interview session for interested candidates but also a budget work session. After interviews are conducted, Charles says Council will hopefully make a selection that evening. Whoever is appointed would serve the remainder of Niblockâs term, which expires in November 2021.
Applications are available on the 3rd floor of Howell City Hall or the City's website. The form is also attached. (JM)
↧
Brighton School Board Votes to Give Teachers 2% Salary Hike for Coming YearBrighton School Board Votes to Give Teachers 2% Salary Hike for Coming Year
On a vote of 5-1, the Brighton Board of Education approved a salary reopener with the union representing district teachers at its meeting Monday night.
Superintendent Greg Gray says the BEA membership will review the contract and conduct its own ratification vote later in the week. Gray says the collegiality between the two sides was evident throughout the negotiation process.
The salary increase includes 0.5% in wages and 1.5% for completing 30 hours of professional development classes. The lone dissenting vote came from Trustee John Conely, who said he feels the money should go instead to hire more teachers, in order to lower class size. He also said Brighton teachers are already the highest compensated teachers in Livingston County.
Conely said the district has received an extra $2 million from the state, and it would impact the students more if the money were spent in the classroom. Figures obtained from the Senate Fiscal Agency actually show that the per-pupil allowance for the Brighton Area Schools for the 2018-19 fiscal year totals $7,871, a $240 increase over the previous year.
The $240 is only for schools that received the minimum allowance last year, whereas the higher-funded districts will receive a $120 per-pupil hike. It comprises the largest increase in state school spending since 2006. However, the caveat is that the state cut $470 per pupil in 2012 at the height of the Great Recession, so school districts have only recently returned to where they were a dozen years ago. (TT)
↧
Firms Interview For Chance To Conduct Hartland Retail Market AnalysisFirms Interview For Chance To Conduct Hartland Retail Market Analysis
Two applicants spoke in front of Hartland Townshipâs Planning Commission on Monday night in hopes of being hired to lead a retail market analysis.
Robert Gibbs of Gibbs Planning Group and Sharon Woods of LandUseUSA addressed the township planning commission to discuss their abilities and answer any questions while applying to conduct a new study in the township. Recently the township has been discussing the current retail demand within commercial zoning areas. The township is considering hiring a candidate to determine what the future demand for retail will be and if commercial districts should be rezoned to residential. Both Gibbs and Woods received 30 minutes to tell the planning commission what they had to offer in terms of filling the position. After each candidate spoke, everyone on the planning commission seemed to agree that while each individual seemed fully capable of doing the job, Gibbs Planning Group would be the best route to go. Planning Director Troy Langer told WHMI that Gibbs seemed to be the best choice due to his proven track record working with other cities.
The planning commission agreed to forward a recommendation for Gibbs Planning Group to perform the analysis. One concern the commission seemed to have towards Woods was the fact that she is the sole owner and operator of LandUseUSA and does not have a team working behind her. The planning commission was concerned the workload would be too great for one person to handle all on their own. Langer told WHMI the price Gibbs bid for the job is around $15,000 while Woods has a bid near $10,000. He said thatâs something the board may take into consideration but the price differential didnât seem to be a concern to the planning commission.
The recommendation will be discussed at the townshipâs next board meeting and Langer said a hiring decision will likely be decided too. (DF)
↧
↧
Semi Truck Driver Gets Jail Time in Fatal CrashSemi Truck Driver Gets Jail Time in Fatal Crash
The driver of a semi-tractor trailer whose vehicle crashed and killed three people on US-23 in Green Oak Township has been sentenced.
63-year-old Gary Bryce Erard was sentenced by 53rd District Court Judge Suzanne Geddis Monday to nine months in the Livingston County Jail. A jury last month found him guilty of three counts of a moving violation causing death after just over an hour of deliberations. His conviction resulted in a longer sentence than what he wouldâve received had he taken a plea deal. Erard had earlier withdrawn a no contest plea to three misdemeanor counts of the same charge after learning Judge Geddis would sentence him to six months in jail and two years of probation.
Erard was charged as a result of the April 2017 incident on southbound US-23, south of Lee Road, which involved multiple vehicles and ended in three fatalities. Green Oak Township Police say Erard failed to stop as he approached other vehicles stopped in a construction zone, striking six of them.
One of the vehicles, a 1997 Ford Escort, was completely destroyed in the crash after the truck rolled over on top of it. The driver of the Escort, 51-year-old Robin Brown of Milford, was pronounced dead at the scene. His 25-year-old fiancé, Sarah Miller of Milford, later died from her injuries at the University of Michigan Hospital where she was taken after being removed from the wreckage by members of the Green Oak Township Fire Department. 52-year-old Roby Steele of Davison, who was driving a 2016 Chevy Sonic that was also hit by the semi, was also pronounced dead at the scene after being removed from his vehicle. (DK/JK)
↧
Abilities Alliance To Host "Accessible Voting For All" Event At LESAAbilities Alliance To Host "Accessible Voting For All" Event At LESA
An event centered on accessible voting for everyone is scheduled in Livingston County ahead of the November election.
âAccessible Voting For Allâ is being presented by the Abilities Alliance on Tuesday, September 11th at the Livingston Educational Service Agency on Grand River in Howell. The alliance is a workgroup under the Livingston County Human Services Collaborative Body. The Abilities Alliance works to increase understanding, reduce stigma and provide opportunities to youth and adults as well as address the many challenges that may exist in the community. One key area the workgroup is focused on is changing the conversation from âdisabilitiesâ to âabilitiesâ.
Those who may need assistance in order to vote are encouraged to attend the upcoming informational event and get prepared before the November 6th election. Attendees can stop in any time between 1pm and 7pm to learn what's new from the Livingston County Clerk's Office, practice using the Accessible Voter Assist Terminal, learn more about the voting process and view sample ballots. Assistance with online voter registration is also available and interested individuals should bring their state issued identification card. (JM)
↧
Longtime Local Political Activist Passes AwayLongtime Local Political Activist Passes Away
Jim Swonk was surrounded by family and friends when he died Saturday at age 79 after a lengthy illness.
Swonk spent his professional career as an automotive engineer, working at Ford and GM. Following his retirement, Swonk became active in politics, working for the Livingston County Democratic Party. He made an unsuccessful run for State House in 2000 and then State Senate in 2002 before settling in as a behind-the-scenes volunteer working to expand Democrats reach in the county.
Swonk later became involved with Voterâs Voice, a bi-partisan political organization with the goal of encouraging âpolitical enthusiasm of the moderate citizens of Livingston County.â He co-chaired the group with former Republican State Representative Judie Scranton, whom he lost to in 2000 for State House. Aside from politics, Swonk was also committed to social justice, and along with his wife Joanne, was a charter member of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Brighton.
In addition to his wife, Swonk is survived by two daughters; Sharyn Ceru and Diane Swonk, and two grandchildren. His family plans to celebrate his life at what would have been his 80th birthday party on September 8th. In lieu of flowers, they ask for donations in his name for scholarships to the Engineering School at the University of Michigan. (JK)
↧
Deputies Respond To Motorcycle Crash, Overturned SemiDeputies Respond To Motorcycle Crash, Overturned Semi
A motorcyclist was hospitalized after rear-ending a car on US-23 early this morning.
Deputies with the Livingston County Sheriffâs Office were dispatched around 6:30am to US-23, south of White Lake Road for a car vs. motorcycle accident. Preliminary investigation revealed a 50-year-old Flint resident was operating a 2002 Harley Davidson and traveling southbound on US-23 in the left hand lane when traffic stopped suddenly in front of him. The motorcyclist was unable to stop and rear-ended a Ford Fusion operated by a 26-year-old Flushing resident. The motorcyclist, who was not wearing a helmet, sustained serious injuries from the crash and was transported to Genesys Hospital by Livingston County Ambulance. Alcohol did not appear to be a factor and the Fenton City Fire Department assisted on scene.
In addition to the motorcycle crash, deputies were also busy with a separate incident on I-96 in which a semi overturned after the driver fell asleep, resulting in some traffic issues during the early morning commute. Deputies responded to that incident around 1:30am on eastbound I-96, between Highland Road and Fowlerville Road. Preliminary investigation revealed a 39-year-old Roscommon resident was operating a 2011 Freightliner when he fell asleep. The tractor-trailer went off the freeway to the right, into a ditch and rolled on its side.
Sheriff Mike Murphy tells WHMI no one was hurt in the incident. He says alcohol and speed do not appear to be factors in the crash, and the driver was issued a citation for careless driving. The right lane of I-96 was closed for approximately five hours while the tractor-trailer was removed from the area. Murphy says that did create a bit of a mess and inconvenience for morning rush hour commuters. He said everyone did a good job getting it cleaned up but noted incidents with semi-trailers always involve a bit of recovery work. (JM)
↧
↧
Recycle Livingston Officers, Members Discuss Policy ChangesRecycle Livingston Officers, Members Discuss Policy Changes
Changes to policy brought members of Recycle Livingston together to discuss the state of the industry with organization officials. With most of the global recycling market now closed to United States business, Recycle Livingston, like similar operations across the country, is faced with making some serious changes. Executive Director Julie Cribley said poor standards which led to high contamination is largely to blame.
Earlier this month, Recycle Livingston was notified by their vendor that they would no longer haul away their materials for free, and would instead now be charging $200 per load. Cribley said this will equate to around $1,400 a month that they donât have in their budget when it goes into effect September 1st. She and Board of Directors President John Boris conducted a meeting attended by roughly 35 members in Brighton, Tuesday night, to discuss the emergency policy changes that will go into effect beginning Saturday.
Membership rates will increase across the board to $40 for families, $30 for seniors, and $130 for businesses. Plastics #1 and 2 will be accepted, but only from members. Additionally, they must be clean and sorted. Numbers 3 through 7 and plastics bags of any number will no longer be accepted.
Cribley suggested that going back to a point where numbers 3 through 7 can be recycled will be tough, as those plastics are what caused most of the problems. She seemed hesitant to tell people to just throw them out, but also shared that those plastics have likely all been put in landfills or were incinerated, and not truly recycled, for the past 6 months. If people want to make a change, she encouraged them stop using products in those plastics and to call the companies that use them and hold them accountable.
Boris said that through all of this, the public has been largely supportive. He said his feeling was that sometimes crisis brings out the best in people, and he believes their membership will rally. He estimated that 3 out of every 4 comments they receive about the new policies are positive, and that most of the negative ones are coming from non-members. He said their members are accepting, already paying higher renewal fees, and are even adding on extra donations because they see the need for additional support.(MK)
↧
Fenton High School Placed In "Secure Mode" After Bomb ThreatFenton High School Placed In "Secure Mode" After Bomb Threat
A bomb threat disrupted classes on the first day of school for students at Fenton High School.
Fenton Police notified district officials around 11:40am Tuesday that a bomb threat had been called in to 911 referencing Fenton High School. It was deemed a low credibility threat. Superintendent Dr. Adam Hartley says the high school was immediately placed in âsecure modeâ and police responded. K-9 units from various law enforcement agencies assisted with an interior and exterior search of the building. Hartley says after the search and police, administration and staff assessed the area, it was concluded the high school campus and building were safe and secure. The school exited secure mode around 1:25pm and school resumed as normal.
Hartley says staff and students did an amazing job following safety protocols allowing Fenton Police and administration to investigate and assess the situation. He said it was certainly not how they wanted to start the new school year but demonstrated how strong the community is and how students and staff work together when faced with adversity.
During secure mode, instruction continued as normal but students were not allowed to pass between classes, while exterior doors remained locked and secured. Hartley says students and staff were kept apprised of the situation via the P.A. system and students were allowed to call or text their parent or guardian to inform them of the situation.
The district also communicated with parents and all district staff members via email, a phone call and social media during the time the secure mode was in place. (JM)
↧
Plans Move Forward For Addition To Hatch Manufacturing PlantPlans Move Forward For Addition To Hatch Manufacturing Plant
A local automotive supplier is looking to double its plant in Howell Township by 50,000 square feet.
Project architects and leaders are planning to double the Hatch Stamping Company building, located in Howell Township off of M-59 near the I-96 interchange, by adding approximately 50,000 square feet. While primarily an automotive supplier with a focus on commodities like fuels, brakes, and seating, Hatch also supplies and fuels assembly plants located in Fowlerville and Howell; with facilities in Tennessee, Portland, Mexico and China as well.
If approved, the proposed addition would be built to the north of the existing manufacturing plant. Stewart Claucherty, Director of Industrial Engineering, says the space added to the Howell Township robotic welding plant would provide the group the ability to add new equipment and opportunities with some of their programs, in addition to more employees to launch newer programs.
Preliminary and final site plans for the proposed expansion were brought before the townshipâs Planning Commission Tuesday. Project leaders say the plans were presented simultaneously because the addition is expected to be fairly straightforward.
The townshipâs Planning Commission unanimously voted to recommend conditional approval of the site plans to the townshipâs Board of Trustees, pending final review from the township planner and necessary county entities. If approval is granted, construction is expected to begin in the spring. (DK)
↧
Howell Football Field To Be Named For Former CoachHowell Football Field To Be Named For Former Coach
Prior to Thursday nightâs home varsity football kickoff, Howell Public Schools is naming the field after a long time coach.
Lifelong Howell resident John Dukes was a 3-sport athlete at Howell High School, who upon graduating from college, returned to spend his entire 35-year teaching career in the district. Along with teaching physical education and science, Dukes spent 25 years at the helm of the varsity football team where he won 161games leading the green and gold. He also spent time coaching baseball, wrestling, and middle school basketball. To this day, Dukes continues to lend his support working at sporting events around the area and helping the football program as a volunteer coach.
Dukes has been recognized by the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association as an All-Star Coach, a Regional Coach of the Year, and is a member of their Hall-of-Fame. Tomorrow night, Howell Public Schools will name the new athletic field at Howell High Schoolâs Memorial Stadium, John Dukes Field. The dedication ceremony will take place at 6:40pm, just before the Highlanders square off for their game against the Plymouth Wildcats. (MK)
↧
↧
Event Will Help Veterans Organization Stay In "Forever Home"Event Will Help Veterans Organization Stay In "Forever Home"
A local nonprofit that trains dogs and pairs them up with veterans- in-need is holding a fundraiser to help complete their training center.
Over the past eight years, Stiggyâs Dogs have connected 150 veterans with service dogs. Executive Director Christine Myran said it could take up to a year to get the dog trained and the owner to a point where adoption is allowed. Originally based in Howell Township, a couple of years ago they purchased what they hoped would be a permanent home in Hamburg Township. As they continue to develop it into the full service training center of their dreams, the organization has run into a financial roadblock while attempting to move through the needed special use permit process, with costs that could run as high as $10,000. With that in mind, supporters have organized the First Annual Stiggyâs Fest fundraiser, a family friendly event to help cover the cost of fees for the permit.
The event will taking place in Hell on September 29th, from 1to 8pm. There will be a pig roast, miniature golf, a DJ, live band, and an agility course for dogs brought out for the afternoon. A silent auction will feature prizes donated from local businesses and time at vacation houses donated by residents. T-shirts are being sold online now in support of the fundraiser. Any funds raised above the needs for the permit process will go into supporting Stiggyâs Dogs regular operations. More information on the festival can be found through the link below. (JK)
↧
Brighton High School Marching Band Performing In Thanksgiving Day ParadeBrighton High School Marching Band Performing In Thanksgiving Day Parade
The Brighton High School Marching Band will be performing in this yearâs Detroit Thanksgiving Day parade, known traditionally as âAmericaâs Thanksgiving Day Paradeâ.
The parade on Nov. 22nd will be broadcast locally on WDIV-TV in Detroit and will also be shown on network TV. Throughout the years the Brighton High School Marching Band has won a plethora of honors. Two years ago, at Festival Disney at Disney World, The Brighton group garnered the âBest Band Overallâ award and received the âGiant Mickeyâ award. At the District Festival at Waterford Kettering earlier this year, Brighton got all â1âsâ. Director Gabrielle Hoffman says the BHS bands do not compete at the state festival because they prefer to tour at that time of year. In 2002, the Bulldog Marching Band played in the London, England, New Yearâs Day parade and was invited back, although they were unable to accept the invitation because of the huge expense involved.
Last year the band participated in the Outback Bowl in Tampa, Florida, which is pictured and where they won awards for âBest Showâ and âMost Entertaining Bandâ. Hoffman says they could have gone to the Outback Bowl for a second year in a row, but she has a tradition of taking the group to the Thanksgiving Day parade once every four years so all of the members who have been in the band since their freshman year can say they played in the Thanksgiving Day parade at least once during their high school career.
Hoffman is a 20-year veteran of the Brighton Area Schools, starting out as an assistant director of the Scranton Middle School and Maltby Middle (now Intermediate) School bands. She was handed the baton as BHS Band Director when Rick Pethoud retired eight years ago. At 265 members, the BHS Marching Band may be the largest in the state, although Hoffman says itâs difficult to verify since such statistics are not normally recorded. (TT)
↧
Construction Will Close Half Of Lyon Township IntersectionConstruction Will Close Half Of Lyon Township Intersection
Half of a local intersection will be closed starting next month for a planned project to upgrade the area.
The Road Commission for Oakland County expects to close the south half of South Hill Road at the intersection with Grand River Avenue in Lyon Township for intersection improvements beginning Monday, Sept. 10. The closure is expected to last until early November. East and westbound Grand River will remain open to traffic. Additionally, the north side of the Grand River intersection at South Hill will remain open; however, the south half of the Grand River intersection at South Hill will fully close to traffic.
During the closure, the detour route for South Hill Road is 12 Mile Road to Haas Road to Grand River, back to South Hill Road and vice versa. The approximately $1.8 million project is funded through the road commission, the stateâs Transportation Economic Development Fund and Lyon Township. The project includes paving the intersection, while adding left and right-turn lanes on the south side of Grand River and South Hill. ADA-compliant crosswalks will also be added and improvements to the storm sewer made. Finally, a new traffic signal will be installed next spring.
The contractor for the project is Fonson Company Inc. of Brighton. Youâll find additional information through the link below. (JK)
↧
More Pages to Explore .....