New next generation voting equipment is coming to Livingston County in time for November elections.
County Clerk Betsy Hundley has made a choice between the three voting systems that were approved by the State Board of Canvassers in February. She credited all of the city and township clerks, Elections Coordinator Joan Runyon, county IT personnel, and the Election Commission for their input and dedication to the process. Hundley said she feels the best choice is the Hart InterCivic Verity system (pictured). She said the number one priority was the ease of use. They also wanted a system that would aid with the training of election officials. Runyon confirmed for WHMI that the new voting system will involve a paper ballot and that if a recount were requested, there would be an actual ballot to look at.
Hundley said that election night results should come more quickly than they do with the current system. The new tabulators, ADA devices for disabled voters, and software, will be paid for by federal and state funding, with a local component. The state is providing Livingston County with roughly $710,000 for the equipment. Hundley said she was able to negotiate savings from the vendor on backup tabulators, along with a reduction in service and maintenance fees that the state does not allot for.
Hundley expects to get a minimum of 10 years out of this system, speculating that they could go far beyond that. The current system has been in place for around 14 years. The new voting equipment will be ready to use in Livingston County for the November 7th elections. (MK)
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New Voting Equipment Selected For Livingston CountyNew Voting Equipment Selected For Livingston County
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Tyrone Township Holds Future Needs WorkshopTyrone Township Holds Future Needs Workshop
The Tyrone Township Board of Trustees gathered to discuss the future needs of the township.
At a special workshop last week the board weighed the necessities of pursuing topics like the township hall, adding a staff member, and offering big item trash removal. The big topic of the workshop was the state of the township office building. Built 50 years ago, many on the board shared an opinion that it is becoming too small to meet the needs of the township. Supervisor Mike Cunningham said heâd like to have engineers look at the building to better help them decide if they can repair and expand the current one, or if it is better to start saving for a new hall. The supervisor was also interested in addressing the possible need to added personnel in the planning department. He said they have seen a significant increase in land use permits, permit waivers, and boundary realignments. The township has been running with one person capable of fulfilling those tasks for several years, but may need to add a second staff member.
Finally the board considered options with big item spring cleanups. They offered a day for residents to bring in large junk to be removed years ago, but ceased that operation when it became too expensive. They bantered about the possibilities of restoring the day, partnering with a neighboring municipality, or offering to host one of the countyâs own cleanup events. Livingston County holds 3 of these events a year, and Cunningham said he would inquire about bringing one to Tyrone to help out their residents. (MK)
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Bras For A Cause Returns To Benefit American Cancer SocietyBras For A Cause Returns To Benefit American Cancer Society
A breast cancer research fundraiser that features men modeling bras is back by popular demand.
The annual âBras for a Causeâ fundraiser is sponsored by the Livingston County Chapter of the Womenâs Council of Realtors and will be held at Mt. Brighton on Friday, April 28th, from 7 to 10 pm. Realtor Karen Gill says male models will take to the runway, showing off decorative, custom-made bras, then retrieve money from the audience. The bras, which will be auctioned off after the event, are created by local business owners with proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society.
The fundraiser will also include appetizers, a cash bar, 50/50 raffle and a DJ. Tickets can be purchased online for $40. Youâll find a link below. (JK)
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Man Charged In Fatal Crash That Killed Fenton Veteran Enters PleaMan Charged In Fatal Crash That Killed Fenton Veteran Enters Plea
A Burton man charged in connection to a fiery fatal crash that claimed the life of a veteran has entered a plea.
26-year-old Joshua Smith pleaded no contest in 53rd District Court Thursday to a moving violation causing death and a moving violation causing serious impairment of body function. The charges stem from the July 2016 three-vehicle crash that caused the death of former U.S. Marine, 41-year-old Todd Smith of Fenton. Joshua Smith and Todd Smith are not related. Police say Joshua Smithâs Chevy Impala was traveling west on Clyde Road in Hartland Township, when he struck an eastbound Ford Explorer, causing it to collide with Todd Smithâs pick-up truck.
Upon arrival, emergency crews discovered the pick-up engulfed in flames and Todd Smith trapped inside. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Ford Explorer, a 28-year-old Howell man, sustained injuries and had to be transported to U of M. Joshua Smith suffered minor injuries. He will be sentenced May 16th. .
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Lane Closures Scheduled This Week On US-23 Lane Closures Scheduled This Week On US-23
Lane closures are back underway this week on US-23 in Livingston and Washtenaw Counties.
The Michigan Department of Transportation has scheduled lane closures for paving work on US-23 between 8 Mile Road and M-36/9 Mile Road. Northbound US-23 will have overnight, single lane closures between 8pm and 7am through Wednesday. Southbound US-23 will have overnight, single lane closures between 7pm and 5am Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Additionally, M-DOT advises motorists that there will be daily single lane closures on Barker Road at US-23 between 9am and 2pm each day until next Friday, April 21st.
The various lane closures were rescheduled from last week due to the weather. (JM)
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Huron River Under Flood WarningHuron River Under Flood Warning
The Huron River in Hamburg Township is under a flood warning.
After last weekâs rain and snowfall, the National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for the Huron River, which as of noon was at 6.62 feet. Flood stage is 6.5 feet. Itâs predicted to crest at 6.65 feet by this afternoon and remain there through early Tuesday when it is expected to begin receding.
At the current level, water begins to flood yards of homes along the river and Ore Lake, while many boat docks will begin to become submerged. The last time the riverâs level reached this high was in December of 2011 when it crested at just under 6.8 feet. (JK)
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Wholesale Motorsports In Brighton Robbed Wholesale Motorsports In Brighton Robbed
A Brighton business is offering a reward for information related to a robbery earlier this month.
Wholesale Motorsports on Canterbury Drive off Old US-23 was robbed during the early morning hours of Sunday, April 2nd. The business sells off road vehicles and parts. The owner says video footage shows at least two suspects who broke through the back wall of the building at about 4am. Once inside, he says they kicked through a locked office door and then made off with a safe containing several thousand dollars in cash.
A $1,000 cash reward is being offered to anyone that can help identify the person or persons responsible. Facebook photo. (JM)
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Syrup Spill Turns Foamy At Pepsi Bottling Plant In HowellSyrup Spill Turns Foamy At Pepsi Bottling Plant In Howell
A spill of concentrated Mountain Dew syrup was reported at the Pepsi Bottling Plant in the City of Howell.
The spill occurred in March and was contained to the property off of McPherson Park Drive in the industrial section of the city. Approximately 7,000 gallons of concentrated Mountain Dew syrup managed to get into the companyâs storm sewer system on site after a tank failure. Howell City Manager Shea Charles tells WHMI they had a tank failure inside of the plant. The product, which was in one of the syrup lines, went into the companyâs sanitary sewer system. Charles says Pepsi has a pre-treatment system so when the high sugary waste hit the system; it overwhelmed it and caused it to bubble over. Once it overflowed from the pre-treatment system, he says the mixture got into Pepsiâs storm water systems but all of the water and product was contained on site and did not release outside of their facility.
The spill was reported to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and the company was said to be working collaboratively with various agencies to make sure cleanup efforts were in compliance with regulations. (JM)
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Supreme Court Denies District's Appeal In Former Administrator's Lawsuit Supreme Court Denies District's Appeal In Former Administrator's Lawsuit
A lawsuit against Hartland Consolidated Schools filed by a former administrator is heading back to the local level after the stateâs highest court declined to hear an appeal.
Tracey Sahouri sued the district in 2012, alleging it violated the Whistleblower Protection Act when it removed her as principal from Creekside Elementary School. She claims it was in retaliation for reporting âirregularitiesâ in how the district administered state-mandated student achievement tests. She was later re-assigned to a teaching position.
The district sought to dismiss the lawsuit, which was denied by a Genesee County Circuit Court judge. That prompted an appeal to the Michigan Court of Appeals, which upheld its decision allowing Sahouriâs Whistleblower Protection Act claim to proceed. The district then appealed to the Michigan Supreme Court. The application for appeal was denied in an April 5th order, with the justices saying they were not persuaded the questions should be reviewed.
Hartland Superintendent Chuck Hughes tells WHMI âwhile disappointed, the district believes that we handled the situation correctly and will work to move forwardâ.
The district contends Sahouriâs re-assignment was based on the conclusions of a state report that determined teachers at Creekside improperly gained access to material from the tests in 2011, which constituted a breach of security. Sahouriâs attorney, Tom Pabst, has said that Hartland administration led what he called âan out-of-control lynch mobâ that trashed Sahouriâs career in part due to a ticket she received in the summer of 2011 for allowing a minor to consume alcohol at her Argentine Township home during a graduation party. The ticket was later dismissed and Sahouri settled a lawsuit over the matter with Argentine Township for $150,000. The district has contended that incident had nothing to do with its decision regarding Sahouri. (JM)
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Bishop Holds Listening Sessions Amid Constituent DissatisfactionBishop Holds Listening Sessions Amid Constituent Dissatisfaction
Constituents demanding answers filled several town hall listening sessions hosted by Congressman Mike Bishop in Brighton Monday.
Residents of the 8th Congressional District were required to RSVP in advance to the three separate sessions, which capped its guest list at about 30 people per event. Several protestors gathered outside the meeting venue (inset), while inside the sessions residents had the opportunity to ask questions and exchange dialogue with the Republican congressman in a more personal format.
The discussion varied widely in subject, but Bishopâs stance on gerrymandering, immigration and the Affordable Care Act received a lot of focus in the latest listening session. When questioned on his support to repeal and replace the ACA, Bishop responded that he believes the current health care system is âimploding on itselfâ, which drew an outburst from those in attendance. Despite the disagreement, Bishop seemed to feel the listening session was a success.
Bishop says the goal was to meet and listen, and have a conversation about whatâs important to constituents and the district. Bishop called the meeting "productive", "sincere", and "a nice exchange". Despite over an hour of dialogue, Emily Kallunki-Pasternak of Brighton Township says the meeting was "about what she expected", and doesn't feel it will bring about any kind of change. "Maybe if there were more discussions on a regular basis, but I'm not feeling too hopeful. I don't think my facts are wrong."
Louise Zrull of Hartland Township was a constituent in attendance and had to take time off work to attend the meeting. Zrull says she came with an open mind, but ultimately felt the event was not worth missing work. Following the session, she told WHMI she was really disappointed and that "everything that came out of his mouth was total Republican, total party line, total Trump". Zrull says she expects a bipartisan take on current issues from her congressman.
Guests were able to write down questions that were unanswered at the session which Bishopâs representatives collected and said they will do their best to respond to.
The grassroots group Indivisible 8 will hold a town hall meeting of their own this evening at Crystal Gardens Banquet Center in Genoa Township. Event organizers say they have been trying for months to get Bishop to attend a true town hall meeting that is open to the general public and at a time people can actually attend. Bishop stated that he had another event to attend that would conflict with Indivisible 8âs meeting, but has previously called it a âpolitical stunt.â (DK)
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U.S. Air Force Offers High Praise To Howell Junior ROTC Unit U.S. Air Force Offers High Praise To Howell Junior ROTC Unit
A local student group has been honored for their exemplary performance.
During a recent U.S. Air Force inspection, the instructors and cadets of Howell High Schoolâs Air Force Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps unit were assessed as exceeding standards, the highest rating a unit can attain. According to a press release from the Air Force, âThe Howell High School Air Force JROTC citizenship program is making a positive impact on the cadets, the school, and the community.â District officials say that under the leadership of their instructors and Group Commander Cadet Cameron Cochran, the Howell High School cadets have taken great pride in their unit, which was apparent in the remarks of the Air Force Inspector, retired Colonel Todd Taylor, who said that the logistics team led by Cadet Dusten Gonzalez was the âbest logistics programâ he had ever seen.
Howell High School Principal Jason Schrock said it was an âincredible accomplishmentâ considering the unit had only been in existence for three years. Established in 2014, the Howell High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officersâ Training Corps is designed to teach high school students discipline, character, and citizenship, which help cadets achieve success in both college and their career. Currently, there are more than one hundred cadets enrolled in the program. (JK)
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Pinckney Softball Game To Benefit Wounded VeteransPinckney Softball Game To Benefit Wounded Veterans
The Pinckney softball team will honor veterans Wednesday before and during a doubleheader with Brighton at Pinckney High School. The Pirates will have raffled and a fundraiser for the Wounded Warriors Project. Senior Kennedy Kunnert ( tells WHMI how the idea came about. "We were thinking of a theme game,â she said. "Last year the baseball team did a breast cancer awareness game and the year before we had a suicide awareness game. So we wanted to kind of mix it up a little, and one of my other captains said, âWhy not a veterans game?â, And I said, âPerfect.â"
The festivities begin at 3:45 p.m., with a seven gun salute and an unfurling of the giant American flag that has been seen at Pinckney football games. A veteran also will throw out the gameâs first pitch. Admission is a $2 donation to the Wounded Warrior project, with raffles, food and free shirts available. The event has been organized by the team, led by Kunnert and co-captains Britney Lapum, Ashley Wilson and McKenna Pilley. Their effort has made an impression on first-year coach Gerald Coggins.
"I think itâs great because itâs the leaders of our team, and Kennedyâs truly been tremendous,â Coggins said. "Being a new coach and coming this year, sheâs helped me become accustomed to everyone and is just a top-notch girl."
The Pirates also will be wearing shirts Kunnert designed during Wednesdayâs doubleheader. Fans will also get a chance to see the new scoreboard installed in the offseason. (TR)
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Brighton School District May Establish 5th Year High School ProgramBrighton School District May Establish 5th Year High School Program
The Brighton Board of Education will likely begin a program next fall in which a âsuper senior yearâ â or fifth year of high school - will be established. The purpose is to give students who enroll a head start for college, a profession or technical program.
Michelle Radcliffe of the Livingston Education Services Agency explained the Early/Middle College School program to the board, saying itâs designed to allow a pupil to earn either an associate's degree, the Michigan Early/Middle College Association technical certification, or up to 60 transferable college credits at the same time.
Upon graduation, students in the program can obtain certification in such fields as the nursesâ aid and licensed practical nursing program, become a welder or gain 37 credits in manufacturing. But they have to agree to a 5th year of high school and sign up by the end of their junior year to be eligible. Gray says many of the programs that will be available are in high demand, and he is hopeful the board will give formal approval to the program at its next meeting in two weeks. (TT)
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Plans Move Forward For Proposed Credit Union In Genoa TownshipPlans Move Forward For Proposed Credit Union In Genoa Township
Lake Trust is proposing to build its new 2,360 square-foot credit union on the north side of Grand River, immediately to the east of Aubreeâs Pizzeria and Grill. Genoa Townshipâs planning commission held a public hearing Monday night for the projectâs site plan application and impact assessment. The project didnât receive any citizen opposition at the hearing and concerns from planners were fairly minimal or had already been addressed.
One issue that was a focus was a potential traffic conflict between a drive-through lane exit and a two-way drive connecting the site to White Horse Lane, which runs parallel to Grand River to the north. However Theresa Dubiel, Vice President of Member Experience for Lake Trust, says that can be fixed with curb cuts and signage.
The projectâs impact assessment was noted to be âremarkably unremarkableâ and the site plan application received board approval. Several commissioners noted that they like the buildingâs exterior, which Dubiel says they are very proud of. Dubiel says the materials that were chosen include timber and stone, and will resemble Michiganâs nature and outdoors. Renderings for the building also depict a lot of open space and glass and the use of natural lighting.
Developers are hoping to begin building this summer and have the credit union open to customers by early next year. (DK)
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Sheriff's Office Completes Investigation Into December Pileup On I-96Sheriff's Office Completes Investigation Into December Pileup On I-96
Authorities have completed their investigation into a 53-vehicle December pileup on snow-covered I-96 in Livingston County that left three people dead.
Livingston County Sheriff Michael Murphy said there's a lot to the investigation and his office is not seeking charges against anyone. That decision will be left up to the Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office. The December 8th pileup happened west of Fowlerville and forced the closure of I-96 in both directions for much of that day.
Murphy says it was a very lengthy investigation and they had a lot of pieces to put together. He tells WHMI it was largest crash in the history of Livingston County that heâs aware of and pointed out how well everyone worked together, saying his crew did a phenomenal job reconstructing the crash. He commended the way all of the public service and first responders in the county came together to work the crash, get those injured to hospitals, provide shelter for those without transportation â adding local municipalities and even the private sector stepped up.
Killed in the pileup were 69-year-old Homer and 62-year-old Theresa Tew of Ann Arbor and 28-year-old Vitalii Stelmakh, a semitrailer driver and native of Ukraine who was living in Hollywood, Florida.
The crash, which happened at about 9:45 that morning, sent 11 other motorists to the hospital with minor injuries and stranded another 30 people in the pileup, who had to be rescued and then bused to the Fowlerville Police Department where they could be reunited with friends or loved ones. In addition, two Howell area firefighters also suffered injuries including a dislocated knee and a torn rotator cuff.
Investigators previously said a Howell driver traveling too fast for conditions lost control on the icy freeway, causing an initial crash west of the Fowlerville exit near Wallace Road. That crash blocked both lanes of I-96, leading to the pileup that ultimately involved 53 vehicles and jackknifed semis. (JM)
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Overnight Lane Closures Continue For Ongoing US-23 ConstructionOvernight Lane Closures Continue For Ongoing US-23 Construction
The Michigan Department of Transportation has updated its schedule for lane closures on paving work on US-23 between 8 Mile Road and M-36/9 Mile Road.
Northbound US-23 will have overnight, single lane closures between 8pm and 7am through Saturday. Southbound US-23 will have overnight, single lane closures between 7pm and 5am through Thursday. The various lane closures were rescheduled from last week due to the weather.
Additionally, M-DOT advises motorists that there will be nighttime, single lane closures in each direction on US-23 at Joy Road, just north of M-14, for bridge work. Those are expected to be in place through Friday, April 21st.
Meanwhile, construction continues on a new Eight Mile Road overpass that will incorporate roundabouts. That work has completely closed the US-23 southbound off-ramp until mid-June. (JK)
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Howell Board of Education Passes Resolution In Support Of Early College ProgramHowell Board of Education Passes Resolution In Support Of Early College Program
Howell Public Schools are voicing support for an early college program that could potentially expand offerings in the next academic year.
The Livingston Educational Service Agency has submitted an application to the Michigan Department of Education to create a countywide Career and Technical Education Early College program. The goal is to offer high school students a five-year program that combines high school coursework with the first two years of college, allowing students to graduate with a high school diploma and up to 60 transferable credits, an industry credential or an Associate degree.
The Howell Public Schools Board of Education met Monday night and passed a resolution supporting the application. LESA and Howell Public Schools are working with partners from both the business community and higher education institutions to implement the early college program. If the state approves LESAâs application, Howell High School will launch its first two early college programs - health sciences and manufacturing - starting with the 2017-2018 academic year.
The district says students who enroll in the programs will attend high school for five years. The students will begin taking college courses their junior year. Each year the students will take a larger college course load until the are almost fully enrolled in college courses during the fifth year. The cost of the college courses is covered by the school district.
Superintendent Erin MacGregor says heâs very excited at the possibility of bringing the programs to Howell High School. He says the early college program will greatly benefit students and set them on a path to an outstanding career.
The Brighton Board of Education discussed a similar program at their meeting Monday and are expected to pass a resolution later this month in support. (JM)
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Resident Hoping To Bring Uber To Livingston CountyResident Hoping To Bring Uber To Livingston County
A local resident is organizing efforts to bring a popular taxi-alternative to Livingston County.
Uber is a location-based phone app that has helped people in need of a ride schedule one with its army of citizen drivers since 2012, but not in Livingston County. Community organizer Jordan Genso is spreading the word and trying to get residents to make some noise on May 8th to let Uber know that their service is wanted in the county. Genso said a popular misconception is that local governments have kept the service out of the county, but he says in fact, that decision has been made internally by Uber. Genso says Uber feels that from their data, there is currently not enough local demand or population density.
Genso noted that the four counties in each direction surrounding Livingston all have Uber service, and that has put local residents on an island, so to speak. He believes it will take pressure off of the countyâs current source of transportation, LETS, the Livingston Essential Transportation Service. Genso says LETS has been running near full capacity for their funding, and doesnât offer the rides Uber can during late-night bar hours and Sundays. Uber also opens up opportunities for residents who want to be drivers to make money while working hours they choose.
Genso believes that if everyone interested in the service can download the app on May 8th, see there is no service locally, and share that on social media and in emails to Uber, that a big enough splash can be made and will be noticed. (MK)
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8th District Town Hall Meeting, Sans Bishop, Draws Large Crowd 8th District Town Hall Meeting, Sans Bishop, Draws Large Crowd
Around 500 people attended a grassroots meeting in Genoa Township last night that was held to discuss concerns pertinent to residents of the 8th Congressional District.
The meeting room at Crystal Gardens Banquet Center was filled to capacity with constituents attending the town hall meeting hosted by Indivisible Michigan District 8. Over 10 speakers shared their thoughts on proposed health care cuts, education, and the direction of the country. More specifically, speakers focused in on how the districtâs Republican Congressman Mike Bishopâs views of those issues are reflected through how he has been voting.
Bishop was invited to attend the event, which he first called a âpolitical stuntâ. Earlier this week Bishop said he could not come because he had another event scheduled for the same night. To fill his absence at the town hall meeting, event organizers brought in a full-body cardboard cut-out of Bishop, which speakers directed questions to during the session. One of those speakers was Suzanna Shkreli, who unsuccessfully ran against Bishop as the Democratic nominee in last yearâs election.
Shkreli says she is seriously thinking about running again next year and wants someone to be elected that will stand up to both political parties, listen to constituents and fight for what they believe in. Shkreli says, âItâs kind of hard to sit back and let Bishop sing Speaker Ryanâs tune and just vote party line".
Holding Bishop accountable for how he has voted on different issues was the focal point of the meeting. On a wider scale, former Detroit Health Director Abdul El-Sayed says all representatives of the people must be held accountable if they are not reflecting their constituentsâ views. El-Sayed plans to run for Michiganâs governor as a Democrat in 2018. He says it is exciting to see people talking about reinvigorating the government and taking it back, while focusing on accountability and transparency. El-Sayed says, âWe can do a lot better in this country. I know we can. And I hope I can be a part of that.â
Speakers at the event discussed Bishopâs support of repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act, of Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, and his vote against requiring President Trump to release his tax returns. Nathan Ohle, the former Senior Advisor for the Obama Economic Development Administration, noted the affected economy. Ohle is also a possible candidate for the 2018 8th District Democratic nomination. He believes Democrats need to talk about promoting job creation and opportunity.
Another event speaker was Darlene Domanik, who also intends to run as a Democrat against Bishop in 2018. She says the meeting was âinspiringâ and âhopefulâ, despite Bishopâs absence. She was encouraged to see such a large attendance, which she says includes people who were unable to attend Bishopâs listening sessions that were held in Brighton on Monday. Domanik says, âHe wasnât here and he shouldâve been and that says it all right there.â She feels itâs important that whoever runs for the congressional position needs to speak and connect to both Democrats and Republicans, ââ¦otherwise things will stay the same.â
Though the âMeta Peace Teamâ was present to maintain order, the meeting was carried out civilly and without incident. (DK)
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City Of Howell Adopts Arbor Day Resolution; Celebration Event Planned City Of Howell Adopts Arbor Day Resolution; Celebration Event Planned
Howell City Council members met Monday night and unanimously adopted a resolution in observance of Arbor Day.
The City of Howell will be observing 29 consecutive years as a Tree City USA community but is also commemorating its 30th annual Arbor Day celebration. This yearâs Arbor Day celebration will take place April 28th at the Howell Memorial Cemetery located on West Highland Road. The 3rd grade class from Northwest Elementary School will be joining city officials, along with the Howell Police Department and Howell Area Fire Authority.
The Arbor Day event is open to the public and officials say all community members are welcome to attend. (JM)
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