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Salvation Army Adapting To Evolving Community NeedsSalvation Army Adapting To Evolving Community Needs

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By Jessica Mathews/News@whmi.com The Salvation Army of Livingston County is continuing to meet multiple community needs during the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. As soon as the pandemic hit Livingston County in March and families began to be impacted, the local Corps immediately switched gears. Major Prezza Morrison says they created new programs to ensure people were receiving food and adjusting their current services to safely continue assisting those in need. Morrison said they have flexibility with programming and can revamp if needed to make sure services aren’t being duplicated but the local Corps has had a strong emphasis on feeding programs. It has been providing meals through the Summer Lunch Bunch program in addition to other food assistance, helped out the school system with lunches and breakfasts and started a food home delivery service - all while still providing their regular programs and services such as utility, rent and shelter assistance. The new Mobile Lunch Program has already served 6366 prepared meals in just 45 days and will continue serving prepared meals daily until June 5th. The partnership with Howell Public Schools has provided 622 kids with 9084 pounds of food to help with breakfast, lunch and snacks. In addition to onsite food pantry services and “drive-through” pick up assistance, the new pantry delivery program was recently added. The Corps is also providing increased shelter assistance, providing 850 bed nights to 200 families experiencing homelessness. In addition to the many hours of service provided, Morrison says they’ve received financial support to help with the approximately $50,000 of added expenses for the new and increased services. She says they could not have done it alone and thanked the 267 volunteers that have provided over 735 valuable hours to help others. Morrison says community needs are constantly evolving and changing, almost on a weekly basis, so they keep switching gears to adjust and be flexible to serve people with whatever needs they might have. She says they’re blessed to be part of such a close knit, collaborative community and everyone works very well together to serve people the best they can. Morrison said individuals, organizations and companies possibly struggling themselves have stepped up and supported the local Corps financially – adding things like food, toilet paper and other hard to find items have shown up at their doorstep. Morrison further thanked all of the volunteers and donors, noting people have come out of their homes with masks and gloves to volunteer every time they ask. Morrison says the many helping hands have ensured that families all over Livingston County have been taken care of. She added the challenge is far from over though and support is and will be needed throughout the entire pandemic to ensure struggling families, senior citizens and individuals are taken care of. Morrison says donations of pantry and personal care items are being sought to continue to help serve those in need. She noted personal care and feminine items go fast, along with things like cleaning supplies, detergent and dish soap because bridge cards don’t cover those. Morrison says it’s important they provide that so people can then focus on food and other needs. More information on community needs and how to support various programs and services can be found in the attached press release.

State Offers Emotional Counseling Over HotlineState Offers Emotional Counseling Over Hotline

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By Mike Kruzman / news@whmi.com Livingston County residents struggling with the mental toll of the coronavirus pandemic can now get free, over-the-phone counseling from the state. Confidential emotional support counseling is now available 24/7 from the state’s COVID-19 hotline. The service, funded by a federal grant, has been implemented by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Administration, in partnership with the Michigan State Police. Residents who dial the hotline can press “8” from the menu and speak to a Michigan Stay Well counselor. The counselors are not licensed professions, but have received specialized training from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s Disaster Technical Assistance Center. That training helps and allows them to provide emotional support to residents of federally declared disaster areas, of which Michigan has been since March 27th. Dr. Debra Pinals is a psychiatrist and the state medical director for behavioral health. She said, in a release, that “emerging or lingering anxiety, distress, irritability, and loss of hope are important feelings to recognize in ourselves and others, and it can help to talk to someone.” MDHHS Director Robert Gorden said they want Michiganders to know it’s okay to have those feelings and it’s okay to ask for help. Stay Well counselors can be reached by calling the COVID-19 Hotline, at 888-535-6136. Those who feel more comfortable taking through a text, can also receive crisis counseling from the state that way by texting RESTORE to 741741.

Couple Arrested After Following Undercover DetectivesCouple Arrested After Following Undercover Detectives

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By Jon King / jking@whmi.com A variety of charges were filed against a Lyon Township couple arrested over the weekend after following an unmarked police car. The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office says two undercover detectives were in the Kensington Place mobile home community at Grand River and Kent Lake Road when they started being followed by an SUV with police-style lights in the windshield at about 3am Saturday. The detectives pulled the suspect vehicle over and questioned the occupants, 51-year-old Leonard Charles Harris, who was driving, and a passenger, 24-year-old Leanna Paige Garcia-Stowe. There were also two children inside, ages 1 and 2. A background check determined that Harris was a convicted felon and in illegal possession of a police-style emergency LED flashing light, along with a 9mm semi-automatic pistol; a semi-automatic starter pistol; a police-style badge; a set of police handcuffs; a police scanner and a spotlight. Also discovered in the vehicle was a plastic straw containing suspected cocaine residue. Harris reportedly admitted to the detectives he had used the police lights and other equipment to impersonate a police officer. After impounding the SUV, police turned over the two children to the custody of their grandmother. Harris was charged Sunday with being a felon in possession of a firearm and flashing lights, and possession of less than 25 grams of cocaine. Garcia-Stowe was charged with carrying a concealed weapon and the same drug offense. Both were released after posting bond. Detectives are continuing to investigate other possible instances of impersonating an officer.

Man Charged In Weekend Assault Case Involving GunMan Charged In Weekend Assault Case Involving Gun

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By Jessica Mathews/News@whmi.com A local man has been arraigned on charges related to an altercation involving a gun at a market store in the Fowlerville area over the weekend. On Saturday at approximately 6:20pm, Deputies from the Livingston County Sheriff's Office responded to the Countryway Market in Handy Township for a report of shots fired. The victim reported that he had been riding motorcycles with friends near the 8000 block of Lamoreaux Road when he got into a verbal altercation with a neighbor. The investigation revealed that as the victim was leaving the area, the suspect attempted to block the roadway with his vehicle. According to the victim and witnesses the suspect exited his vehicle and fired multiple rounds from a handgun at the victim's vehicle. The vehicle was damaged from the incident however the victim fled the scene and was not injured. The suspect was later identified through the investigation as 31-year-old Michael Joseph Libtow of Iosco Township. He was taken into custody and lodged at the Livingston County Jail without further incident. Libtow has since been arraigned on one count of felonious assault and received a $20,000 cash surety bond. The incident remains under investigation by the Livingston County Sheriff's Office Detective Bureau.

Governor: Restaurants, Shops Can Open In Northern MichiganGovernor: Restaurants, Shops Can Open In Northern Michigan

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By Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced that retail businesses in much of northern Michigan, including restaurants and bars, can re-open starting Friday. The move affects two of the eight regions identified in the governor’s gradual reopening plan amid the coronavirus pandemic. One covers the Upper Peninsula and another includes 17 counties in the northern Lower Peninsula, including the Traverse City area. Office work will resume in the region if work cannot be done remotely. Bars and restaurants will have to limit their capacity to 50% and follow guidelines to prevent and slow the spread of the virus. Groups will be required to stay 6 feet apart and servers will wear face coverings. As for overnight lodging, the Governor clarified during a press conference that campgrounds and rentals in those regions are not re-opening yet. She said the big fear is the upcoming holiday weekend as many people like to travel Up North, especially if they have the ability – adding the weather has also been warming up so it’s predictable. Whitmer urged people to not descend on Traverse City from all regions. She said if people are fortunate to have a place up north, they should bring groceries with them and try not to go out unnecessarily. She said people can visit restaurants but only in small groups and should maintain social distancing – stressing it is important everyone continue to do their part. Whitmer said there has been reason for optimism but a small spike could put the hospital system there in dire straits pretty quickly as many small towns have small with limited abilities available to help if someone gets sick. Whitmer said it’s because everyone is doing their part and taking things seriously that they haven’t seen a huge influx in the re-opening Regions 6 & 8 – adding data shows that people listened when asked not to visit second homes in the early days and they’ve been able to maintain and contain CIOVID-19 in those regions. Whitmer said it’s a small step forward they’re taking but remain poised to take additional steps when the numbers show that taking this hasn’t created another spike. Stacie Bytwork chairs the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance and said Northern Michigan is ready to lead by example and open safely while implementing safeguards to keep people healthy. She said businesses have clear guidelines for safe operating practices, expanded health screening and testing, are using PPE and applying modified social distancing and comprehensive cleaning procedures to prevent future spikes.

Lawmakers Want Livingston In Different Region For Restart PlanLawmakers Want Livingston In Different Region For Restart Plan

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By Jessica Mathews/News@whmi.com Local lawmakers have sent a letter to the Governor, requesting that Livingston County be moved to a different region under her economic restart plan. Republican State Representatives Hank Vaupel of Fowlerville and Ann Bollin of Brighton Township sent a letter to Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Monday, requesting she consider making what they called, "commonsense adjustments" to the MI Safe Start regions by removing Livingston County from the nine-county Detroit region. The plan aims to safely reopen Michigan by region but Vaupel and Bollin contend that Livingston County belongs with the Lansing region, not the Detroit region, and should be on track to re-open sooner. Livingston County is included in MERC Region 1 but Vaupel and Bollin request it instead be grouped with Region 5. As of May 18th, Livingston County had 386 confirmed cases of the virus, while Wayne County had 19,231, Oakland County had 8,050 and Macomb County had 6,357. There are 25 deaths locally. Vaupel said the number of COVID-19 cases in Livingston County has not been anywhere near as high as the three counties surrounding Detroit. He said based on the data available, there is no question that Livingston County should be on track for re-opening much more quickly than the Metro Detroit area. The letter also highlighted that Livingston County has historically been grouped with Lansing in other regionalized state government projects. Bollin said it’s frustrating and confusing, noting the emergency preparedness regions developed by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services in the past have included Livingston County in the Lansing region. She says Livingston County has not been included in a Detroit region under Michigan Works! Talent districts or Community Mental Health Partnership regions. The letter states that unless the Governor has different data than the information being provided to the public on the state coronavirus website, it would appear the map is not based on scientific facts. If alternate data is being used to form the regions, Vaupel and Bollin asked to be provided a copy. State officials say decisions about regional openings are being made in consultation with business leaders and public health experts who asses the number of new cases, hospital capacity, availability of personal protective equipment and the effectiveness of contact tracing. A link to the Governor’s Safe Start Plan and a copy of the letter are provided.

Free Virtual Tax Prep Offered To Low-Income County ResidentsFree Virtual Tax Prep Offered To Low-Income County Residents

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By Jessica Mathews/News@whmi.com Free tax preparation is again being offered to low-income Livingston County residents but through a new electronic process due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Accounting Aid Society has long offered preparation and filing of federal, state and city income taxes for free, along with various credits. Amended returns can also be done. There is no age limitation and the only eligibility requirement is that household annual income be less than $56,000, which includes tax-able and non-taxable. John Dillon is a longtime volunteer and site coordinator for the various Livingston County locations that are typically held during tax season such as local libraries and senior centers. He says the Accounting Aid Society was forced to shut down all sites in mid-March and they already had many clients scheduled. He says they wanted to work out a way to continue to serve clients as most are low income and receive returns and credits, which could be helpful during this time when many are unemployed or facing other difficulties. He says the AAS has developed a virtual process in which everything is done electronically online. It’s titled VITA or Volunteer Income Tax Assistants, which is a nation-wide program for the IRS. He says they’ve now put an ACE designation behind it - which stands for Accessible, Convenient and Electronic. Dillon noted that within Michigan, AAS is the lead unit in implementing this new process of having tax preparers complete returns from home electronically. Dillon says they have well trained preparers who are very familiar with tax law and take classes and exams every year, which is required by the IRS. He said it’s taken some time to get things set up because the IRS had to approve all of the processes and make sure everything is secure. He says Livingston County is the first group of AAS preparers to implement it and things have been going well, and preparers have been doing around 50 returns a week. Dillon says there are always start-up issues and a lot of new questions but things will move quicker once everyone gets more familiar with the process and retrieving files and information. Dillon noted this year’s tax filing deadline was extended to July 15th due to the national pandemic. Clients can schedule an appointment via phone or online and someone will call them back and go through everything all of the tax information they need to provide. Since it’s an electronic process though Dillon says clients will need a smart phone, tablet or computer to scan or photograph documents and have an email account to provide information through a secure location to the interviewer. Dillon noted the process goes a little bit slower than when meeting with clients face-to-face as in the past. He says there’s a detailed intake interview process with various questions. Once everything is provided, everything is put on a protected website with AAS that tax preparers can access from home – including password protection and virus protection. Once the tax return is prepared, Dillon says an interviewer will get back to the client by phone, review the return and go over everything in detail. The client then electronically signs their return and it gets filed. Those interested can set up an appointment by phone at 844-806-5780 or visit the provided web link.

Fenton District & Teachers Agree On Two-Year DealFenton District & Teachers Agree On Two-Year Deal

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By Jon King / jking@whmi.com A new teacher contract has been approved in a local school district. The Fenton Education Association, which represents the district’s teachers, ratified a two-year deal last Thursday, a day after the Fenton Board of Education gave its stamp of approval. Teachers had been working without a new contract since June of 2019. The new agreement runs through June 30th, 2021. The Tri-County Times says the two-year deal includes a full step and 1-percent salary increase for the current school year. Steps are the process by which teachers receive raises, progressing on a scale from 1 to 11. But Fenton teachers have only been getting half-step increases for the last several years. And while there is no additional compensation for the 2020-21 school year, the contract does include a higher sick day cap and increased payment to teachers who opt not to take medical benefits. Fenton Superintendent Adam Hartley said he was appreciative of the FEA and the Board of Education cooperating on an agreement, allowing them now to focus on preparing for the upcoming school year during what he called an “unprecedented time in education.”

Howell City Council To Market Grand River PropertyHowell City Council To Market Grand River Property

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By Jessica Mathews/News@whmi.com. The Howell City Council has plans to market some city-owned property that was recently being eyed to relocate the Howell Post Office. The United States Postal Service was looking to relocate the main Howell Post Office to a site adjacent to the main Howell Fire Station on Grand River totaling roughly 2.6 acres for a proposed 17,881-square-foot-facility. The current Post Office is located downtown in a residential neighborhood at 325 South Michigan Ave but is too small to accommodate needs. Residents who live nearby crowded Council meetings to voice concerns about traffic flows, parking, grading, lighting, landscaping, noise and truck traffic - in addition to the main concerns voiced about flooding as the area has known drainage problems. The next step would have been a letter of intent or LOI from the City regarding the sale of the property, as well as any terms and conditions but Council decided to slow down instead and invite representatives back. On Monday night, Council met virtually and Mayor Nick Proctor asked staff if it was safe to assume that the City has heard nothing from the USPS. That was affirmed to be the case. Proctor said if the USPS was still interested in the site that Council failed to move on, then representatives probably would have reached out by now and he assumes other locations in surrounding townships are being explored. Proctor said he thinks it’s a tragedy and the City will be losing a community asset if the Post Office relocates to the townships and he thinks they missed an opportunity. Proctor sought consensus from Council to have staff put up a big “For Sale By Owner” sign with instructions to call City Hall if someone wants to buy it and develop it. Proctor said he thinks they need to move on it and continue to market the property. He pointed out that there also wasn’t a full Council present when the vote for the location failed so if the Post Office changes their mind and returns, Council could always entertain that possibility. In the interim, Proctor said he felt it would be appropriate to put a sign up and have the City try to market the property on their own and give it 9 to 12 months. If there’s no action, then the City could utilize a realtor. A motion was approved unanimously authorizing staff to do so.

Reward Offered For Information On Suspected Cop ImpersonatorReward Offered For Information On Suspected Cop Impersonator

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By Jon King / jking@whmi.com A reward is now being offered for information related to a Lyon Township couple arrested over the weekend, one of whom is suspected of trying to impersonate a police officer. 51-year-old Leonard Charles Harris and 24-year-old Leanna Paige Garcia-Stowe were pulled over early Saturday morning by undercover Oakland County Sheriff’s detectives in the Kensington Place mobile home community at Grand River and Kent Lake Road. The detectives say they became suspicious when an SUV driven by Harris began following their undercover vehicle. After pulling the SUV over, a background check determined that Harris was a felon with a previous murder conviction and in illegal possession of a police-style emergency LED flashing light, along with a 9mm semi-automatic pistol; a semi-automatic starter pistol; a police-style badge; a set of police handcuffs; a police scanner and a spotlight. Harris reportedly admitted to the detectives he had used the police lights and other equipment to impersonate a police officer. He was charged Sunday with being a felon in possession of a firearm and flashing lights, and possession of less than 25 grams of cocaine. Garcia-Stowe was charged with carrying a concealed weapon and the same drug possession charge. Both were released after posting bond. The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office now says a $1,000 reward is being offered for assistance in identifying anyone who may have been a victim of Harris’ attempts to impersonate a police officer. Anyone with information is asked to Crime Stoppers at (800) SPEAK-UP.

Motorsport Complex & Racing Track Proposed In City Of HowellMotorsport Complex & Racing Track Proposed In City Of Howell

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By Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com The potential sale of a large parcel of land could result in a large motorsport complex in the City of Howell. Council met virtually Monday night and heard two very different proposals for the 216-acre Highland-Howell property located along I-96 between Lucy Road and Michigan Avenue. The City has been trying to find the right use for the property and has been actively marketing it for the past five years. Past deals in the works fell through. Council unanimously approved a motion directing staff to negotiate and finalize a purchase agreement with JD Racing, who own JD Racing Indoor Karting in Novi, within the next 30 days. They’re proposing a large motorsport-type complex that would feature a racetrack, garage condominiums, retail and commercial components as well as recreation and entertainment aspects. The two said the project is unique and would generate traffic and attention throughout the state and globally as there’s a large demographic for motorsport enthusiasts, gear heads and businesses as well. The other proposal came from Biltmore Development and was more of a traditional residential development – which Council felt had more experience and resources. Jordan Dick stressed they want to work with people and integrate a design that fits well and compliments the great community that’s already in place. He said they want the project to become a destination, adding it’s not intended to take away any business from the City and they’re big on supporting the local community. Dick said their objective is to share a genuine motorsport experience in a way that’s complimentary to where they’re located and create opportunity – saying they’re not trying to host big huge racing race events. It was said that there would be no more noise than what’s currently coming from the freeway and would be easy to mitigate. Mayor Nick Proctor felt it was an interesting concept and would be an attraction that could bring a lot to the community but also wanted assurances the property would be developed out the way envisioned. Councilwoman Jeanette Ambrose commented that racing is unique and special and thought they had a great plan. She said considering Michigan and Detroit’s history with cars, it’s not a stretch to say that people will be drawn to it – adding homes aren’t special but the race track is and they won’t get another chance at this. Some council members expressed reservations about the project being a new enterprise for the father and son duo and a lack of experience. Mayor Pro-Tem Steve Manor said he thought Council was taking a big risk with with the proposal but agreed with everyone that it’s a very intriguing project with a lot of advantages. He commented that the safe bet would be the Biltmore proposal but said the City is perhaps better off long term with the race track. Manor voiced concerns about their ability to finance and finish the project but said he would support Council in whatever direction they wanted to go. He cautioned everyone that it’s a pretty big risk on the part of JD Racing and modest on the City’s part. He requested they tighten up the proposal and that more money be put up front. Manor also requested some greater assurance they have the resources to get the project done - not just be selling the first lot and using that money to pay for the next lot etc. Mark Dick offered assurances they had the financial resources and partners aligned to complete the project. It was noted it’s still too early know what type of tax revenue would be generated and a planned unit development or PUD process would be utilized. There are also some outstanding Panhandle Eastern Pipeline easement issues on the property, which the City’s legal counsel has been working on. Easement restrictions will impact any potential project on the site and how the property is developed. It was noted things are getting close and counsel was optimistic about getting something finalized. Once a potential purchase agreement is worked out, it would be presented to Council for final approval.

Library Offers Virtual COVID-19 Financial Presentations TonightLibrary Offers Virtual COVID-19 Financial Presentations Tonight

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By Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com A local library is providing two virtual financial programs related to COVID-19 tonight. The Salem-South Lyon District Library begins a series of informational presentations today. The first, scheduled for 6:30pm, will cover PPP Loans and what you need to know and the keep in order to apply for aid. The second, scheduled for 7:30pm, covers the CARES Act and Emergency Paid Leave Act of 2020 and how they might affect people. Both will be run by a financial advisor and can be attended by either watching the Facebook Livestream or through Zoom after registering through the Library’s webpage. Participants can also call in to listen to the presentations, and recordings will be made available for future watching on the South Lyon Community Television Channel and the Library’s website. Other speakers being scheduled include local experts and nationally known authors. Officials say this is one example of how the Salem- South Lyon District Library is pivoting to continue to provide service to patrons. While the building has been inaccessible to the public, staff has been working behind the scenes since March 15th to remotely provide information and entertainment. As the stay-at-home order was extended, officials say their imaginations were likewise stretched and extra content has been added to the library’s webpage and Facebook presence (www.facebook.com/ssldl). AS link to the website is provided. Meanwhile, the library’s Annual Summer Reading program is migrating to a digital format, with activities and virtual services being scheduled throughout the summer for all ages. While the program doesn’t start until June 7th, staff has been adding digital content for months. The Library’s Facebook page is being continuously updated with activities and events that allow you to participate from the comfort of your home. Children can watch staff members read aloud story times. Book recommendations for all ages are added regularly, alongside learning resources for students trying to home school. There are instructional videos on how to download and navigate the apps and websites that provide digital access to books, movies, music, and more. DIY crafts are being demonstrated with adaptable resources. Head of Adult Services Amelia Yunker said “Our vision statement of “Imagine the Possibilities” has never been more applicable than at this time.” A series of homesteading topics was born, with instructions on composting, cooking with food scraps, and bread baking to name a few. A new Armchair Travel series recommends sites where you can navigate a virtual tour of a country or city. One-on-one assistance for both veteran’s benefits and genealogy research, book discussions, English as a Second Language classes, and Podcast Brunch Club, a conversation group revolving around a curated, thematic list of podcasts, are all being offered through alternative means. Library Director Donna Olson said they’re creating a new normal in a recent report to the Library’s Board of Trustees, also meeting online. She said “Our very talented staff is working from home and creating virtual content for our community. We are offering more downloadable content and issuing library cards over the phone. This is a good opportunity to adapt how we do business.”

Sheriff's Office Advises Community Of Scam CallsSheriff's Office Advises Community Of Scam Calls

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By Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com A scam involving the Livingston County Sheriff's Office is circulating throughout the community but officials say don’t fall for it. The Sheriff’s Office is investigating two separate incidents that occurred Tuesday. In each incident, an unknown suspect or suspects contacted the victims and identified themselves as a Detective from the Livingston County Sheriff's Office. A press release states the suspects advised the victims they had warrants for their arrest and they needed to send "bond money". The victims were told a Deputy would come to their residence and arrest them if money for bond was not posted immediately. The Sheriff’s Office is reminding citizens within the community to be extra vigilant when people are calling and asking for money. If there is any doubt to the validity of the request, people should just hang up and report the incident to their local Law Enforcement Agency. As a reminder, law enforcement agencies will not make phones calls asking for any type of monetary funds.

Howell City Council Adopts "Maintenance Budget"Howell City Council Adopts "Maintenance Budget"

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By Jessica Mathews/News@whmi.com The Howell City Council has adopted the budget for the coming fiscal year. The 2020/2021 budget totals $26.4 (m) million. The fund balance totals $1.69 (m) million and the general fund includes some capital expenditures as part of improvements and maintenance at various city facilities. A memo states the budget will continue to keep planned projects moving forward and allows for some flexibility during the transition to a new city manager. During Monday night’s virtual meeting, Mayor Nick Proctor described it as a maintenance budget that sustains the current level of services. He said there will be no rehabilitation of roads other than routine maintenance such as crack sealing or occasionally filling potholes. Proctor said after the Headlee Override turned down by voters, Council decided that no road work would be done. He said there are some roads that desperately need the work but essentially the City doesn’t have the money to do it. Proctor noted going forward, Council agreed not to do any road work unless it’s 80% grant funded. Council also agreed to retain a 20% fund balance. Other projects in the budget include funding for the East Clinton and North National Reconstruction Project. The multi-year project was designed in the previous fiscal year and will be constructed over the 2021 season. 50% of the project will be completed in this fiscal year and the City received approximately $2 (m) million in grant funding. The budget does include a tentative water and sewer fee increase of 5% but staff is awaiting the completion of the rate study review by consultants so the increase is subject to change. The budget also reflects a slight increase in state revenue sharing of 1.9% - for a total of $974,639. However, a memo states that number is likely to change as everyone continues to come out of the COVID-19 shutdown. No public comments were made during the budget public hearing.

South Lyon Community Schools Selects New SuperintendentSouth Lyon Community Schools Selects New Superintendent

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By Mike Kruzman / news@whmi.com The South Lyon Board of Education has made their choice for the new superintendent who will help steer the district through the continuing unknown factors around schools. The Board, on Monday, selected Steven Archibald, Assistant Superintendent for Livonia Public Schools to fill the permanent spot that was vacated by Melissa Baker, last fall. Former Farmington School’s Superintendent George Heitsch has been filling the role in an interim capacity. Former South Lyon Community Schools Board President and current Trustee Randy Clark said they started with around 20 applicants before narrowing it down to Archibald and Brandon Public Schools’ Superintendent Matthew Outlaw. Clark said that while they both had good education and experience, the majority of the Board felt that Archibald, having worked in a district closer to South Lyon’s size than Outlaw had, would be better suited for the job. He called Archibald a team builder and said he believes he will serve the district well for years to come. Clark pointed to a couple challenges that Archibald, along with other superintendents across the state, will be facing; namely what school will look like in the fall and the associated challenges that will come with drastically reduced state funding. Clark said the financial fallout from the COVID-19 outbreak is probably going to be the most devastating. In the district’s budget proposal for the upcoming year, they are reducing their anticipated per-pupil funding by $500, though Clark said they don’t know if that’s even an appropriate number. He said with numbers all over the board coming out of Lansing, they don’t know what funding is going to look like until likely this fall. But with their budget due by the end of June and no guidance from the state, they had to select a number to go off of. On top of that, Clark says they don’t know what enrollment numbers will look like either. While the district has grown over the last decade, he says they don’t know if this COVID-19 scare will drive more parents towards home schooling or smaller charter schools. Instead of planning form growth, Clark says they will use a 0 enrollment number and see where they end up. Clark said, though, that he believes Archibald has the skill set to serve the district well and he is excited to see where he can take them. Believing it was important to show the full support of the Board behind the new superintendent, Archibald’s nomination was unanimously approved. His first day will be July 1st. (Photo - Livonia Public Schools)

Thousands Evacuated After Dams Break Near MidlandThousands Evacuated After Dams Break Near Midland

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MIDLAND, Mich. (AP) — Rapidly rising water overtook dams and forced the evacuation of about 10,000 people in central Michigan, where flooding struck communities along rain-swollen waterways and the governor said one downtown could be “under approximately 9 feet of water” by Wednesday. For the second time in less than 24 hours, families living along the Tittabawassee River and connected lakes in Midland County were ordered Tuesday evening to leave home. By Wednesday morning, water that was several feet high covered some streets near the river in downtown Midland, including riverside parkland, and reaching a hotel and parking lots. The river rose Wednesday morning to 34.4 feet in Midland, topping a previous record reading of 33.9 feet set during flooding in 1986, the National Weather Service said. Its flood stage is 24 feet, and it was expected to crest by day’s end at about 38 feet. The Weather Service urged anyone near the river to seek higher ground following “castastrophic dam failures” at the Edenville Dam, about 140 miles north of Detroit, and the Sanford Dam, about seven miles downriver. The evacuations come as Michigan remains under a stay-at-home order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, said downtown Midland, a city of 42,000 about 8 miles downstream from the Sanford Dam, faced an especially serious flooding threat. Dow Chemical Co.‘s main plant sits on the city’s riverbank. “In the next 12 to 15 hours, downtown Midland could be under approximately 9 feet of water,” the governor said during a late Tuesday briefing. “We are anticipating an historic high water level.” Steve Carlson, 61, said he and his wife, Patty, fled their Midland home about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday on their own accord after an evacuation order was issued for large swath of the city and they noticed neighborhood creeks were spilling over local roads, threatening some homes. “They had risen a lot and the worst was yet to come,” he said Wednesday morning. One couple who lives in their neighborhood decided to stay put, but Carlson said everyone else evacuated themselves from the area. They spent the night in a hotel. He said they’ve been wearing face masks in the hotel to protect themselves from the coronavirus. “The hotel was very happy to be see people coming in. There were refugees coming in,” he said with a laugh. Further down the Tittabawassee River, communities in Saginaw County were on alert for flooding, with a flash flood watch in effect Wednesday. “It’s going to continue downriver,” Sara Pampreen, a weather service meteorologist, said Wednesday morning. “Just exactly how much, that’s the question.” Whitmer declared a state of emergency for Midland County and urged residents threatened by the flooding to find a place to stay with friends or relatives or to seek out one of several shelters that opened across the county. She encouraged people to do their best to take precautions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, such as wearing a face covering and observing social distancing “to the best of your ability.” “This is unlike anything we’ve seen in Midland County,” she said. ”If you have a family member or loved one who lives in another part of the state, go there now.” Emergency responders went door-to-door early Tuesday morning warning residents living near the Edenville Dam of the rising water. Some residents were able to return home, only to be told to leave again following the dam’s breach several hours later. The evacuations include the towns of Edenville, Sanford and parts of Midland, according to Selina Tisdale, spokeswoman for Midland County. “We were back at home and starting to feel comfortable that things were calming down,” said Catherine Sias, who lives about 1 mile from the Edenville Dam and first left home early Tuesday morning. “All of a sudden we heard the fire truck sirens going north toward the dam.” Sias, 45, said emergency alerts then began coming on her cellphone and people started calling to make sure she was safe. “While packing, there were tons of police and fire trucks going up and down the roads,” she added. “As far as I know, all of our neighbors got out.” Dow Chemical has activated its emergency operations center and will be adjusting operations as a result of current flood stage conditions, spokeswoman Rachelle Schikorra said in an email. In 2018, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission revoked the license of the company that operated the Edenville Dam due to non-compliance issues that included spillway capacity and the inability to pass the most severe flood reasonably possible in the area. The Edenville Dam, which was built in 1924, was rated in unsatisfactory condition in 2018 by the state. The Sanford Dam, which was built in 1925, received a fair condition rating. Both dams are in the process of being sold. There were 19 high hazard dams in unsatisfactory or poor condition in Michigan in 2018, ranking 20th among the 45 states and Puerto Rico for which The Associated Press obtained condition assessments. Flood warnings in Michigan were issued following widespread rainfall of 4 to 7 inches since Sunday, according to the National Weather Service. Heavy runoff pushed rivers higher. Photo - Associated Press

Hamburg Resident Spreading Cheer To Neighbors Stuck At HomeHamburg Resident Spreading Cheer To Neighbors Stuck At Home

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By Mike Kruzman / news@whmi.com Residents in a Hamburg Township subdivision have been getting visits from a zany neighbor who is doing what she can to keep everyone’s spirits high. Danielle Thompson says her mother, Colleen Neilson, always wants to help other people, and has recently been passing along her “wonderful positivity” to others in a unique way. Earlier in the shutdown, someone in Neilson’s Whispering Pines subdivision had been planning to make a recording of residents saying “hi” or waving, but rain cancelled the plans. Thompson said that wasn’t going to stop her mom, however. She told WHMI, “My mom put on a jester costume and made a sign that “smile,” and instead, she went around to houses knocking on doors and dancing on porches just to cheer people up.” Thompson said then her mom got an idea to do it in the following weeks with a cheerleader costume she had, and she went back around, this time doing cheers. She said her mom came up a “bunch of other ideas and has been doing it every week since, just to brighten people’s days while we’re all kinda stuck at home.” Whispering Pines residents have also been visited by Neilson in the forms of a cowgirl, angel, and Uncle Sam. The subdivision newsletter has even been reporting on her efforts and pondering what she will come up with next. Thompson said her mom has at least three more ideas lined up and hopes to continue for as long as people need their spirits lifted. Of remarkable note, Neilsen is spreading all of this cheer in the wake of losing her husband of 55 years to Lou Gehrig's disease in February. Thompson said that even though her mother is in mourning, she is still thinking about other people and how to make them smile. She said she “just can’t get over how amazing she is, and I’m so lucky to have her as my mom.”

Recycle Livingston Set To Reopen June 1stRecycle Livingston Set To Reopen June 1st

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By Jon King / jking@whmi.com A local recycling agency is planning to open in the next couple of weeks, after more than two months of being closed down to COVID-19. Recycle Livingston in Howell closed down almost as soon as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued her “Stay Home, Safe Order” in mid-March, and has remained so since then. The organization originally had to reopen after the original order expired May 15th, but had to delay that when the stay-at-home order was extended through May 28th. But in an email to members, Recycle Livingston now says they will reopen on Monday, June 1st from 9am until 1pm. Normally the organization’s site days are on Saturday and Wednesday, but for the first three weeks of June, they will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, utilizing an alphabetical scheduling system based on the member’s last name. Recycle Livingston then plans return to regular recycling hours beginning the week of June 22nd. To help lessen the load once they do reopen, the organization says for the first three weeks, they will not be able to accept items such as paint, electronics and appliances, nor can they do document shredding. They are also asking members to remain in their vehicle and are limiting them to one load per site day. A complete list and other details are posted at their website. That link is below.

Resolution Seeks To Dissolve Brighton PSDResolution Seeks To Dissolve Brighton PSD

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By Jon King / jking@whmi.com A resolution to dissolve the Principal Shopping District will come before Brighton City Council at its Thursday night regular meeting. The idea to dissolve the PSD, a nine-member board that oversees the promotion of Downtown Brighton, was proposed by Councilman Jim Muzzin following the May 7th adoption of the city’s 2020/21 fiscal year budget. According to the minutes of that meeting, Muzzin requested that staff bring back a resolution to dissolve the Principal Shopping District, “so property owners do not shoulder another tax bill with an assessment.” The Special Assessment District that funds the PSD expired almost two years ago according to Mark Binkley, the Chairman of the Principal Shopping District’s Board. He says the SAD enabled the PSD to provide marketing for downtown Brighton to “compete in the advertising arena with big box stores and other communities with one collective voice.” Since then, Binkley says there have been no marketing campaigns for downtown Brighton and that unless another entity steps forward to fill the void, there will be no campaigns to help market downtown Brighton as businesses reopen following the COVID-19 shutdown. The resolution on Thursday’s agenda states that the in light of “current economic disruptions of unknown duration, additional assessment payments for the purpose of conducting market research and public relations campaigns, developing, coordinating and conducting retail and institutional promotions, and sponsoring special events and related activities, is an unnecessary additional cost to be borne by property owners, or their tenants” and that the economic benefits of the PSD to the property and business owners within its boundaries “have been continually questioned and there is currently insufficient data to illustrate comprehensive district-wide benefits.” It concludes that the city’s Downtown Development Authority has, “a robust toolbox available to promote a comprehensive economic development strategy.” But Binkley says he doesn’t understand the sense of urgency to dissolve the PSD, and that he sent a letter to council asking what is going to replace the PSD, why the move to dissolve it is happening now, and requesting that council postpone the decision. “I have no idea if it will fall on deaf ears or not. I really do not understand the timing on this or the motive behind it. Allowing the PSD board to remain in place, even without an operating budget, isn’t going to hurt anything.” Thursday’s council meeting starts 7:30pm and will be conducted electronically via Zoom.

County Approves COVID-19 Preparedness And Response PlanCounty Approves COVID-19 Preparedness And Response Plan

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By Mike Kruzman /news@whmi.com The Livingston County Board of Commissioners has approved a new COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan. The County’s plan was crafted in coordination, and with guidance, from the Livingston County Health Department in an effort to set forth standardized requirements and recommendations needed to ensure the safety of all county employees and the public. Health Department Director Diane McCormick and Director of Environmental Health Matt Bolang, joined Commissioners during their online Finance Committee meeting this morning to talk about the plan and answer any questions they might have. The response plan, which was consulted upon with department heads, shares strategies for virus mitigation through four controls, using OSHA and CDC guidelines. One area of focus is the use of PPE and where and when it must be used. Any member of the public entering a county building will be required to wear a face covering, and could be asked to leave if they refuse. Commissioner Wes Nakagiri asked what this meant for people that might have a medical condition that prevents them from wearing a covering, and Bolang said they would be taken care of. If a member of the public has asthma, or another appropriate condition that would prevent them from wearing a mask, Bolang said they will make an appointment that could be something like a 1-on-1, an outdoors meeting, or a meeting in a side room where there is plenty of space. The response plan lays out social distancing requirements for employees keeping space from each other and the public. Engineering strategies are laid out for cleaning and sanitizing the workplace, along with suggestions that could see Plexiglas installed as barriers. Finally, administrative controls include workplace communication and training, and requirements for health monitoring. Each department is being provided no-touch thermometers, but it is up to the employees to self-monitor themselves for symptoms. The plan was adopted by unanimous approval, with commissioners recognizing that it is a living document that will likely see changes as developments dictate.
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