An upcoming panel discussion aims to help senior citizens plan for the future.
The event is planned on Wednesday, February 6th from 5 to 7pm at the Howell Senior Center located at 925 W Grand River. The panel discussion is for senior citizens but can also include adult children of seniors. The panel discussion will feature several speakers who will provide clarification to local seniors on misconceptions or confusions they often see in the community. Attendees should RSVP and are encouraged to bring questions as time is being set aside for questions and answers from seniors and family members regarding services. Yaja Reffitt with St. Joseph Mercy Palliative and Hospice tells WHMI they want to be able to provide clarification to seniors on misconceptions they may have been hearing throughout the community and address any fears or concerns they have about their future.
The panel includes:
Glenn Matecun- Estate Planning Attorney
Yaja Reffitt- St. Joseph Mercy Palliative and Hospice
Kait Lewis- Willows Rehab and Assisted Living Marketing
Kevin Mondloch- Borek Jennings- Acute Loss Planner
Lisa Kobasic- St. Joseph Mercy Homecare Services
Lisa Tam- REmax Senior Realtor
An event flyer detailing the featured speakers is attached. For more information, call 517-388-5977. (JM)
Seminar To Help Senior Citizens Plan For The FutureSeminar To Help Senior Citizens Plan For The Future
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Insanity Defense Expected In Genoa Twp. Attempted Murder CaseInsanity Defense Expected In Genoa Twp. Attempted Murder Case
The case of a Genoa Township man accused of attempted murder is heading toward a jury trial with an insanity defense being asserted.
A final settlement conference was held Friday for 50-year-old Michael Troy Mapes, who is charged with the attempted murder of his wife. Court records indicate prosecutors requested a one month adjournment of a scheduled jury trial, which was granted. Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt tells WHMI Mapesâ defense filed a notice of intent to assert the defense of insanity. Vailliencourt adds that the trial was adjourned to allow prosecutors more time to evaluate additional materials provided by the defense. A final settlement conference has been scheduled for January 25th with a jury trial scheduled for January 28th.
Mapes is facing charges including assault with intent to murder, attempted murder, arson-preparing to burn a building, and resisting/assaulting a police officer among others. The charges stem from the incident last April that began with a call to the Livingston County Sheriff's Office regarding a suicidal subject that was possibly armed at a residence off of Brighton Road in Genoa Township. The subject, later identified as Mapes, had already fled the area when a unit responded. Early the next morning the Sheriff's Office received a second call from the residence indicating Mapes had returned. The 41-year-old female caller indicated that she had been awakened to Mapes, her husband, pouring gasoline on her and around her bed. She said he had a lighter in his hand and a rifle slung over his shoulder.
The woman and her two children, ages 12 and 14, were able to flee the residence. Deputies attempted to negotiate with Mapes for several hours. He eventually tried to leave the area in his vehicle, but was taken into custody after a short vehicle pursuit and physical altercation with deputies on scene. (DK/JK)
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South Lyon City Council Members Clash Over PPO, InvestigationSouth Lyon City Council Members Clash Over PPO, Investigation
A heated exchange between two South Lyon City Council members took place at the end of Monday nightâs meeting.
During the âcouncil commentsâ segment of the meeting, Council Member Maggie Kurtzweil went after fellow Council Member Mary Parisien, attacking her credibility and motives behind requesting a Board of Ethics hearing regarding Council Member Carl Richards. Parisien obtained a personal protection order against Richards in late November after he admitted to making comments about Parisienâs sexuality, body and the way she dresses to a local business owner. Richards also reportedly bragged about looking into the windows of Parisienâs home, described it âin detailâ, and made what Parisien says were âdiscriminatory comments about the LGBTQ communityâ. A police investigation resulted in no charges being filed. Kurtzweil added that by requesting a review from the board of ethics, it opens the door for Parisien to sue the city.
Kurtzweil told WHMI that by not getting a PPO immediately after hearing what Richards said and instead waiting until after the police did not find enough evidence for charges, it shows that Parisien is really only looking for a way to get Richards off the council and is not worried about her safetyâ¦
âI think itâs important for people to understand that the allegations in the PPO did not bother her that much on October 31st when she first learned of them. Her agenda has always been to remove Carl Richards from City Council.â
Parisien tells WHMI that sheâs not interested in suing the city she works for and believes Kurtzweilâs anger and accusations are because she doesnât want to lose Richardsâ vote if he is kicked off the councilâ¦
âI think sheâs just trying to blow this out of proportion because Carl is a vote she always has, so she needs to protect that vote in order to push her agenda. In order to do that, she needs to make sure he stays on council. So to discredit me in any way, shape or form is her goal and thatâs just politics, itâs the nature of the beast. If I were to sue anyone, itâd be Carl, but thatâs not in my interest. I have no interest in suing Carl, and certainly not the city. I serve the city.â
Kurtzwei defended Richards and told WHMI that she doesn't believe Parisien to be credible.
âShe says sheâs not going to sue, well thatâs what she says today. Mary has not been truthful in the past, so her credibility on everything with this PPO is being seriously questioned. ... She demeans the Me Too movement. She demeans it because sheâs not a credible individual. Everybody who knows Carl Richards in this town is not afraid of him. There are people that have lived with this man for 30-40 years and nobody is afraid of Carl. Nobody is getting the truth out about this.â
Parisien told WHMI that she was simply exercising her right to have the Board of Ethics investigate Richards...
âI came to council and said âhey, I got a PPO to protect myself, but council, Iâm exercising my right as a politician to see if you would be willing to investigate this further'. You have a council member who is held to a higher standard and heâs speaking vulgarities and heâs thinking about me in a sexually charged way, and heâs coming to my house and looking in my windows and heâs admitting it and weâve got witnesses. Iâm showing you all these things, please look into it. Council voted for it to go forward, so the Board of Ethics is looking into it.â
The Board of Ethics will meet on January 22nd to decide Richardsâ fate. (AV)
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Proposal To Rename Howell City Park In Honor Of Scofield FamilyProposal To Rename Howell City Park In Honor Of Scofield Family
A request to rename Howell City Park in honor of a family that has made countless contributions to the community is being considered.
A large group of community members and officials attended Monday nightâs Howell City Council meeting in support of changing the name to either Scofield Park or Scofield City Park in honor of Bill, Joy and Rick Scofield. The name perspective would be up to the City but the request would involve new signage to the entrance of the park and plaque, in a location still to be decided. The park is located at the corner Thompson and Barnard Streets, overlooking Thompson Lake.
Former Howell Mayor Paul Rogers is among those who comprise The Scofield Park Dedication Committee and says there is resounding support from the community for the initiative. He feels the request meets and exceeds the desires of the City, stating the family has a long history of dedication and involvement over the past 70-plus years, making numerous contributions that have provided benefits to many in the community in addition to sports and recreation sponsorships and the May and Scofield Pavilion in the park. Rogers told Council the family has been a driving force behind many efforts and the financial and personal commitments of the Scofield family since 1934 have shown a true example of community. Rogers says the community has benefited from the commitment, contributions and love of the city shown by Bill, Joy and Rick over many years. In looking back at the community of Howell over the past 75 years, he says no one person, family or group has done more for the Howell. Although Bill Scofield is no longer here, Rogers says his impact on Howell will be felt for years to come.
Businessman Mike Hall is also helping lead the effort and told WHMI renaming the park is just one small way the community can recognize the familyâs contribution. He says the goal is to identify and recognize a key asset and jewel that really makes Howell unique and attach it to a family that has given an equal amount to the community. Hall tells WHMI itâs a way for the community to recognize for future generations what it really means to be involved and make a difference â saying itâs not something that can be done in a short period of time but rather a lifelong history. Hall says the Scofield family exemplifies a lifelong history of giving back to the community in ways that, in many cases, have gone unnoticed to many people. He says Livingston County, the city, schools and the recreation department would not be where they are today without people like the Scofield family that have stepped up and gave over all of the years.
Meanwhile, Rogers indicated that fundraising efforts are underway to replace the sign at the main entrance along with a descriptive plaque in a location that hasnât been determined and they are well on their way to having everything paid for, so no city contribution is being sought. It was noted that the lower right corner of the existing park entrance sign bears a plaque in memory of Virg Catrell that recognizes his vision and dedication to the planting of trees in the park. Organizers said that would be moved and either placed on the new sign or perhaps next to the Scofield plaque so they can continue to recognize for everything he did for Howell City Park. If approved, the goal is to have a dedication ceremony either the weekend before Memorial Day weekend or the holiday weekend itself. Councilwoman Jan Lobur did raise some questions during the meeting about potential deed restrictions and how the land was dedicated to the City. Staff will do some research and the request is expected to be taken up at the next council meeting. (JM)
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New Member Appointed To HVS Board Of EducationNew Member Appointed To HVS Board Of Education
A new member of a local board of education has been appointed.
The Huron Valley Schools Board of Education voted unanimously to appoint Milford resident Laura Dodd to serve as a trustee for a term ending December 31, 2020. The appointment came following a panel interview with three candidates in an open forum with the board. Seven district residents completed applications to serve on the board.
At its January 7th meeting, the board narrowed the field to three candidates. Milford resident Julie Conn and Commerce resident Susan Schulz were also interviewed. The board vacancy was created by the resignation of Rebecca Walsh, following her move out of the district to Waterford.
According to Board of Education President Jeff Long, Dodd will be sworn in at its regular meeting on January 28th. (JK)
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Brighton School Board Re-Elects Burchfield President, Welcomes New MembersBrighton School Board Re-Elects Burchfield President, Welcomes New Members
Officers were elected for the coming year at the annual organizational meeting of the Brighton Board of Education Monday night. Board President Andy Burchfield was unanimously re-elected to another term, with no other names placed in nomination.
Burchfield says that among the priorities the board will be tackling in the coming year will be the bond issue, which will be on the November election ballot. He tells WHMI that among the other priorities will be familiarizing new members Laura Mitchell and Angela Krebs â who were formally sworn in Monday to four-year terms - about board and district operations, policies and procedures.
In the election of officers, Alicia Reid was chosen to be vice president, Roger Myers was re-elected secretary and Bill Trombley will again be treasurer. The board also performed other annual statutory duties, including the naming of depositories, and setting the times and dates of its regular meetings.
The board will continue to meet on the second and fourth Monday of the month most months, at 7 p.m. in the board room of the BECC building at Main and Church streets in Brighton. (TT)
Photo: New board members Angela Krebs (left) and Laura Mitchell (right), who were sworn in Monday for 4-year terms.
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Judge's Order Halts Pet Cemetery SaleJudge's Order Halts Pet Cemetery Sale
A judge has granted a temporary restraining order to prevent the sale of a shuttered Genoa Township pet cemetery.
The lawsuit was filed last week after the Heavenly Acres Pet Cemetery on S. Kellogg Road was put up for sale once its lease expired Sept. 30. Livingston County Circuit Court Judge David Reader has now issued an order that prevents the owners of the property from both selling the land and also disturbing the pet cemetery, including prohibiting "digging up any of the pets' remains."
Carol Street Park Ridge LLC currently owns the property, and is being represented by Brighton attorney Shari Pollesch. Previously she had invited pet owners to contact her law firm to make arrangements to exhume their pets or retrieve grave markers, but Judge Readerâs order now prevents that.
The cemetery, which houses the remains of an estimated 74,000 animals, was run by Linda Louise Williams. She claims it went to her ex-husband as part of a 2000 divorce settlement. But by 2002, the bank assumed control of the property as part of an eviction proceeding against her ex, forcing her to step back in and assume a lease on the land. She insists that if she hadnât, the cemetery would have closed back then. Williams says she and a group of pet owners are trying to buy the property, but the only response they have received is a price to purchase of $480,000.
The lawsuit names Williams, along with Carol Street Park Ridge, Stone Investments, First Pet Care Services and Heavenly Acres Pet Cremation Services. A hearing on the suit is scheduled for January 24th. (JK)
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Impact Of Shutdown Forcing Tough Decisions, Hard FeelingsImpact Of Shutdown Forcing Tough Decisions, Hard Feelings
With the partial federal government shutdown now in its 25th day and hopes of a resolution nowhere to be seen, the effect on furloughed workers is beginning to take its toll.
One of those is Dan Kloc of Howell, who works at the Environmental Protection Agency in Ann Arbor. Like hundreds of thousands of other federal employees he missed his paycheck that had been due last week and is scrambling to pay his bills and make ends meet. Kloc, who is also a disabled Army veteran, tells WHMI that his wife is a cancer survivor with some ongoing health problems, which makes him her primary caregiver. They are currently living off their savings, but he says once January ends, if thereâs no resolution, they will be facing some dire consequences.
As to the politics behind the shutdown, Kloc says he is way past any of that really mattering to him. "I did have some very strong political views on all this, but its no longer a case of politics for me. Its not a Republican of Democratic thing for me anymore. I've got to push all those feelings aside. I'm more concerned about putting food on the table. I don't care anymore if they build the wall or not. I just want the thing resolved so that myself and my colleagues can start taking care of their families again."
Kloc says while they will get back pay once the shutdown ends, that does nothing to pay the bills now. As for anyone who says he should just get another job while he is furloughed, Kloc says they donât understand that for most federal workers there are regulations in place that actually prevent them from moonlighting. Breaking those rules, shutdown or no shutdown, could result in them losing their jobs.
While he can look to family members to help him if the shutdown continues, he realizes they have bills to pay also, so that really isnât a viable long-term solution. Kloc says each day that passes during the shutdown is doing long-term harm to our nation more than any of the political considerations at the heart of the debate. (JK)
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Wixom Teacher Saves Choking Second GraderWixom Teacher Saves Choking Second Grader
An elementary school student is safe after her teacher was able to clear her throat of a choking device.
Loon Lake Elementary second grade teacher Laura Doranâs class was in quiet time, Monday, when one of her students ran up to her unable to breathe and making the sign that she was choking. Doran immediately started to perform the Heimlich maneuver on the student, encouraging her that she âcan do itâ and cough up whatever was lodged in her throat, according to WDIV.
She said the experience âfelt like hours, but obviously wasnâtâ¦â and when the object came loose and was finally cleared allowing the child to breathe freely, the two sat there hugging and shaking for a long time. The object? A water cap from the bottle the second grader was drinking from. Doran, who is the schoolâs Teacher of the Year, said the student went home shaken, and when she herself got to her car at the end of the day, the gravity of the situation really hit her.
Wixom Public Safety Director Ron Moore called Doran a true hero, saying that the community is blessed to have dedicated teachers like her. (MK)
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County Appoints Public Defender Administrator For Indigent DefenseCounty Appoints Public Defender Administrator For Indigent Defense
Livingston Countyâs Board of Commissioners has appointed a Public Defender Administrator as part of their plan in becoming compliant with new standards set by the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC).
The Board on Monday voted unanimously to appoint James VerPloeg as the countyâs new Public Defender Administrator. VerPloeg, who was chosen as one of seven applicants, will provide oversight in assigning indigent criminal defendants to public defenders. The Public Defender Administrator position was created as a result of the countyâs Michigan Indigent Defense plan.
The plan comes following the legislatureâs decision to revise and update the stateâs indigent defense system. County Administrator Ken Hinton says the county was satisfied with the level of indigent that was provided in the past; however all counties are now required to implement new standards that lawmakers hope will improve indigent defense. Among the standards are procedures for selecting court-appointed attorneys and requirements for counties to provide attorneys with continuing education, as well as private areas for client discussions.
Hinton says the countyâs share of the cost to implement the new rules is a fixed amount of approximately $1 million and anything above that will be borne by the state. Hinton says the county is still working out details with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) on a contract for a state grant that aids in implementation costs. He reports they are close to finalizing the contract and will have 180 days to fully implement the plan from the time they first receive the funds.
The Board of Commissioners also recently approved a 25% pay raise for a group of local public defenders, as well as an extension for a nine-month contract. (DK)
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Genoa Township "Opts Out" Of Allowing Marijuana FacilitiesGenoa Township "Opts Out" Of Allowing Marijuana Facilities
Genoa Township is playing it safe when it comes to possibly allowing marijuana-related facilities.
The board met recently to conduct a second reading of an ordinance declining authorization of medical marijuana facilities and prohibiting all marijuana establishments for the time being. The ordinance to âopt outâ was adopted unanimously. Last November, voters approved legalizing recreational marijuana. The way the proposal was written municipalities need to opt out of allowing facilities, otherwise they are automatically in. Former State Representative and Township Supervisor Bill Rogers says he dealt with a lot of this during his time working at the state level and not much has really changed.
Rogers tells WHMI he personally feels the federal government needs to address the issue so everyone can get on the same page but stressed the board action does not prohibit recreational use, which passed and that's fine.
The township still has the option to opt in later but Rogers says right now predicated on the resources they have, it is more prudent.
Rogers noted the proposal legalized recreational marijuana gives the state up to one year to actually write the rules. Rogers says he has a problem with something being passed but deciding the rules later. He says that makes no sense whatsoever and he doesnât want to put the township or residents in a compromising position â adding neither does the board as the resolution passed unanimously. Rogers says the option is always there if something changes on the federal front or if state rules come out that are compatible with what the board and constituents feel they can work with, âthen thatâs a whole different game.â
The state has until December 6th of 2019 to set guidelines and rules for issuing licenses. If nothing happens, then local jurisdictions will have control over regulations. (JM)
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MSP Handling Investigation Into Incident At Police Chief's HomeMSP Handling Investigation Into Incident At Police Chief's Home
Michigan State Police are now handling an investigation into the circumstances surrounding a teenage girl found passed out in the home of South Lyon Police Chief Lloyd Collins during a New Yearâs Eve party.
Collins recused himself from the initial investigation launched by his own department following the incident in which the teen was found breathing but unconscious on the floor of the home where he lives with his wife, adult daughter and three grandchildren.
South Lyon Lt. Chris Sovik tells WHMI a lieutenant from MSP District 2 headquarters called to inquire about the complaint January 10th so he emailed him the report and indicated he had no problem turning over the criminal investigation but would need to make contact with the family before closing the case. Sovik said the girlâs mother came into the department Monday requesting that South Lyon Police close their investigation and transfer all case findings over to MSP, and indicated she wanted to pursue criminal matters. The girlâs mother said the family had been advised to not speak with them.
Sovik said he is not sure who is advising them, but the family has not provided them with any further details of the incident, in which Collinsâ daughter was reportedly chaperoning a party when Collins and his wife came home. Collins previously said everything looked fine with the kids watching TV, playing video games or listening to music. But about three hours later, sometime between 11:30 and 11:45 that evening, the girl was found passed out on the floor. She was taken to a hospital and later released. It still has not been determined if alcohol was involved or if the girl suffers from some sort of medical condition as previously suggested. Collins has said if the girl consumed alcohol; it was without the knowledge or consent of himself, his wife or their daughter.
MSP First Lieutenant Michael Shaw confirmed the mother and daughter have been interviewed by investigators but other witnesses and Collins have not yet. No details are being released as the investigation is ongoing and Shaw told WHMI they do not have a time table when it will be completed. Collins meanwhile is set to retire after more than 20 years as chief. Sovik said Collins has chosen to use accrued time off until his official retirement date of February 1st. (JM/JK)
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Note Will Help Fund County Drain In Iosco TownshipNote Will Help Fund County Drain In Iosco Township
Residents petitioned the Livingston County Drain Commissioners office to establish a county drain near Kern and Crofoot Roads in Iosco Township due to the inundation of septic fields and flooding of basements.
Proceedings have taken place to establish the Livingston No. 29 Drain Drainage District and the drain itself, which will convey water to the Red Cedar River in order to protect private property from flood damage.
The total project cost is estimated to be $770,000. The project will be funded by special assessments levied against benefitting property owners and public corporations within the Drainage District, including Iosco Township and Livingston County. Drain Commissioner Brian Jonckheere told the countyâs Board of Commissioners at a recent meeting that the Drainage District intends to issue a note to finance part of the project cost in anticipation of collecting installments of the special assessments. Jonckheere proposed that the county purchase the note from available funds on deposit in the Drain Commissionersâ equipment revolving fund. Iosco Township had already agreed to prepay its at-large assessment of $269,500, which the county will match.
County commissioners voted unanimously to purchase the note and prepay the countyâs apportionment for the project. By prepaying their apportionment, the county will be able to purchase the note for an amount not to exceed $250,000, as opposed to $550,000 if they had decided against prepaying. The purchase of the note will also reduce interest rate costs for property owners in the Drainage District where the drain will be constructed.
The project is expected to begin this month and be completed in the spring. The scope of the project includes a combination of open ditch and a plastic pipe taking water from east of Kern Road to a basin on the west side of the road. The basin will incorporate infiltration into the ground and ultimately discharge to the wetland area adjacent to the Red Cedar River.
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Petition Filed To Suspend Judge Brennan Without PayPetition Filed To Suspend Judge Brennan Without Pay
A petition for interim suspension without pay has been filed against 53rd District Court Judge Theresa Brennan.
The petition was filed with the Michigan Supreme Court Tuesday afternoon by Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission Deputy Executive Director Glenn J. Page. It requests that the court order the immediate interim suspension of Brennan, without pay, for the proper administration of justice and to maintain the public perception of fairness in the courts. Brennan technically remains on the bench but her caseload has been re-assigned. Page is requesting the court enter an order suspending Brennan until final adjudication of the formal complaint and place her salary in escrow during that time.
The petition was filed due to a variety of circumstances, noting a significant portion came to light either just before or during a hearing on a formal complaint filed against Brennan by the JTC. Page says the âpetition rests on just a fraction of the misconduct established at the formal hearing, but includes proof of misconduct sufficiently serious to warrant immediate action by this Court.â The JTC investigation into allegations of judicial misconduct began in February 2017 and continued for the next seventeen months. The petition asserts that the investigation disclosed evidence that supported several of the allegations and also demonstrated other improper conduct, which led to an amended complaint.
Brennan is also facing separate felony charges filed by the Michigan Attorney General's Office for allegedly delaying the execution of a recusal order after she was assigned as the judge in her own divorce, and using the delay to dispose of evidence relevant to the divorce that was subject to an ex parte motion to preserve evidence prior to her recusal. Brennan is scheduled to appear for a probable cause conference on those charges today in 67th District Court.
JTC Executive Director Lynn Helland tells WHMI that Brennan will get one week to respond to the petition. After that, the Michigan Supreme Court takes it under consideration and decides whether or not it wants to grant the petition. (JM/JK)
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Laurel Springs Residents Discuss New Roads, Garbage HaulingLaurel Springs Residents Discuss New Roads, Garbage Hauling
Tyrone Township residents had their voices heard during a public hearing as they wait for improvements to roads in one subdivision.
The Laurel Springs subdivision consists of roughly a mile-and-a-half of roads crossing in front of 35 parcels in Tyrone Township. A public hearing for residents to voice objections and ask questions was held Tuesday night during the Board of Trusteesâ regular meeting. Township Supervisor Mike Cunningham said the current road is 45 years old, and that they got this much time out of it is a testament to how well it was built in the â70âs.
Clerk Marcie Husted said she had a conversation with members of the Livingston County Road Commission about the project earlier in the day. She said the Road Commission wants to put down 3.5-inches of asphalt with a crown. It will be put out to bid in February, and they should know who the contractor is by mid-March. Residents expressed concerns about garbage hauling during the hearing, and it was mentioned that currently 4 different haulers service the area. A citizen petition is going around to consolidate down to one to help preserve the new road when it is constructed.
A second public hearing is scheduled for March 5th. Husted said they will have a better idea of the costs at that time, but probably wonât have the exact numbers as they need to know who is paying in advance to know how much money they will have to borrow. The early estimate on the project is $175,000. Husted said it is looking like the project will be performed and completed in August. (MK)
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Free Valentine's Day Weddings Again Set In Howell Coffee ShopFree Valentine's Day Weddings Again Set In Howell Coffee Shop
Uptown Coffeehouse in downtown Howell will again be the hot spot to tie the knot this Valentineâs Day.
For the third year in a row, Howell resident and ordained minister Bill Fenton will be providing free wedding services to couples at Uptown Coffeehouse on the big day, set this year for Thursday, February 14th from 11am to 7pm. Fenton says heâll keep it short and simple; couples just need to RSVP and bring their marriage license. Fenton has been an ordained minister for eight years and has married more than 1,000 couples in that time.
The coffee shop weddings began after Fenton noticed a need for a simple and affordable way to legalize a marriage. Youâll find details through the link below. (JK)
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Campaign Finance Expert To Speak In BrightonCampaign Finance Expert To Speak In Brighton
The increasing influence of money into politics will be the topic of a meeting Thursday in Brighton.
Craig Mauger, executive director of the Michigan Campaign Finance Network, will speak at the monthly meeting of the Livingston County Democrats this Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Community Unitarian Universalists on S. Old 23 in Brighton Township. Maugerâs appearance comes just months after the November 2018 elections, which were the most expensive in Michigan history, with spending topping $291 million.
Mauger has been executive director of the Michigan Campaign Finance Network since January 2016. Prior to that, he worked as a reporter covering government and politics for newspapers in Indiana for nearly seven years. He then spent three and a half years covering Michigan state government and politics for the Michigan Information and Research Service, where he concentrated on covering the Michigan Legislature and following money in politics. That work included tracking political nonprofits and examining how donations affected legislation.
The meeting will begin with the partyâs convention at which committee members will be elected for the Feb. 2 Michigan Democratic Partyâs spring convention. (JK)
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Brighton Area Schools Enrollment Up for Fall TermBrighton Area Schools Enrollment Up for Fall Term
The Brighton Area Schoolsâ enrollment count rose in the first semester of the 2018-19 academic year. Superintendent Greg Gray tells WHMI that the official, audited enrollment for the 2018 fall term totaled 6,034 pre-K-through-12 students - 34 students above the pre-count estimate of about 6,000.
Gray says that will put an additional $268,000 into district coffers, based on the districtâs per-pupil state aid of $7,871 per student. He says the figures are an indicator that the financial stability in the district â which has resulted in an expansion in program and course offerings - is causing more families and students to enroll in the Brighton Area Schools.
Gray says the Shared Services program â in which the Brighton Area Schools teaches non-core curriculum classes to schools which cannot provide certain courses â has been highly successful with over 2,000 full-time equivalent students. Brighton offers the largest Shared Services program in the state, teaching classes in around 50 schools in about 12 counties, which adds about $2 million to the districtâs revenues.
However, statewide, the figures are going - for the most part - in the opposite direction. According to the most recent audited data available, the Michigan Department of Education counted 1.4 million full-time-equivalent public school students in the fall of 2017. That's a drop of 6 percent since the fall of 2009. (TT)
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Slotkin Appointed To House Armed Services CommitteeSlotkin Appointed To House Armed Services Committee
Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin has hit the ground running, announcing Tuesday that she had been appointed to a powerful House committee in her freshman term, while also requesting federal assistance for furloughed federal workers.
Slotkin was appointed to serve on the House Armed Services Committee. The committee is responsible for issues pertaining to U.S. armed forces, as well as performing oversight and funding of the Department of Defense, where Rep. Slotkin previously served as Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense. Slotkin said she was, âproud to be able to work on issues important to veterans, members of the military and their families, as well as ensuring the Department of Defense is equipped with the oversight and resources it needs to maintain the greatest military in the world.â
Meanwhile, the Holly Democrat also announced Tuesday that she has sent a letter (posted below) to Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos, asking her to proactively work with student loan providers to help ease the burden on federal workers struggling to make student loan payments due to the ongoing government shutdown. Last week, more than 6,000 federal workers in Michigan on furlough or working without pay missed a paycheck due to the partial government shutdown, which is now the longest in history at 26 days.
Slotkin says she met with a roundtable of federal workers employed by the TSA, Customs and Border Protection, IRS, EPA, and other federal agencies who detailed their struggle to make ends meet, including an inability to make student loan payments -- and their worry that missed payments and bad credit could affect their ability to keep their jobs in certain federal agencies. Slotkin requested that DeVos reach out to student loan providers and ask that they communicate with borrowers all of the available options to refinance their loans, or where possible, extend special dispensation for those affected workers who do not meet refinancing criteria. (JK)
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Lucky Hunch Nets Millions For Howell Lottery ClubLucky Hunch Nets Millions For Howell Lottery Club
A Livingston County lottery club won a $3.73 million Lotto 47 jackpot after playing a lucky hunch.
The five-member club, which chose to remain anonymous, matched all six Lotto 47 numbers drawn Dec. 15th: 01-02-07-08-11-26. The winning ticket was bought at the Sunoco gas station, located at 763 South Michigan Avenue in Howell. The clubâs representative said he was out to dinner with his wife and saw the jackpot was getting pretty high, and ended buying five plays on his way home. After the drawing he checked the ticket and saw it had all six numbers, asking his wife to verify they were indeed the winning numbers. The club members visited Lottery headquarters Tuesday to claim the big jackpot. Each member plans to share their good fortune with family members.
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