A Brighton Township church is inviting the community to help put meals on the tables of hungry kids around the world.
Feed My Starving Children is a Christian non-profit organization that aims to tackle hunger and send nutritious meals to 70 countries largely through the help of volunteers. They report that every day 6,200 children die of starvation. On April 29th and 30th, Cornerstone Evangelical Presbyterian Church is partnering with them with the goal of packing 500,000 rice-based MannaPack meals. Event Coordinator Donna Alberta said this is a great team building opportunity for families, businesses, and organizations. She said that even though volunteers will be working hard, she is sure they will be having fun while doing it, and that âthis is a wonderful opportunity to turn hunger into hope with your own two hands.â
Cornerstone has recently opened up room for more volunteers and there are still slots open for many of the 2 hour shifts throughout the weekend. Volunteers will work in an assembly line fashion to pack, seal, crate, and prepare the MannaPacks for shipment. Feed My Starving Children will then send the meals to orphanages, schools, and clinics around the globe. Click the link below to volunteer, make a donation, or learn more about the event. (MK)
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Church Seeks Volunteers To Pack 500,000 Meals For Starving KidsChurch Seeks Volunteers To Pack 500,000 Meals For Starving Kids
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Jim Tester Named Brighton Police Officer Of The YearJim Tester Named Brighton Police Officer Of The Year
Every year, the Brighton Police Dept. honors the member who contributed the most to the department over the last year as the Police Officer of the Year.
The recipient of the honor was announced at Thursday nightâs City Council meeting by Police Chief Rob Bradford, who revealed that the Officer of the Year for 2016 is Jim Tester. Tester is a senior patrol officer, a senior member of the police tactical unit, a member of the SWAT Team, is in charge of vehicle maintenance in the police dept. and has taken on responsibility for the dept. medical equipment program.
If that isnât enough, he also holds the position of assistant fire chief for the Brighton Area Fire Dept., where he has worked part-time for the past 32 years. Tester has been with the police department for 23 years. (TT)
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Job Fair Draws In Enthusiastic Employers & Potential EmployeesJob Fair Draws In Enthusiastic Employers & Potential Employees
Experts say market trends and the yearly Livingston Regional Job Fair have fortuitously lined up.
Held at Crystal Garden Banquet Center in Genoa Township Thursday, the job fair drew in over 45 area employers and a crowd of potential employees. The event was sponsored by the Livingston County Michigan Works agency, and Director Bill Sleight says the job fair came at a good time for job seekers. Sleight says across the board, there is a demand in a number of fields. He links that demand to demographic trends, such as people aging out of the work force, a stronger economy, and a change in the skill set that is being sought.
With the job market seeking new talent in everything from entry level to high-skilled positions, Sleight says his best advice is research. He encouraged applicants to research themselves, the job market, and positions in companies theyâre interested in. Kim Dobies, Spiral Industries Human Resource Manager, verified Sleight's suggestion. She says sheâs looking for a good first impression and basic knowledge of the company.
Upon speaking with several more recruiters, it appeared that many had similar ideas for what they were looking for in an applicant. Specific skills and credentials aside, recruiters focused on a professional presentation and a prepared candidate. Human Resources Business Partner Cathy Terbush with the Integrated Healthcare Association, or IHA, and Beth Pacut, Agency Owner and Manager of Pacut Insurance Agency, both indicated they were seeking outgoing candidates who knew what they were looking for.
Sleight says about 200 people pre-registered for the event, but wonât know an exact number for those that turned out until later on. He says the event is an exceptional collaboration between area agencies and organizations, working together to provide opportunities for the community. (DK)
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Lane Closures On US-23 Next Week Between 8 Mile & Silver Lake Road Lane Closures On US-23 Next Week Between 8 Mile & Silver Lake Road
Lane closures are continuing on US-23 between 8 Mile Road and Silver Lake Road next week.
The Michigan Department of Transportation says the overnight single lane closures are needed for concrete pavement patching.
On Northbound US-23, nighttime single lane closures will occur next Monday through Thursday between 9pm and 7am each night. Then there will be a continuous single lane closure on northbound US-23 between 8 Mile Road and Silver Lake Road starting at 9pm next Friday, continuing through Monday, May 1st at 7am.
On Southbound US-23, nighttime single lane closures will occur next Monday through Thursday the 27th between 7pm and 5am. Then there will also be a continuous single lane closure in the same area of southbound US-23 that starts at 8pm next Friday and continuing through Monday, May 1st at 5am. (JM)
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Minivan Occupants Sought In Genoa Break-InsMinivan Occupants Sought In Genoa Break-Ins
A pair of home break-ins in Genoa Township this week has authorities looking to the public for assistance.
The Livingston County Sheriffâs office says that on Wednesday, April 19th, two breaking and entering incidents took place in the Pine Creek subdivision, near Brighton and Bauer roads. The incidents are believed to have occurred between 8:45 and 10 in the morning, with both homes entered by force through the front door. Authorities say that jewelry was targeted in both incidents.
A nearby security camera captured a white minivan in the area and detectives are hoping to speak with the vehicleâs driver. Anyone with information about the vehicle, or its occupants, is asked to please call Detective Curt Novara at 517-540-7952. Anonymous tips can be made to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. (JK)
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Local Police Agencies To Participate In Mock Shooter Training Local Police Agencies To Participate In Mock Shooter Training
The Brighton City Police Dept. has scheduled its annual Police Training Day for this Monday from 7-11 a.m. at the MJR Brighton Towne Square Cinema 20.
In addition to Brighton, police departments from Howell, area townships and villages and the Livingston County Sheriffâs Dept. will also participate in the training exercise. Brighton Police Chief Rob Bradford tells WHMI itâs actually just a warmup, or dress rehearsal, for Police Active Shooter Training Day, to be held on Monday, May 1, also at the MJR Cinema in Brighton. Bradford says the theater will be closed when the sessions take place, since it doesnât open until noon. He says the training program will focus on the interior of the theater, while the next phase will concentrate on the grounds and perimeter area. Area fire departments and EMT units will also participate in the exercise, and drama students from area high schools will portray movie patrons. It will be the second year in a row the training exercise has been held at the MJR Cinema in Brighton.
Bradford says itâs the perfect venue for such an incident, partly due to movie theater shootings at theaters in the U.S. over the last several years. By far the most deadly was in July 2012 at a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado, when 12 people were killed and 70 injured. James Holmes was subsequently convicted in the shootings and sentenced to life in prison without parole. (TT)
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Brighton City Hall Getting New Carpet, New Roof Approved For DPW BuildingBrighton City Hall Getting New Carpet, New Roof Approved For DPW Building
At its regular meeting Thursday night, the Brighton City Council approved bids for a new Department of Public Works roof and new carpeting for city hall.
The carpeting was the more expensive of the two items, at slightly over $34,000, the bid being by Solar Contract Carpet of Redford Twp. It was also about $1,500 lower than the only other bid submitted.
To anyoneâs knowledge, the carpet has never been cleaned since the city took over the building many years ago. What is now city hall was formerly shared, with one-half being the city library and city hall occupying the other half. The city then took over the whole building, and the small city library became the Brighton District Library, moving into a new building on Library Drive in 1996.â
City Manager Nate Geinzer said the carpeting is so worn that it clings to a personâs feet. Council Member Renee Pettengill objected to the purchase, saying there were many more pressing needs in the city. She suggested having the carpeting cleaned instead of replacing it. But in the end, Council approved the carpeting purchase on a 5-2 vote.
Another expenditure approved by council was âup toâ $15,000 for a new roof at the DPW office building on South Third Street. The low bid out of four submitted was $9,800 - $1.50 per-square-foot of sheathing replacements, on an as-needed basis. Council also approved reserving âup toâ $8,000 as a âback stopâ to help fund Brightonâs 150th birthday celebration. The city is looking for other companies or businesses to contribute to the funding of the celebration, but the $8,000 will be available in case the goal is not met. (TT)
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Milford Residents Offered Free Shuttle & Admission To DIA Milford Residents Offered Free Shuttle & Admission To DIA
Milford residents have an opportunity to catch a free ride and admission to the Detroit Institute of Arts next weekend.
Milford residents are encouraged to register online to save their spot for the event next Saturday. Village Manager Christian Wuerth says the DIA does community days periodically and itâs Milfordâs turn. A shuttle will leave from Downtown Milford and residents can reserve their space.
Those interested should arrive at the Downtown Milford parking lot located on Oak Street next Saturday morning. Pick-up is 9:30am. The shuttle will then depart from the DIA at 2:30pm.
More information can be found through the link provided.(JM)
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Trial Resumes Monday For Former Youth Leader Accused of Sexual Relationship With TeenTrial Resumes Monday For Former Youth Leader Accused of Sexual Relationship With Teen
An ex-youth group leader facing charges that allege she had a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old boy returns to court Monday for the ongoing trial.
36-year-old Kendra Marie Brown of Howell is facing multiple charges, including several counts of 3rd degree criminal sexual conduct with a person between the ages of 13 and 15. The charges stem from what court records indicate was more than one incident in July of 2015.
Brown reportedly volunteered with youth at the Centerpointe Nazarene Church in Howell until March of 2015, at which point she was asked to no longer do so. The teen who Brown allegedly engaged in sexual acts with says he met her through a youth group at the church.
Brownâs trial began Tuesday and continued through Wednesday. Prosecutors say Brown manipulated the teen into sex. He has testified that he did not say no, but did feel forced throughout the entirety of the relationship.
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Final Details Wrapping Up As New Medical Center Prepares To OpenFinal Details Wrapping Up As New Medical Center Prepares To Open
In less than two weeks, a much-anticipated medical center in Genoa Township will be open to the public.
Opening of the $13.5 (m) million Ascension Medical Center on Latson Road is planned for Friday, May 5th. No time will be wasted in the interim between opening and providing patient care. Joseph Hurshe, President of Providence-Providence Park Hospital, says the center will begin accepting patients that day, at 1pm. St. John Providence is a part of Ascension Health and the medical center will be the first Ascension-branded facility in the state.
The goal of the center is to bring services to the community that residents had to travel elsewhere to receive before. A myriad of healthcare options will be available, including occupational health, physical therapy, urgent care, primary care, obstetrics/gynecology, and cardiology. Hurshe says itâs exciting to have the center located in Livingston County, with its all-inclusive services specifically requested by community members. Moreover, Hurshe feels the state-of-the-art facilityâs advanced and innovative equipment will add to providing patients with the highest level of care.
On Friday, WHMI privately toured the 60,000 square-foot building, which is close to completion while final details are coming together. Many components of the building have been designed with the idea of healing and comfort for the patient in mind. Lou Bischoff, Director of Imaging Services for Providence and Providence Park Hospitals, says some of those components are an open atmosphere in the physical therapy room, or separate cubicles for patient check-in to offer privacy. While the first two floors open next month, Bischoff says the third floor is scheduled to open in June. (DK)
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New Traffic Pattern Coming To 6 Mile & North Territorial Road WednesdayNew Traffic Pattern Coming To 6 Mile & North Territorial Road Wednesday
A new traffic pattern and ramp closure is being implemented as part of ongoing construction on US-23.
The Michigan Department of Transportation says on Wednesday, a new traffic pattern or loop will be implemented. On 6 Mile Road at US-23, westbound traffic will be maintained and eastbound traffic will be detoured to North Territorial Road. On North Territorial Road at US-23, eastbound traffic will be maintained, with westbound traffic detoured to 6 Mile Road.
M-DOT says the new traffic pattern will be in place until approximately mid-June.
In addition, the southbound US-23 off-ramp to North Territorial Road will be closed starting Wednesday and will remain closed for approximately one month. The ramp closure is needed for ramp reconstruction and roundabout installation at the North Territorial Road interchange. The ramp is expected to re-open in late May.
M-DOT says the new traffic loop for 6 Mile Road and North Territorial Road is needed to accommodate detoured traffic from the ramp closure. A temporary traffic signal will be in place on the west side of the 6 Mile Road interchange when the new traffic pattern, or loop, is in place. (JM)
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US-23 To Close At North Territorial Road MondayUS-23 To Close At North Territorial Road Monday
A full closure of US-23 at North Territorial Road is scheduled next week.
The Michigan Department of Transportation says there will be a full, overnight closure of US-23 so crews can set beams at North Territorial Road over US-23. On Monday starting at 9pm, southbound US-23 will be closed until 5am on Tuesday. Then on Tuesday starting at 9pm, northbound US-23 will be closed until 7am on Wednesday.
M-DOT says a detour will be posted each night the freeway is closed that utilizes the ramps at North Territorial Road to take traffic on and off US-23. (JM)
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Longtime WHMI Sports Director Dave Johnson Dies At Age 48Longtime WHMI Sports Director Dave Johnson Dies At Age 48
Former WHMI sports director Dave Johnson, who had battled pancreatic cancer for two years, died on Friday at age 48.
Johnson did sportscasts, play-by-play of high school sports, and hosted WHMI's "Game Night" during his tenure at the station. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2015, which had already spread to his spine and liver.
He underwent several rounds of chemotherapy with equal parts grit and positive attitude, and died in the presence of his family. He is survived by his wife, Tami, son Michael, and six brothers and sisters.
Visitation for Dave Johnson will be 2-9 p.m. Sunday at Sharp Funeral Home in Fenton, with a rosary at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at St. John Catholic Church in Fenton, with burial in Argentine Cemetery.
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Event In Linden Monday To Honor Vietnam-Era Veterans Event In Linden Monday To Honor Vietnam-Era Veterans
A ceremony in Linden on Monday aims to give long-overdue recognition to Vietnam War era veterans and their families as part of the 50th anniversary of the war.
The âWelcome Home Vietnam Veterans Event to Thank and Honor Vietnam Veterans and Their Familiesâ is being hosted in conjunction with American Legion Family Post 119 and Linden Community Schools. The ceremony is being sponsored by Michigan Senate Majority Floor Leader Mike Kowall, a White Lake Republican, and Senator Ken Horn, a Republican from Frankenmuth. The lawmakers encourage all interested residents and veterans to join them in paying tribute to the men and women who they say were too often forgotten when they returned home.
The event will be held at 4pm on Monday at Linden High School on Silver Lake Road. Kowall and Horn will provide a Vietnam War Commemorative Lapel Pin to U.S. veterans who served on active duty at any time from November 1st, 1955 to May 15th, 1975 regardless of location. Kowall says âThe Commemoration honors all Vietnam veterans, whether they served in-country, in-theater, or were stationed elsewhere during the Vietnam War periodâ. The event will also feature guest speakers and patriotic entertainment.
An event schedule and RSVP information is available through the link. (JM)
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Brighton Holds Mill Pond Cleanup Day, Arbor Day, Earth DayBrighton Holds Mill Pond Cleanup Day, Arbor Day, Earth Day
It was a tripleheader Saturday as the city of Brighton celebrated three events: Earth Day, Arbor Day and Mill Pond Cleanup Day.
Brighton Mayor Jim Muzzin read proclamations in honor of Earth Day and Arbor Day, and a Littleleaf Linden tree was planted by the Imagination Station Playground. Muzzin tells WHMI that Earth Day and Arbor Day are not mere words with little meaning or practical application. "It's not just words; we put action behind it," he said. As part of the effort, about 100 volunteers worked to rid the Mill Pond and its shoreline of tree branches and other debris. According to Muzzin, when activities such as cleaning up the Mill Pond take place, it increases the person's appreciation for the natural beauty that exists in Brighton. The event Saturday was hosted by the Maltby Intermediate School 6th grade enrichment class and featured recycled art, games and crafts. Arbor Day has been recognized in Brighton for many years but it was the first time the city had observed Earth Day.
Earth Day, begun in 1970, is now celebrated on April 22nd in 192 nations worldwide. Earth Day has sparked an international movement to protect the planet and its resources, and provides opportunities for people to be stewards of the Earth. In line with that philosophy, Brighton is recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation as a national Tree City USA. Mill Pond Cleanup Day is part of the Mill Pond Restoration Project, which is part of the Beautify Brighton initiative. (TT/JK) Facebook photo
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Fatal Semi Crash Closes Southbound US-23 For 7 HoursFatal Semi Crash Closes Southbound US-23 For 7 Hours
A fatal crash involving a semi-tractor trailer forced the closure of southbound US-23 through the afternoon Sunday.
Two men were killed and a woman was hospitalized in critical condition after the driver of a semitrailer apparently lost control and struck six vehicles on southbound US-23, south of Lee Road in Green Oak Township. One of the vehicles, a gold Ford Escort, was completely destroyed in the crash after the truck rolled over on top of it. One of the men that was killed died at the scene, the other died at a hospital. Police say the truck driver wasn't hurt. There's no word on a cause for the crash, which remains under investigation by the Green Oak Township Police Department and the Livingston County Sheriffâs Officeâs accident reconstruction team.
The southbound lanes remained closed until just after 8pm. (JK)
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Lyon Township Considering Two New Plants To Treat WaterLyon Township Considering Two New Plants To Treat Water
A water treatment plant builder gave a presentation to the Lyon Township Board of Trustees as they continue to weigh treatment options.
Last winter the board began talks with the Great Lakes Water Authority, which operates Detroitâs water system. At Thursday nightâs special meeting they heard from Artesian of Pioneer, or A-O-P, on a plan that would allow the township to maintain control of their water. A-O-P, which has been led for the past 43 years by South Lyon-born Ed Kidston, showed a plan that for a worst-case scenario $16-million, build 2 new plants and state-of the-art water towers.
Kidston said they have built hundreds of plants in states in and around Michigan and are experts in simple, durable design, with a mind for keeping rates as low as possible. A-O-Pâs plants are designed to last for around 75 years and require minimal maintenance compared to others. Kidston said they offer a 5-year warranty on everything, something that no one else will do. Supervisor John Dolan liked a lot of what he heard, saying it was important to offer high quality water to residents while keeping rates at a decent rate. He said they have good water quality in Lyon Township, just not enough treating capacity.
Dolan said the board now will have to have a lot of discussion in vetting out which path they want to take, if any at this time. (MK)
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Brighton DDA Approves Budget Including Road ProjectsBrighton DDA Approves Budget Including Road Projects
At its meeting last week, the Brighton Downtown Development Authority approved a 2017-18 fiscal year budget of $4.8 million.
Since the DDA comes under the umbrella of the City Council as a city entity, the DDA budget will not become official until council approves it as part of the cityâs overall budget in May. Brighton City Finance Director Gretchen Gomolka cautions that the budget approved by the DDA Board of Directors Tuesday is merely a preliminary figure at this stage. Gomolka tells WHMI the budget is a working document, subject to change as situations firm up and more accurate numbers become available.
Gomolka says the bulk of the budget will necessitate bonding for various projects, with the bond issue totaling about $4 million, to be paid back over 20 years. An estimated $1.8 million of the bond would go toward the Challis Road project. That is planned in anticipation of the opening of a $175 million, nearly 300,000-square-foot University of Michigan ambulatory care facility, scheduled to open in the fall of 2018. About $1 million of the bond would go for implementing the Mill Pond Master Plan, while $300,000 would go to pay back the city for the local match on the West Grand River repaving project. And, another $115,000 would go in support of the cityâs general fund.
Gomolka reiterated that the budget is based on early estimates and is certain to change, depending on such variables as whether bids come in high or low and other factors. The 2017-18 DDA budget is expected to be adopted as part of the cityâs overall budget following a public hearing at the May 4th council meeting. (TT)
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Fowlerville Man Sentenced For Pointing Gun In Road Rage IncidentFowlerville Man Sentenced For Pointing Gun In Road Rage Incident
A Fowlerville man who authorities say pointed a handgun at another driver during a supposed case of road rage has been sentenced.
34-year-old Steven Michael Burke was charged with one count each of assault with a dangerous weapon and brandishing firearms in public as a result of the November 2016 incident. Burke pleaded guilty to the assault charge in February and prosecutors agreed to dismiss the second charge without prejudice. He was sentenced Thursday to 14 days in the Livingston County Jail and 18 monthsâ probation.
On the morning of November 29th, a 32-year-old Fowlerville-area woman called 9-1-1 to report that a man in a SUV had pointed a gun at her while traveling on I-96. Livingston County Sheriffâs deputies searched for the suspect in the SUV and located him on eastbound I-96 near US-23. A handgun was found inside the vehicle and Burke was arrested without incident. As part of his sentencing, he will also be required to make $5,415.30 restitution.
Sheriff Mike Murphy had previously commented that road rage and aggressive driving situations appear to be happening more frequently, and urged drivers to not let other distractions or those situations irritate them. (DK)
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Congressman Chaffetz Visits Howell For Fundraising EventCongressman Chaffetz Visits Howell For Fundraising Event
A Utah Congressman whose announced retirement has drawn national headlines was in Livingston County over the weekend.
Utah Republican Jason Chaffetz took part in a âPizza and Politicsâ fundraiser Saturday afternoon at the Block Brewery in Howell. The eventâs invitation said it was organized by Congressman Mike Bishop and the 8th District Republican Committee, although Bishop was not in attendance. In fact, his office said they had no affiliation with the event. Regardless, Chaffetz spoke to about 100 enthusiastic supporters who came out to hear him speak on current political issues, although the majority of his remarks focused on his involvement in the investigation of the Benghazi attacks of 2012.
More recently, Chaffetz has made headlines for his decision to not seek another term in Congress. Speculation has centered on that announcement potentially having to do with an as-yet reported scandal, which he has strongly denied. Speaking to the crowd in Howell, Chaffetz said the answer was far simpler and much more personal. "As much as I like to work in Congress and pour my heart and soul and I love the day-to-day and I love the combat, I love all of it, I love my family more. You get in, serve and then you get out and I just want to practice what I preach."
Among the audience were several local GOP leaders including State Senator Joe Hune and State Representative Lana Theis. Chaffetz also remarked that in his opinion, U.S. foreign policy had taken a turn for the better with President Donald Trump, who he said had inherited a situation in which âOur allies didnât trust us and our enemies didnât fear us.â As an example, he said Trump has handled North Korea, âabsolutely perfectly.â
Chaffetz closed by reminding those in attendance that with Republicans now in control of the White House and both Houses of Congress, they, âhave to deliver. Thereâs no excuses.â (JK)
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