Sunday, January 16, 2022

St. Patrick School In Brighton Going Online

In an email to parents sent on Saturday night, St. Patrick Catholic School in Brighton announced that students will be learning from home next week due to the continued increase in cases.

Saturday, January 15, 2022

Hartland Planning Commission Approves New Gas Station

The site will see 9 pumps and a 6,000-sq-ft convenience store.

Two Area-Districts To Participate In Safe Driving Program

The Strive for a Safer Drive campaign is a student-led program that encourages responsible driving habits.

United Way Seeks Nominations For Volunteer Awards

The nomination period for recognizing people and businesses in the community that have gone the extra mile is open until January 28th.

Friday, January 14, 2022

Maddock Among GOP Members Accused Of Posing As Fake Electors

Among the 16 GOP members named by AG Dana Nessel is Meshawn Maddock, who co-chairs the Michigan Republican Party. Maddock is also the wife of State Rep. Matt Maddock of Milford, who is campaigning to become the next Speaker of the Michigan House.

COVID-Related Absences Force Several Local Schools To Go Online

Highlander Way Middle School in Howell is closed Friday due to what was described as “staffing constraints” while Scranton Middle School in Brighton is going virtual through Friday, January 28th because of student and teacher absences.

Pinckney Man Sentenced In Scrap Metal Embezzlement

39-year-old Ian Lumley was charged last year with one count of embezzling between $50,000 and $100,000 following an investigation by Pinckney Police of suspected thefts from a business on Hamburg Street in the Village.

Howell Public Schools Receives Two Generous Donations

$10,000 was accepted from the Ted & Jane Von Voigtlander Foundation, and $2,500 for new kitchen equipment at the high school was gifted by Andrew Rea through the Forward Pass program.

Area Attorney Suspended For Taking Money But Providing No Work

Stephen LaCommare was suspended by the State Attorney Discipline Board in November on several counts of taking money and not providing services, often ghosting his clients.

Howell City Moving Forward With Parks Master Plan

A new master plan will help make the City eligible for grants from the DNR beginning in 2023.

Howell Eagle Riders Fundraiser To Benefit Severe Weather Network

A January 29th spaghetti dinner fundraiser, which will include a carry-out option, will benefit the homeless in Livingston County.

Slotkin Letter Precedes Biden Plan For Free N95, KN95 Masks

Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin called on the Biden Administration earlier this week to provide free, high-quality masks to all who want them. On Thursday, the President said he would do just that.

Online Event Will Honor Legacy Of Civil Rights Pioneer

The Howell Carnegie District Library, in partnership with the League of Women Voters of Livingston County and the Livingston Diversity Council, will host a virtual presentation about Sarah E. Ray on Monday, January 17th from 6:30pm - 8pm.

Thursday, January 13, 2022

Scranton Middle School Going Virtual

With COVID rates continuing to rise, Brighton Area Schools Supt. Matthew Outlaw announced Thursday afternoon that Scranton Middle School will be going virtual starting Friday.

COVID Cluster Identified At Two Schools In Howell

According to a letter sent Wednesday to the administration team at Highlander Way Middle School in Howell, Livingston County Medical Director Dr. Juan Marquez said that the health department had identified multiple COVID-19 cases at the school, which “likely represent multiple clusters.”

Motion Seeks Pre-Trial Release For Jerome Kowalski

A motion filed earlier this week by Jerome Kowalski’s attorneys seeks to have a bond set that would allow him to be released while a new trial on double murder charges is scheduled.

Procession Honors UPS Driver From Howell

The trucks, escorted by deputies with the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office, were driven from the UPS sorting facility behind Lowe’s Home Improvement in Genoa Township to the Rose Lane home of 54-year-old Kevin Harrington in Howell. Harrington passed away last Friday after a nearly five year battle with bladder cancer.

Annual MLK March On Main Set This Sunday

The main event of Milford’s 17th annual MLK Day Celebration is its March on Main Street this Sunday. Community members will march together to pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Marchers will lineup starting around 12:30 at Prospect Hill in the Kroger parking lot with the march starting off at about 1pm.

Theis Blasts State Board Of Education Over CRT Resolution

State Senator Lana Theis had strong words form the Michigan Board of Education following a resolution against a bill of hers that would ban the teaching of critical race theory in schools.

Howell School Board To Wait On SCOTUS Vaccine Mandate Ruling

The Board voted unanimously against a policy that would allow the Superintendent to prepare for a possible implementation in the case of the mandate being enacted before they meet again.

County Pursuing Tree Trimming, Removal At Airport

Trees were last trimmed more than 15 years ago and the airport runway is being encroached by vegetation on several parcels.

Howell City To Rewrite Master Plan

The City anticipates spending up to a year re-writing the document that will serve as their guidelines for future development.

Wednesday, January 12, 2022

Competency Exam Ordered For Man Charged In Genoa Twp. Murder

47-year-old Brandon Eric Wilson of Genoa Township is charged with one count of homicide-open murder in the October death of 66-year-old Janey Lynn Cairns, also of Genoa Township.

Hartland Board Of Education VP Resigning

As Cyndi Kenrick has announced her resignation effective February 13th, the Board of Education is accepting letters of interest for the open seat until 3pm on January 21.

South Lyon Approves Agreement For Middle School SRO

An agreement between the City and South Lyon Community Schools will ensure the two middle schools have a School Resource Officer splitting time between the buildings for the rest of the school year.

Black History 101 Mobile Museum Coming To Howell

Cleary University and the Livingston Diversity Council have teamed up to sponsor the museum. Founder and curator, Dr. Khalid el-Hakim, says the traveling exhibit includes artifacts over 7,000 artifacts dating from the transatlantic slave trade to the modern-day.

Work Skills Corporation Rebrands Three Divisions

New branding will help eliminate confusion on the work and services they provide for Livingston County residents.

Howell City Drain To Have Troubled Portion Assessed

A roughly 200-foot stretch of the City drain drops from 42-inches wide to 14-inches wide, and has caused flooding at the Red Cross building in the past.

Extra Payment Coming For Bridge Card Holders

An additional January payment will be loaded onto Bridge Cards Between January 15-24.

January National Radon Action Month

The local Health Department says it's an opportune time for Livingston County residents to test for radon in their homes - a health risk facing millions of Americans.

Tuesday, January 11, 2022

Parade To Return As Howell Council Makes Melonfest A City Event

The City, in collaboration with several agencies and organizations, will attempt to bring the 45th Annual Melon Fest back to its traditional roots following the controversy that almost canceled last year's event.

Trial Date Set For South Lyon Double Homicide

21-year-old Fadi Jesus Zeineh of Ann Arbor was charged with homicide after police say he entered a home on December 30th of 2020 and shot 17-year-old Dylan Stamper, killing him. He also shot Stamper’s 43-year-old father, Kevin, who later died at the hospital.

Myers Re-Elected As BAS Board President

Roger Myers, a local attorney, was re-elected president of the Brighton Area Schools Board of Education at its annual organizational meeting Monday night.

Woman Reports Anonymous Letter As Intimidation Attempt

Kathy Carney of Green Oak Township said that after she donated money to a legal fund created for Kasey Helton, an unsigned note was mailed to her with what she thought was a threatening tone.

Brighton City Council To Use ARPA Funding On Needed Utility Work

City Council approved a priority list for four projects using the funding from the first half of their federal COVID-relief funds.

Pinckney High Drama Company Wins National Grant Award

The Act 2 Theatre Company is one of only 10 in the country to be receiving a $1,000 New York Conservatory for the Dramatic Arts grant.

Residents Cautioned Against Fake Test Kit Scam

The State Attorney General's Office has tips to help residents avoid being scammed on hard-to-find COVID-19 test kits.

MDNR To Host State Park Volunteer Stewardship Workdays

Livingston County residents who love the outdoors are encouraged to take part in some upcoming volunteer stewardship workdays this month.

Monday, January 10, 2022

Genoa Township Residents Seek To Halt Proposed Asphalt Plant

Community members are concerned about the health, environmental, and property value ramifications of a potential asphalt plant built near Toddiem and Victory roads.

Youth Substance Use Prevention Advocate Passes Away

Megan Palmer, Coordinator for the Livingston County Community Alliance, died Saturday after a short battle with cancer.

Village Of Pinckney Looking To Fill Vacancies

Residents in the Village of Pinckney are being encouraged to apply for some open seats on Council, the Planning Commission and the Downtown Development Authority.

COVID Positivity Rates Hit Pandemic High In Livingston County

The Health Department says the upswings are likely due to increased indoor gatherings surrounding holiday celebrations, as well as the transmission of the Omicron variant throughout the community.

Local Cancer Patients & Families Benefit From No Shave Fundraisers

Deputies with the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office and City of Howell Police officers took part in “No Shave November and December” fundraisers, excluding them from the normal clean-shaven policies.

Theis, Bollin, Bezotte All Post Perfect Voting Records For 2021

All three of Livingston County's state legislators were present for every roll call vote before them in the State Senate and House.

MI Universities Get Funding to Sequence COVID, Other Diseases

A new grant will increase the capacity for infectious-disease sequencing and research in Michigan, to improve the state's ability to respond to health crises.

Registration Open For Bob Ross-Inspired Happy Little 5K

“Run For The Trees – a Happy Little Virtual 5K” is taking place April 22-29th. All proceeds support tree planting and forest protection efforts.

Bezotte Critical Of Gov. Whitmer's New Office Of Rural Development

State Representative Bob Bezotte says that Gov. Whitmer's "newfound interest in rural Michigan families rings hollow." Whitmer says the effort will help to "build a more prosperous rural economy."

Saturday, January 8, 2022

South Lyon High School Student Charged for Making Threats

The 15-year-old student was arrested this week after posting a note on Snapchat in which he wrote that it was “time for Columbine Part 2” at his school.

Local Men Injured In Two-Vehicle Crash On Mackinac Bridge

The Mackinaw City Police Department said the crash occurred when Scott Bartholomew of Fenton was driving a vehicle northbound, lost control, crossed the center line and crashed into a southbound vehicle driven by Jeffrey McCague of Brighton.

Brighton New Library Offering New Services

In addition to eliminating overdue fines for most materials, the library is offering new electronic services and highlighting a unique collection.

Friday, January 7, 2022

Judge Won't Reduce Bond For Parents Of Oxford School Shooter

A judge denied a request to lower bond for James and Jennifer Crumbley. Their son Ethan's case was separatly bound over for trial.

COVID Rates Force Postponement Of Long-Awaited Double Murder Retrial

The retrial of 75-year-old Jerome Kolwaski was set to begin on Monday, but according to Michigan Attorney General’s Office spokesperson Lynsey Mukomel, it was adjourned by Judge Matthew Stewart, who cited the rising number of COVID cases in Livingston County.

MDOT Officials Tout Possibilities Of Proposed Drone Corridor

The effort will involve studying the feasibility of a commercial drone skyway in three proposed areas, including an international connection between Michigan and Ontario, southeast Michigan, and any other suitable location in the state.

Candidates For Vacant Brighton City Council Seat Being Sought

Letters of interest and resumes are being accepted until 4pm on Thursday, January 20th.

Pfizer Vaccine Recommendations Updated

Following approval from the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is urging all eligible Michiganders ages 12 and up to get the Pfizer booster vaccine if they've received their primary series.

Hamburg Officials Discuss Needed Huron River Clean Up Event

Township officials are hopeful that residents in the affected area step up to take charge and are willing to provide assistance where needed.

Howell City Hall Getting HVAC Upgrades

City Council approved two service proposals to replace boilers in the building and perform duct upgrades.

Teen, Parents Returning to Court in Oxford School Shooting

James and Jennifer Crumbley have been locked up since Dec. 4, unable to meet a $500,000 bond. They’re hoping a judge is willing to reduce it Friday to $100,000.

Thursday, January 6, 2022

Judge Declines Nurse's PPO Request In Twitter Dispute

Livingston County Circuit Court Judge Michael Hatty declined to issue a Personal Protection Order for a Livingston County nurse who said she felt threatened after comments she made at a school board meeting regarding mask usage were posted to social media.

Prison Sentence Handed Down To Pinckney Man For Child Sex Assault

43-year-old Paul Aaron Kenczyk of Pinckney was sentenced Thursday by Livingston County Circuit Court Judge Michael Hatty to serve a prison term of between 3 years, two months and 15 years for his guilty plea to a variety of charges including 2nd-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Highest Daily COVID-19 Case Count Reported In Michigan

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services on Wednesday reported 27,346 new cases over a two-day period.

Huron Valley MLK Day Celebration & Activities Set

This marks the 17th year of various community activities, contests, events, and a march down Main Street organized by The Huron Valley MLK Day Committee. This year’s theme is “Lift Every Voice!”.

Two Officers Added To South Lyon Schools

Two additional police officers have been added to buildings in South Lyon Community Schools following the shooting spree at Oxford High School on November 30th when a student used a handgun to kill four classmates and wound seven other people.

MDOT Driving The Future Of Durable Bridges

MDOT says it’s leading the way in carbon fiber reinforced bridge beams with the goal of a 100-year bridge in sight.

Chili Cook-Off Fundraiser Planned At Pinckney Masonic Temple

There’s a $10 entry fee to sign up for the contest or those interested in just attending can taste as many different chilis as they want for $10.

Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Additional COVID-19 Community Testing Available

Daily PCR saliva-based testing is available by appointment only at the Legacy Center Sports Complex in Green Oak Township Monday through Sunday from 9am to 5pm.

Pettysville Gas Station Gains Final Site Plan Approval

The 24-hour gas station will be located at Pettysville Road and M-36 in Hamburg Township.

Brighton District Library Now Fine-Free For Overdue Materials

The Library is no longer charging overdue fines for most items that are returned late.

Online Event To Examine Environmental Sustainability

The Livingston County United Way is inviting residents to take part in the discussion session which will be held over Zoom on Thursday, January 27th, from 3pm to 4:30pm.

Junge Announces Candidacy For New 8th Congressional District

Republican Paul Junge, who fell short of unseating Democrat Elissa Slotkin in 2020, will seek the GOP nomination to run against 5th District Democrat Dan Kildee for the newly drawn 8th District seat in November.

SEMCOG Developing 2050 Regional Forecast

The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments has begun development of the 2050 Regional Forecast. It provides a long-term analysis of change in population, households, jobs, and land use for each community in the region.

Registration Open For LACASA Parenting Classes

LACASA Center’s Nurturing Parenting Program is designed specifically for parents of young children, from newborn to 11 years of age. It focuses on overcoming parenting challenges and practicing positive discipline.

Special Meeting To Be Held For Proposed Northfield Township Park

The Parks and Recreation Board will meet Thursday to discuss plans for a Community Park in Whitmore Lake.

Tuesday, January 4, 2022

Village Of Pinckney To Regulate Collection Bins

The Planning Commission met Monday night and there was discussion about how to best address the issue. It was stated the bins do serve a purpose and are used but they can also quickly morph into a blight situation.

Fowlerville Schools Seek Community Input For Building Placement

The focus of the meeting is to review several potential build sites for a new K-2 building, answer questions and gather feedback from those in attendance.

Science Teacher Blasts Local Health Department

As area students returned to the classroom Monday amid a surge in COVID cases statewide, an area science teacher has accused local health officials of “bald faced lying” when it comes to the spread of the virus in schools.

Nominations Sought For Brighton Area Women’s Roll of Honor

The group looks to recognize the achievements and contributions of women in the greater Brighton area, and applications are being accepted through January 31st. The 2022 class of honorees will be announced in March, which is Women’s History Month.

Commissioners Reelect Chair And Vice Chair For 2022

Board Chair Wes Nakagiri and Vice Chair Carol Griffith were unanimous selections among Commissioners present.

Local Nonprofit Looks Back On Successful 2021

2021 was a very successful year for the Darian Locklear Project, which was established in 2019 to honor the memory of a former Brighton High School student who, along with a fellow student from Howell, was tragically killed in a car crash.

15th Annual Community Connect Seeking Volunteers To Help

The annual resource fair connects people with free services, resources, and information.

Court Programs Supporting Child Welfare Services Receive Grant

Programs to help provide internet access to foster care families and to compensate attorneys for out-of-court meetings have been approved for one-time supplemental funding.

Monday, January 3, 2022

Genoa Township Board Meeting Canceled Due To COVID Exposure

A press release stated that township Clerk Polly Skolarus attended a close contact meeting while waiting for pending COVID-19 test results, which were positive. Thus the supervisor, treasurer and manager were all exposed.

Brighton's I-96/Grand River Interchange To Be Reconstructed

A Diverging Diamond Interchange set for construction in 2025 will ease congestion at the busy intersection.

BAS Pack Of Dogs Back In Oxford This Week

In the aftermath of the November 30th shooting, the Brighton Pack of Dogs visited Oxford Middle School twice last month to comfort students and staff. With school reopening after the holiday break their handlers returned today, bringing five of the “social-emotional learning” dogs.

Judge Dismisses Reverse Discrimination Lawsuits Against MSP

One of the lawsuits was brought by former MSP Lt. Michael McCormick of Howell, who claims he was passed up in 2019 for the position of Post Commander because of racial discrimination and in retaliation for complaints he made in 2018 for being passed up for another position.

Holly Man Enters Plea To Reckless Driving Charge

52-year-old Richard Eric Kalinowski of Holly had been charged with a count of Assault with Intent to do Great Bodily Harm Less than Murder and a count of Reckless Driving Causing Serious Impairment of Body Function for the April 25th incident.

Focus Group Forming For Possible Aquatic Weed Control SAD

Hamburg Township is forming a focus group to see if there's any interest from those on Strawberry and Zukey Lakes in leading a petition drive to create a new SAD for treatment.

Report: Saltier Water Puts Lake Michigan Wildlife At Risk

Lake Michigan used to sit at a salinity level of one to two milligrams of chloride per liter of lake water. Now, that concentration has risen to nearly 15 milligrams per liter.

Officials Tout 2021 Accomplishments In State Of The County Video

Livingston County Chairman Wes Nakagiri led the address, giving a glimpse into several departments and what was accomplished in 2021.

Howell Township To Use ARPA Funds On Internet, Sewer Pump Stations

The township is seeking to provide high speed internet access to every home in the township, and make improvements that allow for the remote monitoring and operation of sewer pump stations.

Parking Advisory For Northfield Community Park

Officials say the park gets a lot of use in the winter and they ask that people please park vehicles in the designated parking area behind the Whitmore Lake Post Office.

Saturday, January 1, 2022

Highland Post Office Offering Limited Services After Arson

A temporary mobile service vehicle is available for post office box holders and and customers with package pick-up notices, weekdays 10am to 2pm.

Meeting Highlights Management Plan For Busy State Rec Area

Various input and public feedback is being compiled for a new general management plan for the Proud Lake State Recreation Area.

Pinckney Community Schools Raising Funds For Therapy Dog

Pinckney Community Schools is looking for business sponsors and private donors to help support this endeavor. As an added bonus, the biggest sponsor will get to name the dog and be advertised on the dog’s vest.