By Jon King / jking@whmi.com
A Hamburg Township woman charged with leading a high-speed police chase and ramming a patrol car has entered a plea.
25-year-old Averie Rae Wilson was charged following the February 10th incident that authorities say began when she fled a traffic stop in White Lake Township. Her Jeep Cherokee was later spotted on westbound I-96 near Dorr Road in Genoa Township, where Livingston County Sheriffâs deputies, along with Michigan State Police, attempted to stop it. A high rate chase ensued that eventually led onto northbound Latson Road. Although the pursuit was terminated south of Highland Road, deputies continued to travel north when they observed the vehicle in the front yard of a residence in the 3100 block of Latson Road.
As deputies pulled into the driveway, Wilson accelerated and rammed into one of the patrol vehicles and then fled south on Latson, ultimately ending up southbound on US-23. Deputies were then able to utilize what they described as a âpursuit intervention techniqueâ to end the chase. Officers say Wilson failed to comply with commands and had to be forcibly removed from the vehicle and taken into custody.
In court on Friday, Wilson pleaded no contest to 3rd degree fleeing and eluding police, felonious assault, resisting and obstructing a police and being a habitual offender based on a past drug conviction. In exchange for the plea, three other counts were dropped. Wilson faces at least a year in jail when she is sentenced June 11th.
Hamburg Woman Enters Plea To Police Chase & CrashHamburg Woman Enters Plea To Police Chase & Crash
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COVID Patients Moved Temporarily at Caretel Inns in BrightonCOVID Patients Moved Temporarily at Caretel Inns in Brighton
by Tom Tolen / News@whmi.com
The Brighton Area Fire Dept. responded Friday night to the Caretel Inns Assisted Living & Senior Care in Brighton when the facility experienced a problem with the furnace. That, in turn, caused the sprinkler system to go off in part of the COVID-19 wing.
Fire Dept. and EMS personnel responded to the facility, located at 1014 E. Grand River, shorty after 9 p.m. The staff evacuated patients in the affected area and moved them to another part of the COVID wing. Fire Chief Michael OâBrian told WHMI that there was no contact at any point between those patients and the non-COVID part of the facility. Likewise there was never any fire, no one was injured, and no damage to the building occurred. Fire crews were on the scene about an hour and a half.
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County Comes To Agreement With New AdministratorCounty Comes To Agreement With New Administrator
The Livingston County Board of Commissioners has approved an employment agreement with the new County Administrator.
Commissioners approved the agreement with Nathan Burd during their online Finance Committee meeting this past week. The contract is for 3 years at an annual salary of $127,722. During his final interview, Burd had requested a salary in the high-120 to low-130 range.
The only questions raised during the meeting were with regards to performance evaluations. The agreement, as has been past policy, states that the Board Chair will review and make an evaluation. Commissioners asked that if that were to change in the future to being the whole Board, would an amendment be necessary. The Boardâs legal counsel said it could potentially, but the following line in the agreement gives them some latitude. That sentence states that the review and evaluation will be in accordance with criteria developed by the Board. Commissioner Kate Lawrence shared that in her time as Board Chair, she reached out to commissioners, officials, and department heads for their input on the evaluation. With Burd already having signed the agreement put forth in front of commissioners, they elected to leave the wording as it is.
Burd was selected as the Boardâs choice for Administrator earlier this month, following a search that yielded 119 candidates. He comes to Livingston County from the City of Adrian where he served in their Administrator position. Commissioners unanimously approved the agreement.
Burdâs contract begins on July 27th.
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Advocates Press For Rental & Mortgage Assistance ProgramAdvocates Press For Rental & Mortgage Assistance Program
By Suzanne Potter - Public News Service
Housing advocates predict a massive wave of evictions and foreclosures once the moratorium on evictions is lifted, unless the state puts together a comprehensive program to assist families thrown out of work by the COVID-19 crisis.
Michigan is home to more than 2.5 million renters and many are suffering, according to Kirsten Elliott, vice president of development for Community Housing Network in southeastern Michigan. She says the money can't come fast enough. "The sooner we can get rental assistance for those who can't make their rent or make their mortgage payments, the better. So that we are able to avoid having this mass amount of people pushed into homelessness."
The state so far has received more than $152 million in CARES Act funds. Since the money isn't earmarked for a specific use, advocates hope that the state will create a rental assistance program to mitigate a looming eviction crisis in Michigan. Jeremy DeRoo, executive director of LINC UP, a neighborhood revitalization organization in the Grand Rapids area, says his non-profit group has already given out $50,000 in rental assistance. But he says the remaining need among those out of work is immense. "They are unlikely to ever recover the money that they've lost in lost wages, and so their ability to catch up is very, very slim. And so what's going to happen, once things start to return to some sort of new normal, the rent will still be due and they will not have it and we'll see a significant number of evictions."
Counties are working to hold legally-required public hearings on the best way to spend the money, but due to federal rules, local agencies will need permission to use the money to prevent homelessness, instead of solely using it for shelters and rapid rehousing without a statewide plan.
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Online Event To Discuss "Disrupting" Silence About Sexual AssaultOnline Event To Discuss "Disrupting" Silence About Sexual Assault
An online event next month will focus on disrupting the culture of silence about sexual assault.
LACASA Center will host the free virtual film event and live panel discussion on Thursday, June 25th via Zoom from 3:30 to 5:30pm. Called âThe Bystander Moment,â the 50-minute documentary will be shown in recognition of National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Organizers say the event was originally scheduled for April, but was delayed due to COVID-19. The screening is supported by the National Crime Victimâs Rights Week (NCVRW) Community Awareness Project.
According to a release from LACASA Center, the film highlights how the bystander approach helps prevent gender violence. Produced by international gender violence activist Jackson Katz and his colleagues, the documentary highlights the role bystanders can play in ending rape culture and preventing sexual assault. Following the film screening, an interactive panel discussion will be held. Local panelists include Nicole Denson from Equality MI; Matt Oliver from Cleary University and April Woods from Pinckney Community Schools; Bill Vailliencourt and Pamela Maas from the Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office; and Kristi Bell from the Brighton Police Department. The panel discussion will explore how people can disrupt the culture of silence and encourage bystander intervention through LACASAâs Mentors in Violence Prevention program and other awareness initiatives conducted at local high schools and colleges.
Following the panel discussion, awards will be presented to local individuals and agencies that have gone above and beyond to âseek justice, ensure victimâs rights and inspire hope,â the NCVRW theme for this year. Award recipients include the aforementioned panelists as well as Andrea Lipscomb of Lake Trust Credit Union and Nicole Mason of Chem Trend. Advance registration for the free event is required and can be completed at https://bit.ly/lacasafilm. Registrants will receive an invitation link to the Zoom conference via email once they sign up.
For more information about the event visit https://lacasacenter.org/virtual-film-event/
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New Whimsical Park Planned In Downtown HowellNew Whimsical Park Planned In Downtown Howell
By Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com
A grant-funded project will bring a new whimsical park element to downtown Howell.
Conceptual designs were presented during a recent virtual Howell City Council meeting and the project is designed to provide a charming spot for people of all ages to gather and enjoy the beauty and of Howell. City staff has been working with Allie Pearson of Grissim Metz and Associates (GMA) on the conceptual design of the Kaboom Grant / Thai Summit funded public gathering project. It would be located behind the Depot Lot and Michigan Avenue.
Pearson told Council she felt the plans captured what the City is looking for. The site will feature passive areas, as then more engaging areas. Initial ideas were whimsical fairy gardens, hobbit houses and space for an amphitheater and performance area with a wooden stage. The amphitheater seating will be incorporated into a hillside area, along with some potential slides. Game tables are proposed including four-way ping-pong and concrete chess tables with fun horse pieces for the stands. To add to the whimsical piece of the site, Pearson said theyâre looking at different bird houses, some gateway features and creative fencing to add to the overall vibe of the project. Pearson said theyâre looking at incorporating some kind of maze or labyrinth to the site, as well additional fun seating and shelter areas. As for landscaping, Pearson said theyâre looking to bring in fun whimsical plant materials such as weeping spruce trees and will incorporate the idea of hobbits or genomes and bring in some color with mass planting of flowers on mounds.
There will be different access points and hand sanitizing stations scatted through the site. Some concerns were raised about kids playing and traffic on Michigan Avenue and it was determined some type of low fence would be a good solution. There will also be plantings along the hillside to discourage children from coming up the hill.
Interim City Manager Erv Suida commented itâs a nice project to lift spirits during this time of doom and gloom and hopefully one day create a space where everyone can gather and have some fun again. He noted that Thai Summit is a big contributor and something of this magnitude couldnât have happened without them, adding Thai Summit is equally excited about the project going forward. Council gave consensus to the plans moving forward and naming ideas for the unique space are still being bounced around. The goal is to get the project going this summer and be completed by November.
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BAS Board Interviews Superintendent Search FirmsBAS Board Interviews Superintendent Search Firms
By Tom Tolen / news@whmi.com
At a special meeting last Wednesday evening, the Brighton Board of Education interviewed representatives of three companies which are in the running to conduct a formal search for a new Brighton Area Schools Superintendent. Originally, six search firms applied to perform the search, but at a meeting last week that figure was pared down to three. The companies include the Michigan Leadership Institute, the Michigan Association of School Boards, and Ray and Associates.  Representatives from each search firm were given 10 minutes to state their case as to why they should be selected, and board members were then given 20 minutes to pose questions.Â
Mike Collins and Ryan Ray of Ray and Associates described their company as the âoldest national search firm in the US.â Ray told the board, âThere are a ton of people across the country who will be interested,â citing the districtâs financial and academic success as reasons why Brighton would be desirable. He said the opening would be posted on the companyâs national list, adding that his firm would ask people in the local community if they would recommend anyone for the position.Â
Rod Green of the Michigan Association of School Boards, who, coincidentally, makes his home in Brighton, said, âBrighton has some big shoes to fill in terms of the job (the superintendent) has been doing the last 11 years.â He said further that the board would likely prefer a superintendent with a personality like outgoing Superintendent Greg Grayâs, calling his style âpersonable and approachable.â  Gray, who has been Brightonâs superintendent for the past 11 years, announced at the April 30th meeting that he would be retiring as superintendent, effective June 30th, the end of the districtâs fiscal year.Â
Also interviewed was John Silveri of the Michigan Leadership Institute, which calls itself âa leadership consulting organization committed to serving K-12 school districts and public institutions throughout Michigan.â It was pointed out that MLI was the search firm used in the successful hiring this week of Steven Archibald as the new superintendent in the South Lyon Community School District.Â
Board President Andy Burchfield told WHMI after the meeting the selection of a search firm would be difficult, saying the three firms all have different perspectives and approaches and calling the selection âa challenging decision.â  Burchfield said he has no preferences at this time as to which firm he favors.  âThe decision,â Burchfield said, âwill be made in the best interests of the district.âÂ
The MASBâs Green said that the COVID-19 pandemic has made it harder to find good candidates and finding superintendents a longer process. Given the lengthy search process, the board was told that it may have to hire an interim superintendent to handle the reins until a permanent district head is found. Burchfield said itâs too early to know whether Brighton will have a new superintendent in place by the start of the fall term, but stressed the board is in no rush. âWeâre going to take plenty of timeâ he said, â because this is an incredibly important decision.â  The board will decide which of the three finalists to hire as the search firm at its next meeting on Tuesday. The meeting, which will be online, will be at 7 p.m.Â
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Large Residential Project Approved In City Of BrightonLarge Residential Project Approved In City Of Brighton
By Jessica Mathews/News@whmi.com
A new residential project in the City of Brighton has been given the green light.
The Bluffs at Springhill will feature 70 single-family units on 28.94 acres of wooded land located south of Flint Road between the Spring Hill condo association and I-96 to the east. The entrance will be off Spring Mountain Drive. City Council met virtually Thursday night and unanimously approved motion to rezone the parcel from A-1 single family residential to PUD or Planned Unit Development, along with the accompanying site plan. The PUD contract agreement was removed from Thursdayâs agenda. It will be reviewed by Planning Commission next month and then tentatively before Council for the June 18th meeting. A public hearing was held prior to approval and three residents voiced concerns.
The project has gone through an extensive review process since receiving preliminary approval about a year and half ago. Council members commented it was a very comprehensive plan and all requirements have been met. Neighbors have raised various concerns about drainage and soil erosion controls, buffering, construction methods, the structural integrity of homes in close proximity and the large amount of earthwork. Lead Project Engineer Mike Noles representing Pulte Homes delivered a presentation on the project and changes made to address resident concerns. Noles said developers held several public meetings with surrounding residents who wanted perimeter buffers, and a 30 foot natural buffer has now been included with additional landscaping. There will be 9.6 acres of open space preserved on site and developers identified 205 âsavedâ trees along the perimeter, which residents requested. 229 new trees will be added of a variety of species. He noted the density went down and they made more room along buffers to create a 30-foot buffer strip, added landscaping and are solving a major drainage problem in the area.
Noles told Council developers have modified plans to accommodate residents and the storm water system is one of the main benefits that will greatly improve drainage issues. He said a detention basin will be built to capture runoff going into the nearby Spring Hill development that will discharge to an existing wetland - effectively removing 12 acres of water from draining through the existing neighborhood. He said they have an extensive soil erosion control plan that meets all city, county, state and federal regulations. Noles said several studies have also been completed to look at several issues as recommended by staff, planning commission and members of the public. He said theyâve completed a traffic study, environmental study, sound study, a geo-tech report, a tree survey and offsite survey among others.
Councilman Kristoffer Tobbe commented that the resident concerns were valid and theyâve lived through a tough situation with their development. He said his concern was that the project would get started but not be finished due to economic factors and then theyâll be left with even bigger problems and a bigger mess. Noles said requirements and securities are written into the PUD agreement for developers, which guarantee they will complete the improvements. He said those improvements have to be done prior to the start of any homes and bonds will be in place for a significant sum of money. Noles further assured the development will be built properly and said there will be extensive monitoring by engineers, third party inspectors and others over the course of construction with written reports and soil erosion control inspections.
The project has received unanimous approvals from all required agencies. Noles stated final engineering has been submitted and developers are seeking EGLE permits and then applying for soil erosion control permits.
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Veterans' Services Pursuing Lease For New HomeVeterans' Services Pursuing Lease For New Home
By Mike Kruzman / news@whmi.com
Livingston County Veteransâ Services is pursuing a lease that would provide them much needed additional space.
The Veteran Services Committee held their May meeting this past week, over Zoom. During it, they unanimously voted in favor of pursuing a lease at the old Art Van PureSleep building, across the street from the larger Art Van Furniture and Outlet Center in Genoa Township. Veteransâ Services has recently been awarded a $108,000 grant from the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. That grant money must be spent by the end of September, or be lost.
In a release, Veteransâ Services Director Mary Durst said her goal is to use 100% of the grant, in addition to a small portion of unused millage money, towards the lease build out. Currently the department is working out of a 1,900 square foot room, with no room for expansion. Durst said her hope is to negotiate around 3,500 square feet of space. This would allow Veteransâ Services to provide larger counselor rooms, a large reception area with more amenities, their own bathrooms, and a multi-purpose room to hold meetings, counseling, and veteran classes.
Durst said that location would also help them provide a spare office to host guest services such as OLHSAâs Supportive Services for Veterans Families counselors, tele-health appointments, and more.
(Photo - Google)
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Auto Insurance Changes Focus Of Tele-Town HallAuto Insurance Changes Focus Of Tele-Town Hall
By Jon King / jking@whmi.com
With changes set to take place this summer in Michiganâs automotive insurance system, a local lawmaker plans an online event this week to discuss the issue.
State Rep. Ann Bollin will host a tele-town hall meeting on Wednesday, May 27 at 6 p.m. on the upcoming changes in Michiganâs car insurance system. The Brighton Township Republican will be joined by Rep. Jason Wentworth, of Farwell, who served as chairman of the House Select Committee on Reducing Car Insurance Rates. Bollin said Wentworth was, âa leading voice in delivering this historic reform. Iâm thankful for the opportunity to discuss these changes with my constituents, and I look forward to answering any questions you may have.â
Under a deal negotiated last year between the GOP-led legislature and Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer, the annual fee for the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association, which all drivers must pay, will drop by at least $120 per car. Starting July 2nd, drivers can select from a number of different options for personal injury protection, or PIP. Most drivers will choose from three levels of PIP coverage; $250,000, $500,000 or unlimited. However, capping PIP coverage means drivers may also be responsible for paying medical costs that exceed these caps.
Those wishing to participate in the tele-town hall can dial (855)-756-7520 Ext.60653#. Residents unable to participate may contact Rep. Bollinâs office by calling (517) 373-1784 or by email at AnnBollin@house.mi.gov
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Huron Valley Schools Distributes More Than 100,000 Free MealsHuron Valley Schools Distributes More Than 100,000 Free Meals
By Jessica Mathews/News@whmi.com
More than 100,000 meals have been distributed by Huron Valley Schools personnel since schools closed in response to COVID-19 in March.
The Grab & Go Student Meals program was implemented March 16th immediately following Governor Gretchen Whitmerâs initial order to close schools. HVS Superintendent Dr. Paul Salah said they know families are hurting with record-high unemployment and the overall uncertainties created by the pandemic. He says HVS staff members have stepped up in many different ways to help ease the impact of COVID-19 - whether through teaching and learning, handing out Chromebooks or distributing meals. The Grab & Go Student Meals program is funded through grants from the Michigan Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Assistant Superintendent of Business & Operations Geoffrey VanGoethem said they know many students in the district, about 30%, rely on the free and reduced-cost meals they receive at school each day so it was important to get the program off the ground quickly. He further thanked all of the food service and transportation employees who worked hard to make the effort such a success.
Meals are distributed at eight sites around the Huron Valley community each Monday and Friday from 11am to 2pm and on Wednesdays from 3 to 6pm. Distribution will continue through June 29th. A link to an informational flyer is provided.
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County Reaches Deal For Potential COVID-19 Recovery SpaceCounty Reaches Deal For Potential COVID-19 Recovery Space
By Mike Kruzman / news@whmi.com
The Livingston County Board of Commissioners has approved an agreement with a camp that could house first responders as they recover should the need or a difficult second wave of COVID-19 infections hit.
Livingston County Emergency Manager Therese Cremonte shared details with Commissioners during their latest online Finance Committee meeting. First responders are among the most susceptible to coming into contact with the coronavirus. Cremonte said at the onset of the COVID-19 response they began looking for someplace safe they could send them to quarantine or recover, to protect them from infecting their families or other members of the public. The North Star Reach Campground in Putnam Township was their ultimate choice. Cremonte said itâs, in fact, owned by a Washtenaw County first responder and has everything they need. She said the North Star Reach Camp is a special needs campground for young adults and children, with some medical capacity. Residents would have separate sleeping areas and bathrooms. The camp also provides sheets, toilet paper, garbage service, and laundry facilities.
Livingston County and the campground agreed to a flat rate of $250 per month for facility use, and $60 per day per person lodging. No cost will be incurred until somebody actually needs to use the camp. Cremonte said that while theyâve had infections among county first responders, this isnât something they have needed yet, and may not need as the situation winds down. But it could be needed if a second wave hits at some point. The county and participating municipalities and agencies will be responsible for the cost. Cremonte said this agreement has the approval of FEMA and is possibly reimbursable for up to 75% of funds spent. She said theyâve done all the steps required of FEMA, but warned that sometimes FEMA can be fickle with their reimbursements.
The agreement was approved unanimously by the Board.
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Michigan's Auto Insurance Reform Laws Take Effect In JulyMichigan's Auto Insurance Reform Laws Take Effect In July
By Jessica Mathews/News@whmi.com
While the coronavirus pandemic might be overshadowing it, big changes are coming for auto insurance in Michigan.
An overhaul of Michiganâs auto insurance system has finally happened, meaning more choice for consumers. AAAâs Senior Vice President of Sales and Life/Field Operations Dan Schrock Jr. says now is the time to be pro-active and they want the general consumer to understand that itâs important to get educated and look into what you have or donât have.
Since the early 1970âs, Michigan has had lifetime un-limited medical personal injury protection or PIP. He says itâs been one choice only and anyone who had auto insurance in the state had unlimited PIP. Schrock says the change is that Michigan drivers no longer have to have unlimited coverage and can choose different levels of PIP, which some people will be attracted to because it will also save them money. The new law also included a 10% rate rollback on PIP coverage, assuming someone has no changes to their policy.
As for what will happen July 2nd and after â Schrock says if a consumer does nothing when their policy renews, it will renew into the unlimited feature and their bodily injury limits will be raised because the consumer didnât make any choice. If someone chooses a lower option than unlimited, then there are required documents that need to be signed acknowledging someone is choosing a lower limit. Thatâs where the potential savings come in. Effective July 2nd and after, he says people also have to have a required bodily injury property damage limit. It can be lowered but similar to taking a lower PIP option, someone would need to sign documents to lower it. However, Schrock cautions that people need to make sure they fully understand what theyâre choosing and the tradeoffs of their choices to make sure they have adequate protection.
The new also law included a 10% rate rollback on PIP. Assuming someone has no changes, Schrock says then there will be a reduction on the PIP part of a policy. He says anyone who renews July 2nd or after will get at least a 10% reduction for that coverage. He cautions that only applies to renewals though. If a policy renews prior to the new law July 2nd, then the policy would renew in its current state because the law isnât in effect. People always have the option to contact their insurance agent and request changes for a new policy. Once July 2nd arrives, Schrock says consumers in Michigan are eligible to change their policy based on the new law regardless of when their renewal was, although carriers will handle it different ways.
Schrock strongly recommends, regardless of carrier, that people get educated and find out what their options are. He says AAAâs strategy is that theyâre contacting every member proactively on their renewal date so they donât leave anything to chance. He says AAA is already reaching out to members to educate them and explain options because even though the law is effective July 2nd, renewals for July 2nd and beyond are already being processed. Schrock stressed that it can be overwhelming but consumers really need to be reaching out to a licensed professional to be able to explain the options and understand the trade-off of how the options will impact coverages for them and their families.
Meanwhile, unrelated to the upcoming auto insurance reform is that some drivers will be seeing refunds or savings from their carriers due to COVID-19. Because of decreased driving and reduced claims, some insurance companies are providing refunds. For March and April, AAA is refunding 20% of monthly premiums to insured customers.
More information about the upcoming auto insurance reforms is available through the provided link.
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Planning Tool Offers Guidance For Reopening EconomyPlanning Tool Offers Guidance For Reopening Economy
By Jessica Mathews/News@whmi.com
The Livingston County Health Department is releasing public health guidance to be used as a planning tool for various businesses and community operations when sectors of the economy re-open.
The tool will assist industries as they consider what they need to do to re-open safely when allowed under Governor Gretchen Whitmerâs Executive Orders. As Livingston County residents continue to do their part in helping to slow the spread of COVID-19, a press release states businesses and organizations can do the same by implementing the re-open workforce guidance. Officials say that will help to ensure the health and safety of employees, customers, and visitors. The re-open workforce guidance provides specific information for industry leaders and is categorized by industry type.
Included in the guidance is the MI Safe Start Plan, which outlines the Governorâs plan to re-engage the Michigan economy. Also included are additional resources, handouts, and signage for the workplace. The guidance may change based on the Governor's Executive Orders and will be updated as necessary. The reopen workforce guidance can be found on the LCHD website. A link is provided.
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Detmer Denies Campaign Links To Protest OrganizersDetmer Denies Campaign Links To Protest Organizers
By Jon King / jking@whmi.com
A local congressional candidate is denying allegations that key members of his campaign were involved in organizing one of the first lockdown protests in Lansing, an event he portrayed as a grassroots campaign that he was simply supporting.
In an article published last week, the fact-checking website Snopes.com claims that Cindi Holland, who serves as the manager for Howell Republican Mike Detmerâs campaign for the 8th District GOP nomination, and Londa Gatt, the Detmer campaignâs grassroots director, heavily promoted the April 15th Operation Gridlock protest in Lansing. Several thousand people jammed the streets around the capitol building during the event, including Detmer and members of his campaign, who caravanned from Howell earlier that day. Detmerâs participation in the protest gained notoriety when a selfie he took of the group showed a member of the Proud Boys flashing a recognized white power symbol. Detmer claimed the Proud Boys member had photo-bombed the picture, but later posted tenants of the group on his Facebook page.
Snopes said it created a database of information on nearly 1,000 separate instances in which a Facebook account shared a lockdown-protest event page to a Facebook group during the month of April, including Operation Gridlock. Using the data, it identified what it called âboostersâ which they defined as an account that shared the same event to at least four groups separated by no more than 60 seconds. Both Holland and Gatt were included in the âboosterâ group, as was Rob Cortis, the Livingston County-based owner of the Trump Unity Bridge, which has garnered publicity at Trump campaign events, as well as many of the lockdown protests. Snopes reported that all three have connections through various groups, including the Michigan Conservative Coalition, to the family of U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos. Because the MCC is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit, it does not have to disclose its donors, making it difficult to determine exactly who is associated with it. What is known is that the coalition was co-founded by the Chair of the 11th District Republican Party, Meshawn Maddock, and her husband, 44th District Republican State Rep. Matt Maddock. The Michigan Conservative Coalition was also the primary sponsor of the Operation Gridlock protest.
When contacted about the Snopes analytics that indicated his campaign leaders were involved in not only heavily promoting the April 15th protest, but also organizing it, Detmer did not offer anything to refute the data, but instead dismissed the entire premise of the article. âIt appears that Snopes or whomever wrote the article has attempted to commingle facts and create some connections that don't exist. They also stated that I'm running for US Senate and I'm not.â
The Snopes article does erroneously state that Detmer is campaigning for senate, when in fact he is running for Congress.
As to the reported links between his campaign and the protest organizers, Detmer said, ââ¦the rally organizers that I work with along with Londa Gatt have nothing to do with the Maddocks, DeVoss or the Michigan Conservative Coalition for which I am also NOT a member.â
âMany people promoted Operation Gridlock. I certainly shared the info across social media. However, I spent no money doing so. I was also part of a caravan traveling from Livingston County to Lansing to be a part of it as you know. However, neither myself, Londa Gatt nor Cindi Holland had any involvement with the organizers of that event, nor have any connections or ties to any organizers of that event nor spent any money for that particular event.â
The Snopes investigation concludes that while the lockdown protests, like Operation Gridlock, were mainly attended by people with, âa genuine frustration at the stay-at-home measures and a fear of economic uncertaintyâ they have benefited from a political action infrastructure whose methods, âhave apparently created the perception of widespread discontent with public health measures largely supported by the American populace.â In fact, recent polling suggests that most people disapprove of the protests, while those in Michigan are generally supportive of the stay-at-home measures.
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VINA Online Auction Begins TonightVINA Online Auction Begins Tonight
By Mike Kruzman / news@whmi.com
Unable to hold their spring fundraiser, a local dental clinic is holding an online auction, starting tonight, that will help them continue to serve limited income adults in Livingston County.
For 12 years the VINA Community Dental Center in Brighton has provided low cost care to over 2,000 residents in the county. As a non-profit, they depend on grants, fundraisers, and the generosity of individual donors. While COVID-19 restrictions and quarantines have caused the cancellation of their traditional spring fundraiser, the Spring Gala, VINA Executive Director Jim Gilmore says they will instead be holding an online auction. Gilmore said VINA purchased online auction software last year, put it in their back pocket, and now itâs coming in very handy.
Items go up for bidding tonight at 7pm, and will continue for 24 hours, closing at 7pm tomorrow night. Several local and destinations prizes will be up for bidding. Gilmore says the big one is a week-long stay at a home on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina. Weekend cottage stays in the county, golf prizes, auto detailing, dinner prepared by a chef and a 14k rose gold pendant are also available. A wide variety of themed gift baskets ranging in value from $100 to $250 have also been donated from local businesses and dental offices.
Gilmore said there will be times set up on Friday and Saturday for winners to drive by and pick up their prizes. Those interested can register in advance and check back throughout the auction to see where they stand. To register and bid, go to vinadental.org and click on the Spring Online Auction link.
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Board Selects Search Firm for New SuperintendentBoard Selects Search Firm for New Superintendent
By Tom Tolen / News@whmi.com
Out of three finalists, the Brighton Board of Education has unanimously chosen the Michigan Leadership Institute as the search firm the district will utilize to find a new superintendent. Outgoing Superintendent Greg Gray, who has held the position for the past 11 years, announced his retirement last month, effective June 30th.
The three finalists out of six search firms which submitted resumes were
Ray and Associates, the Michigan Association of School Boards and the Michigan Leadership Institute. At the Tuesday night meeting, Board Vice President Alicia Reid said that of the three firms, she was most impressed by the Michigan Leadership Institute, telling the board, in her words, âOur best bang for our buck is MLI.â
Board President Andy Burchfield said he was concerned that MASB might be âtoo local and too close to the board,â since the person who would perform the search lives in Brighton and several board members know him. He also said he was ânot satisfiedâ with MASBâs response to the diversity question or that it would look sufficiently for a diverse selection of candidates. Trustee Laura Mitchell said she was ânot impressedâ with Ray and Associates, saying they made several âhiccupsâ, as she put it, in their presentation. Mitchell said she liked the fact that both MLI and MASB are âMichigan-basedâ firms.
Board Secretary Roger Myers said he wanted the âbest fitâ for the district, and was concerned that other school districts they had contacted recommended they not go with Ray and Associates, which is based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Trustee Ken Stahl added that he thought Ray and Associatesâ âprice is too high.â A couple of board members said they were impressed that MLI was the firm used in the South Lyon Community Schools Districtâs recent superintendent search, saying that board was highly pleased with the companyâs performance. A motion by Reid to hire MLI for the purpose of conducting the search passed on a 7-0 vote. The base cost to the district will be $6,500. The board is hopeful that a new superintendent can be hired before the start of the 20-21 school year, but said they are not in a hurry to make a decision in order to make that happen.
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HCCC Releases Collective Impact ReportHCCC Releases Collective Impact Report
By Mike Kruzman / news@whmi.com
The Livingston County Homeless Continuum of Care Committee is sharing highlights from many partner organizations in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
The HCCC is a federally mandated body that works to develop and coordinate a continuum of housing and services for homeless individuals and families and those at-risk of homelessness, locally. They have recently released their latest Collective Impact Report, which focuses on coronavirus response through the end of April.
In it, they share that the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency has provided housing, shelter, and emergency shelter for 77 people, and utility assistance for another 22. OLHSAâs Supportive Services for Veteran Families program additionally spent over $6,300 to help keep 17 veterans and family members safely housed.
The Salvation Army of Livingston County served 5,000 prepared meals, provided over 6 tons of food through their pantry, and spent $15,000 on assisting people with rent and utilities. The Livingston Family Center sheltered 6 youths and children, and spent $3,500 on food, hygiene, and technology to maintain therapy and case management contacts through the outbreak.
The Severe Weather Network spent $10,000 on assisting 30 homeless families and worked with churches and food pantries to help feed those in need. These are just some of the several organizations that have put a good foot forward towards helping the community with COVID-19 relief. The report also features updates from LACASA, St. Vincent De Paul Conference, and Love, Inc. A full copy of the Collective Impact Report can be found below.
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Plots Available For Northfield Township Community GardenPlots Available For Northfield Township Community Garden
By Jessica Mathews/News@whmi.com
Northfield Township is reaching out to the community as the growing season gets underway.
The Northfield Township Community Garden was established to provide a gardening area to residents that may not have the space otherwise. The Community Garden is located at 9142 Main Street in Whitmore Lake and plots are currently available. Each garden plot is 4â x 8â at a height of about 12 inches. Taller plots may be available for those with physical impairments. There is a $10 usage fee per garden plot. Officials say the usage fee is to help cover the costs of maintaining the Community Garden, such as supplying mulch, soil, compost, water buckets and hand tools; purchasing building materials to construct and/or repair the garden boxes; and paying for lawn care services and any other maintenance that may be required. The township further reminds that produce grown in the Community Garden is for personal use by those who maintain the plots.
Those interested in maintaining a plot this year are asked to send a message to ntcommunitygarden@gmail.com with their name, contact information, and number of plots desired. Depending on interest, the number of plots available per person/group could be limited.
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No Big Problems At Parks In City Of Fenton During Holiday WeekendNo Big Problems At Parks In City Of Fenton During Holiday Weekend
By Jessica Mathews/News@whmi.com
People gathering at parks in the City of Fenton during the Memorial Day holiday weekend appeared to be following social distancing guidelines.
Thatâs according to a report delivered during the City Councilâs virtual meeting held Tuesday night. It was noted that some comments were received about crowds over the holiday weekend at Silver Lake Park but people appeared to be doing what they were supposed to be doing. The park is located on Jennings Road, off of Silver Parkway. City Manager Lynn Markland told Council that Silver Lake Park and all of the other city parks have been open throughout the COVID-19 crisis to provide recreational opportunities. Markland said they still havenât determined what the plan is yet for lifeguards and staffing of park booths, which arenât open. He said they decided not to charge during the holiday weekend but rather encourage people to get out and get some physical activity as people have been cooped up.
Markland told Council people were out sunbathing and they did get one complaint from someone who suspected people were not social distancing. He said police did respond and said everyone was practicing social distancing as required by CDC guidelines and they thought people acted pretty well. Markland said there were some people together but those were basically families who live together and different social distancing guidelines apply. He said it ultimately from the report he got, it sounded like people were actually doing what they were supposed to so they were left alone.
Meanwhile, Markland commented DPW crews are getting back to regular seasonal work and getting the downtown area and parks ready for the summer season, including crack sealing and street patching. He said everyone is still working and getting things done for the community. Photo: Facebook.
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