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There appears to be renewed interest in potentially developing the Depot lot in downtown Howell. City Council met last week and members were informed that the City had received an unsolicited offer regarding the possible purchase of the depot parking lot, which is currently a municipal parking lot that holds around 64 spaces. The depot lot located at Wetmore and Walnut Streets by the historic train depot and behind the DDA building. This was said to be the second unsolicited offer on the property within the last few years so staff had sought guidance from mayor and council on how they want to proceed. Interim City Manager Erv Suida says there is interest in development on the lot, although very preliminary at this point, but he wanted to reach out to the mayor and council first to see if itâs something theyâd be willing to entertain and it seems like theyâre interested. Parking is definitely something to considered when it comes to any potential sale as the City is dealing with increased development and likely will be grappling with a future parking shortage. A staff memo noted that the lot is currently used by several businesses in the area for employee parking, especially since additional lighting has been added. Thus eliminating the lot could have a negative impact on other parking areas and lots. The memo states that further the property was recently designated as the area for a Kaboom! grant project and a local company has committed funds as a major sponsor. The City is also in talks with the Howell Carnegie District Library to provide up to 26 additional parking spaces as part of a separate potential redevelopment deal. The City is a Redevelopment Ready Certified community as part of that, the City has been engaging with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation on marketing and development potential for what has been dubbed the Cityâs main priority site. Itâs a downtown block bounded by Walnut, Wetmore, Center and Clinton. Half of the property is currently owned by the library and half by local businessman Joe Parker. One of things being looked at is getting both owners to work together and perhaps sell both properties so that a development could come in for the entire block, instead of doing half at a time. However, any project involving redevelopment of the property for a use other than parking will need to address the libraryâs parking needs in some way. Council agreed at a September meeting that moving forward, it would like to be a part of the solution and there are potential options to help fill the libraryâs parking gap. Despite parking challenges, Council seemed open to the possibility of selling the property for the right price and right project. Mayor Pro-Tem Steve Manor commented he would be willing to engage in discussions built wants to see some sort of plans and an agreement of some type to ensure the project would actually come to fruition. Mayor Nick proctor indicated he would be open to a mixedâuse type project so long as it fits within the Cityâs vision and master plan. Other members agreed they were open to finding out what the developer wants to do on the site and move forward from there. Suida said parking is always in consideration but they do have some options in additional areas and will explore that further with Council. He says theyâll bring something more formal forward at the next Council meeting. (JM)

Community members will have an opportunity next week to share their thoughts on various aspects of the Howell Police Department. A team of assessors from the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (MLEAC) will arrive next Tuesday, November 12th, to examine all aspects of the departmentâs policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services. Police Chief George Basar says receiving verification that the department meets the MLEACâs best practice standards is part of a voluntary process to achieve accreditation, which he says is a âhighly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellenceâ. The Howell Police Department must comply with 105 standards in order to achieve accreditation status. As part of the final on-site assessment, employees and members of the general public are invited to provide comment to the Assessment Team via email or telephone. Telephone comments can be made on Wednesday, November 13th, between the hours of 9 and 11am by calling 517-540-6706. Email comments can be sent to police@cityofhowell.org. Telephone comments are limited to five minutes and must address the agency's ability to comply with the Commission's standards. A copy of the standards can be viewed at the Howell Police Department. Anyone looking to provide written comments can email the Accreditation Program Manager at nrossow@michiganpolicechiefs.org or send them to the Michigan Accreditation Law Enforcement Commission at 3474 Alaiedon Pkwy, Suite 600, Okemos, MI 48864. Additional details can be found at the attachment below.

Public comment is being sought on regional transportation plans for Southeast Michigan. The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments or SEMCOG says the public comment period is underway for an amendment to the fiscal year 2020-2023 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), as well as the 2045 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). The RTP is a long-range vision and strategy that directs investment in the regional transportation system. The TIP is a list of specific projects which implement the policies of the RTP, and are recommended by cities, villages, county road agencies, transit providers, and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) over a four-year period. SEMCOGâs Executive Committee makes the final approval of the TIP project list. The 2019 Fall Amendment revises 36 projects in the two plans - which breaks down to 14 additions, nine changes to the year in which the project will be implemented, seven changes in project scope, four cost modifications, and two deletions. The projects vary in scope such as pavement preservation and reconstruction, traffic operations involving the I-96 Active Traffic Management project, pedestrian and bicycle facilities, bridges, bus transit and safety. The only project listed for Livingston County is along M-59 from Lakena Road to the county line through Hartland Township. M-DOT is the lead agency on the 3.3 mile road rehabilitation project. The scope of the project amendment involved a right-of-way phase being added for a cost of $25,000. The total project cost is listed at $11.3 (m) million. Project details and evaluation results are available through the provided link. Written comments can be addressed to SEMCOGâs Information Center, 1001 Woodward Avenue, Suite 1400, Detroit, MI 48226; faxes to 313-961-4869; call 313-324-3330, or e-mail InfoCenter@semcog.org. Comments can also be made in person at the following meetings where amendments will be considered: â¢Transportation Coordinating Council, November 21, 2019, 9:30 a.m., SEMCOG offices, 1001 Woodward Ave, Suite 1400, Detroit, MI 48226 â¢Executive Committee, December 6, 2019, 1 p.m., SEMCOG offices, 1001 Woodward Ave, Suite 1400, Detroit, MI 48226. (JM)

The latest enforcement campaign encouraging motorists to buckle up has concluded and a local agency is reporting statistics. The Livingston County Sheriff's Office recently took part in the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planningâs October âClick It or Ticketâ Enforcement period as the fall months are said to be a very deadly time of year. From October 17th through Halloween, the Sheriffâs Office received funding to support 64 hours of additional patrols that were conducted in Brighton Township because thatâs where theyâve had the most un-belted fatal crashes. The fall campaign resulted in 85 traffic stops and 45 citations for no seatbelt use. In addition, nine speeding citations were issued, one felony arrest and two misdemeanor arrests from the additional enforcement period. Officials say as a reminder, seatbelt use continues to be the most vital piece of equipment in saving the lives of those involved in traffic crashes. The Sheriffâs Office will also be participating in the December âDrive Sober or Get Pulled Overâ campaign that aims to reduce drunk driving during the holiday season. (JM)

Livingston County officials have voted against a request to propose a millage to voters that would provide funding to expand local transportation options. The county's Transit Master Plan was developed with public and stakeholder input to respond to changing transportation needs in the region. Several aspects of the Master Plan have already or are currently being implemented; however there is a push to fully implement the plan. A resolution created by the countyâs Transportation Coalition and brought forth by Livingston County Commissioner Gary Childs states that while full implementation of the Master Plan has received âwidespreadâ support, the countyâs current budget will not allow adequate funding to do so. That prompted a resolution asking to submit a special millage proposition to voters that would levy .23 mills to provide funding. Childs tells WHMI the resolution and full implementation of the plan is supported by numerous stakeholders within the Transportation Coalition including but not limited to the Howell, Brighton and Hartland chambers of commerce, the Howell DDA, five senior centers or programs, 12 businesses, six municipalities, and five planning groups. The resolution came before the county's General Government subcommittee Monday and numerous residents attended the meeting. Those speaking in support of the resolution asked that officials simply put the issue before voters and let them decide. Those opposed, including Meghan Reckling, chair of the Livingston County Republican Party, took issue with certain goals established in the Master Plan, associated costs, and the need for further transportation options. Another opponent, attorney Jay Drick, said that the proposal would create an, "unelected citizen's advisory board with full property taxing authority...that's a liberal socialist's dream come true." However, that is believed to be the same situation concerning the county's Veterans Services Committee, which is appointed, not elected, and also has control over a millage that was supported unanimously by commissioners back in 2016. After a lengthy public comment period, Childs moved the resolution to be put to a vote by committee members. That move was not seconded by fellow committee members, so the resolution died at that stage without discussion or a vote. Speaking of those committee members, which include Commissioners Bob Bezotte, Wes Nakagiri, and William Green, Childs says heâs very disappointed that they didnât give it a chance to even be considered by the full Board of Commissioners. Childs says he believes that if the .23 mills were implemented, the county could still claim to have the lowest taxes in the state. "If they believe itâs such a bad idea, it would fail at a vote. Theyâre fearful that it is a good idea and theyâre fearful for their jobs. End of discussion." (DK/JK)

Local veterans and others across the nation in search of community and camaraderie now have expanded opportunities. The LEGION Act or Let Everyone Get Involved In Opportunities for National Service Act was signed by President Donald Trump on July 30th and means millions of veterans who actively served are now eligible to join the American Legion. Any veteran who served at least one day of federal active duty from December 7th, 1941 up until the present time is eligible. The expanded eligibility for veterans to join the American Legion also now opens their family members to eligibility in the Sons of the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary. Vietnam-Era Navy Veteran Mark Schultz is the Senior Vice Commander at the American Legion Post 338 in South Lyon. He says a âveteran is a veteranâ and their service is what matters most â not where they fought. Schultz says many veterans wanted to be recognized for their service, which they earned, but couldnât because of past restrictions so theyâre trying to get the word out. Some have suggested the LEGION Act is an attempt to bolster declining membership numbers. Schultz says that does come into play but itâs much more than that and recognizing the service of wartime veterans is long overdue. He says they are hoping to increase membership because there are many veterans like himself that have wanted to get involved but couldnât â adding itâs also hard to reach out to veterans due to privacy laws. Schultz says itâs not so much about the membership or money, but rather reaching out to veterans so they have a chance at the camaraderie and community service that the organization does with minimal effort. The current fee to join the American Legion is $45 annually or $450 for lifetime membership. Schultz says a portion goes toward national membership and monies are used to maintain Arlington National Cemetery where the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier memorial is located. He says funds also go toward the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, where veterans and volunteers fund and place wreaths on every grave during the holiday season. Schultz stressed that both are maintained solely by veterans who have served and no government agency is involved. Photo: White House - Tia Dufour - www.Legion.org. (JM)

A local man accused of using an online system to distribute child pornography is headed to trial. 40-year-old Paul Aaron Kenczyk of Pinckney appeared in 53rd District Court in Howell Monday and waived his arraignment in Livingston County Circuit Court. He was bound over on charges of aggravated distribution/promotion of child sexually abusive material, aggravated possession of child sexually abusive material, and using a computer to commit a crime. Kenczyk was arrested last month following an investigation conducted by the Michigan State Police (MSP) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. The arrest came at the conclusion of the investigation into the online trading of Child Sexually Abusive Material (CSAM) using peer-to-peer networks. The investigation led to a residence in Pinckney where Kenczyk was residing. A search warrant executed at his home yielded multiple internet capable devices and other evidence. After the seized evidence was examined, an arrest warrant was issued for Kenczyk and he subsequently turned himself in. If convicted on the current charges, Kenczyk faces up to 15 years in prison for each count of aggravated distribution/promotion of child sexually abusive material, up to 10 years in prison for each count of aggravated possession of child sexually abusive material, and up to 10 years in prison for each count of using a computer to commit a crime. Future court dates for Kenczyk have not yet been set. (DK)

A request is moving forward that would allow a medical director to provide services to both Livingston and Washtenaw counties. Livingston Countyâs current medical director, Dr. Donald Lawrenchuk, plans to retire early next year and the Health Department has been working on options for a replacement. Officials believe sharing medical director services would be mutually beneficial for the Washtenaw and Livingston County Health Departments. Washtenaw County would be the employer of the medical director and Livingston County would contract their services. Dianne McCormick, Director/Health Officer of the Livingston County Health Department, says expanding the services of the medical director to include both counties is expected to result in a savings of overall expenses for each. McCormick says, "The timing is perfect for both of us to look at joining forces and hiring a medical director. It looks like it will save us, depending on the applicant and the negotiations, anywhere between $15,000 to $20,000 a year from what weâre currently paying so itâs a win-win situation for both Livingston and Washtenaw counties.â A resolution proposed to a Livingston County subcommittee Monday calls for entering into an agreement to reimburse Washtenaw County for a portion of the costs. Livingston has had similar agreements with Washtenaw in the past. The resolution to enter into another agreement received full support from the General Government and Health and Human Services committee, moving it forward to the Livingston County Board of Commissioners for consideration. If the agreement receives final approval, Washtenaw County will begin advertising the medical director position in the coming weeks. (DK)

A recent zoning change in an area township will permit a type of housing that officials say will hopefully lead to a stronger sense of community. Hamburg Township recently passed a Zoning Ordinance Amendment that will allow what is called âcottage housingâ within the High Density Residential, Village Center and Village Residential zoning districts through the Planned Unit Development process. Township officials say cottage housing developments are a form of smaller single family residential units clustered around common areas and amenities. While this isnât a new concept, this latest version includes shared parking areas to reduce infrastructure costs while providing an affordable alternative to large scale single-family residences that could potentially be popular with Baby Boomers looking to downsize and Millennials looking to affordably purchase their first homes. The zoning changes will allow this alternative housing type in the area surrounding Old Downtown Hamburg, better known as the Village Center Area. Officials say it will blend nicely with the existing single family homes in the village area and could act as a buffer between the existing homes and future higher density developments in the area. The new regulations would allow cottage communities designed to have a density up to 6 to 10 units per acre, a housing size ranging between 400 and 1200 square feet and would require that 50 percent of the land within the neighborhood remain under common ownership. (JK) Pictured: Danielson Grove - Kirkland, WA

Voters in Livingston County will be casting ballots today in a contested race for council in Brighton and several school funding issues. Pinckney Community Schools has a Headlee Millage Renewal on the ballot, along with a 3 mill restoration that will keep the millage whole at 18 mills. As the current operating millage in Pinckney is 17.87, the rise would only be .13 mills. But passing it would allow the district to maintain that level through 2026. Voters in the Brighton Area Schools district will be casting ballots on a $59.4 million bond issue that would be used for a multitude of improvements including roofing and school parking lots as well as STEAM center additions for each of the four elementary schools, plus STEAM center upgrades at Maltby Intermediate School and Scranton Middle School. STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics. In Fenton Area Public Schools, a sinking fund renewal is on the ballot to support the maintenance, repair and construction of school buildings. Meanwhile, in the City of Brighton there are five candidates running for four open seats on city council. The incumbents include Jim Muzzin, Shawn Pipoly, Jim Bohn, Susan Gardner and challenger Susan Bakhaus. The council race in Howell is unopposed with incumbents Bob Ellis, Steve Manor and Mike Mulvahill running to retain their seats along with Mayor Nick Proctor. Polls are open until 8pm. (JK)

A pedestrian was struck and killed by a train between Dexter and Chelsea this morning. Emergency responders were called out around 11:47am to the area of Dexter-Chelsea and Lima Center Roads for a pedestrian struck by a train. The Amtrak train was stopped for more than an hour while authorities investigated and was on a route that runs between Pontiac and Chicago. The Washtenaw County Sheriffâs Office is still investigating the death but confirmed a middle-aged man was pronounced dead on the scene. The Sun Times News reports the Sheriffâs Office talked to witnesses at the scene who indicated it looked like the man intentionally jumped in front of the train. (JM)

Boat owners in Argentine Township were advised to get their vessels out of a local lake as officials worked to fix a broken dam. Starting Monday, residents on Lobdell Lake were urged to get their boats out of the water as the lake was losing roughly 4.5 inches of water per day. According to the Tri-County Times, the dam operator for Parshalville Pond and Lake Shannon raised a dam that controls water flow to Lobdell Lake last week because of high water levels caused by rain. When he tried to lower the gate, which was raised Â¾ of the way, it wouldnât lower, causing Lobdell Lake to lose water. Alex Patsy, a programming and development engineer for the Genesee County Road Commission, said there was a busted gear inside the eastern gate operator that they believe caused the malfunction. He also said they found the obstruction and removed it, but that there is still something wrong with the way the shaft meets the door, and there was no good way to seal it. After several days of work, the Genesee County Road Commission was able to get the gate lowered on Tuesday. Itâs estimated the lake lost about two feet total of water volume. Argentine Township Supervisor Brian Saad has been in contact with Parshallville and Lake Shannon officials, who will keep their water levels high to allow Lobdell Lake to recover. If a new dam is needed, Patsy estimates it could cost as much as $5-million. (MK/JK)

A new nonprofit organization helping local veterans heal was welcomed to Livingston County Tuesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Pinckney. Warrior Path Home supports veterans in their transition from military to civilian life and work through personal issues by way of coaching and equine guided-learning. The nonprofit, created by Equine Guided Learning Facilitator/Coach Jill Haas, is described as providing therapeutic, multidimensional coaching in her programs that help clients achieve goals of better coping and life skills for less stress, anxiety, PTSD symptoms, and essentially helping to prevent suicide whenever possible for veterans. The programs, which are at no cost to veterans, are delivered through private or group coaching, and also may be in combination using horses as learning partners. A ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the organizationâs inception was held Tuesday at the property where the coaching sessions take place. It was attended by elected officials, community members, program clients, and representatives from the Hartland, Howell and Brighton Area Chambers of Commerce. Janelle Best, President of the Howell Chamber, tells WHMI the nonprofit and its mission will greatly benefit the area and its veterans. Best says, "This is an outstanding asset for Livingston County and the work that Jill is doing is like no other. It's amazing to see and hear about the people she's helping and especially to be focusing on veterans and to provide this to veterans at no cost. We're really fortunate to have people like Jill in this community." One of the organizationâs clients, Brian, who is a veteran, has been working with Haas for the last six months and in the last month has begun working with the horses during his sessions. He shared his experience with those attending the ceremony, stating that the program has helped him immensely. Speaking about working with the horses Brian says, "Itâs amazing how they can feel what you feel and you may not be showing it but itâs weirdâ¦thatâs the best I can explain it. Itâs helped me a lot, just learning how to deal with the trauma Iâve been through and being able to predict a better outcome that you want when things are tough. Instead of reacting negatively, youâre able to put it in a positive light." Haas was inspired to expand her outreach after she began working with the Livingston County Veterans Treatment Court about three years ago. She feels equine coaching or equine guided learning is successful in helping individuals heal as it allows them to make a connection and progress by working with the horses, which she says are an excellent mirror for what someone is thinking, feeling, and even not saying. Haas says when partnering with a horse, thereâs a "magical" experience when unexplainable things happen, like the timing of a head nod from the horse when the client has a breakthrough. At Tuesdayâs ceremony, Haas became emotional speaking about the journey in establishing Warrior Path Home and her passion for giving back to those that have sacrificed so much. She encourages community members to reach out to her and refer veterans or organizations that could benefit from the groupâs services. More information about the group can be found at the link below. (DK)

With a couple of exceptions, area voters mostly returned incumbents to office. In the Brighton City Council race, all incumbents were re-elected. Susan Gardner, Jim Bohn and Shawn Pipoly will all serve four year terms, while current Mayor Jim Muzzin will serve a two-year term. Perennial challenger Susan Backhaus again lost a bid to get onto the council, garnering the lowest vote total of the five candidates. Gardner received the most votes and told WHMI itâs extremely humbling. She says over the past four years, Council has accomplished so many good things in moving the City forward. Gardner says the city manager, council and staff have formed a strong functioning unit that really clicks and are a working and performing team. Gardner says they now have the pleasure of showing residents that they are going to do what they promised when it comes to the previously passed street millage. She says seeing that plan being put into place with the first major phase of implementation in the coming spring is fantastic. Gardner noted thereâs a lot of development going on and itâs a huge responsibility but thereâs also a lot of momentum and Council is tackling that as a group. She says the cityâs master plan laid out a wonderful plan for development, that with some zoning code changes and zoning changes themselves, are laying out a map for some great new developments the city is already or will be experiencing. Howellâs City Council race was uncontested with Mayor Nick Proctor being re-elected, along with members Steve Manor, Bob Ellis and Michael Mulvahill. In the Fenton City Council race, two incumbents were ousted while voters re-elected Mayor Sue Osborn over challenger Cheryl King. Incumbent Pat Lockwood was re-elected and the top vote getter. Sheâll be joined on Council by newcomers Sean Sage and Brad Jacob, who replace incumbents Cherie Smith and Nancy Draves. In the South Lyon City Council race, Mayor Dan Pelchat was easily re-elected to his second term with 1,435 votes over challenger Ryan Lare with 213 votes. There will be at least one new face on Council. Incumbent Margaret Kurtzweil was re-elected along with Steve Kennedy. He was the top vote getter and was earlier appointed to an open seat after a resignation. Both Kurtzweil and Kennedy will be joined by newcomer Lisa Dilg. Complete local election results can be accessed on the Livingston County Clerkâs webpage. That link is provided. (JM)

Area voters supported school funding ballot issues in Tuesdayâs election. A $59.4 (m) million bond issue passed by 350 votes for Brighton Area Schools, which does not increase the current tax. The funds will be used for a multitude of improvements including roofing and school parking lots as well as STEAM center additions for each of the four elementary schools, plus STEAM center upgrades at Maltby Intermediate School and Scranton Middle School. STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics. Superintendent Greg Gray tells WHMI the district now gets to take the next step forward and the kids and community will have a lot of new things to work with in their classes, which creates a lot more opportunities. Gray says heâs excited for the future of BAS and they really appreciate the support of the community and the trust they have so now itâs time to get to work. Gray says they worked very hard on the 2012 bond to accomplish and finish everything they promised and did it well, adding theyâll do the same with this bond. He said they appreciate the support and really look forward to continuing to move the school system and community forward, recognizing that it is a lot of work but theyâre ready to do it and excited. Gray says there will be several months of design work but they hope to have some projects started this upcoming summer that might not necessarily need as much design work to happen. He says in the next couple of months theyâll put out a bond schedule that will allow the public to see exactly what projects are going to happen and when. In Pinckney Community Schools, a Headlee Millage Renewal was on the ballot along with a 3-mill restoration that will keep the millage whole at 18-mills. Both measure passed, which will allow the district to maintain millage levels through 2026. The renewal will result in no cost increase to primary homeowners. In Fenton Area Public Schools, a sinking fund renewal proposal passed by a large margin that will support the maintenance, repair and construction of school buildings. The current .8999 mills will be levied for another three years, meaning no tax increase for voters. The funds will pay for a variety of projects in the districtâs six school buildings and other facilities including athletic complexes. In Huron Valley Schools, a pair of ballot questions both passed. A $182 (m) million bond issue passed with 72% of the vote. The funds will allow the district to make improvements at all schools buildings and athletic complexes, along with security upgrades and new technology. The other request approved by voters was a sinking fund millage renewal. The request was structured so that if both measures passed, there would be no increase to the tax rate. Complete local election results can be accessed on the Livingston County Clerkâs webpage. That link is provided. (JM)

A local lawmakerâs plan to remove veteran license plate fees was heard in committee recently. The House Military, Veterans and Homeland Security Committee heard testimony Tuesday on Republican State Representative Hank Vaupelâs plan to eliminate the service fee for a Vietnam War specialty license plate. Vaupelâs measure is part of a bi-partisan, five-bill package removing the $5 service fee for various veteran and military license plates. Vaupel, who served during the Vietnam War as a captain in the Army, said military members are returning from serving in the Armed Forces and are greeted by their state government with a service fee for a special license plate. He says itâs not fair and certainly needs to be addressed. Vaupel added that while the fee waiver for these types of license plates is minimal, it still goes a long way in showing the respect military heroes deserve when returning home to Michigan. As required by state law, the Secretary of State provides for the issuance and creation of each license plate issued in Michigan. There are varying fee requirements for each license place issued, with veteran and military license plates having a $5 service fee. House Bill 4684, along with the rest of the bill package, remains in the House Military, Veterans and Homeland Security Committee for further consideration. (JM)

An annual event at Howell High School on Veterans Day will pay tribute to those that have served and honor their sacrifice. The assembly will be held this coming Monday at the Howell High School Rod Bushey Performing Arts Center and begins at 9:30am. The event will kick off with a meet and greet session at 8:30, with program seating then starting at 9:15. The assembly will feature the high schoolâs band and choir, which will perform various songs and the National Anthem, as well as Howell City Police School Resource Officer Donald Banfield as the key note speaker. Banfield will speak about his experience as a member of the United States Marine Corps. The assembly will be led by the High School and, for the first time, Howellâs Air Force JROTC program. Nick Peddie and Lillian Vincent, both of whom are a part of the AFJROTC, recently appeared on WHMIâs Mike & Jon in the Morning. They say the schoolâs AFJROTC is comprised of 109 cadets that work to be as active as possible in the community by performing acts of service. Peddie and Vincent became involved in the class by following in their older siblingsâ footsteps who too participated. Vincent says the cadet-run program is a great leadership opportunity. All veterans and their families are invited to attend Mondayâs assembly. More information can be found at the link below. (DK)

A Pinckney woman wonât go to trial until next year on multiple charges for allegedly embezzling from her employer, a small electrical company. Tracey Lynn Sindlinger is charged with ten counts involving her alleged embezzlement from Stein Electric in Manchester. A trial had been set for November 18th, but for the fourth time has been adjourned, this time until January 27th. Washtenaw County Trial Court records show that additional discovery was requested by prosecutors on October 30th along with an expanded witness list. Sindlinger was charged after Michigan State Police at the Brighton Post conducted an investigation, which reportedly uncovered an embezzlement scheme that occurred over a three year period, beginning in 2015. Sindlinger was the company accountant at the small family owned business. After she was terminated, authorities say the owners went through records and noticed discrepancies. An investigation commenced, which resulted in the criminal charges and an arrest warrant being issued for Sindlinger, who remains free on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond. (JK)

A fashion show fundraiser later this month will benefit families and people dealing with developmental disabilities. The Arc of Livingston is holding their 26th annual Celebrity Holiday Fashion Show on Thursday, November 21st at Crystal Gardens Banquet Center in Genoa Township. Anne Richardson is the Arcâs Executive Director and says this is their major fundraiser, enabling them to carry out their mission to help all ages in Livingston County. Richardson says this year theyâll be paying special tribute to Larry Prout Jr. of Howell as one of their Arc Angels. Prout has become the public face of The Arc in recent years, having required extensive surgeries from birth for various medical issues. Despite all that, Larry is an avid volunteer at The Arc, something he really enjoys. The evening begins at 5:30pm with hor d'oeuvres and both silent and live auctions filled with great ideas for holiday shopping by local businesses. Dinner and the fashion show begin at 7pm. The event features host celebrities including Detroit sports and media personalities as well as Livingston County business and civic leaders. To reserve a spot or learn more about the evening, use the link posted below. (JK)

Ann Arbor SPARK and the Economic Development Council of Livingston County held their annual meeting updating stakeholders on progress and trends in the community. Since 2012, Ann Arbor SPARK has partnered with EDC to encourage and support business acceleration, attraction, and employee retention. Wednesday evening they held their annual meeting at Crystal Gardens Banquet Center in Genoa Township. It began with EDC Board Chair James Wickman paying respects and offering a moment of silence for former Livingston County Administrator and EDC Vice-Chair Ken Hinton, who passed away suddenly, last month. Hinton was slated to take over as EDC Chair next year. SPARK President and CEO Paul Krutko then spoke, sharing that since 2012 they have helped create over 6,000 new and retained jobs, and brought in $81-million in additional annual wages from job growth to new workers. Director of Business Development for Livingston County, Marcia Gebarowski then highlighted 3 successful businesses from the past year- being Hatch Stamping, Pop Daddy popcorn, and Asahei Kasei Plastics. The keynote speaker was Michele Ureste from the Michigan Workforce Intelligence Network, or WIN. She demonstrated to the crowd on hand the extent of the labor shortage in Michigan. Comparing the number of jobs openings to the number of degrees and certificates completed across the state, Ureste estimates that more than 800,000 jobs will go unfilled between now and 2024. She said that they are predicting all occupations, including I-T and advanced engineering, are going to experience 16% growth by 2029, with that equating to roughly 9,000 annual job openings in Livingston County per year. One way that she says WIN is helping to prepare businesses for this need for talented workers, is through expanding their apprenticeship programs. She said they have already received national recognition for their best practices in that area. (MK)

Developer Interested In Purchasing Depot Lot In Downtown HowellDeveloper Interested In Purchasing Depot Lot In Downtown Howell

Public Input Sought On Howell Police Dept. PracticesPublic Input Sought On Howell Police Dept. Practices

SEMCOG Seeks Public Comment On Transportation Plans & ProgramSEMCOG Seeks Public Comment On Transportation Plans & Program

Sheriff's Office Reports "Click It Or Ticket" Campaign ResultsSheriff's Office Reports "Click It Or Ticket" Campaign Results

Committee Refuses To Take Up Proposal For Transportation MillageCommittee Refuses To Take Up Proposal For Transportation Millage

LEGION Act Opens New Membership Opportunities For VeteransLEGION Act Opens New Membership Opportunities For Veterans

Pinckney Man Charged With Child Porn Distribution Headed To TrialPinckney Man Charged With Child Porn Distribution Headed To Trial

Proposal Calls For Shared Medical Director With Washtenaw CountyProposal Calls For Shared Medical Director With Washtenaw County

Zoning Change Encouraging "Cottage Housing" In HamburgZoning Change Encouraging "Cottage Housing" In Hamburg

Contested Council Race & School Funding Issues On Ballot TodayContested Council Race & School Funding Issues On Ballot Today

Pedestrian Struck, Killed By TrainPedestrian Struck, Killed By Train

Gate Finally Closed On Broken Argentine DamGate Finally Closed On Broken Argentine Dam

Ceremony Welcomes New Nonprofit Supporting Area VetsCeremony Welcomes New Nonprofit Supporting Area Vets

Incumbents Returned To Brighton Council, South Lyon MayorIncumbents Returned To Brighton Council, South Lyon Mayor

Brighton Bond Passes Along With Other School Funding ProposalsBrighton Bond Passes Along With Other School Funding Proposals

Local lawmaker Looks To Eliminate Veteran License Plate FeesLocal lawmaker Looks To Eliminate Veteran License Plate Fees

Howell High To Recognize Veterans Day With Annual AssemblyHowell High To Recognize Veterans Day With Annual Assembly

Pinckney Woman's Embezzlement Trial Delayed AgainPinckney Woman's Embezzlement Trial Delayed Again

Prout Jr. To Be Honored At Annual Fashion ShowProut Jr. To Be Honored At Annual Fashion Show

SPARK, Economic Development Council Hold Annual MeetingSPARK, Economic Development Council Hold Annual Meeting