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Lake Fenton Navy Veteran Named Military Engineer Of The YearLake Fenton Navy Veteran Named Military Engineer Of The Year

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By Mike Kruzman / news@whmi.com A Navy-veteran from Lake Fenton has been named Military Engineer of the Year for 2021. Lt. Commander Thomas Dill was selected for the honor by Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Washington, earlier this month. Dill has been with NAVFAC Washington for 2 years and leads more than 80 civilian and military personnel who deliver utility engineering, facility sustainment and maintenance, and special construction services according to a release from the Navy Office of Community Outreach. Among his accomplishments, the Lake Fenton-graduate has ensured the operations of 3 steam plants, 2 chilled water plants, multiple transmission systems, and potable water and sewer systems in the National Capital Region. Dill said he wanted to be a pilot, but he also was interested in how science and math come together to make systems work, like in airplanes, hence becoming an engineer was a natural choice for him. He added that life as an engineer has not disappointed, and that he enjoys working with teams to solve practical problems. Believing it provides a foundation to understand how things work and that it gives the opportunity to utilize all the knowledge we’ve acquired to continue solving problems and push humanity forward, Dill is encouraging the younger generations to consider engineering as a career path. Captain Gregory Vinci of NAVFAC Washington congratulated Dill, commending him on his service, dedication, professionalism, and contributions.

New Brighton Economic Development Coordinator HiredNew Brighton Economic Development Coordinator Hired

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By Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com The City of Brighton’s Economic Development Team has a new member. Denise Murray has joined Ann Arbor SPARK as the Economic Development Coordinator contracted by the City of Brighton. In her new role, Murray will be working closely with City Staff and the Downtown Development Authority Board to engage directly with Brighton businesses; assessing their needs and offering business support services when requested. A press release states Murray hopes to act as a bridge between the City and DDA and the community’s diverse businesses, noting her extensive experience in business development and collaborative mindset. DDA Chair Tim Corrigan said Murray brings a level of expertise that will be very helpful in assisting their local restaurants and merchants. City Manager Nate Geinzer commented that adding Murray to their Economic Development Team allows for an expanded full service approach to economic development including businesses recruitment, retention, and development services. He noted she’ll work closely with Community Development Manager Mike Caruso and Management/DDA Assistant Henry Outlaw to build a robust economic ecosystem. More information about Murray’s background and contact information for businesses is available in the attached release.

Carbon Monoxide Safety & Awareness Week UnderwayCarbon Monoxide Safety & Awareness Week Underway

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By Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com Carbon Monoxide Safety and Awareness Week is underway across Livingston County and the state of Michigan. Governor Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed October 26th through November 1st as Carbon Monoxide Safety and Awareness Week in Michigan and Consumers Energy is again working to educate people about CO signs and symptoms. Carbon monoxide is referred to as “the invisible killer” because it is an odorless, colorless, tasteless and poisonous gas produced by the improper operation or ventilation of fuel-burning appliances. That can include furnaces, water heaters, ovens, fireplaces, fuel space heaters, generators, charcoal grills and vehicles. Each year, more than 140 people are hospitalized in Michigan due to CO poisoning, with more than 400 dying each year across the United States. Consumers Energy Public Information Director Debra McIntyre-Dodd tells WHMI generally the whole winter season is a big carbon monoxide safety and awareness time for Michiganders. She says they recommend having furnaces are inspected by a qualified technician to get things tuned up and ready for winter to make sure everything is in good working order as carbon monoxide poisoning can occur almost anywhere and signs of CO poisoning often mimic the flu. Symptoms can include headache, dizziness, nausea/vomiting, fatigue, shortness of breath, confusion and stinging/burning of the eyes. McIntyre-Dodd stressed the importance of having at least one working audible CO alarm in a home, business, cabin, boat and even deer blinds or ice shanties. She says now is a good time to get furnaces inspected by a licensed technician and it’s recommended that furnace air filters be changed at least once a month during the winter season – but more if someone has pets to make sure it runs at peak efficiency and operates correctly. McIntyre-Dodd said it’s also good idea to have chimneys or vent pipes inspected to make sure there are no obstructions like leaves or bird nests that could cause a CO problem. McIntyre-Dodd says they recommend purchasing a UL-listed audible CO alarm - meaning Underwriter Laboratory listed indicating they have been tested and approved. She says it’s important to make sure the alarm is audible that way if a CO problem occurs, it will alert via a loud alarm like a smoke detector. If an alarm ever does sound, McIntyre-Dodd says they recommend people get out of the area, call 911 and do not re-enter the home or business until it has been checked and declared safe. More information on carbon monoxide safety is available in the attachment and web link.

Benson Says Voters Need Assurance Of A Safe Election DayBenson Says Voters Need Assurance Of A Safe Election Day

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By Jon King / jking@whmi.com Despite a judge’s ruling on Tuesday that blocked a ban on the open display of guns near Michigan polling places on Election Day, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson remains convinced that she has the authority to order the ban and will seek legal measures to enforce it. Speaking this morning on WHMI, Benson said that the decision by Court of Claims Judge Christopher Murray is not the last word on the issue. "The Attorney General will appeal. As the chief elections officer for the State of Michigan I oftentimes, in partnership with other clerks, issue regulations and guidance for how election operations happen in our state, and when you have a unique moment that we're in where there are violent threats being made against lawmakers, against other areas of the state, it's very important that we can assure voters that they'll be safe and secure on Election Day." Benson added that, "In the same way that you can't campaign in a precinct, can't take photos of other voters because that's seen as intimidating." However, gun-rights groups accused Benson of exceeding her authority in banning people from openly carrying guns within 100 feet of voting sites. She acted after authorities recently busted up an alleged plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and storm the Capital building in Lansing. Among those critics was Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy, who said the order was unenforceable as there is no law prohibiting open carry in public places and that while businesses can prohibit people from open carrying because it’s private property, on Election Day polling locations are considered open to the public. Judge Murray took a more technical view, ruling that Benson failed to go through the formal rule-making process required under state law. Compliance “is no mere procedural nicety,” Murray said. “Instead, our appellate courts have repeatedly emphasized the importance of the democratic principles embodied in the (law), which requires notice and an opportunity to be heard on the subject under consideration.” Earlier in the day, Assistant Attorney General Heather Meingast said lawmakers have given secretaries of state discretion to set certain election rules, including safety. Separately, armed critics upset with the governor’s orders about controlling the coronavirus have rallied at the Capitol. “There are dozens — we’ve had numerous complaints,” Meingast told the judge. “There are voters who are afraid. There are election workers who are afraid to go to work on Election Day.” Murray said voter intimidation already is illegal, something Sheriff Murphy concurred with earlier. Attorney General Dana Nessel, a Democrat, pledged to appeal Murray’s decision with just days left until the election. Looking toward Tuesday, Benson also reiterated that anyone who has yet to mail in their absentee ballot should not do so as there is not enough time for it to arrive in time. Instead, she advises voters to take their ballot to their municipal clerk’s office or designated ballot drop box. As for those who requested and received an absentee ballot, but have decided to vote in person instead next Tuesday, Benson says they will need to bring their ballot with them and turn it in at the polls before being allowed to vote in person. She directed anyone with questions or concerns to the state’s voting information website; Michigan.gov/vote. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Photo - In this Sept. 24, 2020, file photo, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson speaks in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

New "What2Words" Safety App To Aid 911 Central DispatchNew "What2Words" Safety App To Aid 911 Central Dispatch

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By Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com Livingston County residents can now download a new mobile safety app that officials say enables a more effective emergency response by law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services. The new “what3words” app is a free service that provides more precise location information to 911 centers when help is requested by a caller. While knowing your location is always the best practice, it’s not always possible and officials say the new technology allows responders to be dispatched to a caller’s location quickly. Livingston County 911 Director Chad Chewning says the what3words technology can save critical time in an emergency when seconds can be the difference between life and death. He noted that mobile phones do not provide a physical address to 911 when someone is not at a residence or business. He said in situations that occur when hiking, hunting, or on a lake where there are no signs telling you where you are, the what3words technology can locate someone more precisely than before. Chewning said “when time is of the essence and you are not sure where you are, this will help us get help to you faster. It reduces stress on the callers and the public safety responders, and allows 911 more time to provide pre-arrival care instructions and address potential on-scene safety issues.” It works by either using the pre-downloaded app on someone’s smart device when they call 911 or having Livingston County’s 911 Central Dispatch send someone a text message with a link to click that gives assigned words of someone’s location that they can then provide to 911. Central Dispatch then has the ability to pinpoint someone’s location down to a 10 feet by 10 feet square using the GPS location information on their smart device. The new app is available to all individuals from any smart device’s app store. Residents can customize their profile and share any information they want 911 and response teams to have in the event of an emergency. All information in the Safety Profile is said to be private and secure and seen only when a citizen dials 911. The application has been credited with positively impacting emergency outcomes including locating missing children, a missing hiker in the mountains, and a lost boater on a large body of water. More information is available in the attached press release. Photo credit: www.what3words.com.

Barker Road Closed For Culvert Replacement TodayBarker Road Closed For Culvert Replacement Today

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By Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com Motorists in Northfield Township are being advised of a daytime road closure that could stretch into Friday. The Washtenaw County Road Commission advises that Barker Road will be closed between Timbercrest Lane and Wildwood Lake Drive for culvert replacement. To accommodate the work, Barker Road will be closed from 9:45am to 2pm today. Depending on conditions, the Road Commission advises that Barker Road may be closed during the same time frame on Friday as well. Officials remind that all dates and times are tentative and subject to change due to weather conditions.

Teal Pumpkin Project To Host Trunk-or-Trinket Event FridayTeal Pumpkin Project To Host Trunk-or-Trinket Event Friday

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By Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com Area children that suffer from food allergies have an opportunity to take part in a trick-or-treating event that’s more their style this Friday. This marks the second year of the Teal Pumpkin Project and a Trunk or Treat style event is planned. The Teal Pumpkin Project focuses on making Halloween a fun experience for kids with food allergies and encourages people to put out a teal pumpkin and give away non-food items for kids such as toys or trinkets. Jennifer Cruthirds started the project and a non-profit, the Calvin Cruthirds Foundation, in memory of her son, who she says had some challenges and food allergies was one of them. She says the goal of the foundation is to raise awareness but also create more inclusive environments, experiences and opportunities. Halloween was Calvin’s birthday so Jennifer says it was an exciting time but also stressful because of his allergies and there being so much candy he couldn’t eat. She tells WHMI they’ve planned a Trunk-or-Trinket event this Friday with non-food items at the Legacy Center in Green Oak Township. Cruthirds says a group of people have volunteered to decorate their trunks and hand out non-food items so kids can come and trunk-or-treat for little fun things that aren’t food. She says it’s a safe event for kids with food-allergies or anyone else who wants to come – noting they’ll be following all required COVID-19 safety precautions. Friday’s event will run from 6 to 8pm in the parking lot by the baseball field at the Legacy Center. More information can be found through the provided web link, which also features suggestions for non-food items to hand out on Halloween.

UIA Offering Appointments For Unemployment Claim HelpUIA Offering Appointments For Unemployment Claim Help

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By Mike Kruzman / news@whmi.com Livingston County residents needing help with unemployment claims now have a new option. Since March 15 roughly $25-billion in unemployment benefits have been paid out to 2.2-million workers in Michigan. For some the process went fine, but for others, getting their due benefits proved to be an exercise in frustration. While the COVID-19 pandemic has forced Unemployment Insurance Agency offices to remain closed, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity is announcing a new telephone appointment option for customers with specific claim issues. Phone appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8:15am to 4:25pm and can be scheduled a week in advance. Once scheduled, a customer service agent will call the claimant from the agency’s dedicated customer service line on the designated day and time to give assistance for several possible issues. These issues may include a claimant filing under the wrong Social Security Number, inactive claims, being unable to certify for all weeks needed, a claimant needing to file a claim but one is already filed in their name, and not having the link in MiWAM to file a claim. Those receiving assistance should be prepared to verify their identity with their Social Security Number and Driver’s License or State Identification number. Most appointments are expected to take no more than 20 minutes. To schedule an appointment, visit www.Michigan.gov/uia.

Four Candidates Seek Two Contested HPS Board SeatsFour Candidates Seek Two Contested HPS Board Seats

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By Tom Tolen / news@whmi.com Four candidates are vying for two, 4-year terms on the Howell Public Schools Board of Education in next Tuesday’s election. The candidates include two incumbents: Michael Yenshaw and Marcus Wilcox and challengers Adam Doby and Crystal Zurek. In addition, two candidates are running without opposition for two, 6-year terms on the board. They are Stacy Pasini and Courtney Tarara - both of them incumbents. Since Passini and Tarara are running unopposed, WHMI is concentrating on the two 4-year seats that are up for grabs. We asked the candidates a series of nine questions: 1) Why are you running for the board? 2) What do you think is the biggest need in the district? 3) If elected what are your goals and priorities for the next four years? 4) Niche.com rates the Howell Public Schools as “above average.” Is that sufficient, or do you think Howell Schools should strive for more than that? 5) What special skill set/s do you possess that you believe would make you valuable to the board and district? 6) Howell has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic with an in-person plan, plus the option of a virtual, online program for families that prefer that to in-school learning. Do you feel the Return to School program has been successful? 7) Are you a district parent with children in the Howell Public Schools? 8) How many children do you have, and what school/s do they attend? 9) How can Howell best retain and build on its good academic reputation? Their responses have been condensed here for the sake of brevity. The complete answers are available through the download below. WHY ARE YOU RUNNING? Yenshaw, the longest-serving member of the board with 13 years of service, says he has “institutional knowledge” he can pass on to the newer board members and that he has taken part in many critical decisions over the years. With two children in district schools, Doby feels “the district’s success is personal and heartfelt,” and that kids should have the maximum number of choices and opportunities. Zurek - an educator in the Dexter Community Schools - feels her son and his classmates deserve “an education where they are taught to think critically about how they can make the world a better place.” Wilcox has been on the board 5 years and wants to continue to contribute to its stability and smooth functioning. WHAT IS THE BIGGEST NEED IN THE DISTRICT? Wilcox says “COVID has changed everything in the short term and the biggest need is to safely continue having children attend school 5 days a week in person if parents so choose.” Yenshaw says the biggest need is to ensure continued stable financing “to insure that students are receiving the best quality-education possible.” Zurek says, “the biggest need…is to keep students, staff and the community safe by implementing safer COVID-19 protocols.” And Doby says he “would like to see us provide enhanced educational opportunities for gifted students, increased vocational opportunities, and equal access to advanced elementary learning programs.“ WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS/PRIORITIES FOR THE NEXT 4 YEARS IF ELECTED? Doby would like to see “decreased class sizes, (teachers’) pay commensurate with the level of responsibility (the district) ask(s) of them, and updated, readily available supplies… creating community service projects and events that engage and benefit citizens, businesses and education alike.” Wilcox would like to see “Safely continu(ing) children in school 5 days a week, and “provid(ing) the resources to teachers and students to increase test scores and provide as many opportunities for students as possible.” Yenshaw says that, as one of seven board members, “Personal goals or priorities are not a primary objective.” That being said, Yenshaw adds that Howell’s per-pupil state aid is among the lowest in Michigan, and he feels the state’s formula for funding public education needs to be changed to make it more equitable. Zurek says Howell is rated as only a C in diversity and needs to “be inclusive of all marginalized groups. For example, students should learn about how to be anti-racist and should learn about LGBTQ+ issues across the curriculum. Students perform better when they feel safe and included,” she says. NICHE.COM RATES THE HOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS AS “ABOVE AVERAGE”. IS THAT SUFFICIENT, OR DO YOU THINK HOWELL SCHOOLS SHOULD STRIVE FOR MORE THAN THAT? Yenshaw suggests that the rating is unscientific, and is based on “a compilation of statistical data analysis and user opinions gleaned by reviews of students, parents, and district residents.” Nonetheless, he says the district can always strive to be better. Zurek says the website gives Howell merely a “C” rating for diversity, saying that it must strive to “attract members of diverse groups to our community” adding that staff, the board, and students need to be trained in social justice. Doby says the board needs to “evaluate (its) performance and set constantly higher, yet achievable, goals.” Wilcox maintains that “Howell Schools is the Gold standard around Metro Detroit right now on how to educate students safely,” while adding the district “can always do better.” WHAT SPECIAL SKILL SET/S DO YOU POSSESS THAT WOULD MAKE YOU VALUABLE TO THE BOARD AND DISTRICT? Doby says that as the manager of a Starbucks, he knows “how important education is to success and the huge part that positive role models play in development. He adds that his experience with budgeting and addressing financial limitations has given him the skills necessary to navigate some of the current challenges in the district. Zurek says her “10 years of experience in education will make (her) valuable to the board and the district.” Yenshaw says he is known for his “integrity, work ethic, attention to detail, and listening to people as an effective and valuable member of the board.” Wilcox says that as an attorney on the board he provides legal guidance, in his words, “to ensure we are not making decisions that would jeopardize Howell Public Schools.” HOWELL HAS RESPONDED TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC WITH AN IN-PERSON PLAN, PLUS THE OPTION OF A VIRTUAL, ONLINE PROGRAM FOR FAMILIES THAT PREFER THAT TO IN-SCHOOL LEARNING. DO YOU FEEL THE RETURN TO SCHOOL PROGRAM HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL? While saying that it has been a good plan overall, Doby says there was “a lack of clearly articulated instructions for what students needed to do on the first day, adding he thinks “masks should have been made mandatory for elementary students from day one to create consistency through the entire district.” Yenshaw says Howell has been unique in the area by having in-school instruction all five days while most other districts have adopted variations of hybrid learning. While some students or staff have tested positive for COVID-19, Yenshaw says the district only required one day, at the high school, devoted to online instruction. Zurek says she would “advocate for safer protocols,” adding that masks should have been mandatory in all district schools starting at the beginning of the year. Wilcox praised school officials for establishing what he calls “the best (coronavirus protocols) in the state of Michigan…(with) no student-to-student COVID cases during that time.” ARE YOU A DISTRICT PARENT WITH CHILDREN IN THE BRIGHTON AREA SCHOOLS? IF SO, HOW MANY CHILDREN DO YOU HAVE, AND WHAT SCHOOL/S DO THEY ATTEND? Wilcox has two children who both attend Southwest Elementary and Doby has a second grader, also at Southwest. Yenshaw, with three grown daughters, has no children currently in school, while Zurek has a son who attends kindergarten through Highlander Virtual. HOW CAN HOWELL BEST RETAIN AND BUILD ON ITS GOOD ACADEMIC REPUTATION? Zurek says by providing more professional development opportunities for teachers, “teaching social and emotional skills, making our curriculum inclusive, teaching critical thinking skills, and providing emotional support through school counselors and social workers.” Doby says by providing unique and interesting opportunities for learning….supporting teachers and staff by providing them with the resources they need will equip them with the tools necessary to improve upon our current results.” Wilcox says, “By providing the necessary resources to teachers so students are encouraged and motivated to learn in a safe environment,” also continuing “alternative programs like the builder’s trade program” and increasing AP classes. And Yenshaw says, “The District can maintain its good academic reputation by continuing to provide effective and wide-ranging instructional, social, and emotional supports necessary in pursuit of student success.”

Downtown Howell Businesses Tagged With GraffitiDowntown Howell Businesses Tagged With Graffiti

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By Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com Graffiti was discovered at various locations in Downtown Howell last weekend. Last weekend, many downtown Howell locations, both public and private property, were said to be tagged with graffiti. The Howell Downtown Development Authority Board met virtually Wednesday night, where Director Kate Litwin discussed the incident with members. A memo states the Howell Police Department is handling the investigative portion of the situation while the DPW is handling the paint on public property, which may require calling in experts with the equipment needed to remove the tags. The memo further stated it was disheartening to see the disrespect for property in the downtown and the hope is that the culprits are caught quickly. 2Fog’s Pub (pictured) was said to be one of the private properties affected. Litwin told the board the shed at the Depot Museum was also tagged but luckily it wasn’t a historic structure. Litwin said their murals and the Howell Summit Garden seem to okay. She said usually when there is some creativity in a downtown that already has murals and art on the walls, a lot of times graffiti artists will respect that and avoid tagging and doing those things but unfortunately, this was probably some individuals without a healthy respect for private property. Litwin noted City DPW crews tried to use special chemicals to remove the graffiti from the surfaces but it wasn’t successful so they’ll be calling in a different contractor to see if they have anything that will work. She added the problem is that a lot of the surfaces were newer brick that had never been touched by paint, therefore they were really porous. Litwin said it’s pretty sad but stressed that everyone at the police department is working hard to find those responsible.

Psych Evaluation Ordered For Robbery SuspectPsych Evaluation Ordered For Robbery Suspect

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By Jon King / jking@whmi.com A psychiatric exam has been ordered for a suspect in the robbery of a jewelry store in downtown Milford. 48-year-old Dennis Michael Maynarich of South Lyon was charged with armed robbery for the September 1st incident at the Rottermond Jewelers on North Main Street. At a pretrial hearing last week in Oakland County Circuit Court, his attorney requested a criminal responsibility exam for his client, which was granted. A December 11th hearing was scheduled to review the results of the exam. Authorities say Maynarich, who remains jailed on a $500,000 bond, walked into the Rottermond store with a gun and demanded a particular piece of jewelry before fleeing. Responding officers then located him in a nearby parking lot. Maynarich is also charged in a number of other robbery incidents in Oakland County, including first degree retail fraud and armed robbery for two separate incidents in Novi.

Mueller Driver's License Extension Bills Signed Into LawMueller Driver's License Extension Bills Signed Into Law

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By Jon King / jking@whmi.com A local lawmaker’s legislation to extend the validity of vehicle registrations, chauffeur licenses and driver’s licenses has been signed into law. On Wednesday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bills 5756 and 5757 into law. Republican State Representative Mike Mueller of Linden sponsored the legislation that would extend licenses and registrations that expired after March 1st to December 11th. During the ongoing pandemic, he said Secretary of State offices have not had the capacity to renew key documents and identification and because of that, people have been unable to renew through no fault of their own. Mueller said the extension should give the Secretary of State’s Office enough time to cut down on the waiting times. The bills also waive late fees for renewal of the cards. The former Livingston County Sheriff’s deputy added that law enforcement also benefits from the extensions as the plan offers a clear explanation for what’s valid and what’s out-of-date when officers conduct stops.

Issues With Absentee Voter Ballot Instructions In Deerfield TownshipIssues With Absentee Voter Ballot Instructions In Deerfield Township

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By Jessica Mathews & Jon King / news@whmi.com There are some issues being reported with absentee ballot instructions in Deerfield Township ahead of Election Day. Clerk Garry Johnston says they used a different printing company for their current secrecy sleeves for the upcoming election, resulting in an error. On the back of the sleeve it states; “Instructions for Absent Voters”, but Johnston says it was overlooked that below that it states that the instructions are enclosed, but because of the printing error, they were not. Those instructions included items such as completely darkening the box for each candidate, only using black or blue ink pen and not voting for more candidates than were indicated under each office. Since it was brought to their attention, Johnston says they’re taking steps to rectify the situation. Two people who marked their ballot with a sharpie requested that they spoil those and be reissued new ones. He says one person crossed party lines after voting a straight ticket so that ballot was spoiled and a new one was reissued. However, Judy Daubenmier, the Chair of the Livingston County Democratic party, told WHMI that Johnston was informed of problems with ballot instructions weeks ago when the ballots went out. "One of our supporters complained that there were no instructions with her ballot and was told they weren't sending them out because they sent them out with the August primary ballot. Of course, instructions for the August primary are different from those for a general election. If the clerk had listened to the voter at that time, there would have been ample time to send out instructions." Daubenmier added according to the League of Women Voters website, a person does not have to spoil their ballot if they vote a straight ticket and then vote for someone of another party. The League guidelines state that voters may vote. "a Split Ticket by overriding their Straight Ticket choice for any office. Each candidate under the party selected will receive a vote except where superseded by a direct vote for a candidate." That was confirmed by Livingston County Elections Coordinator Joe Bridgman, who told WHMI, "A voter can vote straight ticket and then vote for other candidates in the same party or another party and it will not spoil the ballot." An instruction sheet for properly filling out ballots is attached below. For the 200-plus absentee voter ballots that are still outstanding, Johnston says they’re sending out e-mails and calling individuals personally to inform them of the proper marking of the ballot. He said they realize that it’s now too late to send out instructions by regular mail to arrive to voters before Election Day. Johnston says they’re including the instructions with the AV ballots that they’re currently sending out, noting the secrecy sleeves on Election Day also have the instructions printed on them. In addition, he says they’re posting the instructions on the door of the township hall to remind those who are picking up ballots or voting AV in person of the proper marking instructions. Johnston added they can’t post anything on the township website at this time as it is inaccessible and in the process of being reconstructed.

Grand River Construction Continues In HowellGrand River Construction Continues In Howell

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By Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com A seemingly never-ending construction project on Grand River in the City of Howell appears to be somewhat nearing completion. The Howell Downtown Development Authority Board met virtually Wednesday night and discussed the project. The Michigan Department of Transportation is performing the work, which is being done in zones along Grand River. Various detours have been in effect and the project is well behind schedule. DDA Director Kate Litwin reported that the asphalt is all down now and they went through that torture a couple of weeks ago. However, she says it still needs to be striped and there are a lot of other things that need to be done. Litwin stated its all logistics at this point such as the striping and getting new mid-block pedestrian crossings installed. Those will be put in by a separate contractor hired by the City but coordination with M-DOT still needs to happen. Litwin noted city staff has been working hard to make sure things go in the proper order with minimal disruption to downtown. She said it’s getting down to two or three weeks left of the construction season but doesn’t expect any huge obstructions. Litwin stated that their goal all along was to inform businesses when the road closures were going to happen but unfortunately communication from M-DOT lacked and wasn’t the best. She said they did the best they could given the very short notice, adding they didn’t have any complaints about the notice but more so related to wanting to know when it would be over and she thinks local merchants will be happy when the work is done. It was stated during the meeting that the hope is that the pedestrian crosswalks will be installed before the holiday shopping season, within the next four to five weeks but everything is very weather dependent.

Michigan Tightens COVID Restrictions On Dining, GatheringsMichigan Tightens COVID Restrictions On Dining, Gatherings

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LANSING, Mich. (AP) Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s administration on Thursday tightened restrictions on indoor social gatherings and shifted the Traverse City region backward in Michigan’s reopening plan, saying coronavirus hospitalizations have doubled in three weeks and the statewide death rate has risen for five straight weeks. The state Department of Health and Human Services revised and extended mask and other rules. Effective immediately, indoor venues without fixed seating must limit gatherings such as weddings and parties to no more than 50 people — down from a maximum of 500. Restaurants, bars and other venues must seat no more than six people at a table. All dine-in establishments must keep customers’ names and phone numbers for contact-tracing purposes, starting Monday. The state said indoor settings are as much as 20 times more likely to drive COVID-19 outbreaks than outdoor settings. It also recommended that people keep their voices down at social events, warning that shouting or cheering can increase the virus in the air by up to 30 times. As before, violators can face a misdemeanor and fines, including up to $1,000 for each violation or day that a violation continues. Robert Gordon, director of the health department, said educating residents to come into voluntary compliance is preferred over punishing them. “The heart of our effort to beat COVID will be in the hearts and minds of individual Michiganders... choosing to protect human life and to act on the science,” he told reporters in a virtual news conference. The focus of the order, he said, is to reduce the size of non-residential indoor gatherings at places without fixed seating — banquets, weddings and conferences where people move around, chat, dance, eat and drink. “We urge folks to get together outside whenever that is possible. The risks are much higher inside than outside,” Gordon said. “If you are inside, include no more than two households and never more than 10 people.” Under the order, a 17-county area in the upper Lower Peninsula that was in phase five joins Michigan’s seven other regions in phase four. That means masks are mandatory in K-12 classrooms, people who can work remotely are required to do so, and gatherings at venues must be slightly smaller. The latest average positivity rate in Michigan is 5.52%, up from 3.75% two weeks ago. State health departments are calculating positivity rates differently across the country, but for Michigan The Associated Press calculates the rate by dividing new cases by test specimens using data from The COVID Tracking Project. The seven-day average of daily new cases in Michigan has risen over the past two weeks from 1,337 to 2,580. The seven-day average of daily deaths has increased from 14 to nearly 27 over the same period. Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, the state’s chief medical executive, said unlike in the spring, most hospitalizations for the virus are now outside metro Detroit.

White Supremacist Leader Charged For Intimidating Dexter FamilyWhite Supremacist Leader Charged For Intimidating Dexter Family

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By Jon King / jking@whmi.com Two men identified as members of an extremist white supremacist group were arrested and charged with felony counts related to an incident in Dexter last year. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced multiple felony charges had been filed against 25-year-old Justen Watkins of Bad Axe, the self-proclaimed leader of the group known as "The Base," and an associate, 35-year-old Alfred Gorman of Taylor. Both were arrested at their homes this morning following an investigation by Michigan State Police and the FBI. Nessel said the suspects were seen late in the evening of December 11th, 2019 dressed in dark clothing shining a light and taking pictures on the front porch of the family’s home. The photos were then uploaded to The Base’s channel on the social media platform Telegram with the caption: “The Base sends greetings to Daniel Harper of the Antifa podcast ‘I Don’t Speak German’.” Nessel said the pair intended to threaten and intimidate Harper, whom they mistakenly believed to reside at the victims’ home. However, Harper never lived at that address and the photo was taken without the victim family’s consent. “Watkins and Gorman’s posting of the message was intended to cause conduct that would make the residents feel terrorized and emotionally distressed,” Nessel said. “Using tactics of intimidation to incite fear and violence constitutes criminal behavior. We cannot allow dangerous activities to reach their goal of inflicting violence and harm on the public. I am proud to work alongside law enforcement agencies at the local, state and federal levels to safeguard the public’s safety from these serious threats.” Both men were charged in Washtenaw County District Court with Gang membership, a 20-year felony; Unlawful posting of a message, a two-year felony and/or a $5,000 fine; and Using computers to commit a crime, a four-year felony and/or $5,000 fine. The arrests came three weeks after state and federal authorities broke up a plot to kidnap and kill Gov. Whitmer and storm the Capital building in Lansing. Among those charged in that case was Ty Garbin of Hartland Township. However, officials say the two men arrested today had no known connection to that scheme. The AG’s Office says the The Base was founded in 2018 as a White supremacy organization that openly advocates for violence and criminal acts against the U.S., and purports to be training for a race war to establish White ethnonationalist rule in areas of the U.S., including Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The group also reportedly traffics in Nazi ideology and extreme anti-Semitism, at one point requiring its members to read neo-Nazi books that urge the collapse of Western civilization. Officials say the group’s leaders have used online chatrooms to encourage members to meet in-person and engage in military training to prepare for an insurgency against the U.S. government. Watkins reportedly ran a “hate camp” for members of the group, where he led tactical and firearms training for participants with the goal of being prepared for the violent overthrow of the government. The photo of the Dexter home was used by The Base to encourage harassment by its members on the family. Picture - Michigan Attorney General’s Office

Milford Man Sentenced After Twice Skipping Out On CourtMilford Man Sentenced After Twice Skipping Out On Court

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By Jon King / jking@whmi.com Sentencing has been handed down to a Milford man who twice failed to appear in court on charges arising out of a truck theft and police chase. 34-year-old Jesse Ray Linn was in Oakland County Circuit Court this week following his no contest plea to two charges of unlawful driving away of an automobile. A judge sentenced him to 270 days in jail, with 128 days credit for time already served and the balance of his sentence on work release. Linn, who was ordered to pay more than $9,200 in restitution and undergo substance abuse treatment, will also serve two years of probation. He was arrested in December of 2019 when Milford Police say he stole a pickup truck from a gas station in Wixom and then fled from officers before being eventually located in a nearby swampy area. His original sentencing date was June 2nd, but after he failed to show up, a bench warrant was issued for his arrest. He remained at large until he was taken into custody and the warrant canceled on July 31st. When Linn again failed to show up for his sentencing last month, another bench warrant was issued for his arrest. Milford Police later located him at a residence and had to forcibly take him into custody. An additional count of resisting and obstructing a police officer was added, to which he pleaded guilty and given a 45 day jail sentence.

VINA Tailgate In Final HoursVINA Tailgate In Final Hours

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By Mike Kruzman / news@whmi.com It’s the final hours to claim college bragging rights that will be displayed outside a local dental clinic for months to come. The 12th annual VINA Tailgate wraps up at 6pm tonight. Each year VINA holds this popular fundraiser in the week leading up to the Michigan- Michigan State football game. When the decision to go virtual was made this year due to COVID-19, VINA Director of Development and Marketing Jim Gilmore said they decided to run it for 3 weeks online, beginning on the original Tailgate date of October 8th. When the Big Ten released their revised schedule, Gilmore said that the football game falling this week made it a true Tailgate. Many items are still up for grabs in the silent auction, including a one-week stay at penthouse condo in Fort Myers, Florida, multiple golf packages, wine packages, and dollar-for-dollar gift cards. All donations made will benefit the clinic which serves 1,500 under or non-insured Livingston County patients yearly. Traditionally, the Wolverine or Spartan fanbase that donates the most money gets their flag flown from the window. This year, however, Gilmore says they are buying a special canopy to let all know which side is more generous. For safety reasons, all patients are being screened outdoors before entering, and will soon be doing so under the protection of the school’s fanbase that wins the competition. Gilmore said with just hours left that the competition this year is really tight, but Michigan State has the lead. MSU has won 6 of the 11 Tailgates, overall. To participate in the silent auction and event, click on the link below, or visit their website, www.vinadeltal.org, and click on the orange Tailgate tab.

Two New COVID Deaths Reported In Livingston CountyTwo New COVID Deaths Reported In Livingston County

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By Jon King / jking@whmi.com There have been two additional COVID-19-related deaths of Livingston County residents, bringing the total to 35. Four of those deaths have occurred in October. According to details provided by the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services, there have been 34 confirmed COVID deaths and one probable death since March. No additional details are available on the two latest fatalities. The deaths come as both local and state health officials warn of a dramatic rise in the coronavirus caseload. In Livingston County, there have been 2,205 confirmed and probable cases of the virus this year, which has more than doubled since late August. More than 500 of the cases have occurred in the previous 30 days as of Monday and represent more than 26% of all cases since the pandemic began. According to the Livingston County Health Department, at least 148 Livingston County residents have been hospitalized while more than 1,347 have recovered. Across Michigan, there have been 171,220 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 7,298 deaths.

Presentation To Highlight History Of CurryPresentation To Highlight History Of Curry

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By Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com An upcoming virtual presentation will fuse history, culinary influences and recipes centered on the aromatic dish curry. A Bite of History – Curry is being hosted by the Brighton District Library and will feature Neal Parr on Wednesday, November 4th from 7-8 pm via Zoom. A press release states the Smithsonian Museum has evidence that curry may be one of the oldest prepared meals (4,500 years) on the planet. Parr’s presentation will follow the impact that the Mughal Empire had on curry and the British influences that would later affect the dish. How curry has helped shape the idea of the traditional Indian meal will be discussed. Attendees will also learn about different types of curry, recipes from around the world, and how to prepare a common dish of authentic yellow curry. A link to register for A Bite of History – Curry is provided.
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