One local district has a new athletic director with ties to Michigan collegiate teams. The Howell Public Schools Board of Education agreed to hire fill the vacancy left by longtime teacher and Athletic Director Dan Hutcheson. Hutcheson announced in April that he would take a position with the Michigan High School Athletic Association. Last night the board approved the hiring of John Young who is currently athletic administrator for John Glenn High School in the Wayne-Westland Community Schools. He also has experience as a baseball coach and played professional baseball. Young was not at the meeting, but Superintendent Erin MacGregor says he comes with impressive credentials. He says he is really excited about Young, adding he brings some very strong credentials. He has been an athletic director in two very large and complec districts, and also has experience at the collegiate level with both Michigan State University and the University of Michigan baseball teams. MacGregor says Young also has some very good experience when it comes to administration and some sporting activities around the State of Michigan. He says Young comes to the district with a great level of experience and he's a real go-getter. He is replacing someone that MacGregor says he thinks very highly of but he's also going to come and maintain the excellence they already have. He says he expects him to come up with some new and progressive ideas and they are excited to get him on board. MacGregor says Young lives nearby and will be available to handle the rigorous demands of the position. He says he has confidence that Young will get to know the community, what is working and what can be improved upon. MacGregor says he expects Young to get involved in building a youth program in the district and network with the community. (DS)
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Howell Public Schools Hires New Athletic Director Howell Public Schools Hires New Athletic Director
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Brighton Township Begins Legal Discussions In Tax Refund LawsuitBrighton Township Begins Legal Discussions In Tax Refund Lawsuit
Legal discussions have begun in regards to the class-action lawsuit filed against Brighton Township by residents wanting sewer tax refunds. On Monday, the Brighton Township Board of Trustees met in closed executive session for over an hour for confidential attorney/client communication. The class-action lawsuit against Brighton Township was filed recently in U.S. District Court, on behalf of over 1,350 sanitary sewer system users who believe they are paying exorbitant sewer rates. The problem, as both the township and the affected residents see it, is that the sewer system was built in 2003 based on projections which showed a significant population increase, and therefore a major increase in the number of sewage treatment system users based on new homes coming in. However the recession hit a few years later, and the township population stagnated. Because there were few new hookups, the system has been running at about 40% of capacity. The lawsuit asks that the court order the township to refund all charges collected and pay into a common fund for the benefit of the sewer customers and the overcharges to which they may be entitled, permanently enjoin the township from imposing further overcharges and end all liens against property. Township Manager Brian Vick says he cannot expound on the issue or the closed session anymore then what was briefly listed in the meetingâs agenda. (DK)
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Safety Stressed After Drowning On Handy Lake In Hartland Township Safety Stressed After Drowning On Handy Lake In Hartland Township
The importance of safety while out on any body of water is being emphasized following a drowning Monday afternoon in a Hartland Township lake. The drowning happened on Handy Lake, located about one mile east of US-23 along M-59. Hartland Fire Marshal Mike Bernardin says the 18-year-old Chesterfield Township man had been fishing out on a boat with a group of young adults when he jumped in to cool off but never resurfaced. The manâs identity was being withheld pending notification of family. Bernardin tells WHMI the water was only 15 to 20 feet deep in the area and the victim was located approximately one hour into the incident but resuscitation efforts were not successful. He stressed that it doesnât matter how old or young someone is, or how good of a swimmer. Bernardin said Mondayâs incident is a very somber reminder that personal flotation devices are always needed when out on the water, whether along the shore or out in the open. Bernardin says upon arrival, they quickly established contact with the individuals involved that had signaled people while screaming and yelling for help as well as potential witnesses. Bernardin says obtaining a location is always difficult on the water but in yesterdayâs situation because the group was so close to the shore, it was a lot easier to describe where they were located on the lake. However, he says being so close to the shore; the water was warmer, which greatly diminishes chances of survival. Bernardin thanked everyone who assisted on scene including the Livingston County Dive Team; firefighters from the Hartland, Brighton, Howell and Hamburg Township Fire Departments; the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department; Michigan State Police and Survival Flight, which conducted fly-overs scanning the lake surface. He says search crews also had assistance from others around the lake with boats and were able to drop markers based on information given. Picture courtesy of WXYZ.(JM)
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Pinckney Man Sentenced On Drug Charges In Near Death Overdose Pinckney Man Sentenced On Drug Charges In Near Death Overdose
Sentencing has been handed down to a Putnam Township man who was allegedly involved in a womanâs near death overdose. 46-year-old Randolph Doan has been sentenced as a second-time habitual offender to a minimum of 28 months to a maximum of 40 years in the Michigan Department of Corrections. Last month, Doan pleaded guilty to delivering/manufacturing less than 50 grams of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and possession of a non-narcotic controlled substance. The charges were filed as a result of an investigation that led authorities to believe Doan may have been involved in an incident in which a woman nearly died from a drug overdose. The Pinckney Police Department began their investigation in April after responding to a local restaurant where a woman was possibly overdosing on heroin. Police Chief Jeff Newton said the woman survived. A search warrant was executed at Doanâs residence, a trailer in Putnam Township, which allegedly turned up heroin, crack cocaine and other drugs as well as evidence. Doan was arrested following a traffic stop in the village on Mower Road and charged. Doan was credited 87 days served in the Livingston County Jail. (DK)
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Brighton Township Pays Share To Cover SELCRA's Budget ShortfallBrighton Township Pays Share To Cover SELCRA's Budget Shortfall
Municipalities that were members of the Southeastern Livingston County Recreation Authority are paying their final debts before the group gets a shake-up. SELCRA ended its 2015/16 fiscal year with a shortfall of $15,500 in its ending budget. That amount is split between the City of Brighton, Green Oak, Genoa, and Brighton Township, all of whom were members during that time frame. The City of Brighton and Genoa Township are bowing out after this last financial obligation of $5,890. Brighton Township, who will remain a member moving forward, unanimously voted to pay their share on Monday, even though Trustee Mike Slaton called SELCRA a âdream that didnât succeedâ. Trustee Patrick Michel, who also serves as SELCRAâs vice chair and the townshipâs representative, disagreed with Slaton and feels the authority is headed in a positive direction. Brighton Township Supervisor Tom Murphy sided with Michel and says any talk about SELCRAâs demise is all ânoise". Michel says SELCRA is preparing to hire a new director soon and bounced around a lot of ideas at their first meeting last week. Michel says revised articles of incorporation have been approved, as well as a revised menu of programming and a memorandum of understanding. Michel says when it comes to SELCRA and its participating members, âeverythingâs out in the openâ. (DK)
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Meeting Next Week Will Update Hartland Gas Plant Contamination Meeting Next Week Will Update Hartland Gas Plant Contamination
A meeting is planned next week to update residents about a potentially deadly chemical discovered at the former site of a Hartland Township gas processing plant. The former Merit Energy facility at Lone Tree and Pleasant Valley Road was decommissioned last summer and during that process, it was discovered that an âextensive amountâ of the chemical sulfolane was detected in nearby soil and groundwater. Since then, township officials say that 15 nearby residential wells have been tested and showed no impact from sulfolane. Ten additional temporary monitoring wells were also installed at the site in early June and those results are expected to be discussed at an informational meeting at 7pm on Tuesday, July 26th at the Hartland Township Hall. Representatives of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Livingston County Health Department and Hartland Township will also be in attendance. Proposed additional actions to continue the groundwater investigation effort will also be laid out as will a timeline for future investigation. Questions from the audience will then be taken. Hartland officials say itâs their understanding that the groundwater contaminated with sulfolane is contained within the original 5-acre parcel where the gas processing plant operated. In the meantime, theyâve posted additional information and documents on the township website for residents to review. Youâll find that link below. (JK)
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Sheriff Disputes Racial Profiling Claims Made By Retail Fraud Suspects Sheriff Disputes Racial Profiling Claims Made By Retail Fraud Suspects
A group of suspects from the Lansing area are facing charges after allegedly trying to steal items from a Howell Township store, fleeing the scene and getting caught with stolen guns â all of whom claimed they were being targeted because of their race. Four individuals were attempting to steal items from the Tommy Hilfiger store in the Tanger Outlet Center. Livingston County Sheriff Bob Bezotte says the manager recognized one of the suspects, who had been involved in a similar incident, and called police. When a deputy pulled up, he says all four fled to a Chrysler 300 parked in the alleyway toward the expressway, which wasnât visible to normal traffic in front. When the deputy executed a traffic stop, Bezotte says the suspects pulled into Arbyâs. He says it was a bad situation from the get-go as both front passengers exited the vehicle before the patrol car stopped, went to the front and started making racial statements, acting like they had a weapon. Bezotte says the driver, 19-year-old Kaylyn Williams, had his hand in his waistband, which caused concern for the deputy who drew his weapon and ordered them back in the vehicle. He says both refused to comply with commands or show their hands, and eventually took off running across the west and eastbound lanes of I-96. They were cornered and captured with assistance from a MSP unit that was on the freeway and other responding units from nearby departments. The other two suspects remained in the vehicle - a 16-year-old and 20-year-old Zachary Winner of Haslett. A search of the vehicle turned up open alcohol, marijuana and a stolen 9mm handgun. Bezotte says they were unable to locate any other weapons that may have been stashed or thrown in surrounding fields. The vehicle had an illegal license plate and Bezotte said they were looking into whether the car had been stolen or not. After all four were in custody, Bezotte says the juvenileâs mother was contacted and immediately accused deputies of being racist and stopping her son because he was black. Bezotte says the woman told her son he was in âKKK countryâ and continued to throw around outrageous statements that didnât help the situation. Bezotte says her son had just been released from juvenile detention and instead of holding him accountable, she was trying to blame the police. Bezotte says itâs fortunate no one was hurt as bad situations can turn even worse when an officer gets a feeling a weapon is involved with suspects ignoring commands and that nearly happened with this incident. Bezotte says the suspects indicated they were aware of what has been happening across the nation and immediately starting throwing out accusations of race and abuse. He says the incident was never about race but four individuals committing felony crimes and the officers âdid a nice job, doing their jobâ. Williams and Winner have been arraigned on various charges and will appear in 53rd District Court later this month for a probable cause conference. (JM)
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Volunteers Needed For Health Department Disaster DrillVolunteers Needed For Health Department Disaster Drill
The Livingston County Department of Public Health is seeking volunteers to participate in an upcoming mock emergency exercise. The âSimulated Emergency Response Exerciseâ will be held at Fowlerville High School on Thursday, August 4th, from 1:30 to 3pm. 300 volunteers are needed for a one-time volunteer opportunity to act as patients in a mass clinic setting. The exercise is designed around a scenario involving the need to provide lifesaving medication in the event of a real emergency. Livingston County will be hosting the drill to test public service, response and timing in the community. Training will be provided on site during the event. Pre-registration is required and walk-ons will not be allowed. The first 30 participants will receive a free t-shirt. More information and registration can be found at the link below. (DK)
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Hartland Mom Launches Gift Card Drive For Local Police Officers Hartland Mom Launches Gift Card Drive For Local Police Officers
A Hartland woman says itâs time to start giving back to the police officers who risk their lives every day to keep local communities safe. Jeannine Gogoleski has coordinated a gift card drive as a show of appreciation to local law enforcement. Sheâs encouraging community members to purchase gift cards in small amounts, $5 or $10 dollars, which could be used for coffee, lunch or gas. She also encouraging kids and area students to make cards for their local heroes, thanking them for their service and all they do, day in and day out. Gogoleski tells WHMI she decided to start the kindness movement and gift card drive to show the men and women who put on a uniform every day that the community does care â despite all of the crazy things happening around the nation. Gogoleski will be at Biggby Coffee on M-59 in Hartland this Thursday from 9 to 10am to collect all of the cards but will also have craft supplies on hand for handwritten cards. Cards can also be dropped off at any time, up until the event, in a drop box set up. After everything is collected, she plans to take them over to the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department in Howell, as well as the Michigan State Police Brighton Post depending on how many are collected as both serve the Hartland area. (JM)
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Bus Service Starts For Flint Workers To Howell Manufacturers Bus Service Starts For Flint Workers To Howell Manufacturers
Public transportation for Flint workers to Howell area manufacturers has begun. Flintâs Mass Transportation Authority (MTA) has been providing bus service, seven days a week, to Thai Summit America in the City of Howellâs McPherson Industrial Park for all three shifts since June. Similar service to Key Plastics will begin next Monday. Ridership to Thai Summit is said to have been averaging 30-plus passengers on each trip, which officials expect will increase as word spreads of the convenience and reliability of the service. The idea of providing transportation for Flint workers to fill an enlarging manufacturing employment gap began in the fall of 2015. Many employers were wrestling with the problem of filling jobs in manufacturing facilities. Simultaneously, existing employees commuting from Flint were struggling with the long trip and the toll on their vehicles. The service extension was made possible through the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce and Ann Arbor SPARK. Chamber President Pat Convery said itâs a win-win for both communities as the area needs workers and Flint residents need jobs. The chamber is now reaching out to other large employers, including the retail community to determine need and where the system should expand to. Conversations are also ongoing with MTA to explore the feasibility and viability of establishing a âhub and spokeâ system, where shuttles could take smaller groups of workers to other businesses and business parks throughout the county. Businesses interested in the transportation for their employees should contact Pat Convery at the chamber at 517-546-3920 or pconvery@howell.org. Further details are available in the attached press release. (JM)
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Hamburg Township Bans Sealants Containing Coal TarHamburg Township Bans Sealants Containing Coal Tar
Hamburg Township is working to protect its residents and environment with a newly enacted ordinance limiting coal-tar based sealants. On Tuesday, the Board of Trustees unanimously passed the ordinance, prohibiting the use and sale of sealant products containing more than 0.1% of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, including coal tar-based sealer. The sealant is commonly used on driveways, parking lots, and similar surfaces. Studies have found a relationship between the use of the sealant and a risk of cancer to humans, as well as impaired water quality in streams. Supervisor Pat Hohl says the township is joining other municipalities in this relatively fresh movement because the risk is very real. The chemicals are very pervasive once they make their way into the environment, and can do so through runoff water from parking lots or driveways that have been sealed with products that contain the chemical. Hohl says Hamburgâs chain of lakes, environment, and quality of life are all an integral part of the area. The township is working closely with the Huron River Watershed Council, who has done a significant amount of work in the region trying to promote local municipalities to limit coal tar sealant. Hohl says there are viable alternatives to the sealant available. The ordinance goes into effect 30 days after it is published and anyone caught using the product after that time will be issued a Municipal Civil Infraction. Photo Credit: Justin McInnis, U.S. Geological Survey (DK)
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Tyrone Township To Pursue Action Against Three Run-Down PropertiesTyrone Township To Pursue Action Against Three Run-Down Properties
Tyrone Township is taking action against properties that have become an eyesore. The Board of Trustees was unanimous in their decision, Tuesday night, to pursue legal action against the joint owners of three parcels that they deem are in violation of their beautification ordinance. At their regular meeting they showed pictures of one homestead on Carmer Road and two on Walnut Shores that were overgrown with weeds, junk vehicles, and houses in severe disrepair. Supervisor Mike Cunningham said that townshipâs struggle with the owners has been going on the better part of a decade. He said the properties are trashed, full of weeds, unregistered vehicles, and homes that need drastic repairs. Cunningham said he had previously been in touch with the owners once a month to hear what they were doing to fix the properties, but that he hasnât heard from them now for over half a year. He said the township has heard several complaints from neighbors who are exhausted with having to live near the parcels. The Board will next send the information and a request to their attorney to set up court dates. Cunningham said that the judge tends to rule in favor of the township in cases like this, but that he doesnât have a crystal ball. According to the supervisor, possible outcomes from a favorable ruling are a legal order to clean up the sites, an order to sell the properties, or an order to have the township clean them up at the ownerâs cost. (MK)
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Alert Issued For Missing "At Risk" Teen In Northfield Township Alert Issued For Missing "At Risk" Teen In Northfield Township
Police have issued an alert for a missing âat-riskâ Northfield Township teen. The Northfield Township Police Department says 16-year-old Kara Rupert was last seen in the Northfield Estates Mobile Home Community off of Eight Mile Road and US-23 at around 9:30pm Tuesday. Police say she was recently released from medical care earlier that day for suicidal thoughts and left her house after having an argument with her mother. Rupert is described as a white female, standing 5 foot 3, weighing 110 pounds. She was last seen wearing a burgundy tank top shirt, grey leggings and flip-flops. Anyone with information that can assist in helping safely locate Rupert is asked to call 911 or contact the Northfield Township Police Department at 734-449-9911. REF Case #16-2747. (JM)
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Work Crews Hit Gas Main In Downtown Howell, Businesses Evacuated Work Crews Hit Gas Main In Downtown Howell, Businesses Evacuated
A construction crew hit a gas main while working in Downtown Howell this morning, prompting the evacuation of some businesses. The alley behind the Heart of Howell building is being reconstructed and crews hit part of a gas line behind the Advanced Medical Solutions building. No one was injured and it was not a significant ordeal. Howell Fire Chief Andy Pless tells WHMI the department was called out around 11:50am for a report of a gas leak in the alley. One business had a slight amount of gas in it, so they evacuated that business. He says most of the others in the surrounding area chose to self-evacuate. Consumers Energy arrived and shut off the gas leak so repairs could be made. The scene was cleared around 12:40pm. (JM)
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Hartland 4-H Ranger's Reunion Planned In August As Club Turns 50Hartland 4-H Ranger's Reunion Planned In August As Club Turns 50
A Hartland 4-H Club is turning 50 years old this year and a celebration is in the works. The Rangerâs 4-H Club in Hartland was founded by John and Janet Rex in 1966 and a lot has changed since then â when club members only raised and showed beef animals. The club is said to have changed along with the community and today there are no members showing beef. Members now show poultry, rabbits, dogs, cats, sheep, swine, companion pets and horses. In addition to the animal projects, members also coordinate exhibits. Officials say 4-H is much more than learning about projects though, as itâs a character building organization. The focus is on leading young people in planning, organizing, financing, completing, and exhibiting their projects. To celebrate the club turning 50 years old, officials have organized a Rangerâs Reunion at Epley Park in Hartland on Sunday, August 14th at 1pm to reminisce with friends, old and new. All past and present members, leaders and their families are invited to attend and bring a dish to share, along with pictures from their 4-H days. A history of the club is attached below. (JM)
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Help Sought Identifying Suspect Who Stole Chevy Blazer In BrightonHelp Sought Identifying Suspect Who Stole Chevy Blazer In Brighton
Authorities are asking for the publicâs help identifying a man who stole a car from a gas station in downtown Brighton. Brighton Police say the victim went inside the Sunoco gas station at 602 W. Grand River last Saturday at around 6:30am and inadvertently left the keys in the car. The suspect noticed the keys inside and drove off with the red 2000 Chevy Blazer - DCM-6851. Police have released a photo and video of the suspect and anyone with information is asked to call Brighton Police at 810-227-2700. (JM)
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Largest One-Day Volunteer Event Returning To Livingston CountyLargest One-Day Volunteer Event Returning To Livingston County
Livingston Countyâs largest, one day volunteer community service event is scheduled for next month. The United Wayâs 15th Annual Day of Caring will be stretching across the county on Wednesday, August 17th. Organizers are hoping to equal or surpass last yearâs total of 1,500 volunteers helping out over 115 work sites. Co-chairperson for the event, Piet Lindhout believes this is a great opportunity for any willing body to get out and help the community. He said traditionally this event brings in support from local businesses, school teams, church and youth groups, families, and individual residents. Volunteers can help in any number of ways and organizers will strive to send them to areas of their own choice. Morning and afternoon shifts are available, with a full-day commitment also being an option. People who like working outdoors can help tasks like landscaping, weeding, and gardening. The indoor types can take on jobs like housekeeping and painting. The United Way also needs help with collecting food and personal care items for shut-ins, as well as the preparation and delivery of 3-course lunches to volunteers. High School youth groups are encouraged to join the event, as the school that has the highest participation can win the Challenge Grant from Citizens Insurance. For more information or to find a volunteer application, visit the eventâs website through the link below. (MK)
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Suspect In School Shooting Plot Pleads Guilty To Possessing Child Porn Suspect In School Shooting Plot Pleads Guilty To Possessing Child Porn
A Linden man charged with plotting to shoot up a school has pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography in a separate case. 18-year-old Ryan Stevens was charged in December with five felony counts related to his alleged filming of a sex act between a 13-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy at a Flint Township motel. On Wednesday, Stevens pleaded guilty to possession of child sexually abusive material in Genesee County Circuit Court. The four-year felony will place Stevens on the sex offender registry for 15 years and carries a fine of up to $10,000. In exchange for his plea, prosecutors have agreed to dismiss the other four counts. He is scheduled to be sentenced August 15th. Stevens is also expected to plead guilty to attempted terrorism in a separate case in which he is charged for allegedly plotting to shoot up Linden High School. Authorities say he and two 15-year-old co-defendants planned to bring guns to the school and kill a student who had reportedly made disparaging remarks about him online. The cell phone video of the sex encounter was discovered by police while investigating the shooting plot. Stevens remains held on a $200,000 bond in the Genesee County Jail. His co-defendants in the shooting case, Lamarr Michael Dukes of West Bloomfield and Cody Anthony Brewer of Wolverine Lake, are charged as adults. However, they are being held in the Genesee Valley Regional Detention Center. A tentative trial date for Dukes and Brewer has been scheduled for August 10th. (DK)
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Fatal Truck Crash Closes Freeway & Snarls Area TrafficFatal Truck Crash Closes Freeway & Snarls Area Traffic
A Shiawassee County man was killed in a crash that shut down I-96 in Howell for hours Wednesday afternoon and snarled traffic throughout the area well into the evening. Westbound I-96 was closed at D-19 following the crash, which occurred at about 11:15am. State Police say a semi driven by a Missouri woman had slowed for construction traffic, when she was rear-ended by a box truck driven by a 39-year-old Owosso man. He was pronounced dead at the scene. But the ensuing cleanup and investigation kept the freeway closed for more than six hours, forcing traffic to use alternate routes like Grand River and M-59, which quickly accumulated major backups. Other accidents only made things worse, including a rollover involving multiple vehicles on eastbound I-96 at the Fowlerville exit. A stalled semi also blocked the middle lane of westbound I-96 near D-19 later in the evening. As for the original crash, State Police say drugs and alcohol do not appear to be involved, but they are continuing their investigation. (JK)
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Memorial Celebration Planned For Howell's "Zemp"Memorial Celebration Planned For Howell's "Zemp"
Services have been set for a Howell icon who passed away over the weekend. Duane Zemper, known to many as just âZempâ, died Sunday after battling a recurring bout of throat cancer. He was 96. The longtime Howell resident was a World War II Army Air Corp veteran who served with the 457th Bomber Group as an intelligence photographer. After the war, he owned and operated Zemper Photography Studio in Howell, the oldest continually operated photography studio in the country. In his later years, Zemper was a noted Howell historian who donated countless hours at the Howell Carnegie Library Archives. He was also a member of the Howell Rotary Club where he was a Paul Harris Fellow and had over 62 years of perfect attendance. A reception in his memory will be held Sunday, August 7th from 1 to 5pm at the Howell American Legion Club. Memorial contributions are suggested to NELTCS., 9825 Lyon Drive, Brighton, MI 48114 (an assisted living residence for veterans)or the Howell Area Archives, 314 W. Grand River, Howell 48843. (JK)
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