Habitat For Humanity ReStore Re-Opening

The Genoa Township ReStore will open again on Tuesday, with new safety policies in place.

Free Virtual Tax Prep Offered To Low-Income County Residents

The Accounting Aid Society provides free tax assistance every year at various locations throughout the county during tax season. However due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a new electronic process is being implemented.

BAS Approves Purchase Of Chromebooks & Accessories

The items, with a total price tag of over $545,000, are being purchased with bond issue proceeds.

Salvation Army Adapting To Evolving Community Needs

The Salvation Army of Livingston County is continuing work to help fulfill the constantly evolving needs of the community amid the coronavirus pandemic.

New Pedestrian Crosswalks Possible In Downtown Howell

City staff has been working with MDOT’s Brighton Transportation Service Center about possibly adding some pedestrian crossing points along Grand River downtown.

Brighton School District Saves Millions On Bond Refinancing

The reason for the significant savings is that the Brighton Area Schools jumped two positions in its credit rating with Moody’s Investors Service to “A-3”.

South Lyon City Council Approves First Tax Abatement

The owner of the RCA Building has been granted a tax exemption certificate for 3 years with the opportunity for a fourth.

Summer Reading Challenge Goes Online

The Brighton District Library's 2020 Summer Reading Challenge will run from June 14 to August 8 over Zoom, Facebook Live, and YouTube.

Tele-Town Hall Held On Michigan's Auto Insurance Reform Laws

Callers from across Livingston and Oakland Counties participated in an auto insurance reform tele-town hall event Wednesday hosted by a local lawmaker.

Report Confirms Former EMS Director Fraudulently Obtained Certification

Longtime EMS Director Jeff Boyd retired at the end of 2019 after a 10-week unpaid leave. An internal county audit confirmed he received certification for an Advanced Cardiac Life Support course that he had not attended.

Local Superintendents Discuss Upcoming School Year

A Webinar sponsored by the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce included Greg Gray of the Brighton Area Schools, Rick Todd of the Pinckney Community Schools and Tom DeKeyser of the Whitmore Lake School District.

Road Projects To Start In Northfield Township

A road resurfacing project is planned on Main Street between Six Mile Road and East Shore Drive while other work will be taking place on Six Mile Road and Whitmore Lake Road.

Oakland County Distributing PPE Kits To Small Businesses

Ten thousand kits are being provided to help businesses prepare to re-open and boost customer confidence.

Deaf Woman Safe After South Lyon Apartment Fire

A deaf, elderly woman is safe with her family after a cooking fire broke out in her apartment.

COVID-19 Safety Measures Implemented At Fenton City Hall

The City recently purchased two electro-static sanitizing machines that will be used to sanitize buildings and vehicles.

Howell Nature Center Rehabilitates, Releases Red-Tailed Hawk

Wildlife Rehabilitation staff were able to successfully heal the injured bird that was found near a busy road in late January.

Lawmakers Encourage Residents To Share COVID-19 Stories

Local State Representatives Hank Vaupel and Ann Bollin say MICovidStory.com is an accessible resource for concerned residents across the state.

Slotkin To Host Virtual D.C. Field Trip For Michigan Students

On Friday morning at 10:30, 8th District Democrat Elissa Slotkin will hold a virtual Washington, D.C. field trip for Michigan students. It will feature a “Capitol tour” and live Q&A with Slotkin, as well as testimony from officials serving in a variety of government agencies including the White House, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of State and the U.S. Navy.

Decision Again Delayed For Pair Charged With Livingston Deaths

Barry Cadden and Glenn Chin were charged with second degree murder last year by the Michigan Attorney General’s Office for their roles in running the New England Compounding Center. Final arguments have been re-set for a third time due to the COVID-19 crisis.

BHS Plans "Senior Drive-By" Graduation Ceremony Friday

With parents serving as drivers, graduating seniors will take part in a slow-moving procession from Main Street onto the high school campus.

Veterinarian Addresses Concerns About Pets & COVID-19

Dr. Kristine Gerster says there is no information that has come forward to suggest that pets with coronavirus can transmit it to humans.

New Process Approved For Expanded Outdoor Seating In City Of Fenton

Council approved an emergency resolution that streamlines the process to approve expanded outdoor seating for restaurants and bars when those businesses are allowed to re-open.

Genoa Township Standoff Ends Peacefully

A situation involving a woman threatening harm in the Sylvan Glen Estates mobile housing community in Genoa Township ended without injuries.

Construction Starting Soon On Roundabout At Pontiac Trail & 7 Mile

The Washtenaw County Road Commission recently held a virtual meeting on the project. A larger roundabout was originally proposed at the intersection in 2013 but later scrapped.

47th District Candidate Seeks COVID-19 Nursing Home Data

Meghan Reckling sent the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services a four-page request seeking information related to COVID-19 in nursing homes and long-term care facilities.

LACASA Parenting Class Going Online

The Nurturing Parenting course is designed for parents of newborn children up to age 11.

County Board Supports MI Safe Start Plan Reclassification

The Board of Commissioners passed a resolution supporting requests to move Livingston County out of the Detroit region, and into the Lansing region.

LETS Set To Resume Service Next Week

The transit service will begin again to book trips for any purpose at 25% rider capacity with added safety precautions.

Trial Date Set For Accused Lottery Thief

42-year-old Christopher Bandy was charged with one count of embezzlement of $100,000 or more after an investigation by Fowlerville Police.

No Big Problems At Parks In City Of Fenton During Holiday Weekend

Some comments were received about crowds and social distancing over the holiday weekend at Silver Lake Park but staff noted people appeared to be doing what they were supposed to.

Plots Available For Northfield Township Community Garden

The Northfield Township Community Garden was established to provide a gardening area to residents that may not have the space otherwise.

HCCC Releases Collective Impact Report

The Livingston County Homeless Continuum of Care Committee has released their latest report which highlights how several of their partner organizations are helping the community through the COVID-19 crisis.

Board Selects Search Firm for New Superintendent

The Brighton Board of Education has gotten the process of finding a new superintendent in full swing by hiring a company to perform the search.

VINA Online Auction Begins Tonight

The VINA Dental Clinic is holding a 24-hour online auction fundraiser with vacation stays, gift baskets, and prizes donated by the community being put up for bid.

Detmer Denies Campaign Links To Protest Organizers

A recent report links Cindi Holland, who serves as the manager for Howell Republican Mike Detmer’s campaign for the 8th District GOP nomination, and Londa Gatt, the Detmer campaign’s grassroots director, to the organizers of the April 15th Operation Gridlock protest in Lansing.

Planning Tool Offers Guidance For Reopening Economy

The tool will assist industries as they consider what they need to do to re-open safely when allowed under Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Executive Orders.

Michigan's Auto Insurance Reform Laws Take Effect In July

Michigan’s new no-fault insurance reform law goes into effect July 2nd and AAA Michigan is urging consumer education.

County Reaches Deal For Potential COVID-19 Recovery Space

North Star Reach Camp will provide a place for Livingston County first responders who made need to be quarantined or recover from coronavirus.

Huron Valley Schools Distributes More Than 100,000 Free Meals

The Grab & Go Student Meals program was implemented March 16th immediately following Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s initial order to close schools.

Auto Insurance Changes Focus Of Tele-Town Hall

State Rep. Ann Bollin will host a tele-town hall meeting on Wednesday, May 27 at 6 p.m. on the upcoming changes in Michigan’s car insurance system.

Veterans' Services Pursuing Lease For New Home

Grant money could potentially support a lease at the old Art Van PureSleep building in Genoa Township, giving Livingston County Veterans' Services more needed space.

Large Residential Project Approved In City Of Brighton

The Bluffs at Springhill will feature 70 single-family units on 28.94 acres of wooded land located south of Flint Road between the Spring Hill condo association and I-96 to the east.

BAS Board Interviews Superintendent Search Firms

The board will decide which of the three finalists to hire as the search firm at its next meeting this Tuesday. The meeting, which will be online, will be at 7 p.m.

New Whimsical Park Planned In Downtown Howell

Conceptual designs were presented during a recent virtual meeting and the project is designed to provide a charming spot for people of all ages to gather and enjoy the beauty and of Howell.

Online Event To Discuss "Disrupting" Silence About Sexual Assault

Called “The Bystander Moment,” the 50-minute documentary will be shown in recognition of National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Organizers say the event was originally scheduled for April, but was delayed due to COVID-19.

Advocates Press For Rental & Mortgage Assistance Program

Housing advocates predict a massive wave of evictions and foreclosures once the moratorium on evictions is lifted, unless the state puts together a comprehensive program to assist families thrown out of work by the COVID-19 crisis.

COVID Patients Moved Temporarily at Caretel Inns in Brighton

Some COVID-19 patients housed at the Caretel Inns facility in Brighton had to be moved when a sprinkler system went off Friday night.

County Comes To Agreement With New Administrator

The Board of Commissioners and Nathan Burd have come to a 3 year employment agreement, worth $127,772 per year.

Hamburg Woman Enters Plea To Police Chase & Crash

25-year-old Averie Rae Wilson was charged following the February 10th incident that authorities say began when she fled a traffic stop in White Lake Township.

Stay Safe From Mosquito And Tick-Borne Illnesses

The Livingston County Health Department is is participating in a surveillance and prevention program that will track and help keep people safe from Lyme disease, West Nile virus, and Zika virus.

Whitmer Extends Stay At Home Order Through June 12th

The order also keeps closed theaters, gyms and other places of public accommodation at least until that time.

Sunday Marks 30 Years Since Disappearance Of Teacher Near Fowlerville

Paige Renkoski's vehicle was found running along I-96 near Fowlerville with her purse and shoes still inside on May 24th, 1990. Her fate remains a mystery.

City Council Votes To Dissolve Brighton PSD

Council approved a resolution to dissolve the Principal Shopping District and associated special assessment districts. Members Renee Pettengill, Kristoffer Tobbe and Jim Bohn were opposed.

Practice Safe Gatherings Memorial Day Weekend

Livingston County Emergency Management and Health Department are encouraging people getting together during the holiday weekend to continue safe steps and protect themselves and their families.

Hartland Twp. Looks To Boost Safe Re-Opening of Businesses

Hartland Township is looking to relax ordinances on outdoor spaces to boost a safe and successful relaunching of local businesses.

Chambers, Visitors Bureau Ask Whitmer To Reassign County To New Safe Start Region

Leaders from the Brighton, Hartland, and Howell Chambers of Commerce and Livingston County Visitors Bureau have written a letter to the governor asking that the county be switched to the Lansing Region of the MI Safe Start Plan.

Two Hospitalized With Severe Burns After House Fire

The fire broke out around 4:25am Thursday in the basement of a home on Valley Meadow Lane west. A man and woman were hospitalized with severe burns.

Candidate "Disappointed" In Clerk's Stance On Absentee Ballots

Democratic Candidate Jordan Genso is challenging Republican Clerk Elizabeth Hundley and said encouraging voters to vote from home in the midst of a pandemic should not be a partisan issue.

No Cause Yet For Suspicious Fire In Hidden Harbor Complex

Police said the investigation is still ongoing and it may take some time to come up with an exact cause.

Judge Tosses GOP Lawsuit Against Whitmer

A 1945 law cited by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, is not limited to local and regional emergencies only and can have no end date, said Judge Cynthia Stephens of the Court of Claims.

County Clerk Says Secretary Of State "Blatantly Disregarded" Law

Livingston County Clerk Betsy Hundley opposes the decision by Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to mail out absentee ballot applications to all 7.7 million registered voters ahead of the August primary and November general election.

County Officials Updated On Potential Meals On Wheels Grant

Site plans, renderings, and an environmental assessment have been completed as part of an application for a $1-million Community Development Block Grant.

Small Town, Big Hearts Initiative Raises $75,000

More than two dozen downtown Brighton establishments have received emergency contributions from the community.

Lansing Kroger Employee Says They Battle Virus Every Day

Kristine Holtham, a 53-year-old Kroger meat department worker in Lansing, joined a conference call Wednesday by the United Food and Commercial Workers union, which called on food retailers to extend hourly hazard pay for frontline workers.

Fenton Woman Pleads Guilty By Insanity In Laundromat Stabbings

36-year-old Stephanie Rohn was arrested after police say she stabbed two people inside the Tubs & Tumblers Coin Laundry in the 700 block of W. Grand River on September 17th and then stabbed herself.

Hidden Harbor Condo Fire Deemed Suspicious

Fire crews are being commended for their response to a large fire deemed suspicious at the Hidden Harbor condominium complex in the City of Brighton. One person was hospitalized in critical condition with severe smoke inhalation.

Resolution Seeks To Dissolve Brighton PSD

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.

Virtual Youth Led Summit To Offer Prevention, Leadership Message

Area youth are encouraged to register for the first-ever Virtual Youth Led Summit in Livingston County Friday morning.

Resident Critically Injured in Brighton Condo Fire

A fire just before noon Wednesday forced the evacuation the Hidden Harbor condominium complex on Candlewood Trail in Brighton.

County Approves COVID-19 Preparedness And Response Plan

The plan, as directed by executive order, lays out requirements and recommendations for county employees and the public when using county buildings.

Recycle Livingston Set To Reopen June 1st

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.

Hamburg Resident Spreading Cheer To Neighbors Stuck At Home

Colleen Neilson has been dressing up in costumes and visiting neighbor's doorsteps to deliver some fun and cheer throughout the outbreak.

Thousands Evacuated After Dams Break Near Midland

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.

South Lyon Community Schools Selects New Superintendent

Steven Archibald comes to the district from Livonia Public Schools, where he is the Assistant Superintendent.

Howell City Council Adopts "Maintenance Budget"

During Monday night’s virtual meeting, Mayor Nick Proctor described the 2020/2021 budget as a maintenance budget that sustains the current level of services.

Sheriff's Office Advises Community Of Scam Calls

The Livingston County Sheriff's Office is advising the community about a familiar scam in which victims are told they have warrants out for their arrest and they needed to send "bond money".

Library Offers Virtual COVID-19 Financial Presentations Tonight

COVID-19, unemployment and emergency leave are some of the topics to be covered during a virtual event being put on by the Salem-South Lyon District Library tonight.

Motorsport Complex & Racing Track Proposed In City Of Howell

Two mixed-use projects were presented to Council Monday night for the 216-acre Highland-Howell property, which the City has been actively marketing for the past five years.

Reward Offered For Information On Suspected Cop Impersonator

Authorities say 51-year-old Leonard Charles Harris admitted he had used a fake badge and police lights to impersonate a police officer.

Howell City Council To Market Grand River Property

The Howell City Council has agreed to put up a "For Sale" sign on property along Grand River the United States Postal Service had wanted to purchase to relocate the main Howell Post Office.

Fenton District & Teachers Agree On Two-Year Deal

Fenton teachers had been working without a new contract since June of 2019. The new agreement runs through June 30th, 2021.

Lawmakers Want Livingston In Different Region For Restart Plan

A letter from local lawmakers to Governor Whitmer says "It simply doesn’t make sense for Livingston County, with a few hundred confirmed COVID-19 cases, to be placed in the same region as Wayne County, with several thousand COVID-19 cases".

Governor: Restaurants, Shops Can Open In Northern Michigan

Some retail businesses in northern parts of Michigan will be able to reopen Friday - including bars and restaurants - under guidelines to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

Man Charged In Weekend Assault Case Involving Gun

31-year-old Michael Joseph Libtow is charged with felonious assault after an incident Saturday at the Countryway Market in Handy Township.

State Offers Emotional Counseling Hotline

Residents can receive emotional support counseling from trained individuals by calling 888-535-6136, and pressing "8."

Couple Arrested After Following Undercover Detectives

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.

New Virus Cases Down Statewide & In Livingston County

The 11 deaths reported on Sunday is the lowest daily toll for Michigan since March 24th and down from the 55 reported on Saturday.

School Board Votes To Refinance Outstanding Debt

The Brighton Board of Education took a step last week toward saving interest costs, while approving a line of credit to avoid having to go to the state’s Revolving Loan Fund and borrow this summer.

Democratic Candidate Says County Prosecutor Flipflops On Enforcement

Democratic candidate Ragan Lake alleges Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt has flip-flopped regarding his responsibility to enforce the Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s stay-at-home orders.

Power Of Home Fundraiser To Help With Housing Needs

The Livingston County Habitat for Humanity is again teaming up with Consumers Energy for a spring/summer fundraiser that will provide critical help to Habitat's partner family home builds.

MIOHSA Shares Guidelines For Returning Workers

With manufacturing and construction sectors re-opening, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration is giving guidelines for employers and returning employees to help keep everyone safe from COVID-19.

Playground Kickoff Canceled Due To COVID-19

The kickoff fro Brighton's Imagination Station was to have been held Saturday, May 9th, but was cancelled due to concerns over safe distancing, stay-at-home and other restrictions placed by the state stemming from the coronavirus pandemic.

MLBA Releases Guide For Restaurants Prepping To Reopen

A new resource guide is available to Livingston County restaurants and bars that will help make certain they are as ready as possible for the day when they can again reopen their doors to the public. However, a portion of it seemingly stands in opposition to guidelines set forth by public health officials.

Charity Golf Benefit To Feature Former Red Wings, Lions, Pistons

LACASA's annual "Drive Out Child Abuse" Celebrity Golf Scramble will take place on August 17th at Lakelands Golf & Country Club.

New Fund To Offer Small Business Relief

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Michigan Women Foward are joining together to create the $1.5-million Michigan Entrepreneur Resilience Fund.

Michigan Projects "Staggering" Drop In Tax Revenues

Republican State Senator Lana Theis of Brighton Township and Livingston County Democratic Party Chairwoman Judy Daubenmier weighed in following Friday's Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference.

The Well Offering Drive-In Church Service

The Genoa Township church is transmitting their Sunday services to the parking lot.

Application Deadline For Theatre Scholarship Extended

This year's deadline for the $1,000 Pam Campau Scholarship for the Arts award, is August 1st.

Prosecutors Association Says Whitmer Orders Are Enforceable

The statement by the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan, which is led by Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt, is at odds with one of the rationales that Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy stated in his refusal to enforce the governor’s stay-at-home order.

Vaupel Telemedicine Plan Passes House

The proposed legislature allows patients to record video and send it with images to doctors for analysis, while also making people on Medicaid eligible for reimbursement.

Huron-Clinton Metroparks Announce Changes To Summer Operations

Regular tolling operations will resume Friday and bathrooms will be slowly reopening but other changes have been made in regard to the opening of pools and large events.

Brighton To Give Students Choice On 4th Quarter Credit

Under the new policy, students may choose to go for a credit/no credit mark for the 4th quarter or “opt in” for actual grades, based on what they received in their third quarter progress report.

Search Warrant Executed On Suspects In Gregory Store Theft

Among the businesses that were targeted was The Unadilla Store in Gregory, which was broken in to on both February 1st and then again on April 11th. In both instances, the suspects unsuccessfully attempted to break in to the store’s ATM.

Slotkin Updates On Made In America Initiative

Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin's initiative would bring medical supply chain reform to the country.

Weather Delays Rickett Road Paving

Recent rainy weather and some scheduling issues have pushed out paving work for the Rickett Road project in the City of Brighton.

2020 LivCo Road Rally Scholarship Recipients Announced

The county-wide scavenger hunt helps fund scholarships for graduating high school students in Livingston County who are pursuing careers featured in Michigan’s HOT 50 Jobs list.

Association Says Local Real Estate Market Holding Its Own

Despite the ongoing coronavirus crisis and economic uncertainty, the local real estate market appears to be faring well so far according to the Livingston County Association of Realtors.

Howell Nature Centers Plans Soft Reopening May 29th

Nature Center officials say the May 29th target date, a day after the current stay-at-home order expires, will give them time to “slowly bring staff and volunteers back and ensure all health and safety COVID-19 mitigation protocols are in place and operational.”

Hartland Schools Moves Bond Proposal To August Ballot

The bond was pulled from the May 5th ballot after concerns grew on the emerging COVID-19 pandemic and officials stressed the need to keep voters safe and to the spread of the virus. The August ballot proposal contains the same projects as the May proposal and remains the same, requiring a 1.44 mill increase in the current tax rate.

LESA Superintendent Details School Funding, Budget Concerns

The Livingston Educational Service Agency Board of Education met virtually Wednesday night and discussed some looming concerns with the state amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

FNB Assists Local Businesses Obtain Nearly $60 Million From PPP

First National Bank in Howell says as of Monday, they were able to assist nearly 500 small businesses in the Livingston County area obtain more than $59 million dollars through the federal Paycheck Protection Program.

OLHSA Receives CARES Act Funding To Support COVID-19 Needs

The OLHSA CARES Assistance funding supports emerging needs of local residents at or below 200% of federal poverty level and applications are currently being accepted.

800 Gallons Of Sewage Spill Into Lobdel Lake

A contractor installing a seawall on the Argentine Township lake failed to call Miss Dig and struck an underground valve, causing the incident.

Main Street Resurfacing Project Begins Friday In Northfield Township

Intermittent lane closures are scheduled on Main Street between 6 Mile Road and East Shore Drive for road resurfacing.

Howell Art Van Among Those To Reopen Under New Name

A Dallas-based equity firm acquired 27 former Art Van stores, including the Genoa Township location, out of bankruptcy with plans to reopen as Loves Furniture.

Hartland Township Manager Resigns

James Wickman will be leaving Hartland Township to become the next township manager for Saginaw Charter Township.

Governor Offers Unemployment System Update

Governor Whitmer said the state has provided more than 1.1 million unemployed Michigan workers with more than $4 (B) billion in benefits and the state is committed to working until every eligible worker who applies for unemployment benefits gets them.

Reckling Receives Charter School Group Endorsement

Meghan Reckling, Republican candidate for Michigan’s 47th House district, received an endorsement from the Great Lakes Education Project, which was co-founded by Education Secretary Betsy DeVos.

Sheriff Murphy Explains Decision To Not Enforce Executive Order

Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy is explaining his recent decision to not enforce the Governor’s Executive Order, although state officials say it undermines the rule of law and jeopardizes public health.

Brighton High Senior Photos Displayed Outside School

The photos of nearly 500 senior class students - the graduating class of 2020 - now adorn the Brighton High School campus.

Fundraiser Started For Man Hospitalized After Furnace Explosion

46-year-old Luke Mikinka of Howell sustained serious severe burns following an explosion in his mobile home Sunday. His family has since launched a GoFundMe campaign for medical expenses.

EIDL Loans And Grants Now Available To Agricultural Businesses

For the first time, Economic Injury Disaster Loans and the EIDL Advance program are opening up to provide relief to food and agriculture businesses.

BASAA Scholarship Winners Announced

Through the generous donations of the group's alumni, over $100,000 of educational support has been awarded since 1988.

County Commissioners Select Next County Administrator

The Livingston County Board of Commissioners has selected Adrian City Administrator Nathan Burd to take over the County Administrator position.

Michigan Receives Experimental COVID-19 Medication

During a press conference, Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun said the FDA has granted an emergency use authorization of the experimental medication Remdesivir and Michigan was one of the state’s to receive a small amount of the medication.

Chilson Road To Close Next Tuesday

Crews will be replacing a drain crossing. That will entail excavating trenches full width, placing culverts, backfilling and then paving.

Off-Road Trails Not Being Maintained During Executive Order

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is urging ORV enthusiasts to slow and be careful, as maintenance work on off-road trails has been temporarily suspended.

Commission To Further Study Gun Ban At Michigan Capitol

Commission members heard conflicting legal advice at their meeting. It ended early when “very racist and threatening” comments were made in a chat room function of the video-conferencing platform Zoom, which was how the public could participate, said panel spokesman and vice chairman John Truscott.

Special Meetings Set To Begin Superintendent Search Process

The meetings are scheduled for this Wednesday, May 13th, and the following Wednesday, May 20th. Both meetings will be online, beginning at 7 p.m.

New Home Construction Down In Livingston County

SEMGOG's 2019 Residential Construction in Southeast Michigan report shows a 13% decrease in new residential construction building permits issued compared to 2018.

Coronavirus Concerns Prompt Event Cancellations In Green Oak Twp.

The annual Large Item Spring Clean-up days in June and the annual Green Oak Day in September have been canceled.

Explosion Sends Mobile Home Resident To The Hospital

The Howell Fire Department was dispatched at about 4:45pm Sunday to a reported explosion in the 100 block of Orleans Street in the Howell Estates manufactured housing community.

Fenton Church's Associate Pastor Hospitalized Due To COVID-19

The Rev. Ryan Riley is an associate pastor at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Fenton. Church officials confirmed that Riley had been hospitalized, although he was not on a ventilator.

Council Approves Nearly $980,000 In Cuts From New Budget

Brighton City Council was faced with some difficult financial decisions to make for the year ahead, in the face of a strained local and state economy damaged by the COVID-19 virus outbreak.

Hamburg Twp Considering Attached Dwelling Units On Waterfront Properties

The Board of Trustees is considering an amendment to lift the restriction on allowing attached accessory dwelling units on properties that abut water.

Two New Local COVID Deaths Reported Over The Weekend; Infection Rate Slows

The 22 total Livingston County deaths brings the local case fatality rate to between 4.7 and 5.8%, depending on whether you count probable cases.

Memorial Day Events Canceled; Virtual Parade Planned In Howell

The City is working with the American Legion Devereaux Post 141 to plan events in light of the COVID-19 restrictions.

Howell Company Producing Hand & Surface Sanitizer

Nyatex Chemical Company is currently producing hand and surface sanitizer amid the coronavirus crisis.

Trial Date Again Set In Lawsuit By Former School Administrator

Tracey Sahouri sued the district in 2012, alleging it violated the Whistleblower Protection Act when it removed her as principal from Creekside Elementary School. Discussions over a possible settlement in the case have repeatedly failed.

SLEF Donates 50 Reading Kits To Students

The South Lyon Educational Foundation purchased 50 Pioneer Valley Read-at-Home book kits to help students who may not have reliable use of technology stay engaged.

Pinckney Library Preparing For Phased Re-Opening

The Library is developing measures to ensure patron and staff safety for the the day when they are allowed to again open their doors to the public.

State Tells Enbridge To Rewrite Line 5 Application

The State Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy has asked Enbridge to rewrite its permit application to rebuild an oil and gas pipeline underneath the Straits of Mackinac and include alternative options.

City Approves Nearly $100k For Wastewater Aerator Replacement

The funds to purchase the item will come from 2020-21 utilities fund budget and no general fund dollars will be used.

Democratic Duo Seeking Tyrone Trustee Seats

Laurie Halbritter and Greg Nastwold are part of a large slate of Democrats running throughout the county.

Local Gym Reopens Despite Governor's Executive Order

Founder and Head Coach James Gray re-opened Scorpion Fighting System and Michigan Institute of Athletics in Genoa Township, despite an executive order that requires gyms to be closed.

Residents Urged To Seek Medical Help When Needed

Livingston County Emergency Management and a top ranking official from the St. Joseph Mercy Health System want to ensure residents that it is safe to seek help during a medical emergency.

Two Democrats Join Race For Genoa Township Board

Marketing expert Matthew McClanahan and former nurse Rachel Becker are vying for 2 of the township's four trustee seats.

Council Approves High-End Mill Pond Development

The $40 million-plus, 4-story Vista at Uptown townhouse project is to be located on 4.3 acres between Second St. and the Mill Pond, south of Advance St., and within walking distance of downtown.

Howell Roll Over Driver, Victim Suffer Light Injuries

A roll over accident at the intersection of westbound M-59 and Byron Road saw both the driver and and the accident victim escape with only minor scrapes and bruises.

Haslett Man Charged In Police Chase That Ended In Fowlerville

22-year Dustin Lee Sweet was arrested Tuesday afternoon by Michigan State Police after they boxed him in on the Fowlerville Road overpass across I-96.

Gas Prices Inch Back Up Across Michigan

After a few weeks of breaks, AAA Michigan says gas prices are back on the rise.

State Parks To Remain Open Despite Social Distancing Concerns

Belle Isle in Detroit had to be closed twice Sunday due to too many cars being on the island. At Grand Haven State Park, parking lots were closed due to large crowds.

Whitmer Extends Stay Home Order To 28th; Restarts Manufacturing

The Democratic governor, whose emergency powers are being challenged in court by the Republican-led Legislature, lengthened the shelter-in-place order to last nearly two more weeks in a state where more than 4,200 people have died from COVID-19 complications. The restrictions had been scheduled to expire May 15.

St. Joe's Adds Safety Measures; Phasing In Additional Surgeries

St. Joseph Mercy Livingston and the Brighton Health Center have begun re-phasing in procedures for health conditions that might not be immediately life-threatening, but will result in the worsening of health if not addressed.

Vaupel Plan To Open New Telehealth Options

State Representative Hank Vaupel introduced a bipartisan package of bills that would allow patients to record and forward medical data to doctors for review at a point when they have time available, rather than requiring it be done live.

Highland Township Man Caught Stealing Front End Loader

Deputies were called out the area of Clyde Road and Milford Road on a report of a stolen Caterpillar front-end loader driving down Milford Road.

Huron Valley Schools To Close Leisure Pools

School officials are expected to close the district's leisure pools, which have been losing money annually, permanently at their next meeting.

Data Models Project Livingston For Increased COVID Risk

Livingston County is listed as having an “elevated risk” based on several factors including COVID case growth, testing capacity and ICU safety margin.

Association Working To Unite Beauty Industry During COVID-19 Crisis

The salon and spa industry is among the highly watched industries during the COVID-19 pandemic and a local shop owner is reaching out to licensed beauty professionals in hopes of coming together to prepare to get back to work when it’s safe to do so.

Mental Health Crisis Text Line Now Available

Residents needing mental health support can now text RESTORE to 741741 to talk confidentially with a trained counselor.

Districts Preparing For Major State School Aid Cuts

The loss of tax revenue from businesses during the COVID-19 shutdown is forcing the state legislature to look at hundreds of dollars in per-pupil funding cuts to public school districts across Michigan, with a $1 to 3 billion loss in the combined general fund and state school aid fund.

Slotkin Holds Town Hall With Lt. Gov., Unemployment Official

Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin took calls on unemployment, schools re-opening, small business loans and more during a tele-town hall event, Wednesday.

Man Charged In Target Store Break-In

26-year-old Mark Anthony Pierce of Holt has been arraigned in connection with a break-in at the Hartland Target store this past Saturday.

Flex Tech Project Challenges Students To Fill Empty Lots

Four students gave an online pitch for their ideas to fill a vacant lot in downtown Brighton, with McKenna Vincent's vision of a record store and concert venue taking first place.

Legislature Sues To Block Whitmer’s Virus Order

The lawsuit, filed in the state Court of Claims, says a 1945 law that gives the governor broad emergency powers to order such restrictions governs local, not statewide, declarations like one that has been in place since March.

Argentine Twp. Man Arraigned For Wiping Nose On Clerk

68-year-old Rex Howard Gomoll was arraigned this morning via video conference in Oakland County District Court on one count of misdemeanor Assault & Battery.

Livingston Central Dispatch Director Makes Annual Report

911 Director Chad Chewning says that looking back at 2019, they are most proud of becoming a Triple-Accredited Center of Excellence, the first in Michigan to reach that achievement.

Portions Of Byron Road To Close Thursday, Friday

The Livingston County Road Commission is replacing cross culverts on Byron Road in two phases between Armond and Marr roads.

Motion Seeks To Exclude Testimony In Kowalski Re-Trial

The Livingston County Prosecutor’s Office seeks to exclude three of its members from being called to testify; Chief Assistant Prosecutor Pam Maas and Assistant Prosecutors Shawn Ryan and Kim Morrison.

Livingston County Departments Reopening For Building Construction

The Livingston County Building Department, Environmental Health Department, and Drain Commissioner’s Office will all open Thursday but officials say every effort should be made to conduct business by phone, email, or website.

County Health Department Reporting Probable COVID-19 Cases

The local health department is now reporting probable COVID-19 cases in an effort to give the public a clearer picture of COVID-9 and what data indicates.

AG Nessel Confirms Executive Orders Enforceable

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel says the Governor’s Stay Home, Stay Safe Order and places of public accommodation order are still enforceable and issued a letter of guidance to local law enforcement officials across the state. 

Food Assistance Available To Career And Technical College Students

A partnership between the state health department and Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity will make it easier for CTE students facing hardships get food on their table.

Argentine Man Charged With Assault After Wiping Nose On Store Clerk

The man has since been identified as Rex Howard Gomoll of Argentine Twp. He’ll be arraigned today on misdemeanor charges of assault and battery.

Howell City Council Approves New Manager Contract

Council met virtually Monday night and unanimously approved a motion to approve the employment agreement between the City and Paul DeBuff.

Howell Farmers's Market Gearing Up For June Opening

The Sunday farmers' market is targeting a June 7th opening with added safety and social distancing measures being put in place.

Democrats Announce Bid For Brighton Township Board

Lee Anzicek, a retired school administrator, andJean Thayer-Seitz, a certified addictions nurse practitioner, are running as Democrats for two of the four trustee spots on the ballot in the November.

Cullen Road Closing At M-59 In Hartland Township

The Michigan Department of Transportation will be installing a center left-turn lane, forcing the closure of Cullen Road from May 7th through May 20th.

Brighton Sign Displays COVID-19 Misinformation

The property where the sign is located is owned by John Conely, a former member of the Brighton Board of Education and owner of Conely Auto Sales & Service. Conely tells WHMI that he has now asked his friend to remove the COVID-19 misinformation from the sign.

Governor Says Michigan Not Yet "Out Of The Woods"

“I am always going to put the health of people in this state first,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said at a press conference Monday. “We are not out of the woods yet.”

Poverty Levels Low, But Many Local Residents Still Struggling

Livingston County has the lowest poverty rate in the state, but more than one-quarter of households are still financially struggling.

Benson Says Despite COVID-19, Voter Turnout Expected To Be High

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said voter turnout was at 20% Monday, but it will ultimately be more than twice the average turnout for May elections – which is typically 12%.

Construction Starting In Village of Milford

The Peters Road project is officially kicking off.

City Of Brighton Flushing Fire Hydrants

Drops in water pressure and discoloring may occur as the City begin flushing all hydrants over the next couple weeks.

Livingston County Leads Michigan In Census Count

Handy Township Supervisor Ed Alverson said the 71.8% count is tops in the state, and that strong efforts are being shown throughout the county.

COVID-19 Drive Through Testing Site Coming To Novi

Oakland County residents, first responders, health care workers and essential employees can get a test, by appointment only, Fridays at the Novi Civic Center.

Brighton Attorney Appointed To Military Appeals Tribunal

Robert C. Gardella has been appointed to the Military Appeals Tribunal while Liliana Ospina Herbstreith of Howell has been appointed to the Advisory Council on Deaf, Deafblind and Hard of Hearing.

Retiring BAS Superintendent Proud Of His Work

Gray helped bring the district out of debt while a building a staff that he says is "second to none."

Men Likely Survived 2019 Lake Michigan Crash Landing

The body of 53-year-old Emanuel Manos of Monroe was found after the May 12th, 2019 crash, while that of 65-year-old Randal Dippold, of Perry, was never recovered. Dippold, a Pinckney High School graduate, owned Airservice Enterprise Inc. at the Livingston County Airport, which is where the aircraft was based.

Trial For Accused Bank Robber Delayed By COVID-19

36-year-old Brian Dewayne Ali Jr. had been set to stand trial last week in U.S. District Court in Detroit for the bank robberies in Macomb, Oakland and Livingston counties.

Livingston County Master Plan Receives Prestigious Award of Merit

Livingston County is a 2020 recipient of an Award of Merit from the American Planning Association, County Planning Division, for the 2018 Livingston County Master Plan.

Round Elementary School Upgrading Playground Equipment

The Round Elementary PTO group in Hartland is funding the project and will replace an old piece of equipment with new, larger structure.

Rep. Vaupel Sets Next Online Office Hours Event

State Representative Hank Vaupel will be holding virtual office hours on Friday, May 15th, at 4pm.

Brighton High Senior Class Gets Recognition with Huge Photo

The entire Brighton High School graduating class is being recognized these days with a very large and dramatic sign outside a downtown business.

Veterans Affairs Agency Still Helping Veterans

The MVAA is continuing to provide resources, programs, and help to veterans through the outbreak.

Former Track Athlete From Fowlerville Suing MSU After Sexual Assault

Emma Roedel is suing Michigan State University and the NCAA for failing to protect female student-athletes from sexual assault.

Street Millage Project Starts Monday In City of Brighton

The streets to be improved include Alpine Drive, Fairway Trails and South Third Street from Brighton Lake Road to Peppergrove Drive.

Pedestrian Tunnel Construction To Close M-52 Near Chelsea

M-52 between Waterloo Road and North Territorial Road will be closed for 3 weeks, beginning Monday.

Hamburg Twp. Looking To Buy Nearly 500 Acres Including Golf Course

Grant money from the Michigan DNR Trust Fund could be used to purchase the Rush Lake Golf Club, Herndon Lake, and nearby recreational land at no cost to residents.

St. Joe's Livingston Earns Top Patient Safety Grade

Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades has given St. Joseph Mercy Livingston an "A" grade for its commitment and efforts in keeping patients' safety a top priority.

Gray Announces Impending Retirement as Brighton Supt.

Greg Gray, Brighton's superintendent for the last 11 years, made a surprise announcement at Thursday night's Board of Education meeting, saying that he will be retiring from his position at the end of June.

Whitmer Unfazed As GOP Lawmakers Reject Extending Emergency

Republican State Senator Lana Theis said Whitmer's actions were a “rejection of the democratic process" and the legislature acted to "restore the balance of power.” Meanwhile, 8th District Democrat Elissa Slotkin condemned a protest against the orders, saying she was "disappointed to see that many of those protesting (put) their own interests ahead of the health and safety of their fellow citizens.”

Nessel to Investigate Contact Tracing Contract

The issue had originally been brought to light by Republican Livingston County Commissioner Wes Nakagiri after he noticed that the software company chosen to manage the data had connections to dozens of Democratic candidates, including Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

Michigan’s 20 Safest Cities of 2020 Announced

Hamburg Township, Argentine Township, Milford and South Lyon all made the list, which contains all types of municipalities and not just cities.

Library Emphasizes Digital Resources During Shutdown

The Brighton District Library, along with Livingston County’s other libraries, will remain closed until further notice. Additionally, Brighton has cancelled all programs and meeting room usage through the end of June.

Brighton Chamber & SELCRA Partner For Farmers' Market

SELCRA will manage the Brighton Farmers Market this summer. It was scheduled to open May 2nd but has been delayed due to the ongoing public health crisis.

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