Monday, February 17, 2020

Zoning Board Meets This Week To Decide Shredder Issues

Padnos Iron and Metal, on Lucy Road in Howell, has requested that an industrial shredder be kept outdoors, and not in an enclosed building as current standards require.

Walk For Warmth Celebrates 30 Years

Approximately $60,000 was raised, which will help to replenish OLHSA’s emergency utility assistance program which helps more than 200 local families throughout the year.

Fenton Fire Department Seeks On-Call Firefighters

Applications will be accepted through Monday, March 2nd and there are currently three openings.

School District Stakeholders Working To Boost Student Achievement

The purpose of the Curriculum and Instruction Council is ultimately “to inspire synergies amongst its members that will lead to improved student achievement and growth”.

Sunday, February 16, 2020

Retirement Party Celebrates Fowlerville Fire Chief

Friends, family and community members celebrated Chief John Wright's many years of service at his retirement and farewell party Friday.

Amended Budget in Brighton Area Schools Marks 4.8% increase

Brighton Board of Education approved a revised budget of $82 million, marking a 4.8% increase in spending, at its meeting last week.

County GOP Congressional Candidate Forum Set Next Week

The candidates that have committed to attending the forum as well as the post-forum meet and greet include Mike Detmer, Alan Hoover, Paul Junge, Kristina Lyke, and Nikki Snyder.

Statewide Tornado Drill Set For March 25th

A resolution authorizing Livingston County’s participation in the drill came before the County’s Board of Commissioners Monday night and received unanimous approval.

Saturday, February 15, 2020

Drick Files To Run For Open Commission Seat

Former County Commissioner Jay Drick says he will also seek an appointment to the seat vacated Thursday by the resignation of Donald Parker.

MDOT: It's A Crash - Not An Accident

Most traffic crashes are the result of driver behavior, thus a safety and awareness campaign is continuing to educate the public about the difference.

Brighton Native Patrols The Sea Aboard Naval Warship

Seaman Jacob Boston joined the Navy 20 months ago and is currently serving aboard the USS Boxer stationed in San Diego, California.

Local Communities Rank High On Safest Michigan Cities List

The annual report from the National Council for Home Safety and Security lists South Lyon as #3, Hamburg Township at #5 and Milford as #7.

Former NECC Employees Testify In Steroid Trial

On Friday, two former NECC employees, Owen Finnegan and Steven Haynes, testified about rushed production, skipped tests and ignored sterility standards in 2012 when the facility started dealing with a mass of orders.

Friday, February 14, 2020

LACASA Appoints New Chief Operating Officer

Former Family Court Administrator Caryn Michalak will be replacing current COO Polly Mallory, who is retiring.

MHOG Proposes Projects Worth $6 Million Be Funded Without Bonding

MHOG laid out a plan to budget $6-million for 2 projects being paid for upfront to avoid upwards of $300,000 in bonding fees.

Hearing Continues For Men Charged In Tainted Steroid Outbreak

Barry Cadden, the co-founder of New England Compounding Center, and Glenn Chin, who worked there as a pharmacist, were charged last year by the Michigan Attorney General’s Office with second degree murder in connection with 11 deaths in Livingston County.

Linden Man Rejects Plea Offer On Child Sex Assault Charges

62-year-old Douglas William Walsh is charged with six counts of 2nd degree criminal sexual conduct involving at least two alleged victims under the age of 13.

Murphy Announces Re-Election Bid

In a move that is a surprise to nobody, Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy today signaled his intention to seek another four year term this November.

Grant To Help Expand Livingston Veterans' Services & Space

Director Mary Durst says the funding will be used to assist Veterans Services in moving to a larger location that will help better meet the needs of local veterans and their families, as well as provide better visibility and awareness to the community.

Pot Conviction Dismissed Following MSC Ruling

After the Michigan Supreme Court in November rejected a local judge’s ruling that denied Dennis Keith Towne’s motion to suppress evidence in his case, the Livingston County Prosecutor’s Office has opted to dismiss the conviction.

Crowdfunding Campaign Launched For Milford Skatepark

A crowdfunding campaign has been launched for the Milford Skatepark and if successful - would complete a community dream decades in the making.

Thursday, February 13, 2020

Broadcasting County Commission Meetings Soon To Resume

Commissioner Gary Childs says he believes the equipment to broadcast the meetings has been ordered, and that broadcasting will resume as soon as the vendor has installed it.

Conway Man Charged With Recording Teen In Changing Room

33-year-old Joseph Busha of Conway Township is charged with two counts of felonious assault and one count each of capturing/distributing an image of an unclothed person and using a computer to commit a crime.

Pinckney Students Win $10,000 Grant For New Crosswalk Near School

Four students from Pinckney High School won the Imagine Boldly competition and will be rewarded a grant to help build a crosswalk over Dexter-Pinckney Road at the high school.

OLHSA's Walk For Warmth 30th Anniversary Saturday

An annual fundraiser to help families keep the heat on during the cold winter months is returning to Livingston County this weekend.

Arraignment Held For Local Man Charged In Accidental Shooting

Kurtis Heathcott was waiting in the pick-up lane while picking up his child from Three Fires Elementary School when he accidentally shot himself in the leg while adjusting his gun.

SOS & Local Clerks Ask For Tighter Deadline For Ballot Changes

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and a bipartisan group of clerks, including Livingston County's Elizabeth Hundley, are asking state legislature for an extra 15 days for preparing, approving, testing, and mailing ballots.

Maintenance Of War Dog Memorial Guaranteed Under Agreement

Phil Weitlauf, President of the Memorial located in Lyon Township, says as time has gone on, he's become concerned of what would happen to the Memorial if he or his team could not continue managing it.

Rezoning To Allow New Housing Development In Milford

The Summit View development will feature 44 single family homes and 18 Brownstone-type condominiums.

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Area Firefighters & Cadets Conduct Ice Rescue Training

Putnam and Unadilla Firefighters trained on Woodburn Lake in Unadilla while Cadets from the Livingston County Firefighter Training Academy trained on Woodland Lake in Brighton.

Woman Who Led Police Chase, Rammed Patrol Car Arraigned

Averie Wilson of Hamburg Township is facing charges of fleeing a police officer, assault with a dangerous weapon, and assaulting/resisting/obstructing a police officer.

Howell School Board Approves 6-Year Terms

The Howell Public Schools District on Monday finalized a plan that will make the terms of all of its members increase from 4 to 6 years.

Lindbom Development Foes Meet to Plan Strategy

Residents of a Northwest neighborhood in Brighton opposed to a 140-unit luxury apartment development are organizing a petition drive to gather signatures of those who oppose the project.

Fowlerville Fire Chief Wright Retiring After 34 Years

A retirement and community farewell party is being held this Friday, celebrating the career of Chief John Wright.

Brighton School Board Approves Bond Issue Contracts

Contracts related to the recently-passed Brighton Area Schools bond issue have been approved as the school board begins in earnest to implement its provisions.

Howell Police Department Presented Certificate Of Accreditation

The Howell Police Department was recognized during Monday night’s City Council meeting for achieving a Certificate of Accreditation and keeping with the highest law enforcement standards and best practices in the state.

Report: Coach Told Students Not To Mention Crash Near Howell

The incident in question occurred Saturday when three students who are members of the Wayne Memorial wrestling team were being driven to a meet by their coach after a team bus had been canceled.

Vaupel Named Legislator Of The Year by Michigan Optometrists

State Representative Hank Vaupel recently received the Michigan Optometric Association’s Legislator of the Year award for 2019.

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

Donald Parker Resigning From Board Of Commissioners

Parker is resigning because he is applying for the position of Livingston County Administrator, which was left vacant as a result of the passing of Ken Hinton in October.

Bezotte To Propose Sanctuary Status For Livingston County

The resolution would declare Livingston County a sanctuary in protecting the Second Amendment. The measure has been adopted by numerous counties in Michigan in the wake of gun control bills proposed in Virginia.

Hartland Schools Placing $45 Million Bond On May 5th Ballot

If approved, the bond will be used to renovate, upgrade and construct school facilities, including safety and security improvements. While it will require a 1.44 mill increase in the current tax rate, Board of Education President Thom Dumond said they believe it is both “necessary and reasonable.”

Amazon Facility Gets Initial Approval In Lyon Twp.

On Monday, the Lyon Township Planning Commission recommended approval of plans by Amazon Inc. to develop a nearly 87,000-square-foot distribution facility along Grand River, west of Napier Road.

Health Department Highlights Oral Health Care For Kids

Children’s oral health was among the public health issues identified as part of the “Livingston County Road to Community Health” series.

Howell To Sign Restrictive Covenant With Diamond Chrome

The Howell City Council approved the signing of a restrictive covenant over the Diamond Chrome Plating property, which is part of a recommended remedial action plan between the company and state.

Sheriff's Office Says Horse Cruelty Investigation Remains Open

The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office is responding to the public’s concern over the welfare of several local horses following headlines and pictures released last week of a severely malnourished horse.

Candlewood Suites Recognized For Helping Disaster Victims

The Livingston County Disaster Assistance Response Team or DART awarded Candlewood Suites in Brighton with a “Certificate of Appreciation”.

Monday, February 10, 2020

Hamburg Woman Rams Police Car Following Chase

The 25-year-old Hamburg Township resident was lodged at the Livingston County Jail pending charges from the Livingston County Prosecutor's Office for fleeing and elude, operating with the presence of marijuana and other counts.

Meeting Set Tuesday On Proposed Lindbom Development

A meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday to discuss neighborhood concerns regarding a proposal for a large apartment development at the old Lindbom School site in Brighton.

United Way Seeks Outstanding Volunteer Nominations

The public has a few days left to nominate people and organizations whose efforts have made a major impact over the past year.

Man Charged In Retail Theft, Police Chase Headed To Trial

Bryan Busher is facing charges of retail fraud, organized retail crime, resisting and obstructing a police officer, and armed robbery.

Open House Today On Pipeline Project In Milford

An open house from 4 to 7pm today aims to answer questions and address any concerns related to a natural gas pipeline replacement project in Kensington Metropark and surrounding Milford areas.

St. Paul's Rector Celebrates Final Service In Brighton

The Rev. Deon Johnson, rector at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Brighton, was elected in November to become the new leader of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri and its first openly gay leader.

Crash Takes LETS Bus Out Of Service

There were no serious injuries from the crash, including both drivers, a passenger in the truck and four passengers who were on the bus at the time. All involved were wearing seatbelts.

Practice SAT Test Aims To Help Students Succeed

The Brighton Area Schools Alumni Association is offering a SAT Practice Test for area middle and high school students on Saturday, March 14th in the Brighton High School Cafeteria.

Sunday, February 9, 2020

Rickett Road in Brighton Will Be Completed This Spring

A final layer of pavement will be installed and miscellaneous repair work done on a portion of Rickett Road in Brighton this spring.

Local Lawmaker Aims To Broaden Fight Against Human Trafficking

Senator Lana Theis has introduced legislation aimed at strengthening existing laws to combat human trafficking.

Huron Valley Community Coalition Leaders Graduate From Advanced

Randy Root and Jordyn Najduk completed a year-long program aimed at strengthening tactics for fighting substance use by youths.

Lighting Conversion Work To Take Place At Fowlerville Junior High

The improvements will convert all interior and exterior lighting at Fowlerville Junior High to energy-saving LED fixtures.

Saturday, February 8, 2020

Linden Schools Supports Placing $55M Bond Proposal On Ballot

The bond proposal addresses needs in enhancing student safety and school security, expanding and enhancing the instructional environment, remodeling, upgrading, and constructing school facilities, and upgrading technology and technology infrastructure.

Local Woman Wins Lottery

The Livingston County woman, who wished to remain anonymous, won $321,313 from the Michigan Lottery.

Lyon Twp. Amending Drunk And Disorderly Persons Ordinance

The changes will include the addition of regulations identifying and penalties for Summoning Public Safety Personnel Without Good Cause.

Green Oak Twp. To Hold Master Plan Open House

The goal of the event is to gather feedback from residents to update the municipality’s Master Plan.

Chili Cook-Off To Benefit Fowlerville Fireworks

The 16th Annual Chili Cook-off to benefit the 4th of July fireworks show in Fowlerville will take place March 14th.

Friday, February 7, 2020

Rescuer Says Charges Should Be Filed For Horse's Neglect

Suzette Morgan runs ZanBuck Arabian Farms in Imlay City, but also helped arrange for the rescue of an Arabian horse in November that was surrendered by a breeder in Green Oak Township. Morgan says the animal was emaciated to the point that its skin was peeling off from various ailments.

Teens Face Conspiracy Charge In Fowlerville Gun Store Robbery

A federal grand jury charged 18-year-old Brandon McClure and 19-year-old Daniel Rae with Conspiracy to Steal Firearms from a Federally-Licensed Firearms Dealer and Possess Stolen Firearms.

Howell Police Receive Accreditation Honor

The department is one of 24 in the state, and the only law enforcement agency in Livingston County, to be accredited.

Brighton to Start Street Improvement Projects This Spring

The city of Brighton, acting on approval of a 2.5-mill Headlee override last year, will begin implementing that voter directive with street improvement work starting this spring.

County Officials Concerned With Public Group Usage At EMS Building

Officials sought guidance from commissioners at a recent meeting related to issues since the building has been opened up to public groups for use.

State Withholds Funding From Webberville

The Michigan Department of Treasury declined to disburse $544,000 in Michigan Transportation Fund money and $97,000 in state revenue sharing until officials in Webberville correct required financial filings.

Putnam Officials, County Road Commission, Residents Talk Local Roads

A special meeting was held to discuss possible partnership opportunities between the township and road commission, and special assessment district opportunities for residents.

Basketball Fundraiser To Benefit Special Ministries

Livingston County Catholic Charities' Special Ministries team will battle the Livingston County Sheriff's Office in this year's annual basketball game fundraiser.

Thursday, February 6, 2020

Two Men Charged With Cashing In Bogus Bottle Returns

Authorities say 37-year-old Shane Whiteman of New Hudson and 39-year-old Eric Lowman of Oceola Township cashed fake bottle return slips on several occasions at the Fowlerville Walmart.

Howell City Council To Resume Pot Discussion Next Month

Howell City Council resumed marijuana-related discussions at a recent meeting but plans to have more robust talks in late March.

Game Show Format Featured For Cancer Fundraiser

Five Points of Hope provides grants of up to $500 to help patients pay for unaffordable essentials such as insurance deductibles, prescriptions, medical equipment and utility bills.

Apartment Complex, Dealership Proposed In Lyon Twp.

Both are proposed on Lyon Center Drive in the Lyon Crossing development.

Theis Bill Seeks To Make "Corporate Welfare" More Accountable

State Senator Lana Theis has introduced legislation that she says would hold bodies of government and corporations that receive taxpayer assistance to greater levels of transparency and accountability.

Police Investigate B&E At Unadilla Store

Police are working to identify the suspects responsible for breaking in to the Unadilla Store in Gregory.

Some Howell Residents Not Happy With Reduced Sidewalk Snow Plowing

Business owner Sally Witt sent a letter to the City expressing concerns about snowplowing ending at Barnard Street - which was part of budget cuts made last year.

New Classes To Be Offered At Fowlerville High School

The two new classes being offered starting with the 2020-2021 school year are the CLEP, or the College Level Examination Program, for American Government, and Introduction to Sports Officiating.

Wednesday, February 5, 2020

Slotkin-Sponsored Therapy Dog Bill Passes House Unanimously

The PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act passed the U.S. House unanimously today after being co-sponsored last fall by 8th District Democrat Elissa Slotkin and Ohio Republican Congressman Steve Stivers.

Hartland Officials Putting Final Touches On New Budget

Officials are looking to make improvements to parks and sidewalk connections while preparing for upcoming elections.

Whitmer's SOTU Response Highlights Democratic Action

After President Trump touted economic gains under GOP leadership in his State of the Union speech, Whitmer, speaking at East Lansing High School where her daughters attend, highlighted the work of Democratic governors across the country.

Mattress Fundraiser Will Support Whitmore Lake Music Programs

The one-day event will transform the high school into a mattress showroom, with 25 different styles on display in all sizes and styles for customers to try, priced below retail.

County Looks To Resume Broadcasting Commission Meetings

A committee approved a resolution with a recommendation to start broadcasting meetings of the Livingston County Board of Commissioners again.

Humidity Issues Close Pools In Huron Valley District

The pools, one at Milford High School and the other at Lakeland High School, are mainly for community and recreational use.

Men Charged With Sexually Assaulting Teen Enter Plea

Charles Seymour and Quinton Peters pleaded no contest to two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct related to the August 7th incident involving a 15-year-old girl.

Hamburg Township Trustee Jim Neilson Passes Away Monday

A community farewell is planned next week for Neilson, a well-known township trustee and community servant who passed away Monday.

Another Trial Date Set For Teen Charged in Friend's Murder

19-year old Abdurrahman Ahmed Akl is charged with second degree murder in the 2017 shooting death of 18-year-old Brady Morris. His trial has been adjourned at least half a dozen times.

Tuesday, February 4, 2020

Bank Of Ann Arbor To Purchase First National Bank In Howell

The all-cash transaction of approximately $101.4 million will create a combined bank with more than 300 employees at 17 locations in four counties and have approximately $2.2 billion of total assets.

8 Mile Road Closed Between Chubb & Napier Roads

A lengthy road closure is now in effect for motorists utilizing 8 Mile Road on the Lyon Township/Novi/Wayne County border.

Howell Man Charged In Sex Assault Gets Prison Time

37-year-old Michael Ringle will serve 4 to 15 years in prison for sexually assaulting his stepdaughter.

Governor Signs Local Lawmaker's Bill For Dropout Recovery Program

Legislation sponsored by Senator Lana Theis to continue the state’s Dropout Recovery Program was recently signed into law by Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

State Seeks Fines Against Howell Company For TCE Emissions

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy issued a January 30th Enforcement Notice to Diamond Chrome Plating, Inc. concerning its facility in S. Michigan Avenue.

Brighton PC OKs Preliminary Site Plan for Apts. at Lindbom Site

Preliminary plans have been approved for a Planned Unit Development of 140 upscale apartments at the vacant Lindbom School site in Brighton.

Builder Charged For Allegedly Bilking Iosco Township Man

Robert McTavish Jr. is charged with felony builder’s trust fund violation for allegedly taking thousands of dollars from a local man but never completing any work.

County Committee Supports Grant Application For Grand River Bus Service

A committee of the Livingston County Board of Commissioners was in support of LETS applying for a grant that would allow for the purchase of buses for a dedicated service route along Grand River.

Livingston County Clerk Seeking Re-Election

Elizabeth Hundley was appointed in 2016 before being elected to a 4-year term.

Monday, February 3, 2020

Town Homes Proposed for Former Lindbom School Site in Brighton

A Detroit area developer's proposal for 140 luxury town homes at the vacant, former Lindbom School site will be considered by the Brighton City Planning Commission tonight.

Boil Water Notice Issued After Water Main Break

The Boil Water Notice applied to the Country Club Subdivision, located north of Grand River and west of Old US-23 in Brighton Township. It has since been rescinded.

Central Dispatch Revising Enhanced 911 Service Plan

According to 911 Director Chad Chewning, the plan for Livingston County was last updated in 2001 and amended in 2003.

Local Man Admits To Sexually Assaulting Children

A plea agreement with prosecutors calls for Johnathan Dunn to be sentenced to 9 to 15 years in prison.

Pontiac Man Enters Plea To Fenton Armed Robbery

22-year-old Ward Alvin Goodnight III pleaded to the lesser charge of larceny from a person after police say he pulled a gun on a Holly man in a store parking lot along Owen Road and stole his PlayStation 4.

Junge Leads All 8th District Rivals; Slotkin Still Has Huge Money Advantage

Friday was the deadline for 2019 year-end filings by the Federal Election Commission, and of the five candidates announced so far for the August GOP primary; Paul Junge has by far the most money.

Northfield Township 2019 Road Projects Come In Under Budget

Both the Township Manager and Township Supervisor are interested in rolling the $37,500 into the next fiscal year budget.

Six-vehicle Crash at M-59 and Hacker Road Investigated

M-59 (Highland Road) west of Hartland was closed down for over an hour Saturday as a result of a 6-vehicle accident.

Sunday, February 2, 2020

BAS Board Of Education Honors "Pack Of Dogs" Program

The recognition was for a recently-concluded fundraiser that realized $5,000 for the program - with over 12,000 pairs of shoes donated.

Homeland Security Grants Aim To Build Emergency Preparedness Locally

Livingston County will receive about $124,176 toward Emergency Management's efforts to prevent, respond to or recover from incidents of national significance, including terrorism-related activities.

Bodybuilder Gets Probation For Illegal Steroid Distribution

Had Amy Kozle of Genoa Township gone to trial and been convicted, she would have faced up to seven years in prison or a $10,000 fine.

Salvation Army Seeks Support To Reach Campaign Goal

The Salvation Army of Livingston County’s Christmas campaign is coming to close later this week and the local non-profit is reaching out to the community.

Saturday, February 1, 2020

LETS Seeks Grant To Buy Buses For Grand River Service

The Livingston Essential Transportation Service is pursuing a grant that would allow for the purchase of buses for a dedicated service route along Grand River.

Man Charged With Sexually Assaulting Teen Headed To Trial

Luis Santana reportedly picked the 16-year-old girl up from her home and drove to the Lowe's Home Improvement store in Genoa Township, where the pair allegedly had sex several times.

County Building Dept. Looks To Serve More Communities

Building Official Jim Rowell says by adding communities outside of the county, the department will increase their economy of scale; helping to keep fees low and promote development in the region.

Park Improvements Proceeding In Village Of Pinckney

The park and residential improvements in the Portage Dells neighborhood were made possible through a state grant program.

Local Lawmaker Returns Office Allotment Back To State

State Representative Hank Vaupel has returned $13,969.27 of his 2019 office budget allotment back to the State of Michigan, amounting to about 13% of his total budget.