9/18/13 - Milford Police are encouraging area students and community members to remain vigilant following some recent reports. Police say a registered sex offender who legally resides in Milford has been exhibiting questionable behavior at the Starbucks in the downtown area, which is a typical stop for kids walking home from school and nearby Muir Middle School. Authorities have been watching the suspect for some time and say he recently did some things that were more inappropriate than normal. Police Chief Tom Lindberg tells WHMI the middle-age man has been interviewed and theyâre hoping to get some charges or at least a probation violation authorized against him soon. He says they are no longer concerned about him causing any issues downtown, at least for the immediate future. Lindberg says they were able to seize the opportunity and work with Huron Valley Schools to reiterate some safety tips for students, noting while they coach little kids, it's important to continue to carry the message to middle and high school students, along with college kids. Lindberg says the other incident involved a group of girls on break from a dance studio in the area of Milford and General Motors Roads who were walking over to Taco Bell when they noticed an older man with a dog inside of a pick-up truck driving very slow, which may or may not have been following them. Lindberg says there was no attempt to make any contact with the girls but enough suspicious behavior that they became concerned and notified their parents when they returned to the dance academy. He says the department has since stepped up patrols in that area should the man return. The third incident involved a young boy who was approached at a bus stop in Highland Township but Lindberg says acted appropriately and walked over to a different bus stop where a group of students were waiting. (JM)
Milford Police Educating Community After Suspicious IncidentsMilford Police Educating Community After Suspicious Incidents
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LACASA Bids Farewell to Founder & Longtime Board Member
9/18/13 - Bonnie Miller was part of LACASA before it was even officially LACASA. Miller, who is leaving the organization after 34 years, was one of the founding members who came together in 1979 to try and help local women out of domestic violence situations. The organization didn't incorporate until 1981. The LACASA Board of Directors today bid farewell to Miller, who is leaving to move permanently to Boyne City with her husband, former Livingston County Sheriff Don Homan. Miller served as the chair of the LACASA board for 19 years, before stepping down from that position in 2005, yet still serving as a board member until today's retirement. LACASA Executive Director Bobette Schrandt said Miller's guidance and expertise would be sorely missed from the organization, but because of Miller's hard work, LACASA has become a premiere domestic violence prevention agency not only locally, but statewide as well. (JK)
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Fowlerville District Gets New Computers Thanks to BAS DonationFowlerville District Gets New Computers Thanks to BAS Donation
9/19/13 - Fowlerville Community Schools will be getting some new computers and related equipment thanks to a donation by a local district. The Brighton Board of Education voted unanimously last week to donate 120 Apple I-Mac desktop computers and 50 PC towers that are no longer being used to the Fowlerville district. Brighton Superintendent Greg Gray tells WHMI it's a nice feeling to be on the giving end for a change with the donation of classroom equipment, especially when it helps an area school district. The computers and towers are no longer needed in the Brighton Schools due to the installation of brand-new computers and related software that were included in the technology aspect of the $88 million bond issue passed by voters last year. The district has typically been on the receiving end of such types of donations over the last few years due to items wearing out and no new money coming in to replace them. However that has all changed with the successful bond issue, which Gray calls the start of a new era for the Brighton Area Schools. (JM)
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Howell City Planning Commission Approves Kroger Fueling StationHowell City Planning Commission Approves Kroger Fueling Station
9/19/13 - The Kroger store on M-59 near Oak Grove Road got the green light from the Howell City Planning Commission to build a fueling station on its property last night. The commission approved a special land use request and a final site plan for the project. A fueling station is different from a gas station in that it has no central retail area, just a small kiosk for an attendant and very limited items for sale. The site plan indicates that the station will have seven pumps, which equates to 14 gasoline dispensers. Kroger does not plan to add any new access to M-59 or Oak Grove since they expect, as is the case at other Kroger fueling stations, most patrons will gas up after going into the store to rack up reward points for cheaper gasoline. The cityâs ordinances did not originally allow for a fueling station in that area, but that was changed last year to allow stations that are incidental to an existing use, such as a grocery store. The site plan for the project was recently altered to eliminate the water and restroom facilities at the central kiosk, reducing its size and allowing for proper vehicle flow through the facility. The planning commission also recommended the station dim its lights every night at 11pm to a bare minimum needed for security. The fueling station likely will not be open past 10pm. With permission from the planning commission to move forward, Kroger will now have to apply for building permits in order to begin construction. (TD)
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Millage Increase Would Help Keep Salem-South Lyon Library Afloat Millage Increase Would Help Keep Salem-South Lyon Library Afloat
9/19/13 - Voters are being asked to make a make a decision come February about the future of the Salem-South Lyon District Library. Despite diminished funding since 2008, budget cutbacks have allowed the library located at Pontiac Trail and Eight Mile Road to maintain the current level of services offered to the community. However, a continued drop of property tax revenue, falling property values and the Headlee Amendment have all contributed to reduced revenues received and officials say without additional funding, further cuts canât be avoided and an additional millage is being placed on the ballot to maintain current services and facility upkeep. If it passes, officials say it will ensure the library maintains current hours of operation and continues to provide classes, materials and technology for all ages and timely capital improvements. Should the request fail, officials say the library will close at least two days per week, be forced to reduce staff and classes offered, implement deeper cuts to the materials budget and eliminate outreach services. If the millage is approved by voters in Salem Township and South Lyon during a February 25th special election, then a property owner with a home valued at $200,000 would pay about $50 more annually. A link to information about the ballot proposal is posted below. (JM)
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Local Doctor Arraigned On Drug ChargesLocal Doctor Arraigned On Drug Charges
9/19/13 - A Howell doctor whose office was raided by federal agents and local authorities back in May has been arraigned on felony charges. Dr. Michael Holda, a board certified orthopedic surgeon, was arraigned yesterday in 53rd District Court on six counts of delivery of a controlled substance and one count of possession of marijuana. Oxycodone and Xanax are reportedly among the controlled substances covered under the indictment. His personal bond was set at $10,000 and would require that he avoid alcohol, marijuana, and drugs, as well as submit to random drug and alcohol testing. Holda has been practicing in the Howell community for more than three decades and operates Livingston County Orthopedics on Byron Road, between Grand River and M-59. On May 7th, Livingston County Sheriffâs Deputies assisted the Drug Enforcement Administration in executing a search warrant at that location. Further details have not yet been released. (TD)
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Arts & Culture Mini-Grant Workshop at Howell Opera House Arts & Culture Mini-Grant Workshop at Howell Opera House
9/19/13 - A workshop next week in Howell will offer information about grant funding designed to encourage, develop and facilitate an enriched environment of artistic, creative and cultural projects in Michigan. The free mini-grant information workshop is being hosted by the Livingston Arts Council at the Howell Opera House on Monday, September 23rd from 1 to 2:30pm. The workshop is open to all artists, arts and cultural organizations and non-profits and information will be provided about the qualifications and guidelines for receiving a mini-grant up to $4,000 through The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. It coordinates the grants to strengthen arts and culture activity in Michigan by increasing visibility, supporting arts education and encouraging new, creative and innovative works of art. For more information contact Allison Neal at 734-213-2733 or the Howell Opera House 517-540-0065. (JM)
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LACASA's Cinderella's Closet Offers Homecoming DressesLACASA's Cinderella's Closet Offers Homecoming Dresses
9/19/13 - A program that offers affordable formal wear to local high school girls but also builds awareness about the dangers of substance abuse is officially open. High school girls can shop at the Cinderella's Closet boutique this weekend and the next for homecoming party dresses as part of the program that helps recycle and re-love special occasion dresses while also helping abused children and victims of interpersonal violence at LACASA. Cinderella's Closet has more than 100 new dresses in stock along with others that are gently used, all of which are $25. Cinderella's Closet works to increase awareness among high school girls about the link between substance abuse and dating violence and sexual assault. Officials say the goal is to help girls stay aware, alert and safe so they can enjoy a truly memorable evening. Young ladies who shop Cinderella's Closet are invited to sign the Homecoming Promise, a pledge to stay drug and alcohol free during special school occasions. Those who do will receive a small gift but also be entered to win raffle baskets that have been donated by local businesses. Complete details and hours can be found through the link below. (JM)
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Heritage Days To Take Over Hartland This WeekendHeritage Days To Take Over Hartland This Weekend
9/19/13 - The annual Hartland Heritage Day event will celebrate the village's long history this weekend. The event is held every September as a way to honor the historic people, places, and events of Hartland in the downtown area. It will run from 10am to 4pm on Saturday and feature tours of the museum, cemetery, and downtown area with people dressed in period clothing. The event will also include a pet parade, local crafters making their products, children's activities from nonprofit organizations, a quilt demonstration from the Methodist Church, and the erection of a scale-model post-and-beam barn. Before the Heritage Day celebration, the township will cut the ribbon on the new Settler's Park behind the township hall on Clark Road. That dedication will take place at 9:30am. The township will also dedicate the Hartland Enrichment and Recreation Organization building, which houses the local teen center. (TD)
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Man Arraigned in Connection w/ Overdose Death of Local WomanMan Arraigned in Connection w/ Overdose Death of Local Woman
9/19/13 - A Detroit man suspected of selling drugs to a Brighton Township woman shortly before she fatally overdosed has been arraigned. 30-year-old Sofronzo Eric Horne was arraigned in 53rd District Court on a charge of delivering a controlled substance causing death. The charge was filed in connection with the July 4th death of 28-year-old Deidre Alvis in Genoa Township. MSP Detective Sergeant Scott Singleton told WHMI the cause of death was determined to be drug intoxication from heroin, and investigation revealed that Alvis had purchased the drugs from Horne. The Michigan State Police Fugitive Apprehension Team arrested Horne earlier this week at his Detroit residence without incident. He was originally arrested in July, which turned up contraband including heroin and a shotgun. Future court dates are pending. (JM)
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New Legislation Proposed After Deadly Fungal Meningitis OutbreakNew Legislation Proposed After Deadly Fungal Meningitis Outbreak
9/19/13 - New legislation is being proposed to more closely regulate compounding pharmacies in Michigan following a deadly outbreak of meningitis a year ago that sickened and claimed the lives of some Livingston County residents. The measure was announced during a press conference in Lansing today by Michigan's Attorney General Bill Schuette, State Senator Joe Hune of Hamburg Township and Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Director Steve Arwood. They say oversight of Michigan pharmacies should be strengthened to prevent such tragedies from happening again. The proposal would require 470 pharmacies to undergo regular inspections and criminal background checks. They would also have to maintain accurate records and appoint a "pharmacist in charge" to ensure laws and regulations are followed. The infection of 264 Michigan residents, 17 who died, is blamed on contaminated steroids produced by a company in Massachusetts that were shipped to four Michigan clinics, including Michigan Pain Specialists in Brighton. Separately, a multi-county grand jury investigation of the outbreak has been launched at the request of Schuette, who says there is probable cause to believe crimes were committed that caused the tainted fungus-filled medicine to be injected into patients. Livingston County Circuit Court Judge David Reader is overseeing the grand jury which covers four counties; Livingston, Genesee, Macomb and Grand Traverse. (JM)
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Brighton City Council Moves Toward Healthier Mill Pond Brighton City Council Moves Toward Healthier Mill Pond
9/20/13 - The Brighton City Council wants to improve the appearance and health of the cityâs most popular attraction â the Mill Pond â and has taken the first step toward that end. City Manager Dana Foster Thursday night gave a Power Point Presentation, and he and engineer Gary Markstrom of Tetra Tech MPS brought council up to speed on all the fine points of dredging versus other methods of cleaning the downtown pond. Unfortunately, the pond is becoming choked with weeds, sediment and other materials. Dredging was cited as the best way to solve the problem, but estimates of the cost were placed at up to $2.3 million - far above the cityâs ability to pay. Given the realities of a tight budget, council decided to investigate the possibility of harvesting the weeds and other debris while continuing with the regular algae treatments. In the end, council voted to seek proposals from companies that employ specialized equipment to remove such materials from lakes and ponds. City Manager Dana Foster emphasizes that while the sediment at the bottom of the Mill Pond has trace amounts of arsenic and other metals, it is not a safety hazard. However, he says because of those trace elements, the state says the city must have the materials hauled away to a licensed landfill, an additional cost factor. This renders moot an offer by Brighton businessman Mike Corrigan to allow the city to deposit the materials on property he owns at the north end of the pond and later to haul it away at his cost. The pond project is in line with the Mill Pond Master Plan, in which the city hopes to bring such amenities as canoeing and kayaking to the pond in future years. (TT)
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Police Say Man Exposed Himself to Strangers While Driving NudePolice Say Man Exposed Himself to Strangers While Driving Nude
9/20/13 - A Hamburg Township man was arrested last weekend by Brighton Police, who say he was driving in the nude and exposing himself to strangers on the road. 23-year-old Jared Hoskins was arrested on Grand River near Challis Road at about 1:15pm on Saturday. Police say he would typically pull alongside another vehicle at an intersection before exposing and fondling himself. Hoskins was reportedly driving a black Ford Taurus with rusty fenders while completely nude during the incidents. Police believe he has committed numerous other offenses around the Brighton area and are asking anyone who has had similar contact with the suspect to come forward. The number for the Brighton Police Department is 810-227-2700. (JM)
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Forum Informs & Educates About Healthcare ReformForum Informs & Educates About Healthcare Reform
9/20/13- The Affordable Care Act will be going into effect nationwide this fall and to some, this Healthcare Reform seems daunting. The Mid Michigan Regional Coordinator Brett Williams of Michigan Consumers for Healthcare however, knows the act like the back of his hand. Williams presented an informational slide show at Willowbrook Rehab Services last night to interested community members of the changes that will be coming about with the latest healthcare reform. He tells WHMI knowledge is what will guide consumers who are purchasing a policy in the Healthcare Marketplace. Williams says one of the benefits from this reform include a reduced growth in cost for healthcare, which is currently 17% of the nationâs Gross Domestic Product. He believes this reform will also strengthen and protect Medicare and Medicaid while providing Americans with affordable options. One of Williamsâs goals was to dispel many myths that are airborne about this act. Williams tells WHMI the reformâs page length is only one of the misunderstandings. Additional forums educating about the latest in healthcare are scheduled for October 1st in Saginaw and October 2nd in Lansing. Williams says the organization realized âchanges were coming and education was needed across the stateâ. (DK)
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Howell's Doc May Leaves Behind Amazing Legacy Howell's Doc May Leaves Behind Amazing Legacy
9/20/13 - The City of Howell is mourning the loss of one of its most influential citizens this week. Doctor Louis Pat May passed away in his home on Wednesday night. Doc May set up his practice in Howell after serving in World War II, and delivered thousands of babies since that time. He turned 91 years old in June. During his time in the community, the beloved Doc May founded the Howell Melonfest and also had a city park named in his honor. Howell City Councilman Steve Manor tells WHMI Doc May stayed active his entire life, leaving behind an amazing legacy in the city. Funeral arrangements for Doc May are being handled by MacDonald's Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 1 to 4pm and from 6 to 8pm on Sunday. The funeral service is planned for Monday at 11am. Memorial donations may be made to the Cleary University Scholarship Fund. (JM)
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Fenton Township Board To Consider Little Long Lake Weed SADFenton Township Board To Consider Little Long Lake Weed SAD
9/19/13 - Residents of Little Long Lake went before the Fenton Township Board on Monday to ask for a special assessment district to tackle the lakeâs weed problem. The residents told the board that the weeds have hindered boat travel, aquatic activities, and wildlife on the lake all summer, and warned that if nothing is done Little Long Lake would become a virtual bog in the future. According to the Tri County Times, they informed the board of a weed treatment program costing $3,745 annually for the next five years. That equals out to about $104 for the first year and $94 per year for the next four years for every resident in the proposed SAD. About 20 residents on the lake attended the meeting in support of the request, but according to township ordinance an SAD must be supported by the owners of a majority of the landmass within it, not necessarily a majority of the residents. Therefore, a minority of lake residents could successfully oppose the SAD if they hold most of the land within it. However, the board recognized the issue was important to a majority of the lakeâs residents and voted to discuss it as an agenda item at its next regular meeting in October. (TD)
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Livingston Named "Connected Community" w/ Competitive EdgeLivingston Named "Connected Community" w/ Competitive Edge
9/20/13 - The future is technology and regional collaboration is a must in order to remain competitive and drive economic development. That was the message delivered before a large audience at the annual Livingston County Economic Development Council meeting, which has a partnership with Ann Arbor SPARK. It was held Thursday at Cleary Universityâs Johnson Center in Genoa Township and focused on what can be done to advance economic prosperity across the region but also Livingston Countyâs leadership with the development of broadband technology. Local and regional leaders say reliable broadband access is critical and a universal requirement for economic development and growth. Livingston County is considered a leader in broadband technology and was recognized as the 5th certified âconnected communityâ in Michigan and is only the 10th in the nation to receive the designation. Hartland Cromaine District Library Director Ceci Marlow is the chairperson of Advantage Livingston Placemaking Committee. She told the audience itâs an exciting milestone for Livingston County and its economic future, noting that being a âconnected communityâ not only makes a big difference now but in the future. Other speakers also discussed the importance of broadband, which will enable communities to further take advantage of economic development opportunities as the need for such a utility becomes greater and greater. Officials expressed that work is not yet done and a plan identifying goals and objectives is in place to help service several areas in the county that still do not have broadband service or service that is not up to the speeds and desires of residents and businesses. Meanwhile, a number of development projects were highlighted that will bring investment to the region including the Latson Road interchange project, the Thai Summit expansion in Howell, the multi-million investment being made by Vail Resorts at Mount Brighton, as well as the relocation of Lake Trust Credit Union. Itâs consolidating operations in Plymouth and Lansing and will construct a new 100,000-square-foot world headquarters in Brighton Township. (JM)
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Howell City Still Working w/ Regal Recycling on Outstanding IssuesHowell City Still Working w/ Regal Recycling on Outstanding Issues
9/20/13 - An update on Regal Recycling's Lucy Road auto salvage operation was heard by the Howell City Planning Commission this week. Interim Community Development Director Erin Perdu says the operation was illegal when it started up around October of last year because it had not gotten the required permits. Since then, city staff and consultants have been working with Regal Recycling to produce a site plan that is acceptable to the planning commission. Perdu says there are still some outstanding issues with the operation, the most important of which is the surface beneath the cars being stored. City ordinance calls for pavement to reduce groundwater contamination, but Regal Recycing is seeking a variance to allow that surface to be gravel instead. The zoning board of appeals will discuss that issue at its October 3rd meeting. Depending on the outcome of that meeting as well as other site plan issues, such as landscaping, Regal Recycling could be back before the planning commission at its October 18th meeting. (TD)
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DPH Encouraging Participation In National Preparedness MonthDPH Encouraging Participation In National Preparedness Month
9/21/13 - The Livingston County Department of Public Health is encouraging residents to get ready for potential disasters as part of National Preparedness Month in September. One of the key messages for the program is to be prepared to go three days without utilities, shopping, local services, or even emergency services. The DPH says a variety of emergencies can force residents to become self-reliant, including winter storms, flooding, tornadoes, disease, or power outages. The department says residents should get informed about the kinds of disasters that might strike, identify local sources of information like radio stations, make a plan for how their family will respond to emergencies, build an emergency supply kit, and get involved in the community to increase overall preparedness. A guide to accomplishing these preparations has been provided online and can be viewed by clicking on the link below. In addition, the DPH is promoting the Do One Thing campaign, which provides suggestions to residents on how to accomplish a new preparedness task every month. (TD)
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Milford Man Arrested After Incident Involving Students at StarbucksMilford Man Arrested After Incident Involving Students at Starbucks
9/21/13 - Huron Valley Schools and the Milford Police are spreading awareness about stranger danger following the arrest this week of a man accused of attempting to solicit a minor. The incident involved three female students who were at the Milford Starbucks on September 16th. Police Chief Tom Lindberg says the girls became uncomfortable with the actions of a man who they say was behaving appropriately, so one of the girls texted her grandfather to pick them up. The incident was reported to police, who recognized the description of the suspect provided by the girls. On Thursday, the Oakland County Sheriffâs Office Fugitive Apprehension Team arrested 31-year-old Jordan Kent Walters at his Milford home. He was arraigned immediately on charges of attempting to solicit a minor, which is a two-year felony. Lindberg says he expects Walters will also be facing prison time for violating his parole, having been previously convicted of using a computer to solicit a minor for immoral purposes in Kent County. The police department and Huron Valley Schools held a joint press conference on Friday to bring the incident to the attention of the community. Huron Valley Schools Director of Communications and Community Relations Kim Root tells WHMI parents, students, and teachers need to be on the lookout for suspicious activity to keep kids safe. Lindberg says while many children are taught about stranger danger from a young age, older students in high school and even college need to keep those lessons in mind as well. (TD)
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