Alana June Lewis

    Alana June Lewis, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away surrounded by her loving family on August 24, 2026.

    She was born on August 27, 1945, to Robert and Beverly Howell (Lange).

    Alana shared many years of love and companionship with her husband, Stan Lewis. The two were married on October 14, 1994, in Brighton.

    Alana was a devoted mother to her children: Michael Simonyi (Georgia), of Milford; Sandra Blair (Lenny), of St. Helen; Darchella Gullett (Robert), of Morrice; Damon Lewis of Redford; and Destiny Lewis of Milford. She was a proud grandmother to 19 grandchildren and a great-grandmother to 21 great-grandchildren. Her family was the center of her world, and she especially treasured visits, phone calls, messages, and any opportunity to hear from and spend time with those she loved.

    Alana found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She enjoyed trips to the casino, an evening cocktail, and her love of birds—especially the beauty of peacocks and cranes. She loved the water and could spend hours sitting on the beach, enjoying the peacefulness of the shoreline. She took great pride in caring for her plants and tending to her flower beds. She also enjoyed knitting and, most of all, spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

    Alana will be remembered for her infectious laughter and her love for a good time. Whether she was enjoying a drink, trying her luck at the casino, listening to music, or dancing along, Alana knew how to have fun and was always up for an adventure. She brought a playful spirit and a spark of excitement wherever she went, and her laughter and larger-than-life personality will be deeply missed. The stories, memories, and good times she shared with those around her will be treasured for years to come.

    She is survived by her brother, Dan Howell (Cindy), and her sister, Linda Raley, along with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and many loved ones who will carry her memory in their hearts.

    Alana was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Howell and Beverly Gucciardi (Lange); her husband, Stan Lewis; her great-grandchildren, Elijah Pash, Oaklei Simonyi and Gypsy Simonyi; and her son-in-law, Lenny Blair.

    Alana leaves behind a beautiful legacy of family, love, and cherished memories. She will be dearly missed and forever remembered.

 Peggy Morgan

    Peggy Marie (Drayton) Morgan passed away peacefully at her home on August 24, 2026, at the age of 88. She was born at home, in Deerfield Twp, on January 19, 1938, to the late Wirt Lee Drayton and Gertrude Esther (Salmon) Drayton.

    She graduated from Hartland Consolidated Schools in 1956. On August 31, 1956, she married Carl Morgan at the First United Methodist Church, in Howell, MI. She worked for Citizens Insurance for one year and then devoted her time to raising her five children. After that, she went to work for Howell Cleaners.

    Peggy had many hobbies which she enjoyed all of them. Some of her hobbies included square dancing, going to Owosso to watch car racing, knitting, crocheting, word searches, and putting together puzzles.

    She is survived by her children Deborah (Ken) Ott, Mary Lou (Dean) Roberts, Bonnie (Kevin) Phibbs, and Trudy (Dwayne) Gross; as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Carl Morgan; her son, Richard Morgan; her parents, Wirt and Gertrude Drayton; and her siblings Rex (Florence) Drayton and Dorothy (Robert) Merrill.

    A visitation was held on Friday, August 28, 2026, from 11:00am - 1:00pm, at Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes, MacDonald Chapel. 315 N. Michigan Ave., Howell. A funeral service began afterwards at 1:00pm. Interment was at Sanford Cemetery following the service.

    Memorial contributions can be made in Peggy’s name to Trinity Hospice.

    Memories and condolences may be shared with the family online at www.WatkinsFuneralHomes.com

 Stephen ‘Steve’ Perkins

    Stephen 'Steve' Grant Perkins, 83, of Fowlerville, passed away on the 25th of July 2026.

    Steve was born in Royal Oak on November 17th 1943. On September 28th 1963 he married Dorothy 'Dot' Mund and they have been married for 62 years. During their marriage they would go on to have their six kids: Steven (Michelle) Perkins, Dawn (Steve) Armstrong, Daniel Perkins, Joann Perkins, Laura (Patrick) Mitchell and Kerry (Dave) Clay. They have eleven grandchildren and five great grandchildren whom they both love dearly.

    Steve worked at Novex Tool as a tool and die shop worker for twenty-nine years. He enjoyed spending time with his family, working on his '60 Chevy Impala "Nervous Breakdown" named after his four daughters and spending time outside mowing the lawn.

    Steve is preceded in death by his father Glen, mother Ruth, brother Jim, and sister Joy.

 VINA Tailgate football-themed fundraiser returns on Oct. 8th

    VINA Community Dental Center invites the community to celebrate the annual VINA Tailgate fundraiser on Thursday, October 8, at Crystal Gardens Event Center in Howell. The event begins at 5:30 PM.

    As part of the tailgate festivities, attendees can enjoy a buffet dinner, cash bar, silent auction, raffles, games, a photo booth, and more. The VINA Tailgate is a football-themed fundraiser, and attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite team’s colors, apparel, or jersey. College, professional, or high school teams are all welcome.

    Over the years, the VINA Tailgate has become VINA’s largest and most significant fundraiser, helping provide essential dental care to community members who lack access to care. VINA does not receive state or federal funding and relies on the fundraiser to continue providing care to those in need.

    This year, VINA is seeing about a 55% increase in new patients compared to last year, highlighting a growing need for accessible dental care in the community.

    All proceeds from the event directly support VINA’s mission to provide free and low-cost dental care to low-income and underserved patients, including seniors and veterans. Every dollar raised makes a positive impact in the lives of those in need right here in Livingston County.

    Tickets are $60 per person and sponsorships are available now. Fans can purchase tickets and sponsorships at vinatailgate.cbo.io.

 Livingston Audubon Naturalists launch season with program on bluebirds

    Livingston Audubon Naturalists welcomes Adam Edmunds, the Livingston County Coordinator for the Michigan Bluebird Society and Laurel Zoet, Naturalist Educator as they reveal the fascinating world of Bluebirds.

    Come learn about bluebirds’ habits, diet, their natural nests and human built boxes. These lovely vibrant birds are delightful to behold, either at your backyard bird bath or along meadows and pastures throughout Michigan.

    Join us September 10, 7 – 8:30 P.M., at First Presbyterian Church, 300 E. Grand River Ave, Brighton, with parking in the back. Meetings are free and all ages and levels of expertise are welcome. For more information, follow us on Facebook at Livingston Audubon Naturalists.

 Livingston County Literacy Coalition Announces 2nd Annual Trivia for Literacy Fundraiser on Oct. 10th

    The Livingston County Literacy Coalition (LCLC) invites the community to put their knowledge to the test for a great cause at its 2nd Annual Trivia for Literacy fundraiser on Saturday, October 10, from 4:30–7:00 p.m. at Faulkwood Golf Club in Howell.

    The evening will feature trivia hosted by Matt Eickhoff, chef-inspired food, a cash bar, and plenty of friendly competition — all while raising funds to support free adult literacy programs in Livingston County.

    Tickets are $30 per person, with special early-bird pricing of just $25 through Sept. 10. Community members are encouraged to purchase tickets early to take advantage of the discounted rate.

    Proceeds from Trivia for Literacy support LCLC’s work providing free literacy services to adults who live or work in Livingston County. LCLC programs include personalized one-on-one tutoring in Adult Basic Education and English as a Second Language (ESL), ESL conversation groups, volunteer support for LESA ESL classes, digital literacy programming for seniors, and workplace literacy initiatives.

    Nearly 8% of adults in Livingston County struggle with basic literacy, which can affect their ability to participate fully in the workforce, support their children’s education, navigate healthcare, and manage everyday tasks. LCLC works with adult learners to build the skills and confidence they need to achieve greater independence and reach their personal and professional goals.

    Literacy can have an impact far beyond the individual learner. Stronger literacy skills can help adults gain meaningful employment, support their children’s academic success, navigate the healthcare system, and participate more fully in their communities.

    LCLC’s work is made possible by dedicated volunteers and community partners. Trained volunteer tutors provide individualized support based on each learner’s needs and goals, while community partnerships help LCLC provide accessible learning opportunities throughout Livingston County.

    In addition to purchasing tickets, local businesses, organizations, and individuals can support Trivia for Literacy through sponsorship opportunities. Sponsorships range from the $250 Tutor Trivia Table Sponsorship to the $2,500 Literacy Luminary sponsorship, with a variety of recognition opportunities available.

givebutter.com/lclc-trivia-2026

 4th Annual ‘Never Forget Trail 5K’ to be held at Fillmore Park on Sept. 12th

    Livingston County Veteran Services and Howell Recreation present the fourth annual 9/11 “Never Forget 5K Trail Run/Walk” on Saturday, Sept. 12, at 9am. Join us at Fillmore County Park as we remember those who lost their lives that day, as well as our military veterans and first responders who went into harm’s way as a result of the attack.

    This trail is not stroller-friendly and is not paved. All participants will receive a finisher medal. A portion of the proceeds will be used to purchase AEDs for local American Legion and VFW posts.

    As much as we love your furry friends, we are kindly requesting that only service dogs join us.

Packet Pickup:

        · September 9th - 10th from 8am-8pm at the Oceola                              Community Center at 1661 N. Latson Rd, Howell, MI 48843              OR

        · September 11th, 8am-4pm at the Oceola Community Center at            1661 N. Latson Rd, Howell, MI 48843 OR

        · We ask that you try to pick up your items in advance if                        possible but packets will be available on-site for race day                    starting at 8 am. We will send out a reminder email with                      details when it gets closer.

Results: 

    Your accurate chip time and current overall will be texted to your phone and be available live on this site.

The race will be timed by the Michigan Running Foundation

    Site:  Fillmore County Park, 7075 McClements Rd. 

Info Link:

runsignup.com/Race/MI/Brighton/911NeverForgetTrailRunWalk5k

    Contact us:  parksandrec@howellrecreation.org  517-546-0693