12/21/13 - Brighton city officials have received a nice Christmas gift when it comes to their financial outlook. Standard & Poor's Ratings Services this week raised its rating on Brighton's general obligation debt to AA+ from the A+ rating it had been maintaining. The rating agency said the cityâs financial outlook is stable and that the upgrade reflects their assessment of the cityâs âvery strongâ economy, budgetary flexibility and management conditions, as well as the expectation that the city will retain a balanced budget. The upgraded rating is just one level shy of the top rating of AAA and officials said the main factor the city did not achieve that ranking was due to the expectation that Brighton's debt burden would not lessen significantly over the next two-years. Brighton City Manager Dana Foster said the upgraded rating will help the city with any type of future bond issues going forward by allowing for lower interest rates. While crediting city officials and employees, Foster also said the upgrade was the result of several positive developments including the strength and diversity of Brightonâs business community and tax base. He also singled out Finance Director Kelly Hanna for praise for her handling of the review process. (JK)
Brighton Receives Upgrade in Debt RatingBrighton Receives Upgrade in Debt Rating
↧
↧
Lengthy Prison Term Ordered for Local Bank HeistsLengthy Prison Term Ordered for Local Bank Heists
12/21/13 - Even though heâs been sentenced for two Livingston County bank robberies, a Lansing man is still facing additional federal prison time. 43-year-old Todd White was sentenced this week to serve 35-60 years in prison for his guilty plea to five counts of armed robbery in connection with the March 18th holdup of the PNC Bank on West Grand River in Brighton, as well as the April 26th robbery of the 1st National Bank on Challis Road. He was also ordered to pay more than $48,000 in restitution. Meanwhile, White faces up to 25 additional years in prison when he is sentenced February 28th on federal charges in U.S. District Court in Grand Rapids. He pleaded guilty to two counts of armed bank robbery and being a felon in possession of a firearm in exchange for three other counts being dropped for his part in robbing the Independent Bank in Williamston on May 24th. (JK)
↧
Pinckney Library Puts Student-Made Documentary On SalePinckney Library Puts Student-Made Documentary On Sale
12/22/13 - A documentary detailing the Pinckney Community Public Library building's history is now on sale for the holidays. The 15-minute film âThe Heart of Pinckneyâ was made by two local students, Christine Kanerva and Thomas Cremonte, as a school project at New Tech High School. The pair collaborated with community members, including library staff and educators, to cover the building's past as an elementary school, high school, and village education center before it was purchased and renovated by the library. The documentary has been publicly screened by the library on several occasions, including for the building's grand opening last December, at an open house in January, and as a preview to a longer documentary detailing Pinckney's role in the history of women's varsity sports. The library has gotten permission to sell DVD's of âThe Heart of Pinckneyâ as a way to raise funds, and so far more than a dozen have been sold at a price of $10 apiece. To encourage community-minded residents to give the DVD as a gift this holiday season, the sale price has been slashed from $10 to $7 apiece. (TD)
↧
Brighton Police Join Nixle Notification SystemBrighton Police Join Nixle Notification System
12/22/13 - The Brighton City Police department has just installed a notification system designed to disseminate important information quickly to the public. Under the new system, called Nixle, subscribers are notified instantly about road closures and other traffic information, water or sewer main breaks, missing persons and other pertinent information. The Nixle system, which serves over 4.600 public safety and other agencies around the country, connects public safety agencies to residents, businesses, school systems and other entities by texting, via the web and by e-mail so they are quickly informed of important events and incidents in their area. Brighton Police Chief Tom Wightman explained the system to the City Council at this week's meeting. Wightman says in the age of information, Nixle is very valuable as a tool for police and other agencies to use in apprehending criminals and in keeping the public safer in their home communities. Besides being able to instantly communicate with citizens, another "plus" about Nixle is that it is free. Brighton Police Dept. Lt. John Westendorf says that counterfeiting has been a problem in the city of Brighton lately, and with Nixle, the department has been able to get information quickly to the approximately 500 Brighton area subscribers who use the system â many of them businesses. To sign up, simply go to the Nixle website (nixle.com) and follow the instructions. After you sign up with your name, address, city, and zip code, you can add additional zip codes to get messages pertaining to those localities as well. (JK)
↧
Divers Sought For 2014 Brighton Polar Plunge Next MonthDivers Sought For 2014 Brighton Polar Plunge Next Month
12/23/13 - The courageous, the reckless, and the charitable are being sought to take part in the 2014 Brighton Polar Plunge next month. The event is held annually to raise funds for the Special Olympics of Michigan, which provides free sports programs for about 300 athletes with intellectual disabilities in Livingston County. The upcoming event is scheduled for January 11th. The Plunge is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Special Olympics in Livingston County, and the money is used for things like renting gym space, providing the athletes with uniforms, and covering travel expenses. The money may be for a great cause, but Plunge Coordinator Kerry Hincka tells WHMI only the really brave take part. Participants must jump into the icy cold waters in the lake behind Brighton High School, many of them wearing costumes. The Michigan State Dive Team, local fire departments, and Livingston County EMS will be on standby to assist divers. To take part adults must give a minimum donation of $75 and students must give $50, and many divers choose to raise much more in sponsorships. Those who raise more than the required amount in sponsorships will be given prizes this year, ranging from duffel bags to shirts and jackets. More information about the plunge and registration can be found by clicking the link below. (TD)
↧
↧
LCCC Delivers Christmas Boxes to Area Homebound SeniorsLCCC Delivers Christmas Boxes to Area Homebound Seniors
12/23/13 - Livingston County Catholic Charities recently conducted its annual Christmas project, bringing food and gifts to home-bound and low income seniors across the county. The program, which has been running for more than 20 years, distributed gift boxes that included paper products, personal care items, cleaning products, fresh fruit, perishable foods, including hams, cheese and butter, and Christmas gifts. Livingston County Catholic Charities committee members, co-workers and volunteers packed and delivered 93 boxes serving 117 seniors. Recipients were identified through partner agencies such as the Salvation Army while all of the items were donated by individuals, businesses and organizations in Livingston County. (JK)
↧
Animal Control Gets Grant Money to Update Surgery ServicesAnimal Control Gets Grant Money to Update Surgery Services
12/23/13 - Some grant money from the Michigan Department of Agriculture will allow Livingston County Animal Control to improve its medical facilities. Every year, the DOA offers grants to licensed shelters. Animal Control won the grant in 2010, and used the money to hire a veterinary technician. The department was awarded just under $10,000 again this year, but the money can only be spent on new improvements, not preexisting expenses. Animal Control Director Debbie Oberle tells WHMI the shelter requires that all animals be spayed or neutered before being adopted, so the money will be spent on new equipment to make surgery faster and easier. Oberle says she plans to purchase a new light and implements for surgery with the money. She will also plans to reduce the amount of time between surgeries by purchasing a new autoclave, which sterilizes medical instruments using steam. Oberle says the money should arrive by February 1st, and Animal Control will get the equipment on order that same day so they can have it ready as soon as possible. (TD)
↧
Opening of New Fire Hall Restaurant in Fenton Brings ConfusionOpening of New Fire Hall Restaurant in Fenton Brings Confusion
12/23/13 - The City of Fenton is offering clarification following some public confusion around a newly opened restaurant. The old fire hall located on S. Leroy Street has been a historic landmark within the City for years but was recently re-developed, and The Fenton Fire Hall Kitchen and Taproom finally opened up last week. The old fire hall was purchased by Clarkston Union owner Curt Catallo in June of 2012 but there were a number of unforeseen delays and construction was plagued by bad weather as well as other complications in renovating the old building. Since the new restaurant opened, the Cityâs police and fire dispatch center has received numerous calls. Assistant City Manager Michael Burns tells WHMI whatâs happening is that people are calling the dispatch center by mistake to make reservations for the restaurant and ask general questions. He says people are looking up âFenton Fireâ through online search engines and then call the Dispatch Center. The new number for the restaurant is 810-936-0442. (JM)
↧
Hune Reflects on Highlights & Missed Opportunities of 2013Hune Reflects on Highlights & Missed Opportunities of 2013
12/23/13 - With the legislative session in Lansing at an end for 2013, one local lawmaker says much was accomplished, although at least one major reform failed to pass. State Senator Joe Hune says this session was less active than last year, which as a lame-duck legislature had added focus on getting bills passed before lawmakers, either due to term-limits or losing their seat, left office. As for this year, the Hamburg Township Republican said he was happy to see his bills pass on requiring state assistance recipients suspected of drug use to undergo testing. After passing the state Senate, that bill is now before the House for consideration. On the other hand, Hune said the failure to reform the stateâs no-fault auto insurance system was disappointing. The bill would have overhauled Michiganâs auto insurance system by eliminating unlimited medical coverage for people catastrophically injured in car accidents and replace it with a $1-million cap. The bill stalled in the state House. Hune, who feels the system is effectively a double-tax on motorists who are already covered by insurance, hopes it will be pushed through in 2014. Lawmakers did manage to expand government-funded medical coverage to hundreds of thousands more low-income adults, something Hune was against, while adding restrictions on insurance coverage of abortions, which he favored. Lawmakers also increased spending to send more disadvantaged 4-year-olds to preschool and approved a one-time increase in road funding while ignoring Governor Snyder's request for a permanent increase in gasoline taxes and vehicle registration fees. (JM)
↧
↧
FBI Offers Reward for Mortgage Scammer From FentonFBI Offers Reward for Mortgage Scammer From Fenton
12/23/13 - Six months after a local man convicted in a mortgage fraud scheme failed to show up and begin serving his federal prison sentence, authorities hope the public can help. Ronnie Duke of Fenton was ordered to serve 13 years in prison and pay nearly $95 million in restitution along with a $1 million fine in April. Despite prosecutors asking that he be jailed immediately, a judge granted a $20,000 bond and gave Duke two months to wrap up his affairs and report to prison in West Virginia. When he failed to show up in early June, a bench warrant was issued for his arrest. The FBI is now offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to his arrest. Duke was charged in the scheme along with several others, including William Camsell Wells III of Oceola Township. He is serving an 8 and a half year prison term. Duke was at the center of the scam in which fake loans were used to generate cash for travel, upscale homes, expensive boats and even a helicopter. Authorities say the fraud triggered losses of more than $100 (m) million and involved roughly 180 homes in the region between 2004 and 2007. Wells recruited so-called âstrawâ buyers, who filed fraudulent loan applications. Duke would then arrange the loans, which ranged in size from approximately $350,000 to $600,000. Anyone with information about Duke, who was also last seen driving a black early-1960s Chevy SS, is asked to call the FBIâs Detroit Office at 313-965-2323 or submit their tip online through the link below. (JK)
↧
Utility Crews Working Overnight to Restore Power After Ice Storm Utility Crews Working Overnight to Restore Power After Ice Storm
12/23/13 - Utility crews are preparing to work through the night to restore power to homes and businesses, both locally and across Michigan, in hopes of getting the lights back on for many before Christmas. Crews spent a busy day all over mid-Michigan following this weekendâs ice storm and utilities say they are starting to see a decrease in the number of customers without power. In its latest update, DTE says approximately 78,000 customers of its customers have no power â 3,000 in Livingston County. Thatâs down from a peak of 13,500 local outages on Sunday and DTE hopes to have power restored to most by Tuesday night. The news is not so good for local customers of Consumers Energy, which says nearly 3,670 of its customers in Livingston County remained without power. Most are in Tyrone and Cohoctah Townships and utility officials say it may be as late as Saturday before they can be fully restored to power. Ice storms differ from others in that damage from ice often continues for several days. Officials with both utilities warn that the total number of customers affected may continue to rise as ice continues to weigh down tree branches, causing them to snap and take down power lines. The utilities also caution customers to accurately report outages and/or downed power lines, which is crucial for crews to respond with the correct resources, adding that incorrect reporting slows the restoration process. The latest information released by both DTE Energy and Consumers Energy can be found below. (JM)
↧
Man Sentenced After Pleading Guilty To Stealing Charity JarMan Sentenced After Pleading Guilty To Stealing Charity Jar
12/24/13 - A man has been sentenced after pleading guilty to stealing a charity collection jar for sick and injured children. 39-year-old Chad Lendon Stewart of Manitou Beach, Michigan pleaded guilty as charged to a four year felony of larceny in a building in Oakland County Circuit Court. He was sentenced to 90 days in jail yesterday, with credit for 46 already served. He must also serve 18 months of probation, during which he cannot reenter the gas station he robbed, drink alcohol, or go into bars. On November 1st, a store clerk at the Speedway gas station on South Milford Road reported the theft of a collection jar for the Childrenâs Miracle Network, which raises money for childrenâs hospitals and medical research. Milford Police say Stewart a history of larceny and may have been responsible for other donation jar thefts in the Livingston and Wayne County areas. The November incident for which he was charged happened just five days after a Childrenâs Miracle network jar was stolen from a different Speedway in Livingston County. (TD)
↧
Hartland Fire Department Gets Engine Back From Howell SchoolsHartland Fire Department Gets Engine Back From Howell Schools
12/24/13 - The Howell Public School District has returned a valuable resource to the Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority in order to prevent a potentially risky situation. The school district started its new firefighter training program this year, and the fire department donated one of its older fire engines to that program for use by students. This left the department with only three fire engines, one for each of its stations, until one that it purchased can be delivered in March. However, yesterday, one of the department's remaining fire engines experienced major problems with its pump system and had to be taken out of service for two weeks while it is repaired. With people traveling on icy roads and more home cooking than usual, the Christmas season can be busy for firefighters, but Hartland Fire Chief Adam Carroll says the timing of this breakdown is actually very fortunate. He reached out to Howell School Board President Mike Witt to ask if the department could borrow the fire engine back since the students are on break anyhow. He tells WHMI Witt agreed, and firefighters from Hartland retrieved the engine last night. If school gets back in session while the engine is still with the department, the school district still has one fire engine that was donated earlier this month by the Fowlerville Fire Department. (TD)
↧
↧
Rogers Discusses Continued NSA Challenges Rogers Discusses Continued NSA Challenges
12/24/13 - Livingston Countyâs voice in Congress spoke out recently about what he says are the continued challenges facing the National Security Agency. Congressman Mike Rogers continues to defend the NSA bulk data collection program in the wake of the release of a report commissioned by the White House that called for a number of changes. A recommendation in the report was that the data, which Rogers says does not involve personal information, be held by private companies rather than the government. Rogers, a Howell Republican who chairs the House Intelligence Committee, told ABC's "This Week With George Stephanopoulosâ that there were some good things in the report but others he felt were of concern. But he said itâs an important step to actually debate the same set of data points and how information is accessed. On the question of amnesty for former NSA contractor Edward Snowden who made the NSA collection program public, Rogers said he should return to the United States to face charges for the leaks. A link to the complete video is posted below. (JM/JK)
↧
Salvation Army & Toys for Tots Help Families in Need Salvation Army & Toys for Tots Help Families in Need
12/24/13 - Although many local families are still struggling to provide the basics, theyâll likely have some peace knowing that their children will be able to open up gifts on Christmas morning. A longtime partnership between Toys for Tots and the Salvation Army of Livingston County provides Christmas assistance and toys collected at a variety of locations to families in need. Local Corps Officer Lieutenant Tim Perkins says the distribution events went well, including the opportunities for emergency assistance at the âtoy storeâ in Howell Monday. It will again be open until 3pm Christmas Eve for those who didnât get a chance to sign up or perhaps find them in a last minute need situation. The âtoy shopâ is located in the former Fashion Bug store at 3591 East Grand River in Howell. Those looking to receive assistance must bring proof of current Livingston County residency and current proof of custody for each child in the household. Perkins tells WHMI the generosity of the community was also again felt during this yearâs annual Red Kettle Campaign and although final numbers aren't known yet, a big thank you is owed to the community. A goal of $200,000 was established for this yearâs Christmas campaign and in addition to the iconic Red Kettle; the Salvation Army was also embracing new technologies to help support it through the use of virtual red kettles that individuals, groups and businesses could host online. (JM)
↧
5,300 Livingston County Customers Still Without Power5,300 Livingston County Customers Still Without Power
12/24/13 - Nearly four days after an ice storm moved across the state, more than 5,000 Livingston County homes and businesses remain without power, with many facing a darkened Christmas holiday. DTE Energy reports that approximately 2,000 of their customers in Livingston County are still without power, but most are expected to see restoration by late tonight with crews working 16-hour shifts to restore power. Nearly 450 linemen from utilities in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Indiana, Illinois and Ohio are assisting with restoration efforts. Consumers Energy, meanwhile, says they still have about 3,300 county customers without electricity and most of them will not be restored until later this week, possibly even as late as Saturday. Consumer officials advise those who lose electricity for an extended period of time can dial 2-1-1 to receive emergency shelter information or to request assistance. (JK)
↧
Local Educator Awarded For Work With Special EducationLocal Educator Awarded For Work With Special Education
12/26/13 - The Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education has chosen a local educator for a prestigious award. Dawn Bentley, the Executive Director of Special Education for the Livingston Educational Service Agency, was awarded the âBatten Awardâ earlier this month. Named for a former director of special education for the Michigan Department of Education, the Batten Award is presented annually to special education administrators who display qualities such as integrity, trust, and compassion. She was nominated for the award by a coworker, and the MASSE executive director said she easily stood out among the other nominees for the award. In a press release, LESA described Bentley as a fierce advocate for people with disabilities who works tirelessly for their education. Bentley says this is the greatest professional honor she could have imagined, and she is humbled by her selection. (TD)
↧
↧
Hartland Township & Chamber Partner Up for ProgressHartland Township & Chamber Partner Up for Progress
12/26/13 - A new program aims to break down barriers and promote business attraction and retention in Hartland Township. The township and the Hartland Area Chamber of Commerce are working together to balance the needs of the business community and the wishes of residents as part of the new program called Partners in Progress. Township Manager James Wickman tells WHMI it is the culmination of several years of work between the two, just a more concerted effort, recognizing itâs a valuable partnership and taking action to add value for the business community. Wickman says since businesses already value their chamber membership, the new partnership reinforces that the organization is looking out for their interests in conversations with the township. He says they want to encourage conversation on issues such as regulations, permits, services or any developments that impact businesses and then use the feedback to do a better job on their behalf. Monthly meetings and satisfaction surveys are some of the program highlights along with making a client engagement representative available to assist local businesses. (JK)
↧
Denby Bill to Benefit Blind Residents Signed Into LawDenby Bill to Benefit Blind Residents Signed Into Law
12/26/13 - Legislation sponsored by a local lawmaker was signed into law this week. On Monday, Governor Snyder signed House Bill 5086 which was sponsored by Handy Township Republican Cindy Denby. The bill establishes that a person who is blind is considered the equivalent of a disabled person for purposes of eligibility for an income tax credit against property taxes levied on a primary residence. According to a Senate Fiscal Agency report, changes to the homestead property tax credit in 2011 reduced the amount available to taxpayers who were blind and over age of 65. Denbyâs bill brings that back to prior levels. Denby, who says the law would affect approximately 6,000 Michigan residents, said the effort was initiated after a blind constituent questioned why they didnât qualify for the tax credit. (JK)
↧
Green Light Given to New Howell DDA HQ RenovationsGreen Light Given to New Howell DDA HQ Renovations
12/26/13 - The Howell Downtown Development Authority has been given the green light by the city to begin renovating its new headquarters on Clinton Street. DDA Board Director Eric Conn tells WHMI they have big plans for the building at 118 West Clinton Street. The DDA plans to turn the front space on the first floor into its new headquarters. The upper floor will be turned into a two-bedroom apartment and the back portion of the first floor will be turned into 600 square feet of retail space. The DDA will rent out those areas for extra funding. Last night, the city council approved loaning the DDA up to $250,000 to pay for the renovations. The DDA is now firming up the design and moving forward with contract negotiations for the work. They hope to begin renovations in late January or early February. The work itself will take about six months, depending on whether issues arise during construction. Council has discussed the solvency of the DDA and its ability to handle the proposed debt obligation over the course of several meetings, with most members very receptive to the idea since the city paid next to nothing for the property through tax sale. Once renovated, council members noted that should there be any problems with the loan, the option of selling the building is always there and it could then be brought back onto the tax roll. (TD)
↧
More Pages to Explore .....
