3/21/14 - The man second in command of the Howell City Police Department is retiring. Captain John Kowalski is known for his dedication and service to not only the department but the community at large. He submitted his notice of intent to retire and it was with mixed emotions that the department made the announcement, saying Kowalski has been a vital part of the organization for the past seven years. Heâs a familiar face at community events and has volunteered on various committees, including Balloonfest. Prior to accepting the Captain's position in the City of Howell, Kowalski served 18 years with the City of Royal Oak Police Department. In a posting on the police departmentâs Facebook page, officials wished him and his family all the best as he moves into retirement and begins a new phase of his life. Captain Kowalskiâs official retirement date will be June 1st although his last day in the office will be May 22nd. (JM)
Captain Retiring From Howell Police Department Captain Retiring From Howell Police Department
↧
↧
South Lyon Man Sentenced for Pinning Woman With SUVSouth Lyon Man Sentenced for Pinning Woman With SUV
3/21/14 - A South Lyon man who police say hit a woman with his SUV in a local park last summer has been sentenced. 24-year-old Roy Joseph Galdes was ordered to spend three years on probation, with the first year in the Livingston County Jail. That was the result of a plea deal to which he previously pleaded guilty to operating under the influence of alcohol causing injury, possession of marijuana, and having open intoxicants in a vehicle. Police said Galdes was intoxicated and had open alcohol in his vehicle when the Novi woman was struck by his SUV at the Island Lake Recreation Area the afternoon of June 22nd last year. Toxicology reports later revealed that he had a blood-alcohol level of .22%, nearly three times the stateâs legal limit for driving. Witnesses told police that Galdes had backed out of his parking spot and hit the woman, pinning her between the two vehicles. She was hospitalized and unable to walk for a couple of weeks as a result. Both the victim and her doctor testified at a previous hearing that she used a walker for roughly a month due to the injuries. (JK)
↧
Salvation Army's Annual Luncheon Offers Message of HopeSalvation Army's Annual Luncheon Offers Message of Hope
3/21/14 - A motivating message of hope was delivered during the first day of spring at the Salvation Army of Livingston Countyâs annual luncheon. The local Corps hosted its annual event at Mt. Brighton Thursday with the theme âHope â What the Future is Built Onâ. Leadership coach and motivational teacher John Barrett was the featured speaker during the event at Mt. Brighton. His message focused on being a hope dealer â believing in those you lead, being an example and building on failures. Because when failure happens, Barrett says you can either get better or get bitter about it. The 2013 annual report was highlighted by Advisory Board Vice Chair Brian Wallace. He volunteered with Christmas assistance this past season, and more than 2,500 individuals were served. Wallace says it was an extremely emotional and touching experience to see how thankful everyone was that the Salvation Army was there for them during their time of need. Volunteers and staff were recognized for all of their efforts and hard work over the past year while Lieutenant Tim Perkins issued a community challenge to help give and share hope in the coming year. (JM)
↧
Family Grateful for Public Response to Birthday Card RequestFamily Grateful for Public Response to Birthday Card Request
3/21/14 - A local family says they are happily being overwhelmed by the community support they have received as they seek to make their sonâs upcoming birthday the best ever. 10-year-old Dominic Tyner will turn 11 next Thursday, March 27th. His mother and father previously asked friends and family to fill their Brighton P.O. Box with birthday cards. Dominic suffers from Complex 1 Mitochondrial Disease, which affects his energy levels, as well as an illness known as EE, characterized by swelling of the esophagus. Known as Little D, Dominic has been homebound for about a year due to his medical conditions, leaving him very little contact with kids his age. His parents say they got the idea for the birthday cards because when they get the mail, Dominic always asks if thereâs anything for him. At first the family received cards from loved ones and friends, but once the story took to Facebook and then attracted media attention, that trickle turned into a flood. Dominic Sr. tells WHMI that flood is now a deluge with more than a thousand cards having been received from across the country, even as far away as Australia. The Tynerâs say they have had to work hard at keeping their plan a secret, but are still planning to surprise Dominic next Thursday and want as many cards as possible. The full interview with the Tyners will also be featured this Sunday morning at 8:30 on WHMIâs Viewpoint. Birthday cards can be sent to: Lil D Tyner, P.O Box 1627, Brighton, MI 48116. (JK)
↧
Brighton Council OKs Tax Abatement for ENA ExpansionBrighton Council OKs Tax Abatement for ENA Expansion
3/21/14 - The Brighton City Council has set the stage for a major expansion of the Eberspaecher plant â one that will result in at least hundred new full-time jobs. After a presentation by company officials, council Thursday night unanimously approved a request by ENA for the maximum amount of tax abatement allowed by law. City Manager Dana Foster tells WHMI although the tax break on real property is for 12 years, the abatement on personal property is for seven years because by law, an abatement cannot be for more than the useful life of the equipment. Foster says another new aspect of the project discussed by ENA President Doug Swick at the meeting was that with the expansion, production would be gradually increased and could end up in well over the 100 new jobs originally projected. Eberspaecher, based in Germany, is a global manufacturer of advanced auto and truck exhaust systems. The Brighton plant, on Orndorf Drive, makes catalytic converters and other exhaust components for large trucks. With council approval, the company now plans to invest in a 191,000-square-foot addition to the original, 110,000-square-foot plant, which opened in 2003. That would increase the plant size to over 300,000 square feet, making it the largest ENA facility in North America, and the fifth expansion of the Brighton plant. The company will invest about $60 million in the project, aided by a $4.5 million Michigan Economic Development Corporation grant, which was contingent on Thursday nightâs approval. Even with the tax abatement, the additional investment in its Brighton plant is projected to increase the amount of tax revenue the city receives from ENA to $415,000 over the next six years. Swick hopes to begin construction in the third or fourth quarter of this year and be open with the new facilities by the end of 2015. (TT)
↧
↧
Pinckney Police Seeking to Add Putnam Twp. to JurisdictionPinckney Police Seeking to Add Putnam Twp. to Jurisdiction
3/21/14 - Putnam Township's Police Protection Committee met last night to hear from Pinckney Police Chief Jeff Newton, who argued in favor of expanding his department's jurisdiction to include the entire township. The committee is currently examining options for police coverage in the township, which is currently contracting with the Livingston County Sheriff's Department for 40 hours of dedicated patrols every week. Last night, Newton argued that 40 hours a week is not sufficient for the community. He said although Putnam residents only make an average of 4.5 calls for service per day, only about 1.5 of those calls can be answered with that limited coverage. He said some calls might even get put off because dispatch knows that a dedicated officer will eventually come on duty. Newton said the township should switch to full-time coverage for the benefit of residents. He tells WHMI the sheriff's department would do an outstanding job if hired to provide full-time coverage, but his own department is the natural choice since the village is centrally located within the township and the residents there are already paying the same taxes as township residents. Newton estimates that his $450,000 budget would have to increase to $750-800,000 to accommodate the four extra officers needed to cover the entire township. That kind of budget would require a township-wide tax of about 2.5 mills to fund. The Police Protection Committee's next meeting will take place in two weeks, and if a recommendation for the township board cannot be reached then another meeting may be scheduled. (TD)
↧
Hune Says He Will Seek Re-Election to State SenateHune Says He Will Seek Re-Election to State Senate
3/21/14 - State Senator Joe Hune has announced his candidacy for re-election to the Michigan Senate. The Hamburg Township Republican was elected to the State Senate in 2010 after serving three terms in the state House. Hune characterized his first term in the Senate as âfighting for limited government and responsible spending.â Hune says he has fought for the interests of his constituents with much more work to be done, adding that he plans to finish what he started by focusing on removing unnecessary regulations and encouraging job growth. The 22nd Senate District was redrawn following the 2010 Census and encompasses all of Livingston County and western Washtenaw County, including the Villages of Dexter and Manchester, and the City of Chelsea. Brighton attorney Shari Pollesch has already announced her candidacy to seek the Democratic nomination for the seat. (JK)
↧
Man Charged w/ Fleeing Police & Hitting Patrol Car Enters PleaMan Charged w/ Fleeing Police & Hitting Patrol Car Enters Plea
3/21/14 - A Howell man who fled from officers and rammed a Michigan State Police patrol car has entered a plea to multiple charges. 37-year-old Brian Lynn Ellsworth pleaded guilty as charged to fleeing police, resisting police, felonious assault, malicious destruction of police property, operating a vehicle while intoxicated, and driving on a suspended license. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to recommend that he receive a 30-month cap on his prison sentence. Ellsworth was arrested February 8th after fleeing from Livingston County Sheriffâs deputies who had stopped to check on his pickup truck, which was stuck in a snow bank on M-59 near Burkhart Road in Howell Township. Authorities say Ellsworth ignored the deputy, freed his truck from the snow bank, and fled east on M-59. He was later spotted by a state trooper near the intersection of Fisher and Curdy roads in Oceola Township. The trooper attempted to stop Ellsworth but he again fled and hit another snow bank. He began ramming the trooperâs patrol car to try and get away, but the trooper managed to pin his truck into the snow bank. Authorities say backup arrived and helped take him into custody. Ellsworth will be sentenced as a 4th time habitual offender in Livingston County Circuit Court April 24th. (JM)
↧
Brighton Chamber Hosts Livingston Regional Investment AwardsBrighton Chamber Hosts Livingston Regional Investment Awards
3/21/14 - The Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce held its first Livingston Regional Investment Awards Ceremony Friday, presenting awards for recent investment projects by six businesses and government agencies. About 200 state and local government officials and business leaders attended the luncheon and awards ceremony at Cleary University. The awards were presented to: Vail Resorts for its $10 million expansion and renovation effort at Mt. Brighton, Brighton Mall for its renovation project, state and local entities who spearheaded the new I-96-Latson Road interchange, Spencer J. Hardy Livingston County Airport for the new terminal and other upgrades, the new John E. Labelle Livingston County Public Safety Complex and WellBridge of Brighton for its new rehabilitation and nursing facility in Genoa Township. Mike Finney, the president and CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, was the guest speaker at the ceremony. He tells WHMI Livingston County is positioned in a strategic geographic location to reap the benefits of the stateâs improving economy. Finney congratulated county officials for providing the collaborative climate and initiative that encourages economic growth. He says that progressive attitude has resulted in a number of MEDC grants to provide a catalyst for that growth. Chamber President and CEO Pam McConeghy tells WHMI how she got the idea of having an honors event for those who have invested substantially in Livingston County. McConeghy says the next major chamber event will be an informational session on the new I-96/US-23 Interchange project at the American Spirit Center in Brighton Township in May. Photo credit Brighton Chamber. (TT)
↧
↧
Residents Warned Against Going On Ice Or Attempting RescuesResidents Warned Against Going On Ice Or Attempting Rescues
3/23/14 - The Brighton Area Fire Authority is urging residents to stay off the ice in local bodies of water and to leave the rescuing to the professionals. In a press release this week, the department stated that warmer weather is causing ice to melt on ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water. It says the ice cannot be trusted, since it melts at different rates even in small areas, and what appears to be safe could actually be treacherous. They are reminding all residents that if they see a person or animal fall through the ice, the proper response is to call 9-1-1. They also urge witnesses to do their best to remember where the victim fell through, and to remain within shouting distance of the incident. Under no circumstances should they go out on the ice to attempt a rescue, since they could easily become another victim in need of saving. If residents do venture out onto the ice, they are encouraged to go out with a partner and to walk several feet apart so if one falls in, the other will still be able to get help. (TD)
↧
Howell City Council Continuing Budget Worksessions Howell City Council Continuing Budget Worksessions
3/22/14 - The Howell City Council is continuing budget discussions as the 2014/2015 fiscal year approaches. A work session was held earlier this month, where Council discussed a variety of issues and reviewed projected revenues and expenditures. The Cityâs garbage millage has been a recurring topic of conversation as some members want to leave it at the current rate of 1.3 mills but others want to move forward with a small decrease of point-1 mill. Other discussion centered on the philosophy of spending fund balance and reviewed the Cityâs long range capital improvement plan, along with projects to be prioritized for the 2014/2015 fiscal year. The South Michigan/Marion/Dearborn grant project was the major street improvement project but also at the top of the list were the resurfacing of the Bennett Recreation Center parking lot and continuation of the asset management plan for improved streets. Lighting and improvements to Page Field were also being considered. Staff was ultimately directed to prioritize the capital projects and bring back recommendations. (JM)
↧
Brighton Fire Captain/Inspector Retires After Dedicated CareerBrighton Fire Captain/Inspector Retires After Dedicated Career
3/22/14 - After a career spanning nearly 40 years and dedicated service to the community, a man described as a true champion of the fire service and life safety has retired. Captain/Inspector Jim Corcoran recently retired from the Brighton Area Fire Authority. He served the Brighton Area for the past seven years but has been in the fire service for nearly 40 years. The decorated Air Force veteran was also named the 2012 Michigan Fire Inspector of the Year. Corcoran is said to have been instrumental in the development of fire inspectors across the state while also working to reduce the impact of fire by supporting educational efforts on residential sprinklers. (JM)
↧
Hartland Schools Reach Settlement w/ State Over Online EnrollmentHartland Schools Reach Settlement w/ State Over Online Enrollment
3/22/14 - The Hartland Consolidated Schools district has proved successful in settling a dispute with the state education department involving student enrollment in its online learning program. The district operates the Hartland Virtual Academy and the settlement is tied to the districtâs fall 2012 student count. Itâs required to submit program memberships to the state to receive funding but thereâs an associated audit process that takes place and is conducted by the Livingston Educational Service Agency, which removed 21 full time equivalency or FTE memberships from their account. Hartland Assistant Superintendent for Business and Operations Scott Bacon says they disagreed with the audit and appealed first to the Michigan Department of Education but were denied. The district eventually successfully appealed to the state superintendentâs office, gaining back 18 of the 21 memberships that should amount to $115,000 in revenue. Bacon tells WHMI the settlement suggests that they were substantially correct in their assessment of whether those memberships should have counted or not. While it wasnât a brand new program at the time, the state was in the process of enlarging it so a lot of information was new to Hartland and other schools. Bacon says the district felt a lot of the instructions were vague but made every effort to interpret them and comply, which he feels was backed up by the settlement. Bacon added that in the year after this came up, the current 2013/2014 school year, the state made revisions and changed the directions provided to local districts that were more clear, which he says was one of their arguing points in the appeal. Hartland could see the money within 60 days and Bacon says it certainly wasnât something the district had planned on or budgeted for but will come in handy with offsetting all of the costs associated with the harsh winter such as heating, salting, plowing and overtime. He says the Board of Education must still finalize the settlement, which is expected during Monday nightâs meeting. (JM)
↧
↧
DPH Seeks Medical Volunteers For Emergency Response TeamDPH Seeks Medical Volunteers For Emergency Response Team
3/23/14 - The Livingston County Department of Public Health is looking for residents with medical training to become part of its emergency response team. The department is aiming to increase the size of its Public Heath Volunteer Response Team, which consists of 300 medically-trained professionals who are willing and able to help the community in case of major emergencies. Volunteers participate in emergency preparedness training and exercises to be ready for such a scenario. Local nurses, pharmacists, and individuals with a background in public health are being asked to volunteer for the program. New volunteer orientation for those who register will be held at the Department of Public Health offices in Howell from 10:00 to 11:30 Wednesday morning to provide further details about the team and local emergency preparedness activities and plans. For information, call (517) 552-6819 or email jkramer@co.livingston.mi.us. (TD)
↧
Hamburg Will Not Loosen Sodium Restrictions With DEQ ChangesHamburg Will Not Loosen Sodium Restrictions With DEQ Changes
3/23/14 - Users of Hamburg Township's sewer system should not expect any changes to local ordinances now that the state has loosened wastewater sodium level restrictions. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality recently declared that higher levels of sodium will be allowed for wastewater treatment plants, raising the maximum from 120 parts per million to 250 parts per million for groundwater and 400 parts per million for effluent. The township had previously put in place an ordinance requiring those on the sewer system to use potassium chloride water softener instead of sodium chloride, and the township board clarified this week that this requirement is still in place. Supervisor Pat Hohl says Hamburg is a sodium-rich area to begin with, and water from some wells can have sodium levels at 80% of the groundwater limits even before being softened. He says the increase in the allowable sodium levels does bring the Hamburg treatment plant just barely within the acceptable range. (TD)
↧
Center For Michigan Seeks Opinions Of Local VotersCenter For Michigan Seeks Opinions Of Local Voters
3/23/14 - A second local âCommunity Conversationâ will be held next month as part of a statewide series of events designed to get the publicâs input on a variety of issues heading into the election season. The Center for Michigan, a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank is holding a Community Conversation at the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce on Friday, April 4th, beginning at 8 a.m. The conversation is one of the series the Center for Michigan is holding to try and identify the priorities of Michigan residents. Officials say they then use the data that is gathered to write citizen agenda reports, which outline the ideas and priorities identified by participantsâ conversations. It also performs issue education with elected leaders to encourage them to act on the priorities and institute reforms. The Center for Michigan will compile a report to present to those seeking elected office, along with elected and appointed state and local officials. According to The Center, more than 20,000 Michigan residents have participated in Community Conversations since they began in 2007. Discussion topics for the Howell chamber conversation will include Michiganâs quality of life, the future of education, the economy and priorities when it comes to public spending. Anyone wishing to attend can register online at Howell.org. (JK)
↧
Brighton Fire Department Battles Two House Fires In One NightBrighton Fire Department Battles Two House Fires In One Night
3/23/14 - The Brighton Area Fire Authority barely had time to handle one house fire in the early morning today before being called upon to handle a second one. The first fire occurred at 3:15am off of Bauer Road in Genoa Township. The call came in from a passerby, who stopped to knock on the door of the home to get the occupants out. The fire was mostly isolated to the garage, which was destroyed, but fire crews were able to prevent the flames from spreading to the house with an aggressive attack. At about 4:25, just as the fire was knocked down and firefighters were going after hot spots, another motorist called in to report a house fire, this time off of Culver Road. Fire Chief Mike O'Brian tells WHMI the driver stopped to make sure everyone was out, but the occupants of the home were already aware of the fire. The family's German shepherd managed to wake up an occupant on the first floor, who escaped with the dog. He began shouting and throwing rocks to wake up the occupants on the second floor, who had to jump to get to safety and suffered minor injuries. When fire crews arrived the house was fully involved in the fire, and O'Brian says it is a complete loss despite the combined efforts of several fire departments. He adds that the fire department is grateful to the dog for saving the people in the house, but tragedy was only narrowly avoided, and both fires should make it clear how important it is to have working smoke detectors. (TD)
↧
↧
Benefit Golf Outing Returning To Fenton This SpringBenefit Golf Outing Returning To Fenton This Spring
3/24/14 - Registration is now open for a golf game to raise money for a Fenton family. The Bradley Smith Memorial Scholarship Golf Outing will take place on May 10th at Fenton Farms Golf Course. The event is $80 per player or $320 per team for 18 holes of golf with cart. Proceeds from the event will go to benefit the family of Bradley Smith, who passed away due to a pulmonary embolism in 2011. The golf outing was held that year and every spring since then, according to MLive.com. So far more than $35,000 has been raised for his surviving family, which has helped establish a college fund for his two children. The event will include prizes for the top teams, individual holes, and the longest drive, as well as dinner and door prizes. Sponsorship opportunities are also available, ranging from $100 to $300. For more information, email Mark A. Gallagher at magallagher@mdeintl.com. (TD)
↧
First Democrat To Seek 42nd State House Seat Enters RaceFirst Democrat To Seek 42nd State House Seat Enters Race
3/24/14 - The latest Livingston County resident to announce his candidacy for the 42nd State House seat is also the first Democrat to enter that race. Timothy Johnson of Genoa Township is aiming for the Democratic nomination to that seat, which will be vacated by incumbent Bill Rogers due to term limits in November. Johnson is a teacher at the Detroit Behavior Institute/Capstone Academy. In a press release, he states that his top issues include funding for public schools, spending on infrastructure like roads, and protecting the environment. While he has no Democratic competitors, there are already several Republicans aiming for the seat. So far they include Brighton Township Treasurer Lana Theis, Brighton Area Schools Board of Education President Nick Fiani, and teacher Dale Rogers of Hamburg Township. The 42nd state House seat represents the City of Brighton as well as Brighton, Genoa, Green Oak, Hamburg and Putnam townships. (TD)
↧
City Council to Discuss Status of Burn Permit After ViolationsCity Council to Discuss Status of Burn Permit After Violations
3/24/14 - The Howell City Council will meet tonight and is expected to discuss a burn permit that was issued to a local scrap metal and recycling company prior to violations being discovered on multiple occasions. Regal Recycling on Lucy Road was granted permission to conduct a controlled trench burn to dispose of brush and trees being cleared from property it owns. However, the City received multiple complaints about the outdoor burning and the Howell Area Fire Department discovered the burn pit authorized by Council was not being used. It was ultimately recommended the permit be revoked and not re-issued due to what officials referred to as the blatant refusal to burn under the approved methodology. However, action was deferred after a contractor for Regal Recycling indicated he had moved the trench burn further to the north and was trying to burn too much material at a time, too late in the day. He offered a plan to address issues going forward and abide by the conditions of the permit. That prompted Council to formally postpone action on revoking the permit. Itâs listed as a discussion item on the agenda for tonightâs City Council meeting. It starts at 7pm in the basement of Howell City Hall. (JM)
↧
More Pages to Explore .....
