Every Monday, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services updates school-related outbreaks. This week, nine new schools were added to the list, including Howell High School. 14 positive cases between both staff and students were listed.
The Livingston County Apportionment Commission met last Friday afternoon to review a legal opinion on the timeline for maps to be redrawn and discuss the general process.
Youth advocates for comprehensive sexual education are urging school districts to adopt curricula that use inclusive and anatomically correct language.
Volunteer opportunities are coming up for the removal of invasive plant life found at Island Lake State Park, the Pinckney Recreation Area, and the Waterloo Recreation Area.
60-year-old Craig Fegan of Putnam Township, who works out at Kensington Valley CrossFit in Brighton, competed last month at the CrossFit Games in Madison, Wisconsin.
LOC Federal Credit Union, which is headquartered in Farmington and has Livingston County branch locations, announced that it is merging with MemberFocus Community Credit Union headquartered in Dearborn.
Sunday evening, a motorcade consisting of over 50 vehicles went from Hawkins Elementary School at Lee and Rickett roads to the home of Clem Sperkoski - a highly decorated combat veteran who in a few days will celebrate his 99th birthday.
A street reconstruction project in the City of Howell is moving forward again after some delays and costly, un-anticipated environmental issues that popped up with a state-managed property.
Though residents were seeking to have the speed limit reduced from 35mph to 25mph, a speed study shows that an increase to 40mph would even be appropriate.
The discovery in Barry County follows a report by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of an EEE-positive horse from Livingston County.
The incident occurred early Tuesday morning when approximately 1,200 gallons of diesel fuel spilled at Corrigan Oil’s facility on Second Street. While about a thousand gallons were contained on-site, it’s believed that approximately 200 gallons made it into the 2nd Street storm drain and from there into the Mill Pond.
Court records now show that a September 2nd plea hearing is set for 20-year-old Brandon McClure, who is charged with robbing several gun stores, including one in Fowlerville.
International Overdose Awareness Day is set for this coming Tuesday, August 31st, with a special event planned at the Brighton Mill Pond from 6 to 9pm sponsored by the Amber Reineck House, which seeks to “acquire and staff a fully functional long-term recovery home for women in Livingston County.”
Republican State Rep. Ann Bollin of Brighton Township on Thursday joined House Speaker Jason Wentworth in calling for the removal Estlund Olson, who was appointed as Unemployment Insurance Agency director 10 months ago by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy says that Saturday, August 28th is likely to have elevated levels of ozone across Southeast Michigan, including in Livingston County.
The retail business will be located in the Crossroads Town Center - the development at the northwest corner of M-59 and Oak Grove Road where Kroger is located.
Gail Meehl works with Washtenaw Refugee Welcome, which supports refugees with several areas of assistance as they attempt to settle into a better life within the United States.
Dr. Eric C. Ferguson, the president and CEO of Huron Valley Radiology, was appointed Thursday to the commission, which acts as a regulatory mechanism for establishing or expanding health care facilities and services in a given area.
Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland confirmed that a two-year-old Standardbred filly from Livingston County tested positive for the viral disease that is transmitted by mosquitoes to both animals and people.
After several students tested positive for COVID-19 at Hartland’s Round Elementary school, Superintendent Chuck Hughes said that all students and staff at the school must wear a cloth mask over their nose and mouth while indoors. The mandate will run through Labor Day.
8th District Democrat Elissa Slotkin joined President Joe Biden at the White House Wednesday to watch him sign the PAWS Act or Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers for Veterans Therapy Act into law.
Ty Garbin of Hartland Township was sentenced to just over six years in prison and apologized during his sentencing hearing Wednesday in U.S. District Court.
The annual fundraiser that pits the generosity of the Wolverine and Spartan fan bases against each other returns to its regular in-person status, October 27.
Members at Freedom Fitness and Martial Arts recently pooled money to purchase a vehicle for 26-year-old Caleb Ketchum, who is said to have overcome a number of life obstacles and has been working very hard lately.
Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin was among lawmakers from both sides of the aisle who pressed top administration officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Tony Blinken, to extend the August 31st deadline.
More than 5,700 residents and staff of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities in Michigan have died from COVID. They make up roughly 27% of the state's total deaths, but less than 1% of the population.
Ty Garbin of Hartland Township cooperated within weeks of being arrested, prompting prosecutors to recommend a nine-year prison term, a long stretch, but one they say would be even longer if he had not assisted investigators.
Funeral services will take place this weekend for EMS Operations Supervisor Kim McEvoy. Visitation will be held Saturday from 10:30 to 11am, with a memorial mass to follow at 11am at St. Edith Catholic Church on Newburgh Road in Livonia.
Just before midnight, the Brighton Area Schools Board of Education voted 4-3 to continue the protocol that makes masks optional rather than mandated in the district.
A combined $175,000 in grant money could be available for the specialty courts which support local individuals suffering from substance use and mental health disorders.
The Howell City Council met Monday night and heard from a group of residents dealing with significant flooding and sewer water in their yards from storms that created overflows two weeks ago.
Bill Bolin was selected to replace Steve Williams on the Huron Clinton Metroparks Board following a discussion that was, like all the appointment process up to this point, anything but routine.
Ted Westmeier condemned County Commissioners who voted against $1.5-million is state funding that would help the Livingston County Health Department with COVID response.
Trinity Health, which operates St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital and St. Joseph Mercy Brighton Health Center, said "For those of us in the medical community, today's announcement sends a loud and clear message: The vaccine is safe and it works."
Hoarding Task Force team members, several local volunteers and family members spent a Saturday in early August working with a local senior cleaning out her home and garage, which had become unsafe for her to live in.
Senator Gary Peters kicked off day one of his annual from Hell to Paradise motorcycle tour and visited Screams Souvenirs in the tiny Putnam Township hamlet.
18-year-old Kquazay Vinson of Grand Rapids pleaded guilty to charges after breaking into a big box store last year and leading police on a chase into Livingston County.
The Howell Area Junior Baseball Association (HAJBA) will be kicking off their Challenge League this Wednesday to provide players with unique medical and/or learning needs a chance to play ball.
The Livingston County Sheriff's Office reports that deputies were dispatched just after 6:30 Saturday night to a single motorcycle injury crash on Patterson Lake Road west of Cedar Lake Road.
State Representatives Ann Bollin and Bob Bezotte want the Unemployment Insurance Agency to answer why they waited 6 months to inform residents that their qualifications for benefits might not have been in compliance with federal law.
The MDNR is reminding boaters, waterfowl hunters and anglers to remove plants and debris from boats, trailers and gear after each use to prevent the spread of European frog-bit and other invasive species.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and 30 other attorneys general are urging the FDA to implement measures to help stem the surge of youth nicotine use and addiction related to e-cigarettes and a new generation of oral nicotine products.
Alisha Beaton of Fowlerville, a former cheerleading coach from Howell Public Schools, pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of embezzlement by an agent or trustee of $200 or more but less than $1,000.
Republican State Representative Ann Bollin of Brighton Township has helped to advance legislation that seeks to enhance voting security measures, but that has also drawn criticism from Democrats who say it is a solution in search of a problem.
Dr. Varsha Moudgal is the Chief Medical Officer for St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital and an infectious diseases expert. She says that the vaccination rate in Livingston County is only just above 50%, which has left the county vulnerable to the spread of the delta variant.
The Mast Road Bridge over the Huron River on the border of the City of Dexter and Webster Township has reopened following a lengthy preservation project.
Adam Smiddy of Howell, who served in the U.S. Special Forces in Afghanistan in 2011 and 2012, says the fears about what type of treatment the Afghani people, especially women, will face under the Taliban are absolutely justified, noting that the “Taliban are who they are."
Huron-Clinton Metroparks say now is a perfect time to enjoy the last bits of summer by spending some quality time with friends and loved ones in a safe, outdoor environment.
37-year-old Brian Dewayne Ali Jr. had been set to stand trial later this month in federal court for the bank robberies in Macomb, Oakland and Livingston counties between December of 2015 and April of 2016. However, Ali entered into a deal with prosecutors on Thursday.
Final site plan approval has been granted for what will be known as The 645 Building on Grand River. The mostly vacant 1950’s office building was formerly occupied by Citizens Insurance.
Ty Garbin of Hartland Township, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy just four months after being arrested, deserves credit for substantially assisting investigators, Assistant U.S. Attorney Nils Kessler said in a court filing.
20-year-old Tristan Stavedahl was shot April 16th on Milett Road, north of North Burkhart Road by a Detective Trooper with the Livingston and Washtenaw Narcotics Enforcement Team (LAWNET) who was in the area searching for a car theft suspect.
A motion to accept more than $1.5 million in funding from the state to support the Livingston County Health Department's 2022 COVID-19 response failed on a 4-4 tie vote this morning by the Livingston County Board of Commissioners Finance Committee.
The phase 2 portion is the small area of Rickett Road between Grand River and Church Street. Starting at 7am this morning, the southbound lane of Rickett Road inside that project area will be closed to thru-traffic.
Supervisor Pat Hohl said they are keeping extensive record and will deliver an in-depth report at the end of October but cautioned the board that they’ll need to start looking at some things to address the Huron River and flooding.
Residents Working Against Huron River Flooding have received a grant to purchase needed gauges for monitoring flood levels upstream in Hamburg Township.
Between 2010 and 2020, Livingston County's growth has slowed compared to previous decades with a 7.1% growth rate compared to 15.3% growth in the previous decade.
An international animal protection agency and others are protesting a resolution adopted by the Genoa Township board that allows those living on lakes to petition to the state to remove invasive mute swans.
Lynn Wilde, an operator of the Brighton Coffeehouse and Theater, said she wants to bring professional theater downtown and is seeking a special land use permit for space at the backside of Jameson's Pub.
26-year-old Clay Garner had been charged with assault with intent to murder, assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, aggravated domestic violence, and assaulting, resisting, or obstructing a police officer for the February 18th incident.
In spite of the rancor in the weeks leading up to the Howell Melon Festival, community leaders were anxious to put that behind them and make sure that an event with a more than six-decade history would go on as planned.
The grant would provide a substantial portion of the funding needed for an approved study that assess the county's current internet infrastructure and needs.
39-year-old Sean Purcell was charged after the February 19th incident in which he crashed his pickup truck into an empty Livingston Educational Service Agency school bus at the intersection of Challis Road and Conrad Road.
Planning Commissioners have provided feedback to City Council on multiple revisions made to a proposed townhouse development on the site of the former Lindbom school.
On Monday, Buon Gusto owner Fran York announced on Facebook that the Italian eatery at 501 West Grand River would be closing its doors effective immediately.
Special Ministries of Livingston County is receiving a $20,000 Pulte Family Grant to help continue their support of programming and activities for adults with disabilities.
The National Weather Service Detroit/Pontiac Office reports that after cresting at 8.05 feet on Monday, the river’s level was at 7.99 feet as of 4:15 Tuesday morning, still nearly 1.5 feet above flood stage, which is 6.5 feet.
A single-vehicle injury crash Sunday night that sent the driver to the hospital with serious injuries is being investigated by the Livingston County Sheriff's Office.
Arbitrators have issued two rulings denying grievances filed by the Brighton Education Association pertaining to COVID pandemic procedures in the Brighton Area Schools during the 2020-21 school year. The BEA represents about 325 Brighton teachers at the bargaining table.
On the heels of a mural being finished on the side of a South Lyon building, City Council is preparing an ordinance to regulate similar future artwork.
Several dozen protesters gathered in front of Howell City Hall late Saturday afternoon to protest the city’s handling of a planned Drag Queen Bingo show.
18-year-old Kquazay Vinson of Grand Rapids pleaded guilty as charged to three counts of resisting and obstructing police for the incident that began on January 13th of 2020, when he and a co-defendant broke into the Target store in Fenton and led police on a chase into Livingston County on US-23.
Village President Rebecca Foster told WHMI they’re excited about the grant as it will cover part of the cost to chip-seal some village streets in need of maintenance and will allow them to move forward on a reconstruction project on North Howell Street, which is part of the core downtown.
The 15th Biennial Michigan Big Tree Hunt contest offers an opportunity for all age groups to track the vital historical living landmarks and bring people, nature, and trees together in a fun way to gather information about the state’s biggest trees.
Even with a return to wetter conditions in late June and July, officials with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers expect Great Lakes water levels to remain below 2019 and 2020 levels - when many record highs were set across the lakes.
Lee Ann Blazejewski is running for a seat on the Howell City Council and previously tweeted about her attendance in Washington D.C. on January 6th. Now pictures have emerged seemingly confirming that.
Crews are working 16-hour shifts around the clock and contractors have been brought in from out of state to assist in getting power restored but Consumers Energy and DTE cautioned that additional storm activity could extend restoration times.
The public comment period is open for resident opinion on a permit that would allow Padnos Iron and Steel in Howell to fill in .85 acres of wetlands in exchange for buying wetlands bank credits.
39-year-old Natasha Marie Roark was discovered by an officer at the Women's Huron Valley Correctional Facility near Ypsilanti at about 12:45 Wednesday afternoon in the shower area of her housing unit. The apparent cause of death was suicide by hanging.
The organizer of a GoFundMe account for the owners of Gedeon Farms in Green Oak Township who had their home vandalized with racist graffiti says it was cancelled after negative community backlash.
After a bout with cancer, Caeser - the very first therapy dog in the Brighton Area Schools - was quietly euthanized on Tuesday, with a small cadre composed of his human family and other supporters on hand.
In "substantial" transmission communities like Livingston County, the CDC is recommending that businesses implement testing strategies and ask all employees and visitors wear masks, regardless of vaccination status.
Approximately 20,000 DTE customers in the Livingston County area remain without power following heavy storms that moved across the area Wednesday afternoon. In addition, steady rainfall created several areas of flooding across the area, making many roadways impassable.
Despite what appeared to be Council support for a mask mandate at Howell City Hall, signage will be updated instead to follow current guidance from the CDC stating that masks are “strongly recommended” for everyone, regardless of vaccination status.
The Genoa Township Board recently approved a proposal to remove and replace the horizontal deck boards, rails and balusters on the boardwalk at a cost of $15,480.
Last October, Justen Watkins was one of two men charged in connection to a December 2019 incident in Dexter in which a family was terrorized at their home after the men allegedly used intimidation tactics on the premises and posted messages to other members of the base targeting the home.
Renay Gedeon and her husband, owners of Gedeon Farms in Green Oak Township, say their home was vandalized Tuesday night with spray-painted racist graffiti left behind.
Following Tuesday's announcement that the planned Drag Queen Bingo show was cancelled, Show Director Bradley Haas stated they appreciate the love and support of some community members but it was very unfortunate the event had become overly politicized, both by the far right and the far left.
A September 14th hearing will be held in Lansing by the Michigan Court of Appeals on whether Dr. Richard Ofshe will be allowed to testify at the retrial of Jerome Kowalski, who was sentenced to life in prison in 2013 for the murders of his brother and sister-in-law in their Oceola Township home.
Various community partners and businesses have been collecting donations throughout the summer and the goal is to again distribute 1,000 backpacks and supplies at no cost to students in preschool through 12th grade.
Facing a significant staffing shortage, the Board of Education approved higher wages in an attempt to make attract more custodial candidates to the district.
In addition to a case in a horse in Midland County, state officials say West Nile Virus has also been detected in mosquito and wildlife populations this year.
Students were asking for health course curriculum changes in support of LGBTQ peers, but instead the OneHowell program, which staff believes will help address these concerns, was created.
In court on Monday, an Oakland County Circuit Court judge set a January 18th, 2022 trial date for 18-year-old Max Bastien, who is charged with second-degree murder, felony firearm, and carrying a concealed weapon.
Michigan’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Joneigh Khaldun joined forces with school officials Monday to call on parents before school starts to catch students up on childhood immunizations, which have dropped below 70% in more than half of Michigan’s counties.
First National Bank in Howell had originally agreed to merge with Bank of Ann Arbor in February of 2020. But after the pandemic hit a month later, the plan was suspended. However, that ended Monday morning with an official announcement that the merger will again proceed.
Fire Chief Nick Miller was before the Board of Trustees at a recent meeting seeking approval of a budgeted purchase to outfit three of their personnel with necessary dive equipment.
The Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Prevention Workgroup of the Human Service Collaborative Body has several ways residents can get involved to support people experiencing addiction and recovery.
Nominations are being accepted through August 30th. The Hartland Living Volunteer of the Year committee will then select the top nominees to be made available for an online public vote that will take place between September 6th and the 20th.
Six individuals and their families were presented the plaques for their contributions – financial and otherwise – when the Spirit Center was in a recent financial crisis.
The City of South Lyon Water Department’s Wellhead Protection Program has announced an invitation for artists to enter their logo artwork for the “2021 South Lyon Art Contest” to Re-Design the Wellhead Protection Program Logo.
A state mandated residential cross contamination program is beginning that will help ensure the safety of the drinkable water supply, but some residents may be faced with paying to fix violations to come into compliance.
The Michigan Department of Transportation will close and detour the US-23 ramps at Silver Lake, North, and Torrey Roads to complete bridge repairs. Overnight closures on Silver Lake Road and North Road are also planned to accommodate US-23 bridge demolition.
City Council wants to get in front of any potential ballot initiatives that would take control of what types of establishments and how many of each would permitted.
Livingston County veterans and their families can enjoy a day of camaraderie while learning about a wide variety of veteran-specific resources at a large event this weekend, including details on proposed legislation to benefit Vietnam War-era veterans.
8th District Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, Thursday, hosted U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm for a tour of Magna Electronics. The visit was timed to coincide with the Biden Administration's announcement Thursday of getting 50% of all new vehicles to be electric by 2030.
Organizers say that more than $32,000 was raised to help put healthy protein on the tables of Livingston County families. The sold-out community fundraiser, attended by 150 people, was held amid 45 acres of sunflowers at the Earl Farm.
The award from the Government Finance Officers Association is said to reflect the County’s commitment to meet the highest principals of government budgeting.
Missouri-based Catholic Healthcare International (CHI) filed the lawsuit in June after the township rejected a plan to construct a 6,000-square-foot chapel on a 40-acre parcel, located on the west side of Chilson Road and south of Crooked Lake Road.
With COVID transmission in Livingston County increasing over 94% in the last week, while the positivity rate nears 6%, health officials say people need to start wearing masks in indoor public settings, regardless of their vaccination status.
Photo - AP/Ted Warren
The Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority organizes the festival and announced Wednesday that all beer tent sales have been canceled and the event has been condensed to compensate for loss of those sales.
It's recommended that schools maintain at least three feet of physical distance between students within classrooms - combined with indoor mask wearing by students, teachers and staff, regardless of vaccination status.
While a public hearing has been scheduled on a state permit application for an industrial scrap metal shredder in Howell, a local group says residents need to know that the proposal will still allow the shredder to operate in the open air despite a previous agreement that the company would be "enclosing" it.
$2 million was awarded to address environmental contamination on a property and construct Summit View of Milford - a residential development that will include 16 townhouses and 44 single family homes.
It’s part of the Livingston Educational Service Agency’s 20th annual Backpacks for Kids project that provides basic supplies and backpacks at no cost to students throughout the county whose families might be experiencing financial difficulties.
The Livingston County Health Department will be offering free walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations at the Family Emergency Readiness Expo this Sunday from 11am to 3pm at Crystal Gardens Banquet Center in Genoa Township.
Cleary University has announced that it has partnered up with the 140 Ice Den, formerly known as the Grand Oaks Ice Arena, to serve as the new home for the university’s hockey team.
The Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority said by eliminating the tent Saturday night, they’ll need to make other changes to festival – stressing it is about more than beer and politics but about supporting local businesses and local farmers.
The Department recommends that all individuals wear masks in indoor public settings - regardless of vaccination status - after the COVID-19 transmission level in Livingston County was upgraded to substantial.
City Council primaries for both Brighton and Howell were held while voters in Deerfield and Tyrone Townships helped pass school millages for Linden and Fenton.
Iron Chef sponsors are matching up to $16,000 in donations for the fundraiser which will help put healthy food on the tables of Livingston County residents.
48-year-old Dowan Knighten was sentenced Tuesday in Wayne County Circuit Court. The body of 29-year-old Kayla Pierce was discovered behind his Detroit house in February.
Merit Networks would conduct a 6 week study to gather as much information from citizens and businesses as possible to assess the need and urgency of fast internet in all corners of the county.
The county is getting prepared to replace 15 vehicles with new leases that will benefit the Sheriff's Office, Livingston County Health Department, EMS, and county Building Department.
On Monday the Michigan Court of Appeals denied a request by prosecutors to overturn a ruling granting a new trial for 22-year-old Zachary Lally, who was convicted in March of 2020 by a Livingston County jury on five felony counts, including first and second-degree criminal sexual conduct.
In Howell, there are a total of eight candidates running for three open seats. The six top vote-getters will move on to the November general election. Meanwhile, in Brighton, nine candidates are seeking four open seats on City Council. The eight candidates with the most votes will move on to November.
The Board of Trustees discussed adding a new park pavilion adjacent to the basketball courts, which were the latest addition to the township hall property and are getting a lot of use.
Downtown business owners say the negative impact that canceling the event would have on small businesses and local melon farmers would be significant - especially after the past year and a half of lost revenue due to COVID-19.
The General Government Committee approved an opening resolution to accept $1.5-million in federal funding, but some in the community are distrusting of what accepting it might mean.
Renay Gedeon of Gedeon Farms in Brighton says she wanted to cry when she heard the news that unless the Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority agrees to close down the beer tent early on Saturday, August 14th, the city council will reject the civic events application and essentially cancel Melonfest.
The acronym WWG1WGA, posted on the side of Diamond Chrome Plating’s facility on S. Michigan Avenue, stands for “Where We Go 1, We Go All” and is used prominently by supporters of the QAnon conspiracy theory.
A fire was called in at 3:25 Saturday morning at the Carpet Depot warehouse and showroom at 5300 M-36, west of Chilson Road. Hamburg Township Fire Chief Nick Miller tells WHMI that upon arrival, firefighters found flames through the roof and windows of the structure.
The Livingston County Sheriff's Office says that deputies were dispatched at 1:38 Saturday afternoon to a two-vehicle injury crash at the intersection of N. Latson Road and Faussett Road.
Livingston County motorists and others across the state are being encouraged to buckle up and practice good driving habits following a sharp drop in compliance rates.
Creative Construction Concepts out of Brighton has been selected to complete the project which will bring needed improvements for staff and customers of the Sheriff's Office.
Claimants who were asked to requalify for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance for eligibility reasons that were disqualified will not have to pay back potentially overpaid benefits from the federal government.
