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New Tax Exemption to Benefit Disabled Veterans New Tax Exemption to Benefit Disabled Veterans

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11/29/13 - A tax exemption has been expanded to benefit disabled veterans, although the window of opportunity to take advantage of it is roughly just a couple of weeks. The law recently signed by Governor Snyder allows some disabled veterans to be exempt from paying this year’s personal property taxes if they meet certain criteria. Those the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs determines to be permanently and totally disabled as a result of military service and entitled to veterans’ benefits at the 100% rate are eligible, as well as those rated “individually unemployable” or those who have a V.A certificate confirming they’re receiving or have received financial assistance due to disability for specially adapted housing. Brighton Township Treasurer Lana Theis is also the Chairwoman of the Livingston County Treasurers Association. She says while this is welcome relief for the nation’s heroes, she is encouraging the local veteran community to help spread the word because the window of opportunity is short and once it’s over, eligible vets will have to wait until next year to apply. Eligible veterans must bring in a copy of their V.A. issued certificate to their local municipal assessor and obtain an affidavit, which must then be submitted before adjournment of the December 2013 Board of Review for their local municipality. The Brighton Township Board of Review meets December 10th and Theis says most others will have met by mid-December. Theis says those who qualify would likely get a refund of their summer taxes, and then be exempted from having to pay winter taxes for 2013. You’ll find a link to more detailed information below. (JM/JK)

Red Cross Hosting Local Black Friday Blood DrivesRed Cross Hosting Local Black Friday Blood Drives

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11/29/13 - As shoppers make their way from store to store on this Black Friday trying to find deals on that perfect gift, the American Red Cross hopes they’ll take a few minutes to give the Gift of Life. The American Red Cross Great Lakes Blood Services Region is holding two Black Friday blood drives in Livingston County. The first is from 10:30am to 4:15pm at the Brighton District Library, while the second will be held from 11am to 4:45pm at The Well Church at 7191 Grand River in Genoa Township. Appointments are preferred, but walk-in donors are welcome, space permitting. Donors will also receive a Red Cross t-shirt while supplies last. Anyone 16 and older can donate as long as he or she is in good health and weighs at least 110 pounds. High school students must meet different height-and-weight requirements. For more information, call 800-733-2767 or log onto the link below. (JK)

Charitable Group Near Annual GoalCharitable Group Near Annual Goal

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11/29/13 - While many people are focused this weekend on getting, a local group of women is close to reaching their goal of giving. 100 Women Who Care About Livingston County set a benchmark to donate at least $40,000 this year to Livingston County non-profit groups. And when the group holds its quarterly meeting next week, organizers expect they will reach that milestone. 100 Women Who Care is a unique fundraising model in which women are encouraged to come together and register their favorite charity. Three are then selected randomly and one is voted on by the group to receive $100 checks from all that are present. If the full 100 show up, that amounts to a $10,000 donation. With the group’s donation in September to Kid’s Wings, an organization that provides free air transport to those in need of medical treatment, their yearly total reached over $30,000. More than 200 women have been invited to the final meeting of the year, which is set for Tuesday, December 3rd at 5:30pm at the 2|42 Community Church in Genoa Township. Founder Candye Hinton hopes they will be able to more than reach the $40,000 annual goal. Details can be found online through the link below. (JK)

Road Commission Plans For Smaller 2014 BudgetRoad Commission Plans For Smaller 2014 Budget

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11/29/13 - With the completion of the Latson Road Interchange project, the Livingston County Road Commission is foreseeing a smaller budget next year. A public hearing to discuss the estimated $24 million budget is set for December 12th. Managing Director of the Livingston County Road Commission Mike Craine tells WHMI the 2014 budget is significantly smaller than 2013’s. The estimated 2014 budget is $24 million, compared to last year’s $32 million. $8 million of that was spent on the Latson Road Interchange project which will be officially opened Monday. Craine says 2014 will be a “big bridge year”. Projects for the budget include replacing bridges in Deerfield and Marion Township and the Grand River Bridge west of Fowlerville. The Road Commission also plans to reconstruct Grand River from Hughes to Hacker Road. (DK/JK)

Unadilla Twp. Murder Suspect Bound Over for TrialUnadilla Twp. Murder Suspect Bound Over for Trial

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11/29/13 - A Montcalm County man charged with a local murder is heading to trial. 49-year-old Mark David Jackson of Vestaburg is charged with a single count of Open Murder as a Fourth Habitual Offender in the death of 52-year-old Jonathan Risinger. Risinger’s body was found October 6th by authorities who were called to his Berkshire Road residence. Authorities say they believe the actual death took place on October 4th. However, no information has been released as to the manner of death or relationship between Jackson and Risinger. An exam conference in 53rd District Court had been set for Wednesday, but court records show Jackson waived his right to the hearing, which sends his case to circuit court for trial. If convicted, Jackson could face a sentence of life in prison. The case was investigated by the Unadilla Township Police Department and detectives from the Michigan State Police. At the time of the murder, Jackson was on parole for a 1996 conviction in Livingston County on six counts of 2nd degree home invasion, for which he served 14 years in prison. (JK)

New Fire Truck Purchased By Howell Schools For $1New Fire Truck Purchased By Howell Schools For $1

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11/29/13 - Howell Public Schools got an outstanding deal on Black Friday for a second fire truck for its firefighter training program. School Board President Mike Witt tells WHMI the vehicle was purchased for just $1 from their partners at the Fowlerville Fire Department. The truck is a 1984 Pierce fire engine with about 44,000 miles on it, which Witt says would cost $6-10,000 on the open market. He says it provides everything the program needs, including accompanying ladders and equipment. The firefighter training program at Howell now has two fire trucks, which Witt says not only doubles the amount of equipment available but will allow students to perform more complex exercises like relay pumping. Although the program is currently only available to Howell students, Witt says it will not be long before high schoolers from all around Livingston can participate. This will benefit fire departments across the county as well by increasing the number of well-trained young firefighters in their communities. The trainees are currently working on search-and-rescue in the closed Latson Road Elementary building, but will soon be able to train in local houses that are scheduled to be demolished. (TD)

6th Annual Runway Repurposed Seeking Designers & Sponsors6th Annual Runway Repurposed Seeking Designers & Sponsors

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11/30/13 - Local designers are currently being sought for the 6th annual Runway Repurposed fundraiser, set for February 16th at Cleary University’s Johnson Center. Runway Repurposed offers local residents of all ages with a talent for fashion design a chance to take used clothing items and turn them into new designs, which are then displayed and sold at the fashion show and silent auction. Registration for the competition will be held on Monday and Tuesday, January 6th and 7th from 4-8pm at The Howell Opera House. That’s when contestants will select pieces of clothing they wish to use to create a new, original garment for the competition. The theme for 2014 is “Express Yourself.” The designer fee for adults is $20 and $10 for students. Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are also still available. Call the Opera House at 517-540-0065 for details. (JK)

Howell Twp. Officials to Discuss Fracking IssueHowell Twp. Officials to Discuss Fracking Issue

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11/30/13 - Officials all around the county are interested in how they can keep hydraulic fracturing out of their municipalities, and one Howell Township trustee plans to get that information at a meeting next week. Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is a process where water, chemicals, and sand are pumped deep underground at high pressure to break up rocks containing oil and natural gas, which can then be extracted. It is controversial because of the unknown long-term effects on health and the environment. One such operation is currently underway in Conway Township, and residents opposed to it recently visited the Traverse City-based organization, For Love of Water, or FLOW. That organization is opposed to fracking and helps inform municipalities about the process, its impact, and what can be done at a local level to prevent it. Howell Township Trustee Mike Tipton tells WHMI Conway Township residents will be sharing what they learned at a meeting Monday, and he plans to attend and find out what can be done in Howell Township. He says currently it appears that the only thing a township can do is pass a six-month moratorium on the practice, which can give officials time to find new solutions while at the same time sending a message that fracking is not welcome in that community. Howell Township is recognized on the FLOW website for its ordinance regulating new pipelines, which was created in response to work on the Enbridge Energy pipeline. Texas-based GeoSouthern Energy was granted a high-volume permit to use hydraulic fracturing to extract natural gas, crude oil or both at the Maple Grove Farm property in Conway Township. The company says it is still in the exploratory stage and results from core samples that have been taken will determine if they will proceed with hydraulic fracturing. (TD/JK)

Fantasy of Lights in Howell Called Unqualified SuccessFantasy of Lights in Howell Called Unqualified Success

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11/30/13 - The 30th Annual Fantasy of Lights in Howell last night was, by all accounts, a huge success. Thousands of happy spectators lined Grand River Avenue to see the procession of floats and other parade entries, along with marching bands, at the event. Fantasy of Lights Director and Howell Chamber of Commerce spokeswoman Michelle Tokan tells WHMI that the thousands of lights on each float made for some awesome visual displays. Among the winners were the Grand Marshal Award, which went to Toys for Tots, the Cobb-Hall Insurance Major Sponsor Award, which was won by the Salvation Army and the Mayor’s Award, garnered by Military Families United. The annual Fantasy of Lights holiday event is hosted by the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The major sponsor is Cobb-Hall Insurance. The Fantasy of Lights is one of the biggest events of the year in Howell, topped only by the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest, which is held during the summer. Photo courtesy of George Moses, who served as this year's Grand Marshal. (TT/JK)

Officials Warn Against Walking On Ice After Deer's DeathOfficials Warn Against Walking On Ice After Deer's Death

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12/1/13 - Local fire authorities are cautioning residents against going out on frozen lakes after the Livingston County Dive Rescue Team had its first close-call water rescue on Friday. At about noon, the rescue team and the Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority responded to a local lake where residents had seen a deer fall through the ice. Some residents tried to assist the animal by riding out on a six-wheeled vehicle, but it also fell through. The vehicle was designed to float and no residents ended up in the frigid water, but they needed assistance to get the vehicle back onto dry land. Other residents managed to pull them out before the fire department arrived. HDFA Deputy Chief Greg Scotti says they were unable to save the deer, but they did extract its body to prevent any further recovery attempts by residents. He says it is still much too early in the season for people to venture out onto frozen lakes, since we have not had very many cold days and the ice cannot be trusted. (TD)

Donations For Homeless Vets To Be Collected At Howell ArmoryDonations For Homeless Vets To Be Collected At Howell Armory

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12/1/13 - A pair of women's organizations are working together to make sure homeless veterans have what they need this holiday season. Beginning tomorrow and running through December 20th, the 21st Century Women's Alliance along with Women Supporting Women Veterans will be collecting essential items for veterans in need. The program, called Operation Good Tidings, is seeking new or gently used cold weather clothing, new undergarments and socks, toiletries, blankets, pillows, bags, and reading material. Donations can be dropped off at the Howell Armory from 7am to 5pm on weekdays, with a special Saturday dropoff scheduled for December 7th. More information can be found in the events section. (TD)

Collaborative Anti-Drug Series To Begin This MonthCollaborative Anti-Drug Series To Begin This Month

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12/1/13 - A collaborative meeting later this month will focus on what factors lead to substance abuse in Livingston County. The December 10th meeting is the first in a four-part series that will continue into 2014 that will focus on creating a county-wide substance abuse prevention plan. Livingston County Community Alliance Coordinator Kaitlin Fink says the idea was born out of a greater desire for the LCCA, the Pinckney Coalition, the Hartland Coalition, and other anti-drug organizations around the county to work together and avoid duplicating services. The first meeting will focus on identifying local environmental factors that encourage people to begin abusing substances and what allows them to continue. It will serve as a starting point for the next three meetings, scheduled for February, April, and June, which will focus on how to address or counteract those factors. Organizations, residents, and community stakeholders who want to contribute to the discussion are all encouraged to attend. Space is limited and registration is recommended, but Fink says organizers will do their best to make sure anyone who wants to participate is included. For more information on the meeting or to register, follow the link below. (TD)

Secret Service to Brief Business Owners on Counterfeit TipsSecret Service to Brief Business Owners on Counterfeit Tips

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12/2/13 - A seminar to teach business owners in Fenton and Linden how to protect themselves against counterfeit money will be held Tuesday morning. Linden City Manager Paul Zelenak says businesses need to carefully inspect money as well as get proper identification for checks and bonds in order to avoid being victimized. Secret Service Agent Brian Lambert will lead the seminar. It will be held from 9 to 10am at the Linden City Council chambers and be free to the public. It is being offered through the city as well as the Fenton Regional Chamber of Commerce. Local officials have been meeting with Lambert to discuss the issue of counterfeiting money, checks, and bonds and how it affects businesses. A series of fake $5 was passed around the Linden and Fenton area in April, attracting the attention of the Secret Service Office in Saginaw. (TD)

Mt. Brighton Lawsuit Settled Out of CourtMt. Brighton Lawsuit Settled Out of Court

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12/2/13 - An out-of-court agreement appears to have brought to an end a lawsuit filed against Mt. Brighton for an accident more than five years ago. The suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Detroit by the family of Austin Miles, had been set for trial January 7th. But court records show it was dismissed November 13th, with a judgment for No Cause of Action entered two days later. The suit alleged that Robert Sturgis, who was driving a snow groomer at the time of the January 30th, 2008 incident, was negligent and reckless in his operation of the machine when he ran into the then-12-year-old Austin Miles, a Canadian citizen, and dragged him while his leg was snagged. Timothy Loranger, the lead attorney for the plaintiffs, would only say that the lawsuit was resolved to the satisfaction of all the parties when asked by WHMI if a financial settlement had been offered by Mt. Brighton, which was bought last year by Veil Resorts. Miles was on a school field trip and had just skied down a beginner slope when the snow groomer ran over him. The lawsuit claimed Sturgis continued for another 200 feet despite several bystanders yelling at him to stop. It also alleged the grooming machine had a cracked mirror and inadequate visibility through the windows and that Mt. Brighton failed to post required notices warning skiers of snow grooming operations. (JK)

LESA Collecting Food For Homeless Students Over School BreakLESA Collecting Food For Homeless Students Over School Break

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12/2/13 - Livingston County students are getting some time off school this month, but for some that means losing access to an important source of nutrition. According to the Livingston Educational Service Agency, there are over 220 homeless students in the county, with 45 of those being unaccompanied youth. Many of these children rely on the free and reduced-cost breakfasts and lunches provided by the school system, but that service will not be available when the schools go on break. LESA is now collecting donations of nutritious food items to distribute to students in need. Residents are asked to bring things like granola bars, fruit snacks, pretzels, popcorn, raisins, whole grain crackers, unsweetened applesauce, and fruit juice to the LESA front lobby located at 1425 West Grand River, west of downtown Howell. More information can be found by calling (517) 546-5550. (TD)

Committee to Review Bill Prohibiting Logo Marketing Items in BarsCommittee to Review Bill Prohibiting Logo Marketing Items in Bars

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12/2/13 - A House committee will review a pair of bills sponsored by a local Senator that opponents say come down to an issue of freedom of speech for bar and restaurant owners to market within their establishments. Senate Bills 504 and 505 are sponsored by Republican Senator Joe Hune of Hamburg Township and both passed on a voice vote with bi-partisan support in early November. They were sent to the House Regulatory Reform Committee, where a public hearing will be held tomorrow morning. SB Bill 504 deals with administration of Michigan liquor control code while SB 505 would codify in law an administrative prohibition on alcohol manufacturers, sellers, and distributors from giving bars and restaurants items that promote brands and prices of their products, including things like glasses or napkins with brand logos. It would also impact products with the logos of Michigan-based breweries, wineries and distilleries. The bills are opposed by the Michigan Licensed Beverage Association, which has organized a grassroots campaign to rally bar and restaurant owners against the bills. Some members are expected to testify tomorrow about why they feel the bills will negatively impact Michigan’s small businesses, and note that Michigan is currently the only state in the nation that prohibits the logoed marketing items in bars and restaurants. (JM)

Ceremony Formally Opens Latson Road InterchangeCeremony Formally Opens Latson Road Interchange

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12/2/13 - It was nearly 20 years in the making, but it took just a few seconds to make it a reality as a ceremonial snip of a ribbon by a bevy of local, state and federal officials formally dedicated the long-sought Latson Road Interchange over I-96 this morning. The $32 million project has been in the works since the mid-1990’s, when then-State Senator Mike Rogers first took up the cause to provide a freeway exit between Howell and Brighton to accommodate the growing population and related development. But the project received a real boost when Rogers, soon after becoming a U.S. Congressman in 2001, was able to secure $12 million in federal funding that got the ball rolling. Rogers was present at today’s ceremony and said while development was a big reason to put the interchange in, it was much more than that. "Just the fact that we can get our emergency vehicles on the others side of the expressway is going to have a huge, positive impact for our ability to make sure people get taken care of." Also present was Jim Latson, whose family the road and interchange is named after. He said the day was a long time coming and one that brought many memories to mind. "I stand here right now and look over there where my house was and I raised my nine kids is gone, my father and my grandfather's farm is still there and back over to Grand River where Meijer's is, where my great-grandfather's farm was, so it's kind of mixed emotions today, but it's done and we're glad it's done." The overpass now connects Latson Road with what used to be Nixon Road, which will now be called South Latson Road. The project also involved widening the Latson Road intersection with Grand River, which now includes dual left-turn lanes in each direction and the reconstruction of both Grand Oaks Drive and Beck Road. MDOT actually opened the overpass and freeway ramps to traffic later this afternoon, at around 3:20pm. (JK)

Charitable Women's Group to Announce Next Cause Charitable Women's Group to Announce Next Cause

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12/3/13 - 100 Women Who Care about Livingston County will meet later today and continue its spirit of easy giving in announcing its latest worthy community cause. The group was started as simple way to raise money efficiently and quickly for local charities, non-profits, or other worthy cause. It embodies the motto that there is strength in numbers as it takes 100 women to raise $10,000 in one hour. Following it’s donation in September, the group has raised thousands this year for charities in the community and is hoping to reach the $40,000 milestone. The group will select one local charity to support this quarter, which will be announced at its meeting in the 2/42 Community Church Center off Grand River in Brighton. Networking starts at 5pm to be followed by the check presentation at 5:30. Officials say each meeting takes an hour and it's a great way to meet other women working to make a difference in the community. Anyone interested in getting involved or making a $100 year-end donation is encouraged to attend the meeting. Details can be found through the link below.(JM)

County Still Pushing for Park & Ride at New Interchange County Still Pushing for Park & Ride at New Interchange

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12/3/13 - Although it was more than a decade in the making, the $32 million Latson Road/I-96 interchange project did not include a Park-and-Ride lot into plans, something that’s not sitting well with some on the Livingston County Board of Commissioners. Federal, state and local funds helped pay for the work, with the County Board contributing $1 (m) million and the Livingston County Road Commission chipping in $1.5 (m) million. The county board previously adopted a resolution calling for construction of a carpool lot adjacent to the new interchange, as the Michigan Department of Transportation already owns a number of surrounding properties. Commissioner Steve Williams tells WHMI unfortunately, the county never received a response from Governor Snyder or M-DOT, which he says would have been common courtesy. Williams says there are limited carpool lots along the section of I-96 between Howell and Brighton, and that the carpool lot at Spencer Road could also close for a time due to a massive construction project scheduled to start next year in the Brighton area at the US-23/I-96 interchange. Williams says a carpool lot is more than justified, especially for those coming from the southern part of the county that would have to travel over the expressway and navigate traffic lights and turns before being able to access the Meijer lot off Grand River. M-DOT Spokeswoman Kari Arend told WHMI at yesterday’s grand opening ceremony that they've been working to expand some partnerships and carpool options for commuters. Arend says they have agreements with the Meijer stores in Brighton and soon to be Genoa Township. Once the signs are up there, Arend says that lot will be an official option for commuters, which is close and less than a mile from the new interchange. (JM)

Long-Sought Vision of Latson Road Interchange Now a RealityLong-Sought Vision of Latson Road Interchange Now a Reality

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12/3/13 - More than 100 people, including local, state and federal officials, turned out Monday morning for the formal dedication of the Latson Road Interchange over I-96. The $32 million project has long been supported by Congressman Mike Rogers, who was one of the keynote speakers at yesterday’s ceremony. Rogers told WHMI that the public safety rationale for creating a north-south access across I-96 was more than just giving emergency vehicles a clear path to the southern part of the county. "That in and of itself is a worthy project, but it's also the safety of freeing up cars at the Brighton/Grand River exit which used to back up into traffic. We think this is going to go a long way to reduce that congestion. That's what's so exciting about this. It has those safety components, which is huge and important, but it also has the economic development side of it and clearly the convenience side for so many families in Livingston County." Also speaking was MDOT Director Kirk Steudle, who said the interchange project was innovative in another way; it was completely paperless, using digital copies for all planning and engineering documents. He said that alone shaved about $300,000 off the cost of the interchange. Now Exit 140, the interchange provides access to the freeway roughly half-way between Howell and Brighton. The overpass also connects Latson Road with what used to be Nixon Road, which is now called South Latson Road. (JK)
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