12/16/13 - The Village of Milford will still provide charging station for electric car owners in 2014, but will now charge a small fee. The village council recently unanimously approved one-year contract with ChargePoint, an electric vehicle charging network, to provide hardware and cloud-based software for EV owners and manufacturers. The contract, worth just under $1,400, continues a service first provided in 2011 with the installation of six charging stations in the village, three each in the east and west municipal lots. The Milford Times says the stations were provided at no cost for the first two years, but that contract ends December 31st. A recent memo from interim Village Manager Deborah Frazer indicated that the Milford Parking Authority has had to pay about $2,000 per year in electrical fees and maintenance costs. To help offset those costs, the authority will now charge a $1 fee per session for use of the charging stations. Itâs expected that the fees would generate approximately $2,700 per year, which would cover the cost of the contract as well as the electricity used at the stations. While maintenance costs would still be the responsibility of the village, officials say the service brings business into the downtown by attracting electric vehicle owners into the area who might not otherwise come. (JK)
Milford to Charge $1 Fee for EV Charging SessionsMilford to Charge $1 Fee for EV Charging Sessions
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United Way Hosts Another Triple Money MondayUnited Way Hosts Another Triple Money Monday
12/16/13 - A unique fundraising opportunity today will directly benefit local families, senior citizens and other individuals who may still find themselves struggling and in need. Community members today are able to see their donations grow during another Triple Money Monday, when all contributions made to the Livingston County United Way will be tripled, up to $50,000. All of the funds raised are designated specifically to provide local families and individuals with basic needs and all gifts stay in the local community. Triple Money Monday is made possible through Citizenâs Insurance, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, the DTE Energy Foundation, the Howell Rotaryâs Tour de Livingston and an anonymous donor that teamed up to pledge the matching funds. Donations are 100% tax deductible and can be made through midnight. The funds help seniors receive needed services, help connect the hungry with food and help local families stay in their homes with rent and utility assistance through the United Way and its partners. Donations can be made today by cash, check, credit card, online, over the phone or in-person at various locations throughout Livingston County. You'll find details through the link below. (JK)
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Plea Deal Possible For Man Accused in Fatal CrashPlea Deal Possible For Man Accused in Fatal Crash
12/17/13 - The man charged in the fatal motorcycle crash that killed a Brighton woman may be preparing to enter a plea in the case. 26-year-old Nicholas Nathan Gross has been arraigned in Livingston County Circuit Court, but a miscellaneous hearing is scheduled for January 24th, at which time he may enter a plea. He has received permission from the judge to travel out-of-state during the holidays to see his family. Police say Gross was driving a 2003 Harley-Davidson northbound on Flint Road in the early morning hours of September 7th when he failed to negotiate a curve and crashed south of Hilton Road in Brighton Township. 26-year-old Amanda Schlarb, who was a passenger, was killed in the crash. While neither Gross nor Schlarb were wearing helmets, police say speed and alcohol were contributing factors in the crash. Gross was critically injured in the crash but has since been released from the hospital. He reportedly had a blood alcohol content of .10, exceeding the stateâs .08% limit. (TD)
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Brighton Board Denies Request to Resume Gravel Pit OperationsBrighton Board Denies Request to Resume Gravel Pit Operations
12/17/13 - Following objections by several nearby residents, the Brighton Township Board turned down a request by a mining company for permits needed to begin working at a local gravel pit. In 1987, the township came to an agreement with Sunset Sand and Gravel allowing the company to extract gravel from property on Jacoby Road for 20 years, after which the land was to be restored and made ready for a township park and a condominium development. Those developments never came about, and in July of 2012 the township planning commission recommended approving a revised site plan and fill permits for Clearwater Development LLC to resume mining the land for the next 12 to 24 years. However, that mining operation was never approved, and now more than a year later, the company came forward requesting approval. More than a dozen residents spoke out against the request, citing concerns about groundwater contamination, fears about pollution to the lake, and a desire to see the planned park and condo development take effect. During the meeting, Clearwater claimed that the old joint planned development agreement had expired and no longer applies, so it therefore did not intend to comply with the requirements in that agreement. The township board felt this was unacceptable and rejected its requests, to the applause of the audience. Supervisor Tom Murphy says although the board listens to the concerns of residents, and the fate of the gravel pit affects him personally, the board must act to follow the law and agreements it has made. The township owns the eastern part of the property, which it still plans to turn into a park. (TD)
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Hundreds of Area Residents Set to Lose Unemployment BenefitsHundreds of Area Residents Set to Lose Unemployment Benefits
12/17/13 - Nearly 600 Livingston County residents would lose their unemployment insurance before the New Year if Congress fails to extend the federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation program. Thatâs according to statistics released Monday by Michiganâs Democratic U.S. Senators Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow. The county-by-county breakdown, which uses figures provided by the Michigan Department of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs, shows 584 Livingston residents would immediately lose all of their unemployment insurance December 28th if no re-authorization is made. That ranks Livingston County 15th among the stateâs 82 counties in terms of the number of residents that would be affected by the cut-off. Levin and Stabenow say that overall, more than 43,000 people in Michigan are set to lose their insurance coverage immediately with an additional 86,500 people losing their coverage in the first six months of 2014 if an extension of the program is not granted. Congressional Republicans, who have opposed the extension, say the money to pay for the additional benefits isnât available in the recent budget compromise reached between both parties to avoid a government shutdown. Theyâve also said such long-term benefits can be a disincentive for people to seek employment. But the reportâs authors say that according to the White House Council of Economic Advisers, failure to extend federal unemployment insurance would cost the economy 240,000 jobs, 8,450 of them in Michigan. The House has already missed the deadline for avoiding a lapse in unemployment benefits before the end of the year, but Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has indicated that reinstating the issue will be at the top of the agenda when the Senate reconvenes next year. (JK)
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Early Totals Show Triple Money Monday Tops $123,000 Early Totals Show Triple Money Monday Tops $123,000
12/17/13 - Local officials say Monday marked a great day to see the Livingston County community really shine and come together to help support those in need. Another Triple Money Monday is on the books for the Livingston County United Way. Final totals are not yet available but as of Monday night, United Way Executive Director Nancy Rosso says Triple Money Monday brought more than $123,000 in the door. Last yearâs total was $110,000. Rosso says circumstances are not improving with the economy for a lot of people and the funds will be put to good use to make sure their needs are met in the community. Rosso says theyâre grateful to all of the very generous residents who phoned, emailed, or stopped by with their contributions. She says the preliminary total will also be increased, to take into account additional on-line contributions that were made through midnight. A number of community members came out to support the event, when all donations received were able to be leveraged and tripled in value. Brighton business owner David Eldred stopped by the United Way offices on Dorr Road to donate, just as he has for roughly the past eight to ten years. He told WHMI that it all helps make a big difference, no matter what the amount. (JM)
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Expansion of Livingston County Jail Deemed a Priority for 2014Expansion of Livingston County Jail Deemed a Priority for 2014
12/17/13 - Plans for a possible expansion or other improvements at the Livingston County Jail will be the topic of study for county officials in the New Year. A review and analysis of County finances was provided by the director of Ann Arbor-based Public Financial Management at Monday nightâs meeting of the Livingston County Board of Commissioners. Chairwoman Carol Griffith says the board has been studying a jail expansion for the last couple of years and right now, it looks as though adding on to the current facility and extra jail pods could help alleviate current problems but at a cost of $13.5 (m) million. Griffith tells WHMI the larger piece is how to fund jail operations and what must still be decided is exactly how it could all be done in the most cost efficient and effective way for the County and taxpayers. The jail has been faced with overcrowding issues for years and talks of expansion have been reoccurring but the issue took on greater urgency after a photograph of female inmates crammed into a holding cell was made public by Sheriff Bob Bezotte, who was not in attendance at the meeting. Bezotte has said county officials canceled his presentation on the issue due to concerns over a possible lawsuit. Both Griffith and County Administrator Belinda Peters dispute that and say they are unaware of what Bezotte is referring to. Griffith says the process for an expansion takes time, noting the financial analysis alone took three months to prepare. It did offer some recommendations to finance a jail expansion. The County could issue limited tax general obligation bonds to finance the construction piece, with the annual bond payments coming from the Countyâs delinquent tax revolving fund balance. A millage could also be put before voters or the general fund could be utilized. Griffith tells WHMI itâs complicated when it comes to how to best pay for construction, but more so jail operations once anything is built since the majority of the general fund is made up of personal property tax revenue and that canât be relied upon. The County Finance Committee will meet January 8th at 7:30am with the sole focus on the possible jail expansion and operations. (JM)
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Order for Mediation in Legal Battle Over Negative Business Review Order for Mediation in Legal Battle Over Negative Business Review
12/17/13 - The civil battle involving a Howell man who was sued after posting a negative review of a local construction company on the Internet is entering a new phase. In September of last year, Justin Hamel paid Paulson's Construction of Howell nearly $20,000 to remodel his bathroom. However, he was very unhappy with the job and said portions of the work were incomplete. Hamel subsequently wrote a negative review of Paulson's and posted it to several sites around the Internet, claiming he tried for months to work with the company to get someone else to fix the problems but to no avail. When Paulson's caught wind of the review, the company filed suit against Hamel in Livingston County Circuit Court for defamation, saying it had been willing to address Hamel's concerns in a friendly manner but the customer instead took to the Internet to smear the company. An earlier ruling from an arbiter said the Paulsonâs Construction couldnât prevent Hamel from using its name on a website that he created to post his complaints against the company. The case remains scheduled for trial next June but court records show that an order for mediation was filed following a recent status conference. Should mediation fail to provide any resolution or settlement, then the parties will be required to go to case evaluation, which is where a three-member panel will attempt to resolve the case before trial. (JM)
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Genoa Board Approves Changes to Latson Area Master PlanGenoa Board Approves Changes to Latson Area Master Plan
12/17/13 - The Genoa Township Board of Trustees approved an update to the master plan for the newly-opened Latson Road interchange, with educational and research facilities targeted for development to the south and commercial properties to the north. The blueprint, required by the Michigan Planning Act, ensures a logical development pattern for the township while aiding in efficiently funding aspects such as infrastructure and transportation permits. The updates made to the master plan include goals and objectives of redevelopment, demographics based on 2010 census data, implementation strategies and transportation elements. Strader says the changes were made to clarify the intent of the plan and update the description of certain categories. Genoa Township Supervisor Gary McCririe says âit is important to recognize that this is a processâ and that there will be opportunities for public involvement, from a resident survey on the Latson subarea to an open house and focus group meetings. Photo Credit - Ron Staley - Christman Group (DK/JK)
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While Best in State, Livingston County Poverty Sees Big Increase While Best in State, Livingston County Poverty Sees Big Increase
12/17/13 - A report by a private foundation says the percentage of young Michigan children qualifying for federal food assistance has jumped in recent years, including in Livingston County. The annual Kids Count in Michigan project says that across Michigan, more than one in three qualified for nutritional help in 2012, up 53 percent from 2005. While Livingston County ranks first in the state for the lowest rate of children receiving such aid, the number of county children from birth to age 5 receiving food aid more than doubled from 812 in 2005 to 1,681 in 2012. Jane Zehnder-Merrell of the Michigan League for Public Policy says it shows that effects of the recession are continuing even though the economic downturn officially ended years ago. She adds that while the state's decreasing unemployment rate is a good thing, but it doesn't tell the whole story. "Much of the job creation is in retail, restaurant, part-time jobs, and we know that the level of the minimum wage really does not help families support children." The study documented that the number of children in Livingston County families investigated for possible abuse and neglect last year was up more than 8% from 2005, while confirmed victims of child abuse jumped 62% locally in that same time frame. Among recommendations in the report are boosting the earned income tax credit, the minimum wage and the child care subsidy. Zehnder-Merrell said that while Governor Snyderâs push to expand early childhood education in the state is paying off, the report should serve as a red flag about how many other areas of the state's budget that affect children and families still need to be addressed. The report does highlight some bright spots, including a decrease in infant, child and teenage mortality rates, as well as a decline in teen birth rates. Also improving were the reportâs education indicators. Livingston County saw a 35% improvement in fourth-grade reading and a 6% improvement in eighth-grade math between 2008 and 2012. The full report is available on the Michigan League for Public Policy's website, and weâve posted a link below. (JK)
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Brighton DDA Pursues Low-Interest Loan to Aid in Building Demo Brighton DDA Pursues Low-Interest Loan to Aid in Building Demo
12/17/13 - The Brighton Downtown Development Authority is moving ahead with a low interest loan to help aid in demolishing an office complex in the City. The DDA held it monthly meeting today, where it authorized DDA Director Matt Modrack and DDA attorney Doug Cameron to negotiate with Citation Investment and Thomas Duke, owner of the Davis Office Center for a low-interest loan. The loan would be for the purpose of demolishing the four buildings that comprise the office complex, and amount to $50,000 at an interest rate of 2%. It will cost an estimated $150,000 to demolish the buildings, and the DDA loan, if approved, would furnish about one-third of that amount. Modrack says he expects work on demolition to begin as soon as the loan agreement is executed. He says there are no immediate plans by the owner to redevelop the property at this time, but he expects it to eventually be redeveloped. All the tenants are out of the buildings, and Duke has been able to find a new location for many, if not most, of the former tenants. The City of Brighton has taken action in Livingston County Circuit Court to force Citation Investment to either demolish the buildings or bring them up to code. (JM)
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$130,000 Raised During United Way's Triple Money Monday$130,000 Raised During United Way's Triple Money Monday
12/17/13 - The Livingston County United Way says Triple Money Monday was a phenomenal success, with the community stepping up in a big way. Officials say approximately $130,000 was donated during the one-day event and there were somewhere between 800 and 900 donors. Roughly $110,000 was collected during last yearâs event. Local United Way Executive Director Nancy Rosso says it was a great day for people to make connections but also get a real sense of the giving season. She says they're grateful for their partners, who have a strong belief in the solid work being done through collective efforts in the community. Funds collected on Triple Money Monday are designated specifically to provide basic-needs support for local families and individuals in Livingston County. Match support was provided this year by an anonymous donor, the Howell Rotaryâs Tour de Livingston, Citizens Insurance, DTE Energy Foundation and Blue Cross Blue Shield of MI. (JM)
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Man Airlifted to Hospital After T-Bone Crash in Genoa Township Man Airlifted to Hospital After T-Bone Crash in Genoa Township
12/17/13 - A man had to be air lifted to a hospital following a collision in Genoa Township. Brighton Area Fire Authority Chief Mike OâBrian tells WHMI the man was traveling on Hacker Road near the intersection with Bendix Road at about 5:22pm Monday. He collided with a vehicle turning off of Bendix, suffering what were described as major injuries. Brighton firefighters had to extricate him from the vehicle using the Jaws of Life, and he was airlifted to the University of Michigan hospital. One of his two passengers, as well as the driver of the other vehicle, were transported to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital with what were said to be less severe injuries. OâBrian says it is unclear what happened at this time, and unknown if the driver had a pre-existing condition. (TD/JM)
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DNR Approves Grant Funding to Finish Lakeland Trail in HamburgDNR Approves Grant Funding to Finish Lakeland Trail in Hamburg
12/18/13 - The state Department of Natural resources has informed Hamburg Township that it has been approved for grant money to finish the Lakeland Trail. The township was notified within the past week that the $125,400 in grant money would be available, contingent on the legislature appropriating the money and the governor signing the appropriation. The township is now working with the Livingston County Road Commission to get the project to bid in time to be completed in the summer. The planned project will make the Lakeland Trail between Hall and Hamburg Roads identical to other portions within the township, with a 12-foot-wide paved area and adjoining shoulders. It will also create a parking lot at Winklehaus Park and create deceleration and access lanes to make it easier to access from Hamburg Road. Unadilla Township also received grant funding from the DNR recently to improve the Lakeland Trail, specifically the trailhead in downtown Gregory. That project is also expected to be completed by September of 2014. (TD)
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Despite Drop in :Local Home Sales, Median Sale Prices UpDespite Drop in :Local Home Sales, Median Sale Prices Up
12/18/13 - Home prices continue to climb in Livingston County even if actual sales fell slightly last month. Farmington Hills-based Realcomp II Limited reports that the combined Livingston County home and condo sales for November dropped 5%, while the median sales price jumped 18%. In November 2012, the average price of a home being sold in Livingston County was $160,000. Last month, that number was $189,500. Another positive sign was the decline in the number of foreclosure sales locally, which were down more than 43%. Across the metro Detroit area - defined by Realcomp as the four-county region of Wayne, Oakland, Macomb and Livingston counties â sales were up about 7%, while prices were up more than 41%. Realcomp reports Livingston County homes were on the market for an average of 64 days before being sold in November â 20 more days than the average for the metro Detroit area. (JK)
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Emergency Christmas Assistance Still Available for Families in NeedEmergency Christmas Assistance Still Available for Families in Need
12/18/13 - For many parents, the joy of seeing their childrenâs faces light up on Christmas morning is tough to top. The Salvation Army of Livingston County and Toys for Tots partner up every year to help spread hope and joy by providing Christmas assistance and gifts to families with children in need. This weekend marks the big distribution at a toy warehouse in Genoa Township, but an emergency assistance event has also been scheduled on Monday to make sure that every child in need receives a gift. Local Corps Development Director April Dertian says the economy may be improving in some areas, but they still have over 600 local families that requested assistance this year. The toy shop is located in the former Fashion Bug store, next to Carsons in the Grand River Plaza in Genoa Township. Gifts will be provided for children up through age 17, who are able to come in and âshopâ for their presents from a huge assortment of items encompassing pretty much anything a kid could wish or ask for - all of which have been graciously donated by the community. Dertian says anyone in need can contact the Salvation Armyâs Lake Street offices to be guaranteed a time slot between 1 and 4pm on Monday, December 23rd. For those unsure of what time they might be able to actually arrive; Dertian says they can just show up at the distribution warehouse aka âtoy shopâ between 9:30am and 7:30pm Monday, which will be handled on a first come first serve basis. Those intending to show up for the emergency assistance should bring proof of Livingston County residency, as well as proof of custody for each child in the household. Anyone interested can also apply online through the Toys for Tots website. A link is posted below. (JM)
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Sheriff Says Meeting w/ County Officials on Jail Expansion Positive Sheriff Says Meeting w/ County Officials on Jail Expansion Positive
12/18/13 - Recent controversy over a perceived lack of action to expand the Livingston County Jail and address overcrowding conditions appears to be settling down. Pressure to address an expansion accelerated after Sheriff Bob Bezotte made public a photo of eight female inmates in a holding cell, who were crowded tightly together in unsanitary conditions. A financial presentation was made to the Livingston County Board of Commissioners at its meeting on Monday night, which included options to possibly fund a jail expansion. The larger challenge appears to be how to pay for continuing jail operations, and not so much the cost of constructing an addition. Bezotte says he and other personnel had also been prepared to make a presentation Monday night on overall jail operations, but that didnât happen after an apparent miscommunication. Bezotte tells WHMI the countyâs legal counsel wanted to meet with everyone prior to any presentation being given, which didnât happen until late Tuesday morning. Bezotte, Undersheriff Mike Murphy and jail officials met with county attorneys, Administrator Belinda Peters, Board Chair Carol Griffith, and Commissioners Ron VanHouten and Dennis Dolan for several hours. Bezotte says it was a very positive meeting and he feels that everyone is moving in the right direction and is anxious to resolve the issues. (JM/JK)
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Former Printing Plant to Be Bought by Packaging CompanyFormer Printing Plant to Be Bought by Packaging Company
12/18/13 - A facility formerly used to print a local newspaper is being bought by a metal-packaging company. Armor Protective Packaging is finalizing the purchase of the Howell Township plant once used by the Livingston County Daily Press & Argus. The packaging company is currently based in an industrial park in Howell. The $1.6 million project includes adding about 5,000 square feet and using adjacent land for a truck driveway and future expansion. The deal is expected to be finalized next month. The newspaper closed the plant in July 2012 and moved printing operations to Ann Arbor. Armor Protective Packaging makes corrosion-inhibiting metal packaging products that protect metals during shipping. It works primarily in the automotive industry. (JK)
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Local Lawmakers Sponsor Child Prostitution & Trafficking BillLocal Lawmakers Sponsor Child Prostitution & Trafficking Bill
12/18/13 - Some local legislators are taking aim at human trafficking and child prostitution with a bill that recently passed the State House. House Bill 5012 was introduced in September by Eileen Kowall of White Lake (pictured) and has among its sponsors Representatives Cindy Denby of Handy Township and Joe Graves of Argentine Township. It changes prostitution laws so that, if a minor is found to be engaging in prostitution, police are to presume that they have been coerced into that offense by people engaged in human trafficking. Police must then report the incident to the Department of Human Services as a human trafficking violation, and the child arrested would be treated as a victim of a crime rather than a criminal. The bill passed the House unanimously on December 4th, and has since been referred to the Senate Committee on Families, Seniors, and Human Services. The Lake Spa on Torrey Road in Fenton was recently shut down on allegations of prostitution and suspicions of human trafficking. (TD)
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Hamburg Township Recognizes Outstanding Police Efforts Hamburg Township Recognizes Outstanding Police Efforts
12/18/13 - Nine members of the Hamburg Township Police Department were recognized for going above and beyond the call of duty over the past year during last night's meeting of the township board. Each year, the department recognizes those in its ranks who have done particularly outstanding jobs in specific cases. Sgt. Megan Paul received two Lifesaving Awards- one was for saving a 56-year-old man in March, and the other was shared with Officers Clint Pace and Daniel Bromley for their efforts to save a 38-year old woman in February. Officer Matt Duhaime also received a Lifesaving Award for his quick action earlier this month to save a three-year-old boy from choking. Other awards were presented as well for efforts in investigating crimes, apprehending suspects, or handling the Michigan State Police LEIN audit. Township Supervisor Pat Hohl told the department that their dedication and skill has led Hamburg to be named by the FBI as the safest community with more than 20,000 residents in the state of Michigan. (TD)
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