Thursday, August 13, 2020

Huron Valley District Approves Hybrid Back-To-School Plan

The plan includes some form of in-person instruction versus a fully virtual model – which is what officials say a vast majority of HVS families prefer.

New Welcome Signs Coming To City Of Howell

The Howell City Council approved the rendering and purchase of two Welcome to Howell signs from a Pinckney company for $5,200 each.

Nomination Deadline Looming For WHMI's Operation Thank You

Area first responders, veterans, local active military who have gone above and beyond the call of duty are being sought for WHMI’s Operation Thank You. And in the year of a global pandemic, health care workers have been added to the list of local heroes.

Open House And Silent Auction To Benefit Non-Profit Hospice Home

The Guest House of Fowlerville is holding the event this Saturday in which visitors can tour the grounds, talk with staff, bid on items in a silent auction, and meet with hospice medical management companies.

Chip Seal Projects Starting On 6 Mile & 7 Mile

Motorists can expect to encounter delays associated with two chip seal road projects that start today.

Commissioners Considering New Resolution In Support Of Meals On Wheels

Requests for revisions to a grant application for a new building and the recent delivery of a financials study has the Board of Commissioners looking into their participation with the Meals on Wheels project.

Howell City Council Vacates Portion of Athletic Street

During a survey of the Barnard Center property, it was discovered that a portion of Athletic Street had not been vacated – which needs to happen for future construction to occur after old buildings are demolished.

Kensington Woods Finalizes Return-To-School Plan

The plan offers flexible in-person or a fully remote learning environment for students in 6th through 12th grade.

Northfield Man Pleads Guilty To Impersonating a Cop

42-year-old Michael Joseph Snyder of Northfield Township has entered a guilty plea to false impersonation of a police officer or employee of the United States following an October 2019 incident on I-96 in Livingston County.

Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Torch Founders Team Up With Former Lion To Expand To California

The Torch co-founders Rhonda Callahan and Sarah Ruddle will be taking their free food truck template to California after a chance online encounter with former Detroit Lion Lawrence Jackson.

Brighton Approves Back-To-School Plan, Extends Deadline

The plan revolves around the 2-1-2 concept — that of having school in the classroom on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, with Wednesday an “online” day in which instruction will be provided online rather than in the classroom. It also includes an all-online option for those uncomfortable with an in-classroom setting.

New Sentencing Set For Milford Man In Truck Theft & Police Chase

34-year-old Jesse Ray Linn was originally arrested December 4th after Milford Police say he stole a 2019 Chevy Silverado from a gas station in Wixom and then fled from officers.

Bollin Says Auditor Report Raises "Red Flags" On Contact Tracing Contract

The Director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services will testify Thursday on a contract that first drew criticism from County Commissioner Wes Nakagiri and recently from State Rep. Ann Bollin.

Fenton Couple Training COVID-19 Detection Dogs

Lori and Jack Grigg own Paradise Dog Training in Fenton and are in the process of training two COVID-19 detection dogs but say they need some public assistance to move into the next phase.

Fowlerville Board Of Education Approves COVID-19 Preparedness Plan

The plan, as required by executive order, details rules, regulations, and safety procedures for the upcoming school year.

Tornado Siren In South Lyon Damaged

The siren was most recently tested on August 1st and worked. However, Fire Chief Robert Vogel says the battery back-up system doesn’t work so if the City area loses power then the siren will not work.

New Roundabout At Pontiac Trail & 7 Mile Complete

The intersection at Pontiac Trail and 7 Mile Road in Salem Township has re-opened after completing the construction of a single-lane roundabout.

Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Howell Farmer's Market Planning Special Saturday Hours

With local farmers reporting an abundance of the unique melons available for purchase, the Howell Farmer’s Market will be doing double duty this weekend, opening up on Saturday from 9am to 2pm, as well as on Sunday from 9am to 2pm.

Back-To-School Plans Approved For Hartland Students

Regardless of what phase or plan the district is in, students will be placed in classrooms and courses as in any typical school year whether they are learning remotely or face-to-face.

Woman Remains In Critical Condition Following ATV Crash

The 28-year-old Iosco Township woman was ejected from the four-wheeler after hitting a dog. She was last listed in critical condition, while the dog had to be euthanized.

Officials Seek To Answer Questions On Proposed Development

The Board of Trustees is putting together a document with commonly asked questions in an effort to help clear resident confusion on the potential 220-unit affordable housing project.

Next Phase Of Water Meter Change Over In Howell Approved

City Council approved a proposal for the hardware and installation of 522 residential and commercial meters in an area south of Grand River and east of Michigan Avenue.

Suspects Break-In To Chase Bank ATM In Lyon Township

Police are looking to identify two men who broke into an ATM at a Lyon Township bank and escaped in a stolen truck.

Technical Issues Delay Online Meeting Until Tonight

Those who tried to join Monday night’s meeting online were immediately greeted by loud noises, interference and distorted audio.

Women United Debut Second Reading Trail In Fowlerville

The new trail in Fowlerville Community Park offers families a chance to explore physical activity and reading in the outdoors.

Monday, August 10, 2020

Virtual Events Open Up New Worlds For Older MI Adults

AARP Michigan hosts dozens of educational and social events throughout the state every year. And in order to ensure its members are not exposed to the coronavirus, all its events will be held virtually for the remainder of the year.

ATV Driver Seriously Injured In Pingree Road Crash

The 28-year-old was operating a 2001 Honda 250 EX four-wheeler southbound on Pingree Road when it struck a dog.  The driver lost control of the four-wheeler and was ejected.  

Mitchell's Hope Vigil And Training Event Scheduled

The 6th annual event will take place on August 31, which has recently been named Overdose Awareness Day in Michigan by the governor.

Green Oak Advances Hillside Lakes Road Improvement SAD

The first of two Green Oak public hearings has been held for a project that stretches over, and is being coordinated by, Green Oak and Hamburg townships.

Bond Forfeited For Man Who Led Police On Chase

Bond has been forfeited for 22-year-old Dustin Sweet, who was arrested in Fowlerville in May following a high speed police chase.

2020 Census Wrapping Up Across Livingston County

2020 Census efforts have mostly concluded across Livingston County, which has the best response rate in Michigan. Data is used to determine future funding for local communities.

Brighton City Council Put Social District Talks On Hold

City Council tabled discussion on a proposed district that would allow the open carrying and consumption of alcoholic beverages outdoors in designated common areas within the district's boundaries.

Road Closures In Northfield & Salem Townships

More closures are scheduled in Northfield Township and Salem Townships as part of ongoing road projects.

Great Lakes Water Levels Peak

Officials with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, say they expect water levels to decline across most of the Great Lakes but levels still remain extremely high.

Saturday, August 8, 2020

Howell Twp. Auto Parts Supplier Deals With COVID Cluster

There have been six confirmed COVID-19 cases at Grupo Antolin on Grand River in Howell Township. Two of those cases occurred while the plant was shut down from March to May.

Six Army Recruits Participate In Farewell Ceremony

Families previously unable to witness their loved ones deliver their oaths due to the pandemic were able to do so at a special ceremony held Friday in Howell.

Online Session Details Plans For Virtual Academy

The limit of 300 participants was quickly reached, with some parents complaining later that the district should have paid to expand its Zoom account to accommodate more people. Parents also said that the time limit of one hour should have been much longer, since many of their questions were left unanswered.

Friday, August 7, 2020

Local Church Holds Conversation On Race, Faith And Law & Order

Chilson Hills Church held a fireside service featuring Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy and the Reverend Christian Adams of Hartford Memorial Baptist Church in Detroit.

Ex-Youth Baseball Coach Sentenced To Prison For Sex Assault

49-year old Joseph Frappier of Hartland Township was sentenced on Thursday in Livingston County Circuit Court after being convicted of giving alcohol to minors and sexually assaulting them.

Resolution To Ease Way For AV Counting Board Cooperation

The Livingston County Board of Commissioners is set to approve a plan that would allow the Livingston County Clerk’s Office to enter into agreements to provide election services to local jurisdictions.

Hearing Ordered On Motion For New Trial In Rape Case

A motion filed by Howell Attorney Tom Kizer accuses Livingston County Assistant Prosecutor Pamela Maas of soliciting perjured testimony from a Livingston County Sheriff's detective during the trial of 21-year-old Zachary Lally of Genoa Township.

Forensic Evaluation Ordered For Iosco Township Man

A forensic evaluation has been ordered for 31-year-old Michael Joseph Libtow, who was charged after an altercation in May involving a gun at a market store in the Fowlerville area.

Main Street In Brighton To Reopen To Vehicle Traffic Fridays And Saturday Afternoons

Effective immediately, Main Street in Brighton will remain open to vehicles throughout Fridays, close for the Farmer's Market Saturday mornings, and then re-open again following.

Oceola Man Pleads Guilty To Cashing Fake Bottle Return Slips

Eric Lowman pleaded guilty to three counts surrounding the cashing of fake bottle return slips at the Fowlerville Walmart.

Salvation Army Hosts "Stuff The Bus" Events This Weekend

A “Stuff the Bus” event is planned at local Walmart stores his weekend to collect school supplies for local kids.

Thursday, August 6, 2020

Detmer Refuses To Concede, Alleging "Inconsistencies" In Absentee Ballots

Detmer posted on his campaign Facebook page Wednesday night he was not conceding defeat due to the possibility of what he referred to as “inconsistencies with the mail-in ballot count” in the 8th district and other districts in Michigan.

Sheriff Murphy Joins Criticism Of Biden Police Policies

Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy says police reform that is being championed by Joe Biden has the potential to be worse than the “failed law enforcement community degradation” he alleges occurred during the Obama Administration.

SELCRA Still Offering Recreational Programming

The Brighton Farmer's Market, tennis, yoga, and archery are among the popular activities being provided by the recreational authority during the pandemic.

Whimsical Garden Park Project Moving Ahead In City Of Howell

The City is working with local vendors said to be willing to reduce their costs and have a vested interest in making the project a great park for the community.

Fenton Schools To Begin Remotely

Face-to-face instruction for students in Fenton Area Public Schools has been delayed until October 1st, with all students beginning remotely when school returns on August 25th.

South Lyon Voters Approve School Bond

The $98.7 (m) million proposal was supposed to be on the May ballot but due to COVID-19, was bumped to the August 4th primary.

SEMCOG Launches Local Government Budget Priority Study

The new survey asks residents to identify which local government services are most important and seeks their input on the need for services while considering revenue constraints.

Pinckney Ceremony To Honor Father & Son Patriot Veterans

Claudius Britton the II and III fought in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, respectively.

Wednesday, August 5, 2020

New State PFAS Standards Put Livingston Airport On Cleanup List

New and stricter standards for PFAS levels in drinking water have been approved by the state, resulting in three local sites being added to a list requiring clean-up efforts. Among them is the Spencer J. Hardy Airport in Howell Township.

August 4th Primary Election Results

Livingston County will have a new prosecutor come November, while the Republican challenger to try and unseat first-term Democrat Elissa Slotkin from Congress has been decided.

Man Charged In Death Of Professional Poker Player

60-year-old Jeffery Bernard Morris of Pontiac is charged 1st degree murder in the death of 33-year-old Susie Zhao in White Lake Township. Her burned body was discovered July 13th at the Pontiac Lake Recreation Area in Oakland County.

Brighton Virtual Academy To Hold Informational Meeting

An online meeting will be held this evening for parents and students in the district who may wish to enroll in the Academy this fall.

ME Caseload Jump Results In Budget Shortfall

EMS Director David Feldpausch, who also serves as the County Coordinator of Medical Examiner Services, reported there had been a 226% increase in the number of exams from January through July as compared to the same period in 2019. However, he said COVID-19 had "little impact" directly on the rise.

"Steep" Increase In Teen COVID Cases Noted In Livingston, Oakland & Genesee Counties

Initial information has determined that 15 – 19-year-olds from Oakland, Livingston and Genesee counties attended at least six large gatherings in the South Lyon and/or Fenton area during mid-to-late July. Meanwhile, a Brighton High School student-athlete has tested positive for the coronavirus.

Reader Defeats Vailliencourt In Republican Primary

Former Livingston County Judge David Reader defeated incumbent Bill Vailliencourt in Tuesday's Republican Primary Election.

Junge Wins Republican Nomination for 8th District Congress

Paul Junge of Brighton won the Republican nomination to run against Democratic-incumbent Elissa Slotkin for 8th District U.S. House of Representatives in November.

Bezotte Wins Republican Nomination For 47th State House Seat

Former Sheriff and County Commissioner Bob Bezotte will face Democrat Adam Smiddy in November.

Ballot Proposals Pass Across Livingston County

In Hartland Consolidated Schools, voters narrowly passed a $45 (m) million bond proposal.

Check Trees In August For Signs Of Asian Longhorned Beetle

With the arrival of August, state officials are hoping Livingston County and others across the state will check for signs of an invasive species.

Tuesday, August 4, 2020

Howell Board Of Education Approves Return To School Plan

The Board of Education approved the plan that allows for in-person learning to return within phase 4, though several teachers and parents are still uncomfortable with that.

Grad & Prom Parties Linked To South Lyon Covid Cluster

According to data from Oakland County, 59 residents in the 48178 ZIP code, which covers the City of South Lyon, along with portions of Lyon and Green Oak townships, have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 30 days. That is more than a third of the total cases in that ZIP code since the pandemic began

Brighton Board Selects Six Superintendent Semifinalists

One of the candidates, Sharon Irvine, is currently Brighton’s assistant superintendent for labor relations and personnel.

New Park Trail Lets Kids Read A Book While Getting Exercise

The Women United Committee has opened the Grady the Goose Reading Trail at Settler's Park in Hartland Township.

195 Acres Rezoned Along Latson Road In Genoa Township

Roughly 195 acres along south Latson Road, south of I-96, has been rezoned from country estates to interchange campus PUD and interchange commercial PUD to pave the way for new development.

Portion Of Buno Road to Close Thursday In Milford

Buno Road will be closed between Milford Road and Huron River Parkway as part of a larger pipeline project.

Library Hosts Virtual Events For Parents On Schooling Options

The Salem-South Lyon Library is hosting two events. The first focuses on homeschooling and supplemental instruction options and the other covers what parents and caregivers should know about monitoring and maintaining their safety in a digital environment.

Monday, August 3, 2020

Local Clerks Busy Processing Absentee Ballots

State law requires that absentee ballots be received by the time polls close at 8pm on Election Day to be counted. Many local clerks also held extended office hours this past weekend to get things processed.

COVID-19 Screening Device Debuts At Fenton Restaurant

The walk-through machine at The FirePlace takes your temperature, provides hand sanitizer and sprays a safe mist to kill pathogens.

BAS Places Headlee Override On November Ballot

The Board of Education unanimously approved putting the override question on the ballot at its meeting last week. The millage would only affect industrial, commercial and investment property, along with vacation homes and rental properties.

BAFD Captain Hangs Up His Helmet After 34 Years

Brighton Area Fire Department Larry DeWachter, known for his dedication to public education with fire prevention, is retiring after nearly three and a half decades with the department.

Puppy Scams Prevalent During Covid-19 Pandemic

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel says while many people may be eager to bring home a puppy during the pandemic, she urges people to be vigilant in their search to avoid being scammed.

Arrest Made In Murder Of Professional Poker Player

Susie Zhao’s body was discovered July 13 at the Pontiac Lake Recreation Area. Known to other players as Susie Q, the 33-year-old Zhao had returned from Los Angeles to live with family in Oakland County.

Howell Schools Presenting Return Plan For Approval Tonight

The Board of Education will review the required COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan during a special meeting at 5pm.

Rep. Bollin Expresses Confidence In Clerks Leading Up To Election Day

State Representative Ann Bollin said that despite implications from state and federal officials, local clerks around Livingston County have made adjustments to prepare for an expected increase in absentee ballots.

Saturday, August 1, 2020

Construction Starts On Hamburg Road Monday

Work is scheduled to begin at 7am Monday on Hamburg Road from Winans Lake Road to the Brighton City limits.

High Energy Bills & Demand Revive Call For Renewables

The fossil-fuel industry is feeling the pinch from an overall drop in demand for energy in the U.S. since the onset of the COVID-19 crisis.

Huron-Clinton Metroparks Highlight Americans With Disabilities Act

Officials say removing barriers and creating access to recreation is a priority for the Metroparks and they believe everyone should have access to quality recreation experiences.