The Republican-led Michigan House refused Thursday to extend the state’s coronavirus emergency declaration as hundreds of conservative activists returned to the Capitol to denounce her stay-at-home order.
The City is bracing for cuts to state revenue sharing, although it was stated the real problem will be in the years to come when the potential impact on property values and other issues from COVID-19 are clearer.
The board previously approved pay provisions and tele-work for employees related to COVID-19. The resolution extends those provisions, in keeping with the Governor’s extended Stay Home order through May 15th.
In an email to its members, the organization says it is exploring how best to reopen shortly after the current order expires May 15th while still practicing social distancing and all other CDC guidelines.
At her Wednesday press conference, Governor Whitmer gave her regular COVID-19 update and talked about programs that would offer free tuition and hazard pay opportunities to essential and front line workers.
The South Lyon Community Schools Board of Education is interviewing semifinalists this week, finalists next week, and hopes to have a new superintendent in place in mid-May.
State Senator Lana Theis sponsored passed legislation requesting that the governor allow hospitals, dental facilities, and outpatient facilities be allowed to perform elective procedures.
The City’s contractor is finishing up the paving portion of the Rickett Road sanitary sewer project that started last summer. Both north and southbound Rickett Road will be completely closed from Grand River to the railroad tracks.
The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in Detroit in 2018 by 38-year-old Daniel Bewernitz of Fowlerville, who claimed he was maced after requesting medical attention while incarcerated in Jackson County.
The city is in the process of working out an employment agreement with Paul DeBuff of Celina, Texas with hopes to have it ready for Council approval at the May 4th meeting.
The University of Michigan has an existing lease agreement with the EMS department for hanger space used by Survival flight but is experiencing cash flow challenges due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The initiative is designed to allow individuals to have a direct and personal impact in helping their favorite downtown Brighton business survive the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Center for Responsive Politics notes that Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin is among freshman candidates rejecting corporate PACs, yet accepting money from campaign committees and leadership PACs, “which are often funded by corporate PACs.”
380 backpacks filled with books, school supplies, and stories to help parents explain what's going on are being delivered to families in the Head Start and GSRP programs.
Whitmer says while she does not need legislative approval to extend the state of emergency, she wants the Legislature to cooperate and extend it because the Emergency Management Act is what provides health care workers and other first responders the necessary liability protections they need to do their jobs.
The ban had been put in place in late March to reduce calls for nuisance or unauthorized burning - which permitted staff to be available for other critical incident needs and helped to protect firefighters from infection by limiting their exposure to potentially infected persons.
Howell High School junior Kirsten Smith followed up a second-place award last year by winning Best of Use of Color in this year's North American International Auto Show Poster Contest.
Bernie Hager, a long time member of the Livingston County Disaster Assistance Response Team, was known for being a kind, gentle soul who consistently answered the call to assist first responders and the victims of emergencies, on scene.
The National Republican Congressional Committee has named Paul Junge as a "Contender" within their Young Guns program, signifying their recognition of the campaign he has built to unseat 8th District Representative Elissa Slotkin.
The weekly infection rate has been trending downward with the peak on March 28th, when there were more than 80 new cases. That is now down to less than 30 new cases per week.
Two men, a 22-year-old New Hudson resident and a 21-year-old from Novi, were arrested early Saturday after a confrontation with deputies who had to deploy a Taser.
State Rep. Hank Vaupel said there is the possibility of the Legislature extending the emergency order for another 15 days if there is a loosening or restrictions. If not, he says the governor would probably issue a new order and then it would go to court.
All 7 Brighton Area Schools libraries have received the distinction for their dedication to programming, meeting the individual needs of students, and best practices.
State officials say increased testing helps them understand where the disease is so they can identify people at highest risk and make sure they’re quickly implementing best practices for preventing further cases and deaths.
Amelia Ritter, the Livingston County Convention & Visitor Bureau's Digital Marketing and Content Manager has been named to Destination International's 2020 30 Under 30 list.
Livingston County Emergency Management and the Health Department report that calls to the U.S. Poison Center are up as people try to protect their home from coronavirus.
Attorney General Dana Nessel is leading a coalition of 12 AGs asking Congress to put an end to competitive bidding wars between states and entities in need of supplies.
Bill Opre, property owner, stated in his application that he is planning on a “high-end lounge offering primarily higher end alcoholic drinks and small plates.” He stated that the lounge will consist of a bar, fireplace surrounded with couch clusters, and high-top tables.
Landscapers, lawn-service companies, plant nurseries and bike repair shops can resume operating, subject to social-distancing rules. However, people are now required, rather than encouraged, to wear face coverings in enclosed public spaces such as grocery stores.
The county’s unemployment rate in February, before the virus came to Michigan, was 3%, with just over 3,100 of the 103,000 member labor force out of work. But April’s estimated unemployment will be 20.1%.
However, 8th District Democrat Elissa Slotkin says those businesses that applied but didn’t funded before the initial program ran dry haven’t lost any ground.
Four members of the force are being promoted in the wake of Chief George Basar's retirement, including Scott Mannor to Chief, and Officer Brooke Briggs as the PD's first female detective.
If approved, the planned $40 million-plus Vista at Uptown in Brighton will be constructed on 4.3 acres between Second St. and the Mill Pond, immediately north — and within walking distance — of the downtown area.
It was noted that residents are allowed to mow their own lawns, as is the city itself, so long as there aren’t commercial companies or individuals being hired for the service.
State Representative Hank Vaupel will be joined by experts from the Livingston County Health Department and Unemployed Insurance Agency over Zoom, Friday.
Michigan Urgent Care Center and Occupational Health Centers will begin walk-in testing Friday at their nine Metro Detroit locations, including in Genoa Township.
Meijer has been allowing the Michigan Flyer commuter bus line to use the parking lot in its Brighton store as a “transit stop” since last Oct. 1st. But, as it turns out, they are doing so illegally.
VP of Lending for Lake Trust Credit Union Andrea Mosher encourages business-owners to be ready to take advantage of over $300-billion in additional federal funding that is expected to pass on Thursday.
The change follows criticism from several Republicans, including Livingston County Commissioner Wes Nakagiri, that the software company which was chosen to manage the data has connections to dozens of Democratic candidates, including Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
State and federal unemployment issues were the focus of a tele-town hall event held yesterday evening – with many callers experiencing user issues with the online and telephone systems.
State Representative Hank Vaupel says he respect's the governor's efforts to protect citizens, but a one-size-fits-all approach no longer works for the residents of Livingston County.
The Michigan chapter of the Anti-Defamation League called the Proud Boys, "a right-wing extremist group that embraces violence, nationalism, and misogyny."
The Board of Directors has chosen nine local organizations to receive $1,000 to help with their efforts through, and while battling, the coronavirus pandemic.
Livingston County has two known outbreaks of COVID-19 in what are being referred to as “congregate settings” generally referring to facilities such as adult foster care, group homes, homeless shelters, independent living facilities, long term care facilities, nursing homes, prisons and juvenile justice facilities.
State Rep. Ann Bollin raised concerns with a recent ruling from a federal judge in favor of a GOP congressional candidate that extends the deadline by which Michigan candidates must file petitions to qualify for the ballot and lowers the signature threshold.
The Howell City Council met virtually Monday night and talked some logistics related to the upcoming Grand River repaving project and potential impacts on businesses downtown.
The ruling is a victory for Eric Esshaki, who is seeking the Republican nomination in Michigan's 11th Congressional District, which includes portions of northwestern Wayne and southwestern Oakland counties.
District 3 Republican Wes Nakagiri says he discovered what he calls a “scheme” after volunteering to perform COVID-19 contact tracing. State officials dispute his conclusions.
The top priorities for the slate include improved transportation, expanded services for seniors, protecting Livingston County’s water and environment, better roads, and bringing new viewpoints to the county board.
The crowdfunding initiative will give shoppers and diners of downtown Brighton the opportunity to support their favorite businesses during these tough times.
Public Works Director Marcel Goch says that due to the unseasonably cold spring, the plant that makes asphalt for road surfaces used by the contractor for the project is not yet open.
The chair of the Livingston County Complete Count Committee says roughly tho-thirds of the county has been counted, with the number rising steadily over the past couple weeks.
The Food Bank Council of Michigan and Area Agencies on Aging are working together to distribute quarantine food boxes to food insecure seniors who need to shelter in place to protect themselves from the coronavirus.
The MHC is collecting stories, and eventually physical objects, to chronicle the coronavirus experiences Michigan residents are going through for future generations.
Governor Whitmer said she understands there is a lot of anxiety and people are worried about their businesses and paying bills but she will re-engage the economy when it’s safe.
Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin held a Facebook Live session with the regional administrator of the Small Business Administration and CEO of the Michigan Banking Association, on the importance of refilling payroll funding dollars from the CARES Act.
Renters are protected from late payments and evictions through April 30th, as part of the governor’s stay-at-home executive order. If the landlord’s mortgage is federally backed, that date extends to July 25th.
At its meeting Thursday night, council voted unanimously to contribute up to $57,050 out of its fiscal year 2019-20 fund balance toward the project. The boards of the other two municipalities involved - Green Oak and Hamburg townships — have already voted to commit their portion of funds in the multi-jurisdictional effort.
In making the announcement, former Republican State Senator Mike Kowall of White Lake extolled his experience as a small business owner, township supervisor and former member of both the Michigan Senate and House of Representatives.
The lawsuit challenges the Governor's recent executive order. It was filed by the American Freedom Law Center in federal court on behalf of three Michigan residents including Paul Cavanaugh of Brighton who owns a local landscaping business.
Just over a year after resigning as a Judge of the Livingston County’s 44th Circuit Court, former Chief Judge David Reader announced that he has filed to run for prosecutor.
The Center has recently shifted to full activation status, meaning there are currently representatives from each emergency service department in the county, along with the Emergency Manager, the Livingston County Health Department, local hospitals, transportation, and Central Dispatch.
The crowdfunding initiative will allow residents who enjoy shopping and using downtown businesses to support and help them through the economic crisis.
Hamilton Farms residents, in particular, had been complaining for a long time about the frequent power outages in their 70-condo development. There are also 29 homes in the Spring Hill development on Spring Mountain Drive who were affected by the outages.
Supt. Greg Gray says the COVID-19 pandemic “could set construction back a bit,” but that won’t matter because he was anticipating a light construction schedule this summer regardless.
The Livingston County Health Department has released an interactive dashboard and map with statistics and zip code locations of confirmed cornoavirus cases.
Retired Livingston County Judge Carol Sue Reader and Tabitha Dolan, the daughter-in-law of the late Commissioner Dennis Dolan, are both seeking seats on the Board of Commissioners.
Republican candidate for the 8th Congressional District Mike Detmer is taking heat for a photo he posted on social media that includes a member of a perceived hate group.
Among those taking part was Republican Congressional candidate Mike Detmer of Howell. A picture from Detmer’s Facebook page shows him taking a selfie with about a dozen people, none of whom are following social distancing guidelines. Also seen in the picture is an individual wearing a Proud Boys face mask and flashing a recognized white power symbol.
Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy says that isn’t too much of a surprise considering that people have been “cooped up and they basically stream media 24/7 talking about how bad things are and then hop on social media.”
State Senator Lana Theis is asking the governor to discontinue allowing recovering coronavirus patients to be housed in nursing homes, and move those existing patients out.
Local lawmakers stated these are unprecedented, dangerous times but they recognize the need to get the economy going and get everyone back to work - all stressing they welcome input from residents and businesses.
Supt. Greg Gray said teachers and administrators have been involved for a long time planning for and executing the online learning protocols and curriculum for all grade levels.
The work of Livingston County’s 911 dispatchers and others across the state are being recognized during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, which runs through April 18th.
The Hartland Consolidated Schools district is among many others across the state working to adapt to new forms of teaching and student learning amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer said there are early signs that measures taken are helping make a difference, while also updating residents on new testing sites, when they might get back to work, and what falsehoods are being shared on social media.
Herb Hoffman has delivered dozens of Easter lilies and indoor plants, donated from the Green Oak Township Costco, to area seniors, churches, and retirement home residents.
21-year-old Luke Sementelli pleaded guilty as charged to the July, 2019 incident at an apartment in Brighton. Police have said the child was pushed down on the floor three times.
Judith Minton, Laurel Castiglione and Courtney White filed nominating petitions to run in the August 5th primary as Democrats for three township trustee positions, saying they want to, “represent a broader section of the township than the current board.”
A virtual bingo game is underway in which Livingston County residents and others across the state have an opportunity to get outdoors and get educated about invasive species.
According to statistics released Sunday afternoon by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Livingston County has a total of 209 residents infected with the novel coronavirus. That is up from 196 on Friday, when the county’s third death was reported, an elderly woman who had underlying medical conditions. There were no details released about the fourth death.
11th District Republican U.S. House candidate Eric Esshaki of Birmingham argues the state's stay-at-home order had made it impossible for him to collect the required 1,000 valid signatures by the April 21st deadline to get on the ballot.
Michigan’s self-employed workers, gig workers, 1099-independent contractors and low-wage workers affected by COVID-19 can apply for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) beginning Monday at 8am.
Howell Fire Chief Andy Pless tells WHMI that the fire, which happened around 9pm, likely started outside the mobile home from hot coals from a grill that was placed too close to the structure.
Ashley Cooke of Durand says her family wasn't notified that Medilodge of Livingston was bringing in COVID-infected patients, and now her grandmother is suffering from a positive diagnosis.
Lori Cowan said she wants to continue to work to preserve the township’s rural character, improve local parks and trails, and be a voice for the environment.
The Brighton District Library will remain closed until further notice but officials say there are many resources and services patrons can access online.
The budget as presented totals $9.5 million in projected general fund revenues and $10.4 million in projected expenditures, with council cutting into its fund balance to fund the RIckett Road Phase II project.
A new section of the order puts restrictions on stores to reduce crowds. Large stores must limit the number of customers to no more than four at a time for every 1,000 square feet of space. Small stores must limit capacity to 25% of the total occupancy limits.
State Senator Lana Theis said she was “extraordinarily frustrated by restrictions on private businesses that are preventing people from working who could safely be doing their jobs.”
8th District Congresswoman Elissa Stokin has unveiled her plan to help the medical supply chain which encourages the federal government to use American-made goods.
The Fair Board made the decision to hold a show of their own following 4H's announcement that they would not be participating in face-to-face events until September.
Organizers say a summer without the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest is heartbreaking for the community, but the health and well-being of guests and event partners must come first.
Last week, House lawmakers sent a letter to Michigan Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh S. Khaldun requesting more information relevant to the state of coronavirus and hospitals in Michigan.
In an effort to provide a small bit of comfort and show support for those “frontline heroes” area eateries have been delivering portable meals to area hospitals, medical facilities and other first responders, as they remain on the job during the COVID-19 shutdown.
Bill Bolin, the pastor of the Floodgate Renewal Fellowship church on Old US-23 in Brighton Township, says he was open to hearing God say “shut it down” but instead he keeps hearing “be patient and stay the course.”
Follwoing last week’s discussion among local business leaders who discussed ways to navigate the current health crisis and beyond, local businesses within the Brighton DDA district will soon have access to a “robust crowdfunding initiative” bolstered by Lake Trust Credit Union.
LETS Director Greg Kellogg says that nearly $5-million in federal grant money from the recent stimulus package could potentially support their proposed bus route for up to 9 years.
Holly Democrat Elissa Slotkin reached out St. Joseph Republican Fred Upton to assist in fast-tracking approval for a process that had been jointly developed by an area business, Lansing’s Sparrow Health System and Michigan State University to potentially allow for the re-use of medical masks.
Emily Lauren, owner of the Hartland Quilt Shop, wanted to help in any way she could with the coronavirus outbreak, and felt an ideal use of unsold fabric she had around her store would be to use for face masks.
The Earl Farm in Howell is hoping to help alleviate some of the unprecedented stress on local food pantries and food banks by turning donated dollars into pounds of frozen ground beef.
Dr. Juan Marquez speculates on why Livingston County's case count may be lower than surrounding counties and what current testing and mask guidelines dictate.
Officials say that COVID-19 is widespread and no county, state, or region is immune to its effect, adding that the disease does not discriminate and neither will their response.
Hamburg Township officials confirm that recreational boating is still permitted under the executive order, so far as it is with only members of your household and social distancing guidelines are kept.
The Michigan Legislature has voted to extend the state of emergency declaration that was put in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic until April 30th.
The University of Michigan's EGI helped businesses survive through the 2008 recession, and is prepared to help again as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
With the pending retirement of Chief George Basar, incoming Chief Scott Mannor selected Sergeant Mike Dunn to move up to deputy chief while Detective Derek Burke was promoted to sergeant.
Brighton teacher Karen Storey has organized a fundraiser following successful support from the BEA, local businesses, and a family for the purchase of N95 face masks.
The Howell City Council held its regular meeting virtually Monday night and approved two resolutions that exempt first responders from a federal Act tied to the current COVID-19 health crisis.
WellBridge Group CEO Mike Perry says one of their facilities, which he declined to identify, is already at about 50% capacity and they hope to be able to either transfer the remaining patients or discharge them home and turn it into a COVID-19 only unit that would be the single-point repository for overflow patients coming from local hospitals.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said Detroit-area hospitals are running “dangerously low” on personal protection equipment and that a field hospital at Detroit’s downtown convention center could gets its first COVID-19 patients this week.
The parking lots to receive the repair and maintenance work include the West St. lot, East Block lot, Second Street lot, CSX lot, Hyne Street lot and Squire lot. The work will include seal coating, crack seal work and striping.
Once things with the public health emergency calm down, officials say it’s going to be important to invest in Michigan and help get people back to work and get the economy flowing again.
Kristin Domanski was appointed to the Michigan Board of Health and Safety Compliance and Appeals, while Dr. Brian K. Ahmedani was appointed to the Suicide Prevention Commission.
Livingston County’s totals are much less than neighboring Oakland County, which has 3,035 cases and 163 deaths or Genesee County, with 504 cases and 18 deaths.
Mark DeGroff of White Lake Township and Josh Fenwick, a commercial airline pilot in-training from Brighton, were among a half-dozen pilots who gathered on Friday and flew to Indiana to pick up 12,000 face shields and bring them back to Michigan.
What happened in Michigan also played out across the country and at the federal level after the 2008 recession, which caused serious budget problems for governments. But as the economy recovered, public health funding did not, a review of budget figures and interviews with health experts and officials shows.
Even though April is a traditionally wet month, Emergency Manager Therese Cremonte says the yard waste ban is in effect to protect first responders from additional situations where aggravated respiratory problems can occur.
Jerry Millen, co-owner of The Greenhouse, says marijuana sales are booming at their Walled Lake location, with hundreds of customers coming from Livingston County.
As claims for unemployment benefits continue to skyrocket in Michigan during the coronavirus pandemic, officials encourage people to be patient but assure funds will be available.
Marie Joppich and Cindy Michniewicz are running on platforms to greater protect the Hamburg environment and provide better internet service to residents and business owners.
State Senator Lana Theis and other local lawmakers will field questions relayed to public policy while Livingston County's new medical director will take questions related to COVID-19.
Consumers Energy is encouraging residential and business customers to keep the lines of communication open if they’re struggling during the COVID-19 crisis.
Whitmer today signed Executive Order 2020-35, which orders all K-12 school buildings to close for the remainder of the year, while ensuring, "continuing of learning by setting guidelines for remote learning."
Residents of the Hamilton Farms condominiums say they have experienced five outages in a four-day period beginning last Thursday, and the most recent one — which took place early Sunday afternoon and didn’t end until late the next morning — was the longest, lasting about 20 hours.
While it might not be under the best circumstances, there’s definitely some good news for motorists across the state and in Livingston County when it comes to gas prices.
It followed pictures on social media of teens congregating on fields around Brighton High School, well within six feet of each other, the minimum distance recommended to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The health systems will be implementing temporary furloughs for 2,500 colleagues at eight hospitals across Michigan over the next few weeks. The impact locally is unknown.
The Board of Commissioners extended pay and benefits to non-essential employees not working through April 30th, while rejecting a proposal that could see them re-assigned to other departments or state entities.
A conference call was held recently with various partners to discuss ways to support businesses through the current health crisis and how to kick start recovery efforts as soon as possible.
Details about the circumstances of Livingston County Commissioner Dennis Dolan's death were not immediately available. However, it did come as a surprise to commissioners, many of whom expressed their condolences Wednesday morning during the virtual county commission meeting.
Despite rumors to the contrary, authorities say an incident Tuesday morning at a Hamburg Township grocery store was not related to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
The lawsuit was filed against the Village of Milford last October by former maintenance employee Corey LeMarbe alleging violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act as well as a hostile work environment.
The Livingston County Sheriff's Office is offering food and prescription delivery assistance to residents who are at higher risk or danger of exposure to COVID-19.
The Severe Weather Network had been providing shelter for about 25 homeless individuals in the lower level of the Chilson Hills Church on Brighton Road in Howell. They were forced to close down March 17th as that facility could not provide the updated requirements for shelters to try and limit the spread of COVID-19 virus.
Local and state officials are encouraging all Michigan residents to participate in the Census, as population numbers help determine money given to the state by the federal government.
