By Tom Tolen / news@whmi.com
About 30 American veterans and their families will be receiving Thanksgiving dinners on Thursday, thanks to the efforts of Veterans Connected and its Adopt-a-Soldier program.
Both programs are designed to help veterans get the assistance they need in order to receive medical and other benefits to which they are entitled. In addition, as last year, the Adopt a Soldier program will again be providing turkey dinners to eligible veterans and their families.
Beyond that, according to Veterans Connected Chairman Bryan Bradford the organization is raising $30,000 this holiday season to give to deserving families, and is in need of a vehicle to give to a family that is currently renting one. Bradford says, âCash resources are used for basic necessities â food, utilities, house or rent payments and gas.â The organization has also used the cash resources for house and auto repairs in several cases.
Local businesses are helping out financially and with in-kind donations, even in what has been a difficult year for them, Bradford says, adding the caveat that many businesses who have donated in the past âdonât have the fundsâ this year. Despite that, in the past year, Veterans Connected has provided over $50,000 and four vehicles to help local military families. The organization also accepts donations from private individuals, who can send a check or use the GYVE app on their Facebook page. Bradford says veterans are nominated for the program on the basis of financial need, and the family can either be current military personnel or a veteran.
Last year, the group helped two veterans experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as well as two homeless veterans, for whom support was provided, including working with the Livingston County Veterans Administration âto get them off the street and provide them with all the necessary household items,â Bradford says. He says they rely greatly on the generosity of the local community âfor helping to meet these needs.â
The recipients of Thanksgiving dinners in the Adopt a Soldier program are invited to pick up their dinners after 3 p.m. today (Wed.) at Ginopolis Bar B-Q Smokehouse, at 201 W. Main St. in downtown Brighton.
Program Providing Thanksgiving Meals To Local VeteransProgram Providing Thanksgiving Meals To Local Veterans
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Rising COVID Cases Prompt Concerns Over School Testing CriteriaRising COVID Cases Prompt Concerns Over School Testing Criteria
By Jon King / jking@whmi.com
CORRECTION: A previous version of this story said the first instance of a Livingston County K-12 school having an outbreak was the week of November 23rd. In fact, it was October 19th.
As cases of coronavirus continue to rise across the state and locally, there have been questions concerning just who is supposed to receive testing, especially when it comes to school students.
Several teachers in Livingston County have expressed concern that students who have been exposed to COVID-19, either through a sibling or other family member, are being allowed to return to their classrooms following a quarantine period, but without receiving a test to confirm they are virus-free. When asked about that issue, the Livingston County Health Department says that it follows guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to determine return to school protocols for all students exposed to COVID-19. Public Information Officer Natasha Radke says that as of July, the CDC no longer recommended a test-based strategy, but rather a time-based approach for individuals to assess when individuals are released from isolation and quarantine. âA time-based approach for isolation and quarantine release does not require a COVID-19 test to return to work or school.â The exception to this, according to Radke, would be âif an individual exposed to COVID-19 develops symptoms; testing would be recommended in this situation.â
It should also be noted that CDC last month quietly removed a statement from its website that stressed "the importance of reopening America's schools.â As Education Week reported, âThe agency's decision to remove the document comes as virus rates surge in states around the country and as educators and epidemiologists debate the role schools play in spreading it in their communities. Some scientists have argued that schools have been too conservative about returning to in-person learning. Others say there is much that is unknown about COVID-19 and about children's ability to transmit it inside and outside of school buildings.â
That debate has educators concerned about the criteria by which students and staff can return to school. As it stands now, those who actually become ill with COVID-19 can only return after being fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications, see an improvement in symptoms such as cough and shortness of breath and at least 10 days have passed since the individual first had symptoms. If an individual tested positive for COVID-19, but was asymptomatic, they are able to return after 10 days have passed since their test collection date. Radke says that once these measures have been met, âan individual is no longer considered to be contagious and are able to resume normal activitiesâ However, if students and staff have only been exposed to COVID-19, they can return to school after 14 days have passed from the date of the last exposure to the COVID-19 individual and if they do not have symptoms of COVID-19.
It should be noted that in-school transmission of the coronavirus has, so far, been relatively low in Livingston County schools. However, this week for the second time a local primary school was included on the state's outbreak list, defined as having two or more COVID-19 cases who may have shared exposure on school grounds and are from different households. St. Patrickâs School in Brighton reports three students with confirmed cases. Also included on the list was Cleary University in Genoa Township with seven cases. However, they had appeared appeared previously on the list and transitioned to remote learning a week before the state health department ordered all college and high school students to stop in-person learning until December 8th. The previous instance was on the October 19th report, when Howell High School was listed with two infected students.
Radke says that if a student develops symptoms of COVID-19, the health department advises guardians to keep the child home from school and contact the primary care provider, who can then diagnose, treat, and refer for testing if needed. Guardians are encouraged to seek medical care if they are concerned that their child may have developed symptoms of COVID-19, which in children include:
⢠Fever
⢠Fatigue
⢠Headache
⢠Myalgia
⢠Cough
⢠Nasal congestion or rhinorrhea
⢠New loss of taste or smell
⢠Sore throat
⢠Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
⢠Abdominal pain
⢠Diarrhea
⢠Nausea or vomiting
⢠Poor appetite or poor feeding
Radke says that while the Livingston County Health Department does not offer COVID-19 testing, they do provide information about testing locations.
Photo - A technician shows a nasal swab used for COVID-19 testing. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias)
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Howell Township Apartment Complex Proposal DelayedHowell Township Apartment Complex Proposal Delayed
By Mike Kruzman / news@whmi.com
Plans for a proposed apartment development in Howell Township have again been delayed as officials seek further answers to drainage and traffic questions.
Indianapolis-based developer Union Development Holdings LLC is proposing a 220-unit apartment complex that would be located off of Oak Grove, behind Kroger. Sixty-percent of its units would be marked as âaffordable housing,â but not Section 8 housing, in accordance with Michigan State Housing Development Authority guidelines.
Representatives from the group were present at the Howell Township Planning Commissionâs online meeting, Tuesday night, for final site plan review. While commissioners gave positive reviews about the project, site drainage and traffic continue to slow up the approval process. Despite assurances from the developer, Trustee Matthew Counts wanted more concrete evidence in what would be Drain Commission approval of drainage that would flow from the site into neighboring Howell City.
Traffic has also been a major concern with a study recently submitted to the Livingston County Road Commission. Planning Commissioner Pete Manwiller took that study and prepared his own presentation, lamenting the amount of traffic that the project will bring to the area and the effect it will have during peak hours. The complex has access points onto Oak Grove and Henderson, but he wanted to explore options to the west at Kimball and to the south at Welland. Manwiller said that without another option for drivers, Oak Grove will become a nightmare. He pointed to another potential development across the street from Kroger that would make back-up problems even worse.
Township Planner Paul Montagno and Commissioner Glen Miller thought that there might be pushback from single family residents to have that type of traffic come through, but Montagno said he thought it was appropriate to still explore the option.
The Planning Commission voted to postpone final site plan review until further information on traffic improvements and drainage easements can be provided.
Lead Project Development Manager Joy Skidmore said they would be back for the December meeting with this, for they need the approval to continue with closing on the property. The review approval is also important for keeping them on schedule with MSHDA. Skidmore said that if all goes well, they anticipate starting construction this coming April, and finishing in December 2021.
Photo - Google StreetView
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COVID-19 Guidance for Holiday Travel & GatheringsCOVID-19 Guidance for Holiday Travel & Gatherings
By Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com
The Livingston County Health Department has issued guidance for holiday travel and gatherings amid the pandemic.
As Michigan experiences a fall surge in COVID-19 cases, Livingston County is also seeing a marked increase in local cases. Officials say continued, widespread community transmission has placed tremendous strain on public health capacity throughout Michigan. Indoor gatherings pose a serious risk to increasing COVID-19 cases, as people are confined in smaller spaces and less able to physically distance.
While many people begin to plan for fall and winter holiday celebrations, the Livingston County Health Department is reminding residents about some considerations to help protect individuals and their families, friends, and communities from COVID-19.
The Department says traveling and in-person gatherings greatly increase the chances of getting and spreading COVID-19. Officials say staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others. For those that decide to travel for the holidays, the department is stressing various safety measures such as wearing a mask, avoiding close contact by staying at least 6 feet apart from anyone who is not from your household, and washing hands often.
Itâs suggested that people consider hosting virtual festivities instead of in-person holiday gatherings. If an in-person gathering is hosted, officials say it should be held outdoors if possible. Although the holidays will look different this year, the Health Department says there is still hope. Officials say people worked together to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the past and it can be done again, noting there will be a time when everyone can safely gather again.
Additional information and guidance can be found in the attache press release.
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Brighton Couple Celebrate Book's 20th AnniversaryBrighton Couple Celebrate Book's 20th Anniversary
By Jon King / jking@whmi.com
A local couple is celebrating the 20th anniversary of their classic childrenâs book that took them all the way to the White House.
It was in 2000 that Brighton author Colleen Monroe and her husband, illustrator Michael Glenn Monroe, published âA Wish To Be A Christmas Treeâ which tells the tale of an overgrown pine whose woodland friends help realize his dream of becoming a Christmas tree. It became an instant classic, and as Colleen Monroe says, remains their best seller year after year. "It was the first one that we had done together that really just took off. The emotional response people had to it was amazing when I would go to book signings. I like to say I made grown men cry with it. It just was timely...a lasting message. It was definitely a gift from the universe to write it."
Michael Monroe, who is known nationally for his award-winning wildlife paintings and prints, says the reaction to the book soon took a turn neither of them anticipated when the Today Show's Katie Couric read the book on national TV Christmas morning, which was seen by then-President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush. They requested a copy, which led to a correspondence that eventually resulted in Michael Monroe being chosen in 2002 to paint the official Easter Egg of Michigan, which represented the state in a White House display. "So we flew out there and had an Easter lunch with them. We just had a lot of fun. I think we kind of bonded and made a friendship to the point they wanted me to keep coming back and do more."
In 2007, Michael was chosen to paint the Holiday for the White House and the Friends and Family Christmas bulb that were personally given away by the First Family, resulting in another invitation to visit the White House. He credits it all to "A Wish To Be A Christmas Tree".
Looking back, the couple says they never could have imagined the impact the book would have, but really believe in its message of being yourself and learning to value the power of friends.
Top photo - The Monroe's with President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush
Middle photo - A Wish To Be A Christmas Tree
Bottom photo - Michael Glenn Monroe paoiting the White House Christmas ornaments - 2007
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Shoppers Encouraged To Focus On Local Businesses This Holiday SeasonShoppers Encouraged To Focus On Local Businesses This Holiday Season
By Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com
The annual holiday shopping rush is set to begin and Downtown Howell is poised to kick-off the season.
Downtown Development Authority Director Kate Litwin says thereâs a lot going on and this weekend is the best time to come out and celebrate and support small businesses downtown. She tells WHMI it has never been more important to shop localâ stressing their small independent retailers and restaurants are really depending on a strong holiday season to offset the losses from earlier this year and stay afloat. Litwin says theyâre depending on support from the community to survive frankly, so the more everyone can do to help them succeed the better. She says Howell Main Street is doing a few events to try and encourage people to shop local and shop small.
On Friday, a Downtown Howell Holiday Quest is planned thatâs described as an âepic scavenger huntâ. The Holiday Quest launches Friday morning at 9 and then closes Sunday evening. Tickets are $5 for teams of up to 5 players. Those interested need to register by 9pm Thursday night. Litwin says itâs a brand new event, as theyâve been trying to find ways to create family and fun events without too much risk due to COVID-19. Litwin says each team wants to complete as many missions as possible that center around downtown Howell landmarks. She says teams will have to visit some local businesses and take pictures and upload them, adding there will be different fun activities to do along the way. Litwin says teams have all weekend to complete the Quest and the teams who complete the most missions will receive cool prizes donated by local businesses.
Litwin says Small Business Saturday is an annual tradition celebrated in downtown Howell. Typically in the past, tote bags have been given out to shoppers that are full of different giveaways, trinkets and gifts from local merchants along with various coupons and deals. This year to encourage more social distancing in the wake of COVID-19, Litwin says they decided to still do the tote bags but instead of giving them at big group event, theyâll be given away at the Fantasy of Lights Light Up Howell event taking place at Scofield City Park. She says the first 150 cars that go through on Friday night will each receive a tote bag. Each bag will also include Cash Mob gift certificates, aka free money, in random amounts ranging from $5 to $25 to spend downtown. Additionally on Small Business Saturday, Litwin says theyâll have some Howell Main Street helpers wandering around downtown looking for unsuspecting shoppers and gifting them with Cash Mob gift certificates as well.
Additionally, a statewide social media campaign is kicking off to help area shoppers focus their holiday gift-buying on local businesses. Using the hashtag #ShopSmallOnMainSt, Michigan Main Streets are spreading the word in their communities about the benefits of shopping local. The campaign will formally launch this weekend on âSmall Business Saturdayâ. In addition to the City of Howell, at least 24 other Michigan Main Streets are expected to participate in the campaign.
Facebook photos.
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South Lyon Snowflake Scavenger Hunt UnderwaySouth Lyon Snowflake Scavenger Hunt Underway
By Jon King / jking@whmi.com
A holiday scavenger hunt in South Lyon could earn participants a literary gift basket for the holidays.
The City of South Lyonâs Downtown Development Authority, Cultural Arts Commission, and Salem-South Lyon District Library are sponsoring a socially-distanced scavenger hunt through December 20th. Snowflakes decorated by local artists have been hung all around South Lyon in stores and store windows. Members of the public can search for the snowflakes and then track their progress using an app on the Libraryâs website. That link is below. Once a snowflake is located, the finder can open the matching mission and enter the "Secret Code" found at the base of each snowflake.
Those who find at least half of the snowflakes will be entered into a random drawing for a basket filled with books donated by the Salem-South Lyon District Library along with gifts donated by local businesses. If you find all 20 snowflakes, youâll get a second chance to win. Additional details are on our website. With several larger community events not taking place this year due to COVID-19, officials with the Library and the City say they were determined to provide a fun opportunity for the community to see the decorated windows and visit local businesses. They encourage everyone to stay safe, wear masks, and be kind to one another as they hunt for snowflakes over the next month.
Winners will be notified on Monday December 21 and are asked to pick up their prize from the Library before Dec. 24th. A list of participating stores is accessible once you register.
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Local Boy Scouts Pitch In For Area SeniorsLocal Boy Scouts Pitch In For Area Seniors
By Tom Tolen / news@whmi.com
A group of Boy Scouts in Scoutmaster Kevin Coxâs Troop 350 in Brighton was busy over the weekend doing yard work for the elderly and physical challenged. They did it while adhering to the latest executive orders regarding social distancing, wearing masks and other COVID protocols.
14-year-old Dorian Pettengill, son of Stu and Renee Pettengill and a freshman at Brighton High School, was one of the 13 Scouts who took part in the volunteer effort. He is a Life Scout and is working on his Eagle Scout ranking, the highest rank attainable in scouting. Dorian says the Scouts âare always looking for something to do in the community (and) can shovel snow or anything (the recipient needs help with).â
The group of 13 boys was split into three sub-groups of 4-5 boys each so that they could do one property each. According to Cox, while there, the boys happened to notice an elderly woman in her yard raking leaves â a situation which ended up being a case of serendipity. The scouts gladly offered to do the work for her and the surprised woman happily said yes.
It turns out the womanâs husband had just had heart surgery, leaving her with doing the chores he normally would have performed, including yard work. She was surprised later when the Scouts refused payment, telling her they do such volunteer work as part of the tasks they are required to do to earn their scout medals and badges. "The work was community service hours that each scout could use towards rank advancement, not including Eagle Scout,â Cox says.
Cox says, âThe Scouts raked and bagged leaves and sticks that were in the back yards of the selected houses but also were able to rake leaves in the front towards the roadside curb for later pick up by Brighton (Dept. of) Public Works.â He adds that a few of the older scouts and adults were able to operate leaf blowers to speed up the process.
Dorian says he receives a lot of satisfaction out of Troop 350âs volunteer programs, saying, âItâs good to help the community. Thatâs what the Boy Scouts is all about.â
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Submissions Being Accepted For Annual MLK Day ContestSubmissions Being Accepted For Annual MLK Day Contest
By Mike Kruzman / news@whmi.com
Submissions are being accepted for an annual contest that honors Martin Luther King Jr. every year in downtown Milford.
Entries are due January 10th for the Huron Valley MLK Day Committeeâs Annual Art, Writing, and Multimedia Contest. This yearâs theme is âHonoring Voices of Equality,â and offers participants a chance to pay tribute to not only historic leaders of the civil rights movement, but also emerging voices in the ongoing quest for equality across America. Submissions can be made in any creative medium, including art, speeches, poems, songs, or essays. Written pieces should be no more than 500 words. Speeches and performances should be 5 minutes or less and can be submitted by DVD, YouTube, or electronic file. Submissions can also be dropped off that the Suzanne Haskew Arts Center (The SHAC) on Main Street in Milford. Winners and other selected submissions will be showcased at the SHAC during the week before the March on Main Street, which will be held on January 17th. The Prizes will be awarded for 3 age groups: 11 and under, 12 to 17, and 18 and older.
The contest and March are just two of several events the Committee holds to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King during January. They will also be holding their annual Soup Meal Food Drive to benefit the Community Sharing Outreach Center.
For more information on all the events, or to register for the contest, visit their website, www.HVMLKDay.org.
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Stop Sign To Be Installed On Itsell RoadStop Sign To Be Installed On Itsell Road
By Jessica Mathews/News@whmi.com
A stop sign is slated to be installed at an intersection with poor visibility in Genoa Township.
The Livingston County Road Commission approved installation for a new stop sign on Itsell Road, east of Fishbeck Road. The stop sign was in response to a citizen request and engineering and traffic investigations were conducted. A memo states the intersection currently doesnât have any signage regulating traffic. Both roadways are said to be low-volume. Fishbeck Road sees around 200 vehicles per day and Itsell Road about 100 per day. It was noted there has only been one crash at the intersection within the last ten years, which was described as an angle collision in 2013.
Despite the low volumes and limited crashes, visibility is limited at the intersection due to trees and brush along the east side of Fishbeck Road. Based on visibility alone, it was recommended that a stop sign be installed on Itsell Road for westbound traffic.
Road Commission Managing Director Steve Wasylk told WHMI there isnât a firm date for installation set but it should be soon.
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Howell City Council Wishes Clerk Cartwright Well In RetirementHowell City Council Wishes Clerk Cartwright Well In Retirement
By Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com
The Howell City Council wished longtime Clerk Jane Cartwright well in her pending retirement this spring.
After 16 years of service, Cartwright recently provided notice of her retirement on or around March 1st. Council and others thanked Cartwright for her service during Monday nightâs virtual meeting.
Mayor Nick Proctor said they received a very sad email from Cartwright announcing her retirement and âwe donât have wordsâ. He joked that her resignation letter can always be rescinded and said itâs been a wonderful experience working with her. Proctor commented further that Cartwright has been a gem for 16-years and theyâll miss her deeply but assured that sheâll always have a home in Howell.
Cartwright thanked everyone and said she appreciated all of the kind words and individual messages sheâs received. She said thereâs been a real outpouring from the community and it means a lot. Cartwright said working for the City has just been a wonderful experience and she just wants to provide a smooth transition and allow the City enough time to get some replacements in.
Cartwright not only serves as clerk but also serves in the dual position of Human Resources director. The City will be working to fill both positions in the coming months.
Cartwrightâs resignation letter is attached.
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SEMCOG Urges Safe & Sober Driving This Holiday SeasonSEMCOG Urges Safe & Sober Driving This Holiday Season
By Jessica Mathews/News@whmi.com
A very different holiday season kicks off, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments is urging safe and sober driving.
SEMCOG reminds that alcohol is a significant factor in holiday deaths, alcohol-related crashes tend to be more serious, and they increase over the holidays. The agency released quick facts regarding alcohol-involved crashes during the holiday season in Southeast Michigan for the years 2015-2019. It says there were 18% more alcohol-involved crashes per day between Thanksgiving and New Yearâs Day, as compared to the rest of the year. SEMCOG additionally reported that more alcohol-involved crashes occur on New Yearâs Day than any other day of the year. There was said to be 41% more alcohol-involved crashes on January 1st than the next highest day, July 4th. Data further showed the third-highest number of alcohol-involved crashes occurs on Thanksgiving Day.
SEMCOG reminds motorists to stay safe this holiday season and never drink and drive; be aware of potential drunk drivers as most fatalities occur at night, especially weekend nights; stay focused while driving, avoid distractions and always wear a seatbelt.
More crash data and analysis is available in the attached release.
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Several County Online Transaction Fees Temporarily SuspendedSeveral County Online Transaction Fees Temporarily Suspended
By Mike Kruzman / news@whmi.com
To help residents and promote the safety of the public and staff alike, Livingston County is suspending transaction fees for many online payments.
All enhanced access fees for Livingston Live transactions processed through Webtecs, Inc. are now suspended until March 31st. The County Board of Commissioners approved the request by County Treasurer Jennifer Nash during their latest online meeting. Webtecs is the vendor for many high demand services that carry a scaling online transaction fee schedule that tops out at 3% for payments of $250 or more.
Residents can now make the following payments online without those fees: Circuit, District, and Juvenile court record look up and payments; delinquent tax/property look up and payments; dog licensing; Register of Deeds record look ups; and County Clerk vital records look ups.
Nash said the goal right now is reduce foot traffic in county buildings where possible. She said she hears the customers when they come in to make a payment and that there is no doubt in her head that by eliminating that fee they will increase their web traffic.
These service fees normally go as revenue to the County IT fund to help offset credit card processing fees. Nash said their temporary elimination will result in roughly $12,000 a month in lost revenue. IT Director Kristopher Tobbe said he recognizes theyâll take a hit, but he supports the motion. County Deputy Administrator Cindy Catanach informed that they have the capacity to transfer dollars from the general fund that arenât COVID-dollars, but are freed up because of the result of the pandemic.
The Board will revisit the suspension of fees closer to March 31st to re-evaluate the need at that time.
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Further Unlimited No-Fault Auto Insurance Savings ForthcomingFurther Unlimited No-Fault Auto Insurance Savings Forthcoming
More savings on auto insurance to many policy holders are coming in 2021.
For years, Michigan drivers have been burdened with the highest, or among the highest, automobile insurance rates in the country. Bi-partisan reform signed into law in 2019 has helped alleviate some of pain with reductions in personal injury protection (PIP) rates and Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (MCCA) fees. Beginning last July 2nd, MCCA fees dropped from $220 per vehicle to $100.
This past week, the MCCA announced that fee will be cut again, now to $86 per vehicle, effective July 1st, 2021. This applies to policyholders that choose to keep unlimited automobile no-fault insurance.
State Senator Lana Theis of Brighton Township said in a release, that while this reduction is welcome and overdue, she is encouraging motorists to call their agent or even shop around to make sure they are getting the best policy and price they can, especially if they have qualifying health insurance coverage.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer also issued a release following the announcement of the reduction, stating that she is pleased that reforms are continuing to result in greater savings than required by law, and that in these difficult times, it is more important than ever that Michiganders see rate relief.
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Liquor License Suspended For Fenton RestaurantLiquor License Suspended For Fenton Restaurant
By Jessica Mathews/News@whmi.com
A Fenton restaurant has had its liquor license suspended by the state for failing to comply with the latest public health order issued that aims to prevent further spread of COVID-19.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued citations and the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) suspended liquor licenses to establishments in violation of the recent public health order issued on November 15th. The state says it was put in place to control the spread of COVID-19 and protect public health by establishing restrictions on gatherings, including prohibiting gatherings of patrons in food service establishments.
The Meeting Place on Owen Road was among the emergency suspensions issued and was fined $1,000. Others were issued for restaurants in Newaygo, Fremont, Calumet, Sandusky and Lapeer. Licenseesâ multiple violations of the order were said to have included allowing non-residential, in-person gatherings, providing in-person dining, failure to require face coverings for staff and patrons and failure to prohibit patrons from congregating. Information was said to be received by MDHHS from local health departments and local law enforcement regarding non-compliance with the order.
A virtual hearing before an Administrative Law Judge is scheduled on December 4th for each of the licensees via Zoom to determine whether the summary suspension should continue or other fines and penalties should be imposed. The civil fines are due within 30 days of receipt of the citations. A press release stated that additional establishments are slated to be cited.
MDHHS Director Robert Gordon commented the vast majority of restaurant and bar owners are doing the right thing and have temporarily closed their indoor service to help prevent spread of the virus. He added they know this is not easy for anyone but the sooner they can mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the sooner people can get back to doing the things they enjoy.
More information is available in the attached press release. Facebook photo.
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OLHSA Virtual Trivia Night To Benefit Pandemic ReliefOLHSA Virtual Trivia Night To Benefit Pandemic Relief
By Mike Kruzman / news@whmi.com
A virtual trivia fundraiser will allow local residents to show off their smarts while helping a community partner.
The Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency (OLHSA) is hosting the online event, Saturday, December 5th, from 7-9pm. That night, a TrivaHub host will guide contestants online through fun and challenging questions with prizes being awarded at the end. Funds raised from this socially-distanced Trivia Night will benefit those facing challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. This could include assistance with food deliver, housing needs, and educational resources.
The cost for play is $40 per person and includes 2 hours of game time.
OLHSA is also looking for event sponsors at different tiers. A presenting sponsor can get their logo displayed on a back drop during the event for $10,000. $5,000 Question Sponsors will get their logo on questions, and Round Sponsors can get a PowerPoint slide or video clip shown before a round begins for $2,500.
Register for the event or sign up to be a sponsor at www.olhsa.org/triviafun.
(logo- olhsa.org)
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Unemployment Benefits Email Scam CirculatingUnemployment Benefits Email Scam Circulating
By Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com
Livingston County residents and others across the state are being put on alert about a current scam taking advantage of claimants who are collecting unemployment benefits.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued the alert. Claimants are said to be receiving an email from a Gmail account that appears to be from the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) asking for personal information. The scammer is also attaching what looks like an actual communication from the UIA in an apparent effort to strengthen the credibility of the email. Nessel said thereâs no government agency, state or federal, that uses Gmail for official purposes. She advises residents to always examine the full email address if the sender is requesting their personal information. Anyone that received email should not respond. Responses to ID verification requests from UIA should only be uploaded through a personâs secure Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM) account on the UIAâs website. Anyone who has fallen for the scam is advised to immediately Report Fraud or Identity Theft with the UIA. They should also monitor their banking and account information each time they certify for benefits.
Screenshots of the bogus email are provided.
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County Health Officials Planning For COVID-19 VaccineCounty Health Officials Planning For COVID-19 Vaccine
By Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com
Local health officials say planning is underway for when COVID-19 vaccine distribution is possible.
The Livingston County Health Department has been in conversations internally and externally with hospital partners in anticipation of vaccines being distributed nationwide and across Michigan. Thatâs more than likely sometime in December. At a recent virtual event, Medical Director Dr. Juan Marquez stated the two vaccines to likely be rolled out first are from Pfizer and Moderna, which involve new technology and have showed promising results with around 95% effectiveness for each. However, both are said to have a lot of logistical challenges associated with them because of the nature of the vaccines.
Pfizerâs needs to be stored at subzero temperatures, but both need to be administered in two doses. Marquez said Pfizerâs must be kept at negative 70-degrees Celsius in a super cold refrigerator. He said there are some challenges with duration after removing it from the super cold temperature and their team is working to figure out how to best work through some of the logistical challenges. Marquez said the other vaccine can be kept at a more reasonable temperature but there are other issues, noting both are two-dose vaccines. One is 21 days and another 28 days so Marquez said it will be a challenge finding out how to remind people to get their second dose.
As for the ability of local hospitals to handle the super cold Pfizer product, St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital in Howell was said to be investigating the ability to do so. Even without the specialized equipment, Marquez commented that the vaccine can still be safely stored and distributed. Marquez said even if hospitals donât have one, the vaccine can live for two weeks in the shipping container it comes in, packed with dry ice. He said there are certain complications related to how many times the container can be opened on any given day but noted it is stable for almost three weeks through a combination of dry ice and refrigeration so if hospitals donât get a super cold freezer, it is still possible to use in a safe manner.
Marquez said any vaccine would be distributed in three phases due to limited supply. He said theyâre working very hard in partnership with local healthcare systems to meet that Phase 1 prioritization to get the top-tier and highest risk vaccinated. Marquez said itâs a very complicated process with a lot of moving parts but they have a very strong team working on planning and logistics.
Phase 1 is geared toward healthcare workers and those providing care for people with COVID-19 such as emergency department workers, ICU doctors, workers in skilled nursing facilities and public health staff providing COVID testing or vaccines to the general public. Marquez noted there will be a close partnership with hospitals and public health to make sure everyone in that category can get vaccinated. Phase 2 means thereâs more of the vaccine but not enough for everybody. It would be provided to those who are not directly exposed to the virus but are providing essential services, as well as others who are at high risk for complications or immune-compromised and over the age of 65. Phase 3 would mean the vaccine is widely available in any doctorâs office, pharmacy, health department or hospital. Thatâs expected sometime next year.
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Local Pool Supplier Aims To Build Third Livingston County LocationLocal Pool Supplier Aims To Build Third Livingston County Location
By Mike Kruzman / news@whmi.com
A temporary site plan for a potential expansion of a Livingston County-based business into Howell Township has been tabled until the Planning Commission can see a full long-term plan.
Howell Township Planner Paul Montagno said told the Planning Commission at their latest meeting that an applicant was requesting the temporary placement of 2-3 railroad shipping containers on the 4390 W. Grand River property near Warner Road while a pole barn was built on the site. The issue was, neither Montagno or the planning commission knew what the long term plan for the site was.
The applicant, Roman Tafelski, was present and said it was for a third Livingston County location for his business, Romanâs Pool Supplies and Services. Tafelski said they had run out of room at their other locations, and were looking to open a small retail showroom in Howell Township with a covered area in the back to store supplies. This location, he said, would allow them to begin doing more of their own pool installations. Tafelski said he has been working with an engineer to come up with a full commercial site plan, and this temporary one would be to allow for shipping containers to hold storage until the building was built.
Montagno said he was doing some quick research, and the planning commission may want to request more information. He said retail is okay in that neighborhood service commercial district, but he wasnât certain about a contractorâs yard and the running of jobs out of it. He suggested that may be something to consult the Zoning Administrator about.
Commissioner Glen Miller said he wasnât adverse to Tafelski having temporary storage, but to allow it before approving what would be there long-term felt like putting the âcart in front of the horse.â
Tafelski said he understands, and doesnât want to spend $4,000 - $6,000 on shipping containers if they donât get approved. After confirming that he was comfortable waiting until next monthâs meeting when he would have the full site plan submitted for consideration as well as the temporary, the planning commission voted to table their discussion.
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BAS Board Of Education To Consider Teacher ContractBAS Board Of Education To Consider Teacher Contract
The Brighton Board of Education will meet Monday night to dispense with some unfinished business caused by the cancellation of an earlier meeting.
The board was to meet this past Monday, but the virtual meeting on Zoom had to be cancelled due to technical issues. Other online meetings around Livingston County had to be cancelled as well that day due to Internet problems.
At Monday nightâs meeting, which starts at 6pm, the board will act on the tentative agreement between the board and the Brighton Education Association, which represents about 325 Brighton teachers, on salary and other annual re-openers in their 3-year contract, which is in its second year. The teachersâ group has already ratified the contract, according to BEA President Barry Goode.
Among the agreementâs terms are that teachers would receive a 2.2% increase over their current salary for the 20-21 school year, retroactive to Sept. 1st. Next year, teachers would get an increase of 1.5% over the 20-21 pay rate. However, if the state decreases the per-pupil funding level by $400 or more, the pay increase would only be 1%. On the other hand, should per-pupil funding increase by $200 or more, teacher salaries would see an increase of 1.75% over the 20-21 pay level. It would also provide an additional 2.3% increase for teachers who complete 30 hours of professional development provided by the district over the remaining two years.
The lack of a contract when the new school year began caused a tense atmosphere in the schools. On several occasions, teachers assembled outside the BECC building, where the school board meets, demanding the contract be settled. The BEA also filed two Level III grievances against the school district regarding sanitation and social distancing matters related to the coronavirus pandemic. The grievances were ultimately denied.
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