John Engler is expected to resign as interim president of Michigan State University.
Multiple sources said the decision came hours after the board set a special meeting for early Thursday morning and intended to fire him. Board member Joel Ferguson told The Associated Press that board members expect to receive a letter Wednesday providing details of Engler's resignation, including its effective date. He added: "Yes, John is going to resign." Engler has resisted previous calls to step down. He took over on an interim basis in February after the previous president resigned amid fallout from the Nassar scandal.
Earlier today, the chairwoman of Michigan State University's Board of Trustees said the embattled interim school president "has a decision to make" in the wake of his latest comments about victims of serial sexual abuser Larry Nassar. Dianne Byrum told The Associated Press she had a "frank" conversation with Engler today. She stopped short of confirming that she asked him to resign, but said the board is poised to appoint a new interim president at a Thursday meeting. She said she had not yet heard back from Engler.
Engler told The Detroit News last week that women sexually assaulted by the now-imprisoned Nassar have been in the "spotlight" and are "still enjoying that moment at times, you know, the awards and recognition." Byrum said Engler continues to "open wounds for survivors" and hamper the university's efforts to regain trust and credibility.
Engler has faced heavy criticism since taking over for former President Lou Anna Simon, who resigned amid criticism for her handling of the Larry Nassar sexual assaults scandal.(AP/JM)
Engler Set To Be Replaced As MSU PresidentEngler Set To Be Replaced As MSU President
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New Courses Proposed for Pinckney High SchoolNew Courses Proposed for Pinckney High School
Pinckney High School officials have proposed course changes that they feel will encourage student participation in Advanced Placement (AP) classes and improve academic performance.
A number of proposals were brought before the districtâs Board of Education at a recent meeting by High School Principal April Woods and Director of High School Instruction Julia McBride. Some of the changes involve adding courses that would help students in high school, like âFreshman Focusâ, and as an adult, like âEveryday Livingâ. Other suggested modifications include rotating certain Social Studies courses every other year and courses absorbing others in the English and Science departments.
Most of the courses being absorbed are said to be project-based, like the Yearbook and Journalism classes being combined, while classes being removed are fairly minimal. Woods and McBride have proposed eliminating two science electives to promote the AP Environmental class. McBride indicated many of the changes aim to encourage student participation in AP classes, such as adding another AP Math class. Woods says AP classes better prepare students for post-secondary education, with research showing they are also more prone to complete it.
Board of Education Trustee James Velasco Sr. expressed concerns that the course changes could remove opportunities for students that are not college-bound. But Woods feels she and McBride were mindful of that when crafting the proposals. Still, both feel the need for change is there; noting that students are still not performing as well as they should be on the SAT. The high schoolâs students are also reportedly under-performing on the M-STEP, compared to other schools within the county and similar socioeconomic counterparts throughout the state.
McBride says a lot of the changes are aimed at encouraging student success not only in their future careers, but while they are still in high school. She reported that between 15 and 20% of students in each grade fail at least one class every single semester, adding that âfeels way too highâ and needs to be fixed.
Woods and McBride say in soliciting input from teachers, the goal in making the changes is to stand by a mission statement of making sure every student feels cared for, empowered to grow and prepared to succeed in the career of their choosing. The Board of Education will either approve or reject the course proposals at a future meeting. (DK)
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Putnam Fire Chief Greg Amburgey RetiringPutnam Fire Chief Greg Amburgey Retiring
Putnam Township Fire Chief Greg Amburgey has announced his resignation from the Putnam Township Fire Department.
A third generation chief in the department, Amburgey will be leaving the post that both his grandfather and father held before him on July 12th. He will leave approximately a year-and-a-half on his contract. He said itâs been a great ride, and that he and his wife will moving out of the area to a place they own up north.
The Chief provided the Board of Trustees with a draft of what could be the posting for his spot, but officials during Wednesdayâs Board meeting expressed an interest in looking at beginning the search internally from within the department, first. Amburgey said there are 3 within the department that he expects to apply, and that all 3 would be good candidates. He said the the fireman around a chief can âmake you or break you and Iâve been overwhelmed how good itâs been for me, so I hope the firemen support the chief that comes in here.â
A committee of 3 out-of-town Fire Chiefs will interview the candidates and give recommendations to the Board. If at any point the Board chooses, they may post for the position online. Amburgey said if they do that they can expect to get 30 resumes. Trustee Norm Klien said heâd think theyâd strongly want to consider those who work for the department and township already, as there is a culture they would like to maintain. (MK)
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Brennan Back In Court On Felony Counts As Lawmakers Back SuspensionBrennan Back In Court On Felony Counts As Lawmakers Back Suspension
A Livingston County judge appeared in court again â this time in regard to charges alleging she perjured herself and destroyed evidence in her divorce case.
The Michigan Attorney General's Office filed charges against 53rd District Court Judge Theresa Brennan. Michigan State Police say she lied during a deposition about erasing data from her iPhone shortly after her ex-husband filed for divorce in 2016. She appeared Tuesday on the three felony counts in 67th District Court in Flint for a probable cause conference. A preliminary exam was set for March 21st.
Separately, Brennan is accused of unethical acts that could lead to her removal from the bench. The Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission says Brennan used staff to perform personal services and failed to disclose a relationship with former State Police Detective Sean Furlong, the chief prosecution witness in the 2013 murder trial of Jerome Kowalski, over which Brennan presided. Kowalskiâs conviction has since been vacated and a new trial ordered. On Tuesday, the Judicial Tenure Commission asked the Michigan Supreme Court to suspend Brennan without pay amid the allegations, stating "the public's confidence in the judiciary is eroded when a judge continues to enjoy the perquisites of her office after having admitted to engaging in felonious conduct." JTC Executive Director Lynn Helland tells WHMI that Brennan will get two weeks to respond to the petition, unless the court gives her more time. After that, the Michigan Supreme Court takes it under consideration and decides whether or not it wants to grant the petition.
Meanwhile, Livingston Countyâs three legislators issued a press release Wednesday in support of that petition. It states that since Brennan lost her court docket, Livingston County has paid Brennan $25,507.44 in salary as well as $28,580.60 in salary for the visiting judge who is covering in her absence. The release says in total, taxpayers have paid over $108,000 in salary expenses along with additional $75,000 in legal fees defending Brennan during her JTC complaint. (JM/JK)
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Ice Skates Sought For Winterfest 2019 In Hartland TownshipIce Skates Sought For Winterfest 2019 In Hartland Township
Used ice skates are being sought for Hartland Townshipâs annual winter festival.
Winterfest will take place at Heritage Park on Saturday, February 9th from noon to 6pm and will be followed immediately by a fireworks show. Donations of used ice skates are currently being collected for both hockey and figure skating. Organizers say people can tidy up and clear old skates out of basements or garages and let them put them to use at Winterfest. Those wishing to donate ice skates can drop them off in the lobby of the Hartland Township Hall on Clark Road, the Hartland Community Education office or the Senior Center located in the Hartland Educational Service Support Center on M-59.
Meanwhile, Hartlandâs Winterfest is a family-friendly event and free to all attendees, thanks to local area sponsors and community volunteers. Festival activities have been designed to appeal to all ages and weather conditions. Entertainment will take place in a large heated tent with entertainment.
In conjunction with the event, hot soup will be sold at All Saints Lutheran Church on the eastern edge of Heritage Park for a $5 donation to support a local charitable project.(JM)
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Consumers Energy Competition To Provide Funding For Small Town ProjectsConsumers Energy Competition To Provide Funding For Small Town Projects
A new competition created by Consumers Energy aims to reward ideas and provide funding for projects that are being developed in small communities.
The âPut Your Town on the Mapâ competition will provide a total of $15,000 to three initiatives that are designed to build a stronger sense of community. Spokesman Brian Wheeler says Consumers Energy created the competition to reward ideas and provide critical dollars for projects that are being developed in small towns throughout Michiganâs Lower Peninsula. Wheeler says some examples are projects that would attract visitors to downtown areas, or focus on issues like housing, education and employment.
Communities with a population of up to 10,000 have until March 1st to submit proposals. From those proposals, Consumers Energy and the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan will select 10 communities to make a pitch for a share of the grant money. The finalist communities will compete for the funding at the 2019 Small Town and Rural Development Conference on April 17th in Thompsonville. The community that takes first place will be awarded $7,500, second place receives $5,000 and the third place winner will receive $2,500.
Wheeler says the competition is also an opportunity for communities to think about how they want to attract visitors and what projects they can pursue now or in the future. Community leaders can learn more and apply for the competition at the link below. (DK)
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Federal Employees Plan Protest Friday In DetroitFederal Employees Plan Protest Friday In Detroit
Federal employees, including some from Livingston County, fed up with the government shutdown are planning to brave the cold and rally in front of the Federal Building in Detroit on Friday.
About 2,000 Michiganders work for federal agencies, and a little more than half are working without pay, while the rest are locked out of their jobs until the shutdown is resolved. Mark Coryell, president of the union that represents local employees of the Environmental Protection Agency in Ann Arbor, says the families are really starting to feel the pinch.
"These are people who aren't getting paychecks that have mortgages and car payments, child support and child care,â he points out. âI know people are starting to make arrangements with mortgage lenders, reaching out to their landlords. So it's starting to hit people seriously."
Federal employees in Michigan deemed essential, and working without pay, include those who work at the Transportation Safety Administration and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The rally starts at noon. Coryell says the EPA office in Michigan regulates the quality of gasoline and scrutinizes tailpipe emissions on cars before they're produced. So a delay in their work will eventually delay production and sale of new models, and hurt those jobs.
"The automotive industry's plans will be affected by it,â Coryell points out. âAnd if those plans are affected by it, their plans for how they're going to use their labor force will be impacted as well."
The partial government shutdown is now on its 27th day â the longest in U.S. history. President Donald Trump has refused to sign any funding bill that does not contain money for a border wall with Mexico, while Congressional Democrats refuse to provide money for a wall they say Trump insisted would be paid for by Mexico. (JK)
Public News Service assisted with this story.
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Melissa Gilbert & Timothy Busfield Hold Estate SaleMelissa Gilbert & Timothy Busfield Hold Estate Sale
An estate sale at the former Brighton home of a celebrity couple has finally taken place.
The estate sale sold more than 200 items belonging to "Little House on the Prairie" star Melissa Gilbert and her husband, Emmy-winning actor Timothy Busfield. American Eagle Auction & Appraisal Company's online estate auction held this month included a red wedding dress, signed memorabilia and awards Gilbert received. Auction house owner Kenny Lindsay says interest in the sale exceeded expectations. The online auction catalog received about 58,000 views. The sale was originally scheduled in July but was scrapped. Redford resident Stacy Luoma was one of the bidders. The 45-year-old took home a nightgown, dresser, quilts and boots. Luoma says she grew up watching Gilbert, who is one of her favorite actresses.
Gilbert and Busfield had been living in Livingston County since 2013, first in Howell and then the Brighton area. They relocated this year to New York City. (JM)
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Analytical Chemist To Discuss PFAS At Community Education EventAnalytical Chemist To Discuss PFAS At Community Education Event
An event next week will feature an analytical chemist who will educate community members about a chemical contamination that has spread through local waterways.
The League of Women Voters of the Brighton/Howell Area is sponsoring the PFAS informational session, which will be held Wednesday, January 23rd, at the Howell Carnegie Library. Per- and polyfluroalkyl substances, known as PFAS and PFOS, are man-made chemicals that are resistant to heat, oil and water.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services in August issued an expanded âDo Not Eatâ fish advisory for all fish in the Huron River in Livingston, Oakland, and Washtenaw Counties. The advisory came after fish from Kent Lake were discovered to have high levels of PFOS.
Community education efforts are continuing, as health officials work to inform residents of what they need to know about the contamination and whatâs being done to mitigate it. Next weekâs event will feature Stephen Brown, a PhD trained analytical chemist with 45 years of experience. Dr. Brown will provide an overview of PFAS and answer guestsâ questions. The seminar will take place from 6:30 to 8pm in the Meabon Room, which is on the bottom level of the library located in downtown Howell. The event is free and open to the public. (DK)
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United Way Seeks Outstanding Volunteer NominationsUnited Way Seeks Outstanding Volunteer Nominations
The public is being asked to submit nominations for outstanding volunteers and organizations who worked with the Livingston County United Way in 2018.
The deadline is Thursday, January 31st to nominate an individual, student, or youth organization to be honored at the United Wayâs Annual Meeting and Volunteer Recognition Breakfast in March. There are several potential categories for nominees. The Charles W. Itsell Volunteer of the Year Award will be presented to an individual whose service to the United Way went above and beyond normal volunteerism during the past year. The Donald Epley Lifetime Community Service Award is meant for a local person who has been dedicated to volunteerism over the course of years. The United Way will also present a Young Person of Distinction Award to a local youth for outstanding service and leadership in the community, as well as the Youth Organization of the Year Award. Nominations are also being sought for the Randy Rudisill Business of the Year Award, which will be presented to a local for-profit business that shows a commitment to community.
Information on how to nominate people or organizations for these awards can be found through the website link provided. (JM)
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Slotkin Co-Sponsors Legislation To Pay Coast Guard During ShutdownSlotkin Co-Sponsors Legislation To Pay Coast Guard During Shutdown
As the government shutdown continues towards its fifth week, Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin has co-sponsored legislation to make sure that members of one of the armed services get paid.
On Thursday, the Holly Democrat announced that she is cosponsoring H.R.421, a bi-partisan bill that would fund the U.S. Coast Guard as the government approaches a month of a partial shutdown. Right now, the U.S. Coast Guard is the only branch of the U.S. armed forces that is working without pay, as it is funded through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The U.S. Coast Guard has an active presence in Michigan, with over a dozen stations across the state.
Slotkin called it âunacceptableâ that the men and women of the Coast Guard are currently working without pay and she was proud to sign on to legislation which would make sure members of the Coast Guard get paid during the shutdown, just as the other branches of the military. Slotkin thanked them for their continued service in securing the nationâs ports, waterways, and border. The bill is now in front of the House Appropriations Committee for consideration. (JK)
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14th Annual March On Main Street Sunday In Milford14th Annual March On Main Street Sunday In Milford
An annual celebration will again provide various opportunities to serve the community and participate in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy.
An expanded series of events will celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Milford. The Huron Valley MLK Day Committee is offering multiple opportunities to get involved by hosting a series of events open to everyone that celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Committee Chair and Lakeland High School Teacher Isaac Perry tells WHMI a series of events are tied to the various themes related to the holiday and they try to offer community service opportunities because the holiday is intended to be a national day of service. He says they are always looking to expand events and every year they get people from surrounding communities who take part. The 14th annual March on Main Street begins at 1pm this Sunday, with attendees encouraged to line up around 12:30pm. Perry says Main Street in downtown Milford is closed down momentarily to allow for the large scale community march through the street in which Dr. Kingâs âI Have A Dreamâ speech plays through the loud speakers.
This yearâs theme is âLet Love Unite!â Committee Chair and Lakeland High School Teacher Isaac Perry tells WHMI the nice thing about Dr. Kingâs legacy is that the topics he spoke about and the themes he incorporated were very pertinent to the time period and the struggles people faced during the Civil Rights movement. He says those things endure and the theme was one everyone on the committee agreed upon. Perry says the struggle for equality, the struggle to maintain an atmosphere of non-violence and a culture of equality and justice is an ongoing struggle and these themes endure. He says people can talk all day about the political environment and what their told about how divided the American society is but itâs not all that hard to look at the words of Dr. King and find something that still feels so important in the moment. Perry noted the theme wasnât chosen to address anything in current society, but does feel thatâs a testament to the timelessness of Dr. Kingâs words in that you donât have to look very far to find something that feels current and relevant.
As for activities, an annual art/writing and multimedia contest has been ongoing and submissions were recently judged. Submissions and winners will be on display at the Suzanne Haskew Arts Center, known as The SHAC, located at 125 South Main Street. Thatâs also where Sundayâs March on Main Street will end with the concluding ceremony, music performance, entertainment, hot food and beverages, a presentation of awards for contest winners and information on local volunteer opportunities. Activities will continue on Monday with a meal assembly event is following a soup food drive that has been ongoing. Community members have been encouraged to purchase the canned goods needed for a Southwest Chicken Soup recipe that will create a soup bag for families in need. Volunteers are being sought to help assemble the meals from 4 to 7pm at The SHAC on Monday. Complete details about the March on Main Street and other activities are available through the link and attached information. (JM)
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Brighton Voters to Consider Reduced Street Millage Ballot Issue in MayBrighton Voters to Consider Reduced Street Millage Ballot Issue in May
This coming May, Brighton voters will be asked to approve a scaled-down millage request to fund street improvements in the city.
The City council, meeting Thursday night, approved going to the voters on May 7th with a request for 2.5 mills over 7 years, which would generate about $1.15 million annually. Last August a Headlee Amendment override, which was earmarked for improving the cityâs streets, lost by the relatively slim margin of 128 votes. The override would have totaled 4.35 mills and would have generated $1.85 million per year over 10 years.
At Thursdayâs City Council meeting, City Manager Nate Geinzer said that he heard three things from no voters after the millage defeat: the request was too large, the term was too long and the wording on the ballot proposal too vague. Over a period of months council came up with a plan for just what the voters said they wanted: a smaller millage request for fewer years. Council debated the wisdom of going with the request in May, as opposed to August or November. Two on council â Renee Pettengill and Kris Tobbe - felt that May was not a good time because a Brighton Area Fire Authority millage request for .89 mills for 12 years to fund upgraded gear, equipment, land purchase and building construction will reduce the street millageâs chances.
Geinzer tells WHMI the problem with delaying the request any longer is that the revenues wouldnât be available until the 2020-21 fiscal year. The motion to place the issue to fund needed street improvements in the city on the ballot in May passed 5-2. Mayor Muzzin, Mayor Pro-tem Shawn Pipoly and Council Members Susan Gardner, Jim Bohn and Jon Emaus all voted yes. Pettengill stresses that her ânoâ vote was only because of the date of the ballot issue. She said improving the cityâs streets is vital, but voted no because she thinks the May date will result in less chance of passing due to the fire authority vote. (TT)
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First National Bank Offering Scholarships To Ten StudentsFirst National Bank Offering Scholarships To Ten Students
Community scholarships are being offered to high school seniors in Livingston County, along with teacher classroom grants. Up to ten scholarships of $1,000 each are available for Livingston County high school seniors as part of First National Bankâs 2019 Community Scholarship Program.
The scholarships are available to local students regardless of whether they attend public, private or charter schools, or are home schooled, to continue their academic or vocational education. First National Bank is hoping to grant 5 of the awards to students pursuing an education in the trades.
Five teacher classroom grants of $250 will also be presented as part of the scholarship program.
The selection criteria focuses on academics with a minimum 3.0 GPA required, community service participation, a written essay, recommendation letters, and challenges, if any, overcome to graduate.
Completed applications are due by March 8th and the recipients will be announced at the various schools scholarship events and at a dinner hosted by First National for the recipients, their family and invited guests. The teacher classroom grants will be selected as part of the scholarship process so no application is necessary. Officials say staff and community leaders are involved in the selection process and the scholarships benefit the future leaders of the community, adding the grants help local teachers with their important work. More than $250,000 has been provided since the program's inception.
Scholarship applications are available online at www.fnbh.com, local branch offices, or from high school counselors. (MK)
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School Board Sets Special Meeting To Discuss Broker LawsuitSchool Board Sets Special Meeting To Discuss Broker Lawsuit
A meeting is set next week by the Howell Public Schools Board of Education with just one item on the agenda; a lawsuit filed by a real estate broker and agent.
North American Brokers, a real estate agent and real estate broker, filed suit against Howell Public Schools in 2015, alleging that they had engaged a buyer to purchase the former Latson Road Elementary School property owned by the district but received no broker commission for the sale. St. John Providence, which purchased the land and constructed a medical center on the site, is also named as a defendant.
Livingston County Circuit Court Judge Michael Hatty previously granted a motion by the school district to dismiss the case, citing the statute of frauds which requires certain types of agreements be in writing. The brokersâ case essentially relied on the understanding of a verbal agreement. But the Court of Appeals reversed Hattyâs decision, which was backed up by the Michigan Supreme Court, upholding the concept of promissory estoppel; the legal principle that a promise is enforceable by law, even if itâs made without formal consideration. The lawsuit was then allowed to proceed to trial.
With a status conference in the case set for January 29th in front of Judge Hatty, the Howell school board scheduled a special meeting for Wednesday, January 23rd to discuss the litigation in closed session. When asked if a potential settlement was in the works, district spokesman Tom Gould told WHMI that all he could say was, âthe Board has scheduled a closed session to discuss the pending case with our attorney.â (JK)
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Campaign Finance Expert Details Transparency Issues In MichiganCampaign Finance Expert Details Transparency Issues In Michigan
Campaign finance transparency and donation disclosure were two of the main topics presented to area Democrats by the leader of the Michigan Campaign Finance Network. Craig Mauger is executive director of the non-profit, non-partisan Network and spoke to Livingston County Democrats as part of their regular meeting, Thursday night.
Mauger shared a few arching points in his presentation. One is that the cost of campaigns is going up. Second is that the money invested in elections is less transparent. And third is that how the story of money in politics is becoming more of a key part on how government works. With limits on how much individuals can give, political action committees have a grown as a way to disguise where the money is truly coming from. And as long as an advertisement or mailing doesnât tell a voter who to expressly vote for, âDark Moneyâ ads which talk about how terrible a candidate is donât need to disclose where they got their money. Mauger said this happens through all levels of politics, from the local level to the state level to the federal level.
Michigan is currently rated 50th in transparency for 2 reasons, Mauger said. One was that lawmakers arenât required to make personal finance disclosures, and the other is that the governorâs office and legislature are wholly exempt from the Freedom of Information Act. The State Supreme Court is also a hot topic, with Mauger saying Michigan has the most expensive Supreme Court races and the least transparency. However, Mauger believes there is reason to be optimistic for change. He said that before leaving office, former Governor Rick Snyder vetoed a couple bills that would support non-disclosure, whereas previously he had supported and signed them. He also called upon residents to become more engaged and go a step further than merely saying something needs to be done. Mauger said that Michiganâs citizens need to raise their level of awareness and call upon their legislatures and people of influence, telling them that this is something that needs to be fixed.
Anyone wishing to see who is donating where on the federal level, Mauger says, should visit OpenSecrets.org. Those wanting to view the donors to any state office holder can find that information on the Michigan Campaign Finance Networkâs website, mcfn.org. (MK)
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Man Suspected In Father's Death Caught In Livingston CountyMan Suspected In Father's Death Caught In Livingston County
A suspect being chased by police was apprehended Thursday night in Livingston County.
A 31-year-old man is being held after his 73-year-old father was found deceased late Thursday evening in a home they both shared on Elmhurst in Royal Oak. Relatives had notified police that they were concerned about their father after making repeated phone calls to him and the manâs son. Police responded and located the father deceased inside the house with his hands and legs bound. Officers discovered the fatherâs vehicle missing and attempted to locate it along with the manâs son. As the investigation continued, officers learned a Berrien County deputy had contact with the son early Thursday morning because the vehicle had run out of gas on I-94 near the Indiana border. As a broadcast was sent to agencies throughout Michigan and neighboring states, Gratiot County deputies were called to investigate a subject acting erratically at a gas station Thursday evening. Deputies identified the subject as the son and were alerted he was wanted in connection with a homicide investigation in Royal Oak.
As the deputies began taking him into custody, he violently assaulted the deputies and fled in the vehicle, sparking an hour-long pursuit through several counties. Gratiot County deputies pursued the vehicle through Clinton, Ingham, and Livingston Counties while other deputies along the pursuit route deployed spike strips, which disabled all four tires of the vehicle. The vehicle became completely disabled on I-96 near Howell where the son was taken into custody with the assistance of the Livingston County Sheriff deputies. No other injuries were reported during the pursuit. The son was taken into custody and then taken to St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. He was then turned over to Royal Oak Police, which are continuing the investigation. The father is believed to have passed earlier this week and an autopsy is scheduled today to determine the cause of death.
The Livingston County Sheriffâs Office said deputies joined in the pursuit of the white 2008 Chrysler Sebring, which concluded on I-96 west of Mason Road after the vehicle became disabled. The Office will be submitting a warrant request to the Livingston County Prosecutor's Office and requesting charges of Fleeing and Eluding and Resisting and Obstructing Police. Eastbound I-96 was shut down for two hours during the incident. (JM)
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Workshops to Educate on Child Sexual Abuse PreventionWorkshops to Educate on Child Sexual Abuse Prevention
Two upcoming events will better help community members recognize and work to end child sexual abuse.
The âStewards of Childrenâ workshops are being offered by LACASAâs Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Council. Event organizers say the evidence-based community trainings teach attendees five critical steps for preventing, recognizing and reacting responsibly to child sexual abuse.
The workshops will be led by trained facilitators and are said to be a must for teachers, parents, child care providers, recreational sports organizations and adults who work or volunteer with children. The program utilizes video, a workbook and group discussions to foster education and awareness.
The workshops will be held at LACASA on Tuesday, February 5th, at 9am, and on Thursday, February 7th, at 6pm. Registration is required and seats are limited. Those looking for additional information or to register are asked to contact the CAP Council at 517-548-1350 or capcouncil@lacasacenter.org . A flyer is also attached below.
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Rep. Vaupel Again Appointed Chair Of House Health Policy CommitteeRep. Vaupel Again Appointed Chair Of House Health Policy Committee
A local lawmaker has again been appointed chair of the House Health Policy Committee, listing mental health, opioids and rising costs as top priorities.
Republican State Representative Hank Vaupel of Handy Township has been appointed by House Speaker Lee Chatfield to serve as chair of the House Health Policy Committee for a second time. The Committee is responsible for deliberating on issues related to public health, health professionals, mental health and wellness, and overall access to health care. Vaupel, who is now in his third and final term, previously held the position of chair from 2017 to 2018. Last term, his priorities for the committee were largely centered on improving Michiganâs broken mental health care system, and he hopes to continue that trend this term.
Vaupel says they made great strides last year through the work of the C.A.R.E.S. Mental Health Task Force, which traveled across the state to hear from industry professionals and experts, law enforcement and families of those with mental health care needs. He says much was done to improve access to hospital beds, allow canine support for victims testifying in courtrooms, improve training for counselors and address the opioid crisis but there is still more to do and he looks forward to continuing their efforts. In addition to mental health care improvements and tackling the opioid crisis, Vaupel hopes to address the rising cost of health care. He says itâs important that workers, families and seniors across the state have access to quality health care at a rate they can afford.
Meanwhile for other assignments, Vaupel was also appointed to serve as a member of the Insurance, Education and Tax Policy Committees. (JM)
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Volunteers Sought For Disaster Assistance Response TeamVolunteers Sought For Disaster Assistance Response Team
The Livingston County Disaster Assistance Response Team, or DART, is an all-volunteer, independent organization committed to the health and well-being of local first responders on scene.
DART has been in operation since 2012 and is comprised of volunteers that assist local law enforcement agencies, fire departments, EMS and other first responders. The team provides "canteen" services such as coffee, cold drinks, and snacks, as well as "rehab" services that help keep them warm and dry in the cold winter months and cool and hydrated in the hot summer months.
DART is currently looking for volunteers for the organizationâs south team, which covers Green Oak, Hamburg, Putnam, Unadilla, Brighton, Genoa, Marion and Iosco. Each prospective applicant must submit an application form and agree to a background check and driving record check to become a DART Team member. An interview will then be arranged with the applicant to further answer any questions. Acceptance provides the member with liability and health insurance, as well as DART insignia apparel and a picture ID, when answering calls.
Those interested in volunteering are asked to contact Roy Seifried at rstuff8@comcast.net or visit the link below.
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