Nik Rajkovic / news@whmi.com
Itâs always 4/20 in Michigan, but state and federal transportation officials are warning cannabis users on this unofficial holiday, itâs both dangerous and illegal to drive while high.
Drug-impaired driving is an increasing danger, according to the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning, which warns Saturday's unofficial holiday for cannabis enthusiasts could turn deadly.
State data shows nearly 22 percent of fatal crashes in 2022 were drug-involved. Officials insist cannabis can slow reaction times, impair cognitive performance and make it difficult for drivers to stay in their lane.
They're urging anyone celebrating 4/20 to get home safely by calling a sober friend or any of the numerous ride-share services.
See the press release below.
MI Office of Highway Safety Urges 4/20 Celebrants to Plan a Safe Ride HomeMI Office of Highway Safety Urges 4/20 Celebrants to Plan a Safe Ride Home
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New State Partnership Aims To Combat Organized Retail CrimeNew State Partnership Aims To Combat Organized Retail Crime
Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com
A new state partnership aims to combat organized retail crime.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel recently announced a partnership between the FORCE Team and the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) to tackle organized retail crimes that leverage the postal system to conduct illegal enterprises.
Nessel said âThis groundbreaking partnership with the United States Postal Inspection Service comes as recognition of our efforts in the State and also significantly expands our capacity to combat organized retail crime here in Michigan. The addition of a U.S. postal inspector to the FORCE Team allows us to quickly analyze how the postal service is exploited as a supply chain for black-market and counterfeit products across the country. The FORCE Team continues to blaze a path of success in this burgeoning criminal field, and we are proud to set an example for retail crime units nationwide.â
The FORCE Team now includes a U.S. postal inspector alongside two assistant attorneys general, Michigan State Police detectives, special agents from the Department of Attorney Generalâs Criminal Investigations Division, and a special agent from the FBIâs Detroit Fraud and Financial Crimes Task Force.
USPIS Detroit Division Inspector in Charge Rodney M. Hopkins said âPostal Inspectors are dedicated to safeguarding the well-being and security of the American public, with a particular focus on protecting our citizens from fraudulent schemes. As criminal organizations and individuals become increasingly sophisticated in their activities, a partnership with other law enforcement stakeholders will increase the resources to combat and apprehend these financial predators.â
The FORCE Team and the Organized Retail Crime Unit were established in 2023 by the Attorney General to target criminal organizations that steal products from retailers to repackage and sell for a profit.
Nessel says this is a first-in-the-nation unit, unique in the 50 states as being the first such unit with embedded, dedicated staff from the Department of Attorney General.
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Design Plans Presented For New Howell City Council ChambersDesign Plans Presented For New Howell City Council Chambers
Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com
Design work is progressing for the new Howell City Council chambers.
Design concepts were presented at a meeting earlier this month.
City staff has been working with engineers on the design for the new first floor Council Chambers and conceptual renderings were presented and reviewed.
The new room will have vaulted ceilings, a lot more space, restrooms, and better lighting. It will also serve as the City's voting precinct with improved accessibility.
Members were pleased overall with the concept and color schemes and made some minor suggestions.
The project has been decades in the making. Council chambers are currently located in the basement, which was supposed to be temporary, and those will be moved to the first floor.
The new chambers are part of a larger project to renovate Howell City Hall. The first floor was earlier remodeled. The Police Department will be moving up from the first to the second floor, which is currently under construction.
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AAA: MI Gas Prices Drop a Dime Since Last WeekAAA: MI Gas Prices Drop a Dime Since Last Week
Nik Rajkovic / news@whmi.com
Gas prices in Michigan are down 10 cents from a week ago. Michigan drivers are now paying an average of $3.59 per gallon for regular unleaded. This price is 2 cents less than this time last month and 6 cents less than this time last year.
Motorists are paying an average of $53 for a full 15-gallon tank of gasoline; a discount of about $5 from 2023's highest price last August.
According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand rose slightly from 8.61 to 8.66 million b/d. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks decreased by 1.1 million bbl to 227.4 million bbl.
At the close of Wednesdayâs formal trading session, WTI decreased by $2.67 to settle at $82.86. Oil prices dipped as the EIA reported crude oil inventories increased by 2.7 million barrels from the previous week. At 460.0 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are just 1% below the five-year average for this time of year.
"Michigan motorists are finally seeing lower prices at the pump," said Adrienne Woodland, spokesperson, AAA-The Auto Club Group. "However, a rise in oil prices alongside tight supply could push gas prices higher."
Compared to last week, Metro Detroitâs average daily gas price decreased. Metro Detroitâs current average is $3.60 per gallon, about 5 cents less than last weekâs average and 2 cents less than this same time last year.
Click link below to view AAA's state and metro gas averages
· Most expensive gas price averages: Marquette ($3.71), Jackson ($3.69), Ann Arbor ($3.64)
· Least expensive gas price averages: Traverse City ($3.37), Grand Rapids ($3.53), Flint ($3.55)
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Brighton Superintendent: Art Program Not in JeopardyBrighton Superintendent: Art Program Not in Jeopardy
Tom Tolen / news@whmi.com
Contrary to rumors, the Brighton Area Schoolsâ art program is not going to go by the wayside â neither now, nor at any foreseeable time in the future. Rumors have circulated the last few days that the Brighton Area Schoolsâ art program is in line to be either severely reduced or even be eliminated altogether.
However, according to Superintendent Matt Outlaw, that is definitely not the case. Outlaw told WHMI News Sunday evening that art is ânot being eliminated, and that has never even been considered.â
On the agenda for Monday nightâs Board of Education meeting is an item calling for a reduction in one art teacher's status from full time (1.0 FTE) to part-time (0.6 FTE). The individual is one of eight art teachers in the Brighton Area Schools. Outlaw says the need to slightly reduce art staff was caused by a reduction in students wanting to take art in the fall 2024 term.
In the open letter to parents, Outlaw said, quote, â50% fewer Brighton High School students selected traditional art courses for next year. As a result, we only need 6 traditional art classes to meet the needs of every Brighton High School student that wishes to take art in 2024-25. Aligning staffing with student selections, one of the districtâs eight art teachers will have a reduced assignmentâ¦.We will continue to ensure that our students have rich and vibrant options including the arts, every year.â
Outlaw continued, âPerhaps another question is what students are opting for â our engineering, health occupations/pre-medical science, auto, family consumer science, graphic arts and business classes are all attracting high numbers of students. Many of these classes have strong links to future career interests and many offer specific training that will give our students a leg-up after high school. There are so many great choices for our students to choose from each year and this includes a robust offering of graphic and traditional art classes.
"The district values applied and performing arts. It is required for every student K-6 and we have a strong program at Scranton Middle School as well. We will work to better understand what led to this decline in interest at BHS for next year and we will strive for increased enrollment in the future. Traditional art classes will always have a place at Brighton High School."
The item to decrease the classroom time of the certified art teacher in question next fall is item âEâ among the âfor actionâ items on the agenda. The meeting will be held at 7 pm in the board meeting room at the BECC building, E. Main and Church streets in Brighton.
Below is the text of Supt. Outlawâs open letter to parents:
"Dear BHS families and students,
I am writing today to address a rumor that Brighton High School is eliminating the art program. To be clear, the art department is not being eliminated nor has this been discussed. Our district has and always will value visual, performing, and applied arts.
Students at Brighton High School choose elective courses based on personal interests, needs and career pathways. This winter, 50% fewer Brighton High School students selected traditional art courses for next year. As a result, we only need 6 traditional art classes to meet the needs of every Brighton High School student that wishes to take art in 2024-25. Aligning staffing with student selections, one of the district's eight art teachers will have a reduced assignment.
As a district, we value a well-rounded experience and we respect our students' right to choose the elective courses that best meet their needs. We will continue to ensure that our students have rich and vibrant options, including the arts, every year. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to me at outlawm@brightonk12.com."
Sincerely,
Matt Outlaw, BAS Superintendent
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MI Retail Index Shows Stagnate Q1 SalesMI Retail Index Shows Stagnate Q1 Sales
Nik Rajkovic / news@whmi.com
Inflation and freight costs are still dragging down retail optimism in Michigan.
The Michigan Retailers Association's latest 100-point Retail Index shows the economy may not be as rosy as some like to portray."We've had really good unemployment rates. We've had increases in salaries. We've had all sorts of positive things, but we also have this really scary inflation that's been dogging all of us over the past several years and retailers are really taking a hit on that," says spokeswoman Andrea Bitely."People aren't out shopping in the way they used to. They're more focused on every day items, those bread and milk items, versus buying extra."
March 2024 sales landed at 44.3 on the 100-point Retail Index. The January and February 2024 Retail Indexes came in at 48.0.
"What that really says is Q1 for retail was incredibly stagnate," says Bitely. "If we are struggling in our retail economy, that means we can be struggling in other parts of our economy."
Inflation, coupled with gas prices, is having a trickle down effect for both retailers and consumers.
"It's incredibly expensive to move things from Point A to Point B," Bitely added. "Whether it be planes, trains or autmobiles being used to deliver a good or product to a business, or to get that product from a business to your home if you're ordering, everything is more expensive.""It comes down to that inflation rate. And it comes down to general costs of goods and services."
Bitely says consumers can do their part by buying local as much as they can, or maybe consider more weekend getaways within Michigan, rather than traveling out of state.
Read more about the MRA's March index at the link below.
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Sentencing Delayed for Howell Mother Charged in Accidental Shooting of ToddlerSentencing Delayed for Howell Mother Charged in Accidental Shooting of Toddler
Nik Rajkovic / news@whmi.com
Sentencing for a Howell mother charged in last year's accidental shooting death of her toddler is pushed off to December.
Tonya Lacey pleaded no contest in March to a felony count of 2nd degree child abuse for allowing her 2-year-old to access an unsecured firearm last June.
It happened at the family's home in the Rolling Oaks subdivision. Lacey was scheduled to be sentenced last week, but it is now delayed until December 19.
Lacey's husband is an officer with Dearborn Police, but was not home at the time of the shooting. The gun in question was not registered or connected to him.
Lacey remains free on bond.
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Gov. Whitmer Announces New Office of Defense and Aerospace InnovationGov. Whitmer Announces New Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation
Nik Rajkovic / news@whmi.com
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Monday joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to announce a new Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation.
Officials hope the new office will help grow the stateâs defense and aerospace industry, which already contributes $30 billion in economic activity for the state of Michigan, supporting more than 116,000 jobs and representing nearly 4,000 Michigan businesses serving the defense, defense aerospace, and homeland security industries.
U.S. Marine Corps Col. John Gutierrez (ret) will serve as its new executive director.
Read more at the link below.
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Two Men and a Truck's Annual "Movers for Moms" CampaignTwo Men and a Truck's Annual "Movers for Moms" Campaign
Nik Rajkovic / news@whmi.com
Two Men and a Truck's annual "Movers for Moms" campaign is currently collecting items for the LACASA women's shelter.
Items can be dropped off at Two Men and a Truck's Howell office on Victory Drive, Livingston County Habitat for Humanity, State Bank of Brighton, Hartland Area Chamber of Commerce, Rooted Chiropractic, Shaka Cafe and Hidden Springs Church."Donations being accepted currently are pet food, individually wrapped snacks, juice boxes, diapers, wipes, cleaning supplies and essential care items. Toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, combs and brushes, things like that. Anything you would use personally while getting ready in the morning," says spokeswoman Charlene Bush."Anything that can make you feel more comfortable. Slippers are always welcome. Ladies underwear in all sizes. Bathrobes. New pajamas in different sizes."
The "Movers for Moms" campaign runs through May 7."We do it leading up to Mother's Day to ensure these women who are being helped in these difficult seasons are not forgotten. So LACASA has always been our shelter partner in Livingston County," Bush added.
Click the link below for more details.
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"Arise And Shine" Women Empowerment Brunch Thursday"Arise And Shine" Women Empowerment Brunch Thursday
Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com
An upcoming conference aims to empower, inspire, and celebrate women in the community.
Livingston County Habitat for Humanity will host its Women Empowerment Brunch, Arise and Shine, this Thursday from 9am to 1pm at Hidden Springs Church in Howell. Itâs a half-day conference that features speakers, brunch, and a celebration of shining women. This yearâs theme is "Empowering the WHOLE woman".
Among the speakers are Jen McClure, who says she empowers women through life coaching and in her role as a Sales Director with Mary Kay Cosmetics. After walking through a wilderness season from breakdown to breakthrough, she says itâs her mission to help women move from feeling stuck to thriving.
Another speaker is Carolyn LaPan, a Certified Functional Nutrition and Lifestyle Practitioner specializing in uncovering underlying imbalances.
Ticket information is available in the provided link.
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Local Woman Named 2024 Michigan Social Worker Of The YearLocal Woman Named 2024 Michigan Social Worker Of The Year
Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com
A local woman has been named âSocial Worker of the Yearâ.
Amy Nicholas has been honored as the 2024 Michigan Social Worker of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers Michigan Chapter (NASW-Michigan).
The award honors a member of the NASW-Michigan Chapter who exemplifies the best of the professionâs values and achievements through specific accomplishments in recent years.
Nicholas, a school social worker for the Livingston Educational Service Agency, has spent her career supporting students in preschool through high school within Howell Public Schools.
Nicholas said âI am truly honored to have been selected for this award. Words cannot fully express my delighted surprise and gratitude when I learned about the recognition. The support and belief in my work from my colleague who made the nomination and colleagues who wrote letters of recommendation has been incredibly heartwarming and motivatingâ.
In Howell, Nicholas is said to have played an integral role in the success of programs such as Parker Middle Schoolâs TIES (peer mentoring) program and Unified Champion Sports program, demonstrating her dedication to student well-being and development. She has sought out and received grants to launch numerous initiatives, supporting everything from parental engagement to anti-bullying campaigns.
Parker Middle School Principal Dr. Patricia Poelke said âAmyâs incredible contributions and support of our school community are evident in the success of the numerous programs she has helped build and their impact on our students. From launching a peer-to-peer mentoring program to bringing one of the first Unified Champion Sports programs to Howell, Amy has had a positive influence on the entire districtâ.
In addition to her role within the school system, Nicholas has been proactive in the broader community by providing county-wide training as a START EPLI Certified Trainer/Coach, participating as a member of the Livingston Educational Autism Network, providing training as a certified instructor with the Crisis Prevention Institute, and serving on committees to bring professional development opportunities to LESA. Nicholas has also mentored and supervised new Limited-Licensed Master's Social Workers (LLMSW) for their licensure.
Howell Public Schools Superintendent Erin MacGregor said they are incredibly fortunate to have Amy on their team in Howell Public Schools. He said âher innovative work and advocacy have profoundly impacted our students and community, exemplifying what it means to be the NASW-Michigan Chapter Social Worker of the Yearâ.
The Michigan Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers has over 6,000 members who live and work in the State of Michigan. NASW-MI helps shape legislation that affects the health, welfare and education of all people. It works with several allied organizations to promote causes and services that improve society.
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Brighton School Board Votes to Keep Full-time Art Teacher at BHSBrighton School Board Votes to Keep Full-time Art Teacher at BHS
Tom Tolen / news@whmi.com
The Brighton Board of Education voted Monday night to ensure that the art program at Brighton High School continues to have at least one full-time teacher.
After hearing over two hours of impassioned testimony from students, teachers and parents, the board voted 7-0 to reject a recommendation to downsize the position of the current art teacher, Rebecca Marzonie, from 1.0 full-time equivalent to .6 FTE, or slightly more than half-time.
The rationale behind the recommendation was that only 50 high school students signed up for art next year. However, the board was told many students who would otherwise take art are constricted by scheduling demands, with courses like physical eduction and health required by the state. As a result, those class mandates and core curriculum choices such as science and math leave little or no room for electives like art.
Marzonie currently teaches six art classes at the high school. In addition, she runs an art club after hours for which she does not receive compensation.
A procession of speakers addressed the board at an over two-hour call-to-the-public. Among them was 1981 BHS graduate Michael Monroe, a nationally known wildlife artist and childrenâs book illustrator. Monroe urged the board to keep the art program at its current level, saying that for him, âIt was a place to decompress from the demands of the required courses and a place to be creative.â
Board Vice President Alicia Reid initially urged the board to table the issue in order to study it more. However, Board President Roger Myers said they have to make an immediate decision because the fall teacher assignments must be set by the end of the month. Reid withdrew her motion and the board voted unanimously to keep Marzonie at her current full-time level.
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Rep. Bezotte Files for Re-Election Following Retirement AnnouncementRep. Bezotte Files for Re-Election Following Retirement Announcement
Nik Rajkovic / news@whmi.com
State Rep. Bob Bezotte is running for re-election, after previously announcing his retirement from office.
The former Livingston County sheriff and commissioner announced in January he would not seek another term in Lansing, amid allegations of physical and emotional abuse by his wife in her divorce filing, which he denies.
The Marion Township Republican has now thrown his hat back into the ring after already endorsing other candidates, saying it's the only thing he's got.
If re-elected, the 73-year-old Bezotte's priorities remain public safety and military.
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AG Nessel Seeks 96% Reduction of Consumers Energy Rate Hike RequestAG Nessel Seeks 96% Reduction of Consumers Energy Rate Hike Request
Nik Rajkovic / news@whmi.com
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel before the Michigan Public Service Commission arguing that Consumers Energy Companyâs requested natural gas rate increase should instead be a rate reduction.
âMy staff and expert witness worked tirelessly reviewing this rate increase request from Consumers Energy,â said Nessel. âFor our efforts, we are able to present direct evidence to the Commission to refute the need for any rate hike for Consumers Energy at this time and argue Consumersâ customers should instead see a rate decrease.â
If granted by the Commission, Consumers Energyâs $136 million rate increase request equates to a 5.7% increase for residential customers and an 8.1% increase for small commercial customers. In addition, Consumers Energy is seeking a 37% increase in the residential monthly charge and an 18% increase in the small commercial monthly charge. Moreover, Consumers Energy is seeking to increase the profit percentage it makes on capital expenditures (investments into its own infrastructure and generation capacity). Coupled with a request for more than $3 billion in those capital expenditures, Consumers seeks to further increase financial gains for its shareholders at the direct expense of its customers.
The Attorney Generalâs testimony demonstrates that Consumers Energy has, at most, a $5.3 million need (compared to the $136 million requested) for a rate increase in the coming year before a credit is applied to customers from the Companyâs sale of its Appliance Service Program. Consumers Energy is proposing to credit only 50% of the net proceeds from the sale of the program toward customers over the next five years, despite the program profits previously being 100% credited toward customers, as the customers paid to build the program.
Now, Consumers proposes retaining the other 50% of the net proceeds from the sale for the exclusive benefit of its corporate shareholders, thereby converting the ratepayer-built program to the immediate financial benefit of investors. The Attorney General is arguing for a 100% return of the proceeds to customers. Assuming only $14 million is returned, customers would receive a rate decrease of nearly $9 million, but if the Attorney Generalâs testimony is adopted, customers could see an even larger rate decrease and savings on their gas bills.
âFor years we have fought against DTE and Consumerâs rate hikes, coming one right after the last and asking for more and more every time,â Nessel continued.
âWhile Consumers Energy is once again begging the commission to let them squeeze their customers for even more on their gas bill, our experts can show that the customers are actually due a rate decrease.â
Consumers Energy announced this rate hike request little more than just 1 month after the MPSC granted approval of their previous natural gas rate hike.
Approximately 1.8 million customers in Michigan rely on natural gas from Consumers Energy to primarily heat their homes and businesses during the winter as well as for other uses.
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City Of Howell & Community Give Young Business Owner Big BoostCity Of Howell & Community Give Young Business Owner Big Boost
Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com
A young, local entrepreneurâs lawn care business got a big boost from the community last night.
14-year-old Trayvon Hoskins is a freshman at Howell High School. He received an âoutstanding citizen recognitionâ during a heartwarming presentation during Monday nightâs Howell City Council meeting.
City staff, Council, and various community members and businesses came together to surprise him with new lawnmowers and other things to help boost his business and set him up for continued success.
Hoskins can regularly be seen mowing lawns around town. Since age 10, heâs been working to grow his lawn care business and making a difference. The City said that Hoskins always has the biggest smile and a wonderful attitude, and now, at age 14, the community has come together to give him a boost.
Hoskins caught the attention of City staff and Council, as well as the Cityâs local UPS driver who posted a video about how impressed he was with his work ethic, how he was all over in the community, and his big smile. Councilman Nikolas Hertrich said he was thoroughly impressed with Hoskinâs professionalism and dedication to his craft, and approached staff about doing something for him.
City Manager Erv Suida commented that they started hearing more and more about him, and Hoskins has impacted more people than he likely realizes. He said it quickly became apparent that a lot of people really appreciate him so they wanted to do something special.
Thanks to the generosity of many, Hoskins is now well set up.
Mugg and Bopps is providing Hoskins up with fuel for the entire season while Howell Western Wear provided new work boots and socks. First impression Print & Marketing donated business cards, shirts, yard signs, door hangers, and invoices. Hutsonâs Inc. presented him with a new Honda push mower. The City and Council, Agape Church, Byrum Ace Hardware, and others surprised him with a brand-new Craftsman riding lawnmower, that was waiting out in the parking lot for him to take home.
Suida said Hoskins exemplifies the type of youth who makes a difference and his smile is a beacon of positivity that never fades and lights up a room â which is a testament to his character and impact on those around him.
Hoskins was clearly surprised and thanked everyone, telling WHMI itâs a huge blessing and heâs super excited and happy â adding heâs also really glad he wonât have to worry about the cost of gas.
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Maintenance On Argentine Dam WednesdayMaintenance On Argentine Dam Wednesday
Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com
Maintenance work is planned Wednesday on the Argentine Dam in Argentine Township.
The Genesee County Road Commission will be performing maintenance on the Argentine Dam on Silver Lake Road between Seymour Road and Sunset Way on Wednesday from 7:30am to 9am. Flaggers will be controlling traffic.
The Genesee County Road Commission asks that motorists drive safely near the work zone.
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