9/2/13 - An event later this month will serve a dual purpose to kick off an annual fundraising campaign as well as officially inaugurate Livingston Countyâs new airport terminal building. The Livingston County United Way plans to host a family-friendly kick-off to their annual campaign on Tuesday, September 17th in conjunction with an open house for the new terminal building at the Spencer J. Hardy Airport in Howell Township. Guests will receive tours of the new terminal, which was built at a cost of $850,000. Located off of Tooley Road, north of M-59, it replaces the old terminal on Grand River, which was built in 1967. Its amenities include a passenger lounge with fireplace, conference rooms, lockers and shower facility for pilots and ground crew and space for rental car companies. There will also be vintage World War 2 B-25 and C-47 aircraft on display from the Yankee Air Museum. This yearâs United Way campaign is being headed up by Livingston County Drain Commissioner Brian Jonckheere and former Livingston County Prosecuting Attorney David Morse. While the organization no longer sets a set dollar amount to raise over the course of the campaign, United Way officials always make a point to emphasize that for every $1 donated, $2.12 goes directly back into much-needed local programs. E-mail lcuw@lcunitedway.org for details. (JK)
New Airport Terminal Open House Also UW Campaign KickoffNew Airport Terminal Open House Also UW Campaign Kickoff
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Hartland Firefighter Among 10 Finalists for $10,000
9/3/13 - A Hartland Township firefighter is hoping to translate his singing talents into $10,000 for his department. Walter Johnson has been named as a top then finalist in Comerica Bankâs Home of the Brave National Anthem Singing Contest. The winner will perform the National Anthem at the final Tigers regular season home game at Comerica Park on Sunday, Sept. 22nd. They'll also receive 40 tickets to the game plus earn a $10,000 grant, awarded to the winnerâs police or fire department. Supporters can vote for Johnson through Saturday, September 14th at the Comerica Cares Facebook page, www.facebook.com/comericacares. Once there, click the pageâs âNational Anthemâ tab and follow the instructions. The winner will be named September 16th. (JK)
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State Police Investigate Tool Trailer TheftState Police Investigate Tool Trailer Theft
9/3/13 - State Police are investigating the theft over the weekend of a trailer full of tools owned by a Hartland man helping to repair damage from last weekâs tornado touchdown in the Brighton area. Daniel Morganâs 12-foot trailer was parked in the drive way of his sisterâs home on Prairie View Drive in Genoa Township where he was helping fix up the damage from the EF-0 twister that hit last Wednesday. Pam Saylor says sometime Saturday night; someone drove off with the trailer containing up to $10,000 in tools. The trailer itself is valued at about $4,000. Sheâs hoping someone may have seen the theft as they would have had to back a vehicle all the way down their driveway to hook-up to the trailer and then pull the trailer all of the way out. Sheâs upset that the theft has deprived her brother, a father of four, of his livelihood. Anyone with information about the theft is asked to call the State Police Brighton Post at 810-227-1051. (JK)
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Red Cross Seeking Blood & Platelet DonorsRed Cross Seeking Blood & Platelet Donors
9/3/13 - School may be starting this week and summer vacation at an end, but there is still an urgent need for blood and platelet donors and the American Red Cross is making it easier than ever for local residents to roll up their sleeves. An emergency call for all blood donors remains in effect through the second week of September. American Red Cross Spokesman Todd Kuhlman represents the Great Lakes Blood Services Region says blood products on shelves help save lives in an emergency and blood and platelets can only come from one generous to another. Platelets allow blood to clot and are typically used for leukemia or cancer patients who are going through chemotherapy. There are only two locations in the state with the special machines to collect platelets; one in Flint and another in Lansing. For those interested in donating platelets, the American Red Cross offers a free shuttle that leaves from the park and ride locations at D-19 in the Howell area and Spencer Road in the Brighton every other Friday. Kuhlman says that way, those who donât have a vehicle or donât want to spend the gas money, or make the drive but still want to donate can set up a reservation on the shuttle that will take them right to the donor centers. Those interested can call 1-800-RED CROSS to find a local blood drive. There is also a special platelet donor number to set up an appointment to donate and get a reservation on one of the shuttles out of Livingston County that number is 1-866-725-2140. (JK)
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New Security System Set for Howell SchoolsNew Security System Set for Howell Schools
9/3/13 - Parents and students will likely notice a number of security upgrades and administrative changes as classes start up again in the Howell Public Schools district.
Superintendent Ron Wilson says heâs looking forward to a great year and theyâve hired a new school safety coordinator. He tells WHMI they also have a new security system that will probably take a little bit of adjusting for visitors to get used to. a buzz-in security system has been added at the elementary and middle schools for safety purposes. During school hours parents and visitors will need to buzz in and go through a gated system to enter those buildings. At the high school level, Wilson says there are four security officers to cover primary access and entrances. (JK)
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New Dental Office in Genoa Twp. Designed to Look Like TheaterNew Dental Office in Genoa Twp. Designed to Look Like Theater
9/3/13 - A new dental office with a unique flair could be operational next March in Genoa Township. The new building would total 2,368-square-feet and be located on the north side of Grand River between Kellogg and Euler Roads. The site totals 2.5 acres; one is buildable while the other 1.5 acres is a pond and wetland area. Planning Commission Chairman Doug Brown told WHMI that the project from Dr. Brad Rondeau is unique and the design will differ from a typical dental office in that it will look like a theater. There were some site plan issues in that the driveway being proposed did not meet zoning ordinance requirements of 330-feet between driveways on a road that is 50 mph or greater, which Grand River is in that area. An easement should have been granted in 1993 to share the existing drive of a dental office located directly to the east but that didnât happen. Given the existing conditions and poor soils on the buildable half of the site, the Planning Commission found the proposed location acceptable and recommended the project be approved by the Genoa Township Board, which meets later tonight. Brown says they did add an easement requirement should there ever be an expansion of the business. For example, he says if it were to become a party store and bring more traffic, then the driveway must be shared. Brown says the property owners have agreed to this because thereâs no chance of anything but dental offices in the near future. (JM)
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Naming Ceremony Set Friday for New Community Dog Park Naming Ceremony Set Friday for New Community Dog Park
9/3/13 - If all goes as planned, a new dog park could be ready to receive dogs and their owners this fall in the Howell community. The Friends of the Howl & Bark Dog Park has led efforts to develop a dog park in the community. It was successful in securing a lease agreement in July between Livingston County and the Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority, which will be the leasing body and operator of the dog park. The 2.4 acre site is part of the Countyâs West Complex on South Highlander Way, located between the Central Dispatch and Animal Control buildings. President of the Howl & Bark group Adam Targanski tells WHMI theyâre continuing with the architectural design process and engineering work but fundraising efforts will be ongoing. It will be named the Countryside Veterinary Dog Park and a formal announcement is planned this Friday afternoon at 4pm the site, which community officials and the public are welcome to attend. (JM)
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Construction Set to Begin on Updated Brighton Veterans MemorialConstruction Set to Begin on Updated Brighton Veterans Memorial
9/3/13 - Construction will begin in the near future on the new Veterans Memorial, to be located at Mill Pond Park in downtown Brighton. The memorial will replace a simple boulder, a memorial plaque and flag that have stood at the site since the 1950's. The new memorial, to be located on the east side of the park near St. Paul Episcopal Church, will be a horseshoe design with the back portion to consist of medallions and flags representing the five military branches - the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. The center piece will be the large boulder and plaque and the American flag, which will be moved from their present location at the front of the park. Concrete pavers will line the surface of the memorial on what will be called the "Walk of Honor", and many of the pavers are being engraved with the names of past service men and women, their unit and military history, years of service and any honors bestowed upon them. Anyone wanting to order a paver may do so by going to the group's web site at www.brightonveteransmemorial.org. The Unilock Company, located in Green Oak Township, is donating the pavers themselves, and the cost to order an engraved paver is $115, which covers the cost of engraving. A 501©(3) foundation has been established through the Kiwanis Club of Brighton and, as such, all donations are tax-deductible. Bryan Bradford, the chairman of the Veterans Memorial committee, says fund raisers, donations and in-kind services have brought the amount raised to within striking distance of the $125,000-$150,000 goal. He tells WHMI that fundraisers scheduled for later this month and in October should result in meeting the goal of $125,000-$150,000. Construction on the project should begin next week and the memorial is to be completed by Veterans Day, Nov. 11th. A dedication ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, November 9th. Bradford stresses that no taxpayer money is being used to construct the memorial. (JK)
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LACASA Preparing For Western-Themed Fundraiser This MonthLACASA Preparing For Western-Themed Fundraiser This Month
9/4/13 - LACASAâs 3rd annual Denim and Diamonds fundraiser will be held later this month to help local families dealing with violence. The fundraiser is a jeans-preferred event with a frontier theme that will provide food, live music, a mechanical bull, and both square and line dancing. Older attendees can also take part in a gambling tent, wine and beer, and a cigar bar. The event will be held at the lakeside ranch of Steve Bearden and Gwen Haggerty-Bearden on County Farm Road in Marion Township. In addition to the Western theme, the event is sponsored by several jewelers in the Livingston County area and will include raffles of diamond pendants. The fundraiser will cost $100 to attend, and all proceeds will go to help local children and adults who have been the victims of interpersonal violence. Sponsors are also being sought for the event, with benefits available at different levels of support. For more information, follow the link below. (TD)
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Police Locate Man Following Fenton Motorcycle CrashPolice Locate Man Following Fenton Motorcycle Crash
9/4/13 - An Auburn Hills man is in the hospital and facing jail time after allegedly crashing his motorcycle in Fenton, then abandoning his injured female passenger. The 28-year-old man is recovering from a shoulder injury as a result of the crash. According to the Tri County Times, Fenton Police say he drove the motorcycle in the early morning of August 20th and eventually crashed into a tree on Shiawassee Avenue near Donaldson Drive. The passenger, a 23-year-old woman, was injured in the crash and had to undergo leg surgery. She told police that the driver fled the scene, leaving her on the road where she was eventually found. Police say the man made his way on foot to the womanâs apartment, found it locked, and spent the night in her car. He eventually sought treatment at St. Joseph Mercy hospital in Pontiac, where police found and confronted him. They say he admitted to the crash and to fleeing the scene. The man could be charged with driving with a suspended license and causing serious injury, which carries a four-year sentence. (TD)
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Action Postponed on Derelict House in Hartland TownshipAction Postponed on Derelict House in Hartland Township
9/4/13 - The Hartland Township Board has postponed taking action to address a hazardous building, giving the owner time to decide what he plans to do about it. Township Manager James Wickman says the township is usually able to reach some kind of agreement with the owners of blighted or dangerous properties within its borders, but despite years of work no solution has been found for one particular property on Read Road. Its owner moved to Alabama during the recession in search of work, and in that time the building has become blighted and been declared hazardous by township officials. For the past couple of years the township has been following the steps outlined by the state to resolve the issue, but in July a dangerous building officer issued a notice that the building would have to be boarded up from the outside and secured against entry, or else the township would have to take action. This was not done to the officer's satisfaction, and Wickman tells WHMI the board was asked to act at last night's meeting. There were several options open to the township board, including ordering the demolition of the building. It first heard from the daughter of the owner and her fiance, who said the owner of the home was having financial trouble due to his wife's illness. The board decided to put off action for another two weeks, during which time township officials expect the property owner to make a decision about whether he plans to rehabilitate the home or demolish it on his own. An estimate provided to the township put the price of demolishing this house at $10,000 or more. (TD)
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County Commissioners Approve Public Safety Items County Commissioners Approve Public Safety Items
9/4/13 - The Livingston County Board of Commissioners met Tuesday night and approved a number of items related to public safety. The Countyâs Traffic Safety Bureau will be getting a new piece of equipment called the Leica TS12 total station, which is a piece of highly sophisticated equipment that can electronically measure and record serious injury and fatal traffic crashes along with crime scenes. Commissioner Dave Domas says it provides a more accurate report of crash and crime scene events and allows information to be stored digitally for almost an unlimited period of time. Its sole proprietor is located in Tyrone Township and it will be purchased for $22,905, which was already budgeted for. The one currently owned by the Sheriffâs Department is almost twelve years old and requires two person operations so the new equipment will allow for a more thorough evidence collection and investigation in less time and help to reduce overtime costs but also limit road closure times at crash scenes. Another item was a grant that Domas says is applied for annually and a major funding source for the Sheriffâs Department that allows deputies to patrol secondary roads but also conduct accident prevention programs in certain areas where infractions typically take place. Meanwhile, the Countyâs Local Planning Team reviewed submitted project funding requests and authorized submission of several applications against the countyâs local Homeland Security Grant Programs allocation. The purchase of two spotting-scope night vision surveillance systems for the Sheriff Departmentâs Tactical Team were authorized along with air monitoring devices that will allow fire department first responders greater capability to monitor atmospheric hazards. Another purchase was Point Blank Dragon Fire Tactical Body Armor and hard plates for the Brighton-Hamburg Tactical Team, which will provide protection and on-scene security in a number of volatile and dangerous situations. (JM)
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Delayed Medicaid Expansion Will Cost Michigan $600 MillionDelayed Medicaid Expansion Will Cost Michigan $600 Million
9/4/13 - Michigan lawmakers have given final approval to legislation to make more low-income adults eligible for health insurance through the federal health care law, but Senate Republicans refusal to give it immediate effect is expected to cost the state more than $600 million dollars. The Medicaid expansion bill approved 75-32 Tuesday by the Republican-led House now heads to Republican Gov. Rick Snyder, who plans to sign it. However, newly eligible recipients would be covered starting in March instead of January because Senate Republicans refused to put the measure into effect immediately which will deprive the state of approximately $7 million dollars a day in federal funding. Medicaid expansion is part of a strategy to ensure nearly all Americans have health insurance under the 2010 Affordable Care Act. It was designed to cover the neediest uninsured people but became optional for states because of a Supreme Court decision. Michigan's plan includes GOP provisions requiring federal approval. Snyder says he has received "positive feedback" from the Obama administration that they will be approved. Both State Representatives from Livingston County; Bill Rogers of Genoa Township and Cindy Denby of Handy Township, voted to approve the expansion. State Senator Joe Hune of Hamburg Township has been a vocal critic and voted against it. He was also among Senate Republicans who refused to give the bill immediate effect. About 6,000 Livingston County residents are expected to be covered under the bill. (JK)
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Local Marksman Makes Mark on Reality TV ShowLocal Marksman Makes Mark on Reality TV Show
9/4/13 - It was a bull's-eye for a local man on a reality television show. Phil Morden of Milford last week won the 5th season of Top Shot All Stars, a shooting competition show on The History Channel. He had previously placed fifth two years ago on the show. Competing against 15 returning contestants, Mordan, who is a videographer by trade, describes himself as a self-taught gun enthusiast. After surviving three elimination challenges on the August 28th finale of the show, the 26-year-old Morden won $100,000 and a special edition speedboat. But heâs had to wait almost a whole year to enjoy it, having filmed the season last August and September in California. Heâs had to keep his win under wraps until the show actually aired. He says he plans a vacation trip with his wife and some purchases for their home. (JK)
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Local Veteran Takes Part in Waterfowl Hunting Opening DayLocal Veteran Takes Part in Waterfowl Hunting Opening Day
9/4/13 - A local veteran was able to go hunting on the opening day of waterfowl season this past weekend thanks to Hartland Township and South Lyon-based Operation Injured Soldiers. Brighton resident Jamie Gorm served six tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. Accompanied by volunteers with Operation Injured Soldiers last Sunday, the avid outdoorsman was able to take part in opening day for goose hunting. The veteran and his guides were granted exclusive hunting rights on Hartland Township-owned property located at the southwest corner of M-59 and Pleasant Valley Road from September 1st through September 15th for this purpose. Gorm and the team from Operation Injured Soldiers hunted on the property for nearly six hours. Howell resident David Patterson volunteers with the group and approached the township to request the hunting rights. He says for many local veterans, simple pleasures like hunting and fishing are no longer possible without assistance due to their injuries. He says the volunteers work to make outings such as these available to injured soldiers by providing guides, assistance and â in this case â partnering with land owners to make the hunt possible. Operation Injured Soldiers plans to take at least one other group out to the township parcel before the early season ends. Pictured from left to right: Veteran Jamie Gorm, Guide Matt Patterson, Guide Dave Patterson, Hartland Township Resident Tim Westenberg and Guide Brandon Patterson. (JM)
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Walk to End Alzheimer's Sunday in Downtown Brighton Walk to End Alzheimer's Sunday in Downtown Brighton
9/4/13 - While there is no cure and no way to stop or slow the progression of Alzheimerâs, there is help and resources available to those that have been touched by the disease. The Brighton Walk to End Alzheimer's is this Sunday and organizers say itâs a time to come together as a community and walk to raise awareness and let people know there are resources available, whether they are suffering from the disease or caring for someone who is. It helps raise funds to advance care, support, research and education. There is no registration fee to walk and no minimum fundraising requirement. The Alzheimerâs Association Michigan Great Lakes Chapter Executive Director Jen Howard says there are more than five million people in the United States with the disease, close to 200,000 in the state and an estimated 5,000 in Livingston County. She tells WHMI it doesnât just affect those who are older because there is also early onset, which can affect people in their 20âs, 30âs or 40âs. Howard says theyâre expecting a big turnout with more than 500 participants and registration starts at noon this Sunday, with the opening ceremonies at 1pm and lots of music and activities during the afternoon. Two routes are offered; either 1.5 miles or 3 miles around the Mill Pond and participants will also receive promise garden flowers that are pinwheels. The flowers represent the diverse reasons everyone has gathered and each flower carries a personal hand-written message to further strengthen their dedication. Details and registration information can be found through the link below. (JM)
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Father and Son Killed in WWI & WWII Honored at Memorial ServiceFather and Son Killed in WWI & WWII Honored at Memorial Service
9/4/13 - More than one member of the Crofoot family was given full military honors at a memorial service at Greenwood Cemetery in Fowlerville this afternoon. John Crofoot, whose plane was shot down in World War II and his father, Arthur âBudâ Crofoot, who was killed in World War I, were remembered 69 years later to the day of Johnâs death. John Crofoot, enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1943 and served as a machine gunner on a B-24 bomber until he was killed in 1944. Johnâs brother, Robert Crofoot, 91, is also a World War II veteran, having served in the Marines and organized the ceremony. He tells WHMI he is overwhelmed by todayâs turnout of people. George Crofoot, Robert and Johnâs brother, are lifelong residents of Livingston County and attended the ceremony as well today. He and Robert are the last living siblings of the eight children born to Arthur âBudâ and Iva Crofoot. William Butch Ogden, a member of the Veteran of Foreign Wars and a relative of the two comrades that were given tribute today, spoke at the ceremony. Ogden says todayâs ceremony was about âthose that paid the ultimate sacrificeâ. John Crofoot, who lived in the Fowlerville area, was killed in action during a bombing run over Europe. He was confirmed dead by the German Government Feburary 12th, 1945. He wouldâve been 90 years old. (DK)
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Investigation Into Armed Robbery at Fowlerville Bank ContinuesInvestigation Into Armed Robbery at Fowlerville Bank Continues
9/5/13 - A suspect is still being sought in connection with a hold up at a bank in Fowlerville late last month. Fowlerville Police Chief Tom Couling tells WHMI the investigation is ongoing and they continue to follow-up on tips, while working in conjunction with the FBI and other agencies that have had similar robberies in terms of the method of operation. Fowlerville Police previously released surveillance photos of both the suspect and the getaway vehicle, which is a Buick Park Avenue and burgundy in color. The man wanted for the armed robbery of the Chase Bank on Grand River remains at large and left with an undisclosed amount of money after displaying a black semi-automatic pistol shortly before 11am on Tuesday, August 27th. Police are still seeking tips from the public. Anyone with information is asked to call the Fowlerville Police Department at 517-223-8711 or Livingston County Central Dispatch at 517-546-9111. (JM)
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Hartland Township Set to Dispute Kroger at Tax TribunalHartland Township Set to Dispute Kroger at Tax Tribunal
9/5/13 - Preparations are underway in Hartland Township for an upcoming tax tribunal to settle a dispute between the township board and a local retailer. When a property owner feels their taxation is too high, they can appeal the amount to the Michigan Tax Tribunal, which will examine the evidence and set a new property valuation appropriately. Hartland Manager James Wickman says the township has a good track record of settling property tax disputes, but has not been able to reach an agreement with the Kroger store in the Shops at Waldenwoods complex. In preparation for a tax tribunal, the township board on Tuesday approved spending up to $7,500 on a new appraisal of the property to present as evidence to the state. Wickman says the townshipâs research indicates it could justify assessing the property for up to $88 per square foot, and that it is assessed for slightly less than that. However, he says Kroger is contending that the assessment should be closer to $35 per square foot. Wickman says the information Kroger has presented to the township seems to be based on vacant, dilapidated buildings elsewhere in the region. With 78,000 square feet being contested, the difference between the two assessments would cost the township about $4 million in revenue. Wickman says the appraisal will be completed by the end of the month, but there is no knowing when the tribunal will be scheduled. (TD)
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Dionysus Theatre to Reopen After Closing for ImprovementsDionysus Theatre to Reopen After Closing for Improvements
9/5/13 - After a false start earlier this year, the Dionysus Theatre in Pinckney is set to re-open for good with a new production this weekend. The Dio Theatre opened for a production of Forever Plaid in July, but had to close down after the premier weekend due to building and fire code issues. Addressing the problems of the aging building to meet local codes cut three weeks of the planned run time of Forever Plaid. Creative Director Steve DeBruyne says the building has since been improved with two new fire walls and fire doors in the dining area, as well as in the basement, to satisfy inspectors. As a result it has been granted a temporary certificate of occupancy, which will be made permanent as soon as a wheelchair ramp is installed and inspected by the State of Michigan. DeBruyne says the theatre is now set to open a new show tomorrow entitled Lost in Yonkers. The award-winning play is a period piece set in New York near the beginning of World War II, and is described both as a comedy and a drama. The cost of admission includes a buffet dinner and dessert. For information on show times and ticket prices, follow the link below. (TD)
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