9/12/13 - An anti-discrimination ordinance is now in effect in the City of Linden. On Monday the city became the 26th municipality in Michigan to outlaw discrimination according to individual characteristics. Under the new ordinance, housing, employment, and public services cannot be withheld because of an individualâs sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, or gender. Violators face a fine of $500 or 90 days in jail. City Attorney Charles McKone told the Tri-County Times that most municipalities have had a few incidences where this new ordinance would be applied and having a local anti-discrimination ordinance in play allows individuals the right to take action locally rather than relying on higher government agencies. In addition, Lindenâs ordinance covers rights based upon sexual orientation, something that is not covered by the Michigan Constitution. (JK)
Linden Enacts Anti-Discrimination Ordinance
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Fenton Revises Retiree Health Care ProvisionFenton Revises Retiree Health Care Provision
9/12/13 - A proposal to revise the current health care policy for Fenton city retirees was approved at a board meeting Monday night. Fenton retirees will no longer be eligible for health care from the city if they are receiving it or have the opportunity it receive it from another employer. City Manager Lynn Markland says while they want city retirees to have health care coverage, for them to have a redundant policy would mean that the cityâs policy is unnecessary. Markland tells WHMI the new policy will go into effect shortly. Mayor Sue Osborn says that âitâll be a huge savings to the cityâ, but other council members disagreed, with two members voting against the revisions to the resolution. Department of Public Works Director Leslie Bland is unsure if theyâd be saving money if they do not know how many retirees will be affected. Osborn says that if retirees keep the cityâs policy, the city wonât save anything and that âthe bottom line is that the city doesnât have a lot of moneyâ. Osborn says affected retirees will be receiving informational letters about the change within the week. (JK)
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Fracking Debate Comes to Livingston CountyFracking Debate Comes to Livingston County
9/12/13 - A Texas-based business has been granted a high-volume hydraulic fracturing permit to extract natural gas, crude oil or both in Livingston County. GeoSouthern Energy got the OK from Michigan earlier this month for the project which is planned for Conway Township resident Jack Sherwoodâs Maple Grove Farm property. GeoSouthern will pay him to use his property, and GeoSouthern has sent lease proposals out to most of the townshipâs homes. However, Sherwood said he doesnât expect the process to yield much, since his property has been the site of drilling three times over the past 30 years without success. Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is a process in which water, chemicals and sand are injected deep underground to break apart rock and free trapped gases. Proponents say itâs been done safely in Michigan for decades, but opponents argue that itâs dangerous to humans and the environment. GeoSouthernâs Michigan Department of Environmental Quality permit allows the company to drill about 4,400 feet into the ground and 5,000 horizontally. The permit allows injection of 3 million gallons of water, as well as sand and a mixture of as many as 30 chemicals. Democrats in the state House have introduced bills to strengthen fracking regulation, and some environmentalists are collecting petition signatures for a ballot initiative to ban it. The industry and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, which oversees oil and gas production, say the state already has tough rules and fracking can be done safely, even at great depths. Graphic courtesy of EPA. (JK)
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Jury Acquits Genoa Township Man on Molestation ChargesJury Acquits Genoa Township Man on Molestation Charges
9/12/13 - Following a mistrial earlier this summer, a second jury has found a Genoa Township man not guilty on all charges that he molested a female family member. The jury began deliberating the case Wednesday afternoon after both sides rested in the trial for the 42-year-old man, who is not being identified by WHMI per a policy of protecting the privacy of alleged sexual assault victims. This morning the panel announced they had acquitted him on all charges including one count of 1st degree criminal sexual conduct and two counts of 2nd degree CSC. The alleged abuse was said to have taken place between 2008 and 2011. The defendant, who adamantly denies the accusations, could have faced life in prison if convicted. This was his second trial in the matter. The first trial was halted July 1st and a mistrial declared by Livingston County Circuit Court Judge Michael Hatty following an outburst by a member of the jury pool that officials felt would irreversibly taint the panelâs opinion. (JK)
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Weekend Construction & Closures on M-59 & I-96 Livingston CountyWeekend Construction & Closures on M-59 & I-96 Livingston County
9/12/13 - Traffic issues and delays can be expected this weekend on some sections of I-96 and M-59. MDOT crews will be paving M-59, east of old US-23 this weekend and one lane of traffic will be maintained with flag control between 7am and 9pm each day. On Saturday, crews will be working on M-59 between Argentine Road and Hacker Road. Then on Sunday, crews will be working on the stretch of M-59 between Latson Road and Argentine Road. M-DOT says that entire project is expected to wrap up in early October. Meanwhile, lane closures will also be in effect along I-96 this weekend. In Oakland County, westbound I-96 will have two lanes closed nightly from Novi Road to Kent Lake Road. That starts at 8pm Thursday and will last until 5am. Those two lanes will again be closed overnight on Friday and Saturday for resurfacing work from 10pm until 6am. Then on Sunday in Livingston County, M-DOT says there will be a single lane closure on westbound I-96 approximately two miles west of M-59. That closure is needed to install pavement sensors and will be in place between 7am and 11am. (JM)
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Organizers Prepare For Green Oak Day on SaturdayOrganizers Prepare For Green Oak Day on Saturday
9/13/13 - Green Oak Charter Township will celebrate the anniversary of its own creation this weekend during Green Oak Day. The celebration is held every year by the Green Oak Historical Society to commemorate the establishment of the township in 1835. The event will be free to the public, and organizer Marilyn Harrington tells WHMI several attractions have been planned with the fire station, police station, and township hall all holding open houses. At the township hall, residents can enjoy classic vehicles, a petting zoo, free cake and ice cream between 12pm and 3pm, and displays from early in Green Oakâs history. The event will also feature a vintage string performance at 1pm. Green Oak Day will take place on Saturday from 10am to 3pm. (TD)
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Brighton-Based Youth Fitness Venture Seeks to ExpandBrighton-Based Youth Fitness Venture Seeks to Expand
9/13/13 - After a recent appearance before state lawmakers about possibly becoming a staple of Michigan schools, a Brighton-based fitness business is expanding its operation. The tool used by MyNutratek is a secure website where users enter their personal information like height, weight, age, and activity level to get a personalized report on their dietary, sleep, and hydration needs. Co-Founder Tim Codd says users can enter their eating and sleeping practices to get real-time information on how they can expect to perform physically and mentally, allowing students to reach a better fitness level and athletes to optimize their performance. The program is already in place in various portions of the Howell and Brighton school districts, and Codd announced to WHMI that it would soon be expanding to adult patients within the Priority Health Plans and the Oakwood Health System. Codd was recently before the House K-12 Appropriations Committee, chaired by local Representative Bill Rogers, to discuss the possibility of implementing this service in schools around the state. Codd says no firm promises or goals have been put in place on that front at this time. (TD)
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Oceola Renews Special Use For Horse-Based Therapy RanchOceola Renews Special Use For Horse-Based Therapy Ranch
9/13/13 - A therapy center focused on horses in Oceola Township got permission to continue operating at the township planning commission's meeting last night. The township had originally approved a special use application for Happy Hallow Ranch 14 years ago. The business provides approved therapeutic treatments and general healing with the use of resident horses. Last night, the planning commission approved extending the special use by another seven years. It had received a letter bearing 14 signatures from the ranch's neighbors in support of the renewal, saying the business is an excellent neighbor and corporate citizen. Ina Zeemering, who runs the ranch, has lived at the property for 25 years. She tells WHMI people are able to connect with her horses despite their large size because of the way they empathize with humans, allowing them to grieve when they are sad or being upbeat when they are happy. The planning commission's only change to the ranch's special use was to specify that if dogs stay at the facility overnight, there cannot be more than five of them at a time. (TD)
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New Airport Terminal Open House Also UW Campaign KickoffNew Airport Terminal Open House Also UW Campaign Kickoff
9/13/13 - An event next week 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)
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Fowlerville Construction Disrupts School Bus RoutesFowlerville Construction Disrupts School Bus Routes
9/13/13 - Fowlerville Schools bus routes have had to make accommodations for the North Grand Avenue construction project, which has been delayed into the school year. The project began in June and involves improvements to sanitary sewers, storm sewer drains, and water mains along the street as well as the addition of brick parking spaces. Fowlerville Superintendent Wayne Roedel says it was scheduled for completion shortly before the beginning of the school year, but the frequent rains in the early part of the summer pushed the project back. Completion is now expected to take place before the end of September. North Grand is the main route into the village from the school system, and Transportation Supervisor Doreen Redinger says buses heading that way have had to add about 10 minutes to their route as a result. She adds that she suspected the construction would continue into the school year, and that her bus drivers are doing an excellent job of compensating for the detour. Roedel says once this project is complete a smaller project is scheduled for Grand River Avenue between North Grand and 2nd Street. It will include work on the buildings and curb on the north side of the road, and will likely be finished more quickly than the North Grand Avenue construction. (JK)
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Attorney Files Appeal of Disqualification to State Supreme CourtAttorney Files Appeal of Disqualification to State Supreme Court
9/13/13 - A defense attorney seeking to overturn a ruling that disqualified him from representing two women charged with illegally selling synthetic marijuana in Genoa Township has taken his case to the stateâs highest court. Madison Heights attorney Timothy Corr filed the application Thursday state for the Michigan Supreme Court to overturn a November ruling by 53rd District Court Judge Suzanne Geddis. She ruled it would be a conflict of interest to simultaneously represent two clients - the owner of Smokers Depot, 42-year-old Ronda Lee Roszak as well as the storeâs manager, 28-year-old Melissa Ann Dzierwa. The ruling came after the Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office said it planned to offer a plea deal to one of the two defendants. Corr argued that the decision was a violation of his clients Sixth Amendment rights to select representation of their choice, but the ruling was upheld in July by the Michigan Court of Appeals which said courts must, ââ¦balance the defendantâs right to counsel of choice against the publicâs interest in the prompt and efficient administration of justice.â Corr said both women previously consulted with separate attorneys and had no plans to accept a plea deal. They maintain that the seized substances had been purchased at a trade show, along with a lab report indicating it did not contain any illegal chemicals. It will now be up the state Supreme Court to consider the application and either schedule it for oral arguments, reject it or send it back to a lower court for further consideration. (JK)
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Portion Of Highway Dedicated To Fallen Police Sergeant Portion Of Highway Dedicated To Fallen Police Sergeant
9/13/13 - A fallen police sergeant was honored this morning in Tyrone Township as a stretch of Old US-23 was dedicated in his name. Sergeant Patrick OâRourke, a West Bloomfield officer who lived in Tyrone Township, was shot and killed just over a year ago by a barricaded gunman, leaving behind a wife and four children. The ceremony was held just south of Center Rd. with the unveiling of a sign renaming it âThe Sgt. Patrick OâRourke Memorial Highwayâ. Amy OâRourke, Patrickâs wife, revealed the sign with state Representative Cindy Denby of Handy Township and State Senator Joe Hune of Hamburg Township. OâRourke tells WHMI she hopes the sign dedication will serve as a reminder to the community of her husband's service. The one year anniversary of Sgt. OâRourkeâs death was Wednesday and the school her children attend cancelled class for the day so the entire school could attend the memorial service. Amy says they remembered him by attending mass at their church, St. Johnâs, with the honor guard and fellow officers. OâRourke tells WHMI the past year has been a mixture of things good and bad. Amy and her children placed a red rose on his headstone and released 55 Chinese lanterns in honor of Patrickâs badge number, which she believes he uses to still communicate with her. 10-55 in police code means âIâm okayâ. (DK)
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Support Sought for Upcoming Community Connect Event Support Sought for Upcoming Community Connect Event
9/13/13 - Some community support is being sought for a one-day event designed to help Livingston County residents having trouble meeting their needs. The Livingston County Homeless Continuum of Care will host the 7th annual Community Connect in February and organizers are seeking sponsors to help make the event a success. The event helps individuals in need connect with local organizations to access information and services such as housing assistance, health screenings, legal consultation, food services, haircuts, clothing and other personal need items. Lunch and on-site, professional childcare is also provided at no cost to participants. Last yearâs event helped over 800 guests get connected to needed information and services. This yearâs event will take place February 1st at Parker Middle School in Howell. The Community Connect Planning Committee is looking to secure sponsors and a variety of levels are being offered. Details are posted in the press release below. (JM)
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Voting Ends Saturday in Contest Featuring Hartland Firefighter Voting Ends Saturday in Contest Featuring Hartland Firefighter
9/13/13 - Thereâs just a short time left to cast votes in an online competition in which a Hartland Township firefighter hoping to translate his singing talents into $10,000 for his department. Walter Johnston with the Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority is one of ten top finalists in Comerica Bankâs Home of the Brave National Anthem Singing Contest and he got some practice before a large crowd during this weekâs annual September 11th ceremony in Brighton. Johnston says he's been playing the piano for more than 18 years but then started focusing more on vocalism, and no one from the department really knew about his singing until this contest. It was the Brighton Area Fire Department that urged him to enter after singing the national anthem at a graduation. He tells WHMI the experience has been an incredible journey whether win or lose and the community support has been amazing. The winner of the competition will perform the National Anthem at the final Tigers regular season home game at Comerica Park on Sunday, Sept. 22nd. Theyâll also receive 40 tickets to the game but more importantly earn a $10,000 grant for their police or fire department. Supporters can vote for Johnston through midnight Saturday, September 14th on the Comerica Cares Facebook page and the winner will be named on Monday. Youâll find a link to the voting site below. (JM)
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Howell Man Charged After Leaving Car on RR Tracks Enters PleaHowell Man Charged After Leaving Car on RR Tracks Enters Plea
9/14/13 - A man accused of intentionally leaving his former girlfriendâs car parked on the railroad tracks in Howell has entered a plea in the case. 29-year-old Adam Lezotte of Howell pleaded guilty to a charge of endangering the travel of a train in Livingston County Circuit Court on Friday - a felony that can carry a possible life sentence. A separate charge of unlawful driving away of a vehicle was dismissed as part of the plea and a defense request for a personal recognizance bond of $300,000 was granted. Court records also show that a request has been made for an eleven month sentence delay. Lezotte was charged after leaving his former girlfriendâs car on the railroad tracks at Dearborn and Marion Streets the evening of January 6th following an argument. An eastbound train was unable to avoid hitting the vehicle, which was empty at the time. He is scheduled to be sentenced in October. (JM)
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Nixon Road Closed as Part of Latson Interchange WorkNixon Road Closed as Part of Latson Interchange Work
9/14/13 - A portion of Nixon Road at the CSX Railroad tracks will be closed for a few days to allow for grade crossing repairs. Nixon Road will be closed at the CSX railroad crossing in Genoa Township through 6pm Wednesday. The Livingston County Road Commission says the project involves repairing the railroad/ highway grade crossing on Nixon Road. Itâs part of the Latson Road and I-96 improvement project and local motorists are advised to seek alternate routes if traveling in that area over the next few days. (JK)
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Hartland & Howell Hosting Community Branding Sessions Hartland & Howell Hosting Community Branding Sessions
9/14/13 - Some community branding conversations are planned in Hartland Township and the City of Howell next week. In Hartland, two public focus groups will take place Monday morning and evening to gather critical input and create a branding campaign that reflects the character of the community. Township Manager James Wickman says they want to capture the essence of the entire community beyond the township borders to where people connect to and consider themselves part of the Hartland community. Meanwhile, a comprehensive new branding campaign is in the works for downtown Howell and input is being sought from the public and stakeholders to help identify the perfect image for the city. That visioning session is set for 7pm Tuesday at the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce on East Washington Street. That session is open to the public and residents and stakeholders are encouraged to share their ideas for the downtown brand. Complete details about both branding efforts can be found in the attachments below.(JM)
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Officials: Heart of Howell Anchors Positive Developments in 2013Officials: Heart of Howell Anchors Positive Developments in 2013
9/14/13 - Howell officials say there are many positive developments in the city the economy begins to slowly turn around. City Manager Shea Charles outlined some of those at the Good Morning Livingston breakfast meeting held last Tuesday at Cleary University. Charles tells WHMI that the Heart of Howell renovation project and the planned, 100,000-foot expansion of the former Ogihara plant are just a couple of signs that the local economy is on the upswing. Thai Summit America purchased the Ogihara Corp. plant on McPherson Park Drive last year and plans on investing $52 million in the expansion to make it the company's North American headquarters. The City of Howell, which granted tax abatements to bring the project into the community, beat out Toledo, Ohio, which was also offering big incentives. A downtown project, Heart of Howell LLC, is currently renovating three former local businesses - Swanns, Spag's and Thistledown - and converting them into a multi-use complex. Charles is likewise high on Frontal Lobe, an entrepreneurial effort at 110 East Grand River that links tech types, small business owners and startups, with the resultant, synergistic effect of idea sharing designed to help them grow. Also coming to Howell, Charles says, is The Root Restaurant and Bar, whose owner, Ed Mamou, purchased the now-vacant Howell Theatre last spring. He plans to renovate the 10,000-square-foot-space into a restaurant-bar complex with room for live entertainment, wedding receptions and banquets. The Root has one other location â in White Lake Township - that was named the Detroit Free Press' Restaurant of the Year in 2012. The executive chef of The Root in Howell will be James Rigato, a Howell native who now holds that position at the White Lake bistro. Plans are to open the new restaurant complex next spring. (JK)
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Two Injured in Rear-End Crash That Closes I-96Two Injured in Rear-End Crash That Closes I-96
9/15/13 - Two people were injured, one seriously, in a rear-end crash that closed I-96 Saturday morning. The Ingham County Sheriffâs Department says the crash happened just after 9:30am when an SUV that had slowed down because of heavy traffic, was hit from behind in the westbound lanes near the Webberville exit. The male driver of the SUV was airlifted to Sparrow Hospital in Lansing in critical condition, but has since been upgraded to serious condition. His female passenger was taken by ambulance to Sparrow Hospital with minor injuries. The driver of the second vehicle was not injured. I-96 was closed in both directions for about half an hour to allow the helicopter to land. (JK)
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