3/26/14 - Administration will be working with union leadership this weekend to formulate a plan to address potential snow make up days for Howell Public Schools. Based on state parameters, there are several options to be considered in addressing the âextraâ snow days. Per state law, all school districts are âforgivenâ six days per year for weather conditions without being required to make up those days. Given the combination of the districtâs previously scheduled calendar and the nine days of missed time as a result of weather conditions, Howell is in the position of needing to make up 9 1/2 hours. Since the school calendar is a negotiated topic, administration will be working with Howell Education Association leadership to determine a plan. However in a memo, Superintendent Ron Wilson says heâs confident theyâll be able to collaboratively develop a solution which makes sense for students, families and staff. Options up for discussion involve possibly moving a previously scheduled teacher professional development day from May 16th to June 9th and then making May 16th a day of instruction for students. Other possibilities include adding a 1/2 day of teacher development to June 10th, adding five minutes to the end of the school day for the 4th quarter or adding two student days on June 9th and June 10th. Wilson says the district is also continuing to monitor conversations at the state level, in the event they consider âforgivingâ additional days due to the extreme and unprecedented weather conditions experienced this winter. (JM)
Impact of Snow Days on Howell District Focus of Weekend MeetingImpact of Snow Days on Howell District Focus of Weekend Meeting
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Brighton City Council Reviews Upcoming Budget YearBrighton City Council Reviews Upcoming Budget Year
3/27/14 - A wide-ranging discussion covered several aspects of the City of Brighton's 2014-2015 budget at a special work session last night. The meeting is one of three being held this week to allow the city council and staff to examine different issues related to the budget and how to go about funding various functions. One of the main issues discussed last night was how to pay for refuse collection, with user fees not covering the cost of the service, and a proposed millage rejected by voters. City Manager Dana Foster says the council seems inclined to increase user fees to more accurately reflect the cost of the service. The city council also discussed the issue of roads and infrastructure, which took a pounding from the unusually cold and snowy winter. They discussed how to pay for various unfunded and critical infrastructure projects, with options ranging from general fund money to possible special assessment districts spanning all or part of the city. Foster and Police Chief Tom Wightman discussed the new upgrades to police department equipment that would be purchased with the new public safety technology millage that takes effect beginning in the new budget year. These will include three new police vehicles to replace existing vehicles, each with more than 140,000 miles of use. Te council also discussed the content and wording of survey questions that will be put forward to residents on the city's website. The last of the budget workshops will take place tonight at the Brighton City Hall. (TD)
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Fenton Community and Cultural Center Renovation Set to StartFenton Community and Cultural Center Renovation Set to Start
3/27/14 - After years in the making, the public may begin to notice construction activity around the Fenton Community and Cultural Center. The Fenton City Council met Monday night and at the request of administration, approved the first addendum to the community center expansion and partial renovation project while also authorizing the city manager to execute all necessary documents. The action is a first step needed toward getting the building and renovation project moving. Itâs anticipated that ground breaking and construction could begin within a few weeks on the nearly $2 (m) million project. Some of the planned improvements include making the community center more handicap-accessible, installing a new elevator and restoring and expanding the building. Itâs considered a historic asset to the community that also hosts many area events. (JM)
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Director of SBDC Livingston Resigns Ahead of RegionalizationDirector of SBDC Livingston Resigns Ahead of Regionalization
3/26/14 - When one door closes, another opens. Thatâs the attitude a local business leader with an entrepreneurial spirit is taking in announcing her resignation from the organization sheâs led for the past six years following news of its pending closure due to regional consolidation. Director and certified business consultant Nancy M. Johnson announced that she will be resigning effective March 31st from her position with the Michigan Small Business Development Center Livingston Satellite Office. Johnson says realizing a new state regionalization program would result in the closure of the Livingston satellite office really took away her motivation to finish out the year, so she decided to go ahead and resign. However, Johnson tells WHMI sheâs very optimistic about the future and knows great things lay ahead following her nearly seven years in serving as director. Johnson says she has a very creative and entrepreneurial spirit, which was reflected in how the local satellite office was run so itâs really the right time to move into the private sector where she can work with a business and be part of a team. The Livingston satellite office was the last one operating in the region and its numerous accomplishments under Johnsonâs leadership are detailed in a press release, which is attached below. Johnson says the Michigan Small Business Development Center is a fantastic organization with great tools and resources and in the future as part of the new regionalization program, the team will be headquartered in one location in Washtenaw Community College with service centers to cover six counties. Livingstonâs will be located in the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce board room. (JM)
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Sparky Defibrillator Challenge To Bring In Red Wings AlumniSparky Defibrillator Challenge To Bring In Red Wings Alumni
3/27/14 - Some local hockey players will square off against the Detroit Red Wings Alumni Association early next month to raise money for machines that could save lives. The Brighton Ice Hogs will host the 2nd annual Sparky Defibrillator Challenge on Saturday, April 5th at the Hartland Sports Center. The idea came about after a local hockey player, George âSparkyâ Stefureac, suffered from sudden and complete cardiac arrest during a game in January of 2011. He beat the odds and survived the episode, and he feels he should now work to help others do the same. Last year, the benefit game between the Detroit Red Wings Alumni and the Brighton Ice Hogs raised about $7,000. That money was used for various life-saving programs, including the purchase of a new defibrillator for Pregnancy Helpline in Brighton. This year, the goal of the game is to raise enough money for two defibrillators, one each for the Special Olympics of Livingston County and the Salvation Army of Livingston County. Each defibrillator costs about $1,200 and is completely compatible with the devices used by local EMS. Additional funds raised may be used to fund scholarships for CPR training. The game on April 5th will include a raffle for prizes including sports tickets. Admittance is $10 per person, and kids 7 and under get in free. For more information, follow the link posted below. (TD)
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Howell & Fowlerville Superintendents Get 1-Year ExtensionsHowell & Fowlerville Superintendents Get 1-Year Extensions
3/27/14 - School boards in two local districts have given a passing grade to their superintendents. On Monday, the Howell Public Schools Board of Education unanimously granted an extra year onto Superintendent Ron Wilsonâs contract. It will now run through June 30th of 2017. Wilson, who came to the Howell district in 2010, receives an annual salary of $155,000. But an analysis published last year by the Mackinac Center listed his total compensation, including pension and insurance payments, at $209,000. A teacher contract in Howell was recently ratified after a nearly year-long contentious negotiation process, but Wilsonâs tenure has also included an expansion of the districtâs course offerings including a firefighter training program and student flight school. Meanwhile, the Fowlerville Community Schools Board of Education on Tuesday also added an additional year to their superintendentâs contract. Wayne Roedel, who is finishing up his first year as superintendent, is now under contract through June 30th of 2017. He earns $128,000 per year. His performance evaluation earlier this month ranked him as âhighly effective.â (JK)
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Brighton Township Boy Gets Big Birthday Surprise Brighton Township Boy Gets Big Birthday Surprise
3/27/14 - Dominic Tynerâs 11th birthday today was pretty special. Not only were his family and siblings with him at their Brighton Township home, but well-wishers from around the world were with him in spirit. Tyner has two major medical conditions, including Complex 1 Mitochondrial Disease and a condition known as EE, an inflammation of the esophagus making it hard to swallow. He has not been able to attend school for a year due to his medical conditions, leaving him somewhat isolated from other children, except for his siblings. Today, Dominic was overwhelmed when presented with the sight of the thousands of cards and gifts. WHMI was there when he opened the cards and gifts, including a koala toy from a family in Australia. His mother and father, Dominic and Danya Tyner, had asked friends and relatives send birthday cards to their Brighton P.O. Box, but once it was put on Facebook, the media got involved and it went viral. Danya, Dominicâs mother, tells WHMI There were so many cards that the Post Office had to put them in a separate location. The family makes a trip every three months to Childrenâs Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio, for EE treatments, which they say has made a world of difference, and his EE is now in remission. The family has created a Facebook page to further educate the public about Dominic. The link can be found below. (TT)
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Unadilla Township Boy's Hunting Excursion Leads to Large SearchUnadilla Township Boy's Hunting Excursion Leads to Large Search
3/28/14 - A Unadilla Township boyâs decision to go hunting but failing to tell his parents resulted in a large scale search Thursday morning. Police Chief David Russell tells WHMI the 11-year-old boy left his Unadilla Township home without telling anyone to go hunting, taking with him a .22 caliber rifle. Russell says the boy likely left sometime between 8 and 9am and was gone at least a couple of hours before his parents determined he was not in the house. The Unadilla Township Police Department was assisted in the search by a Canine Unit from the Pinckney Police Department, Deputies from the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department while the Unadilla and Putnam Township Fire Departmentâs used heat sensing cameras and a 6-wheel ORV to check wooded areas while the canine unit searched another wooded area. A State Police Helicopter was also on stand-by. Russell says the boy was eventually located nearly 5 miles away, walking toward his grandfatherâs house. He was said to be un-injured, with the exception of blisters on his feet from the long walk. (JM)
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K-9 Veterans Day Ceremony Planned at Michigan War Dog MemorialK-9 Veterans Day Ceremony Planned at Michigan War Dog Memorial
3/28/14 - An upcoming ceremony will honor and recognize all dog handlers and their faithful K-9 partners for their service and sacrifice that still continues today. The Michigan War Dog Memorial sits at the corner of Milford Road and 11 Mile Road. Once an abandoned pet cemetery, the site was transformed into the memorial that it is today as not only a show of respect for the heroic actions of war dogs everywhere but to serve as their final resting place since they canât legally be buried in national cemeteries. K-9 Veterans Day has been recognized on March 13th since 1942 but due to the snow covered ground, a formal ceremony is planned Saturday, April 12th. War Dog Memorial Director and U.S. Army Veteran Phil Weitlauf tells WHMI theyâre hoping for a large show of support at the K-9 Veterans Day ceremony and the public is welcome to attend. It will feature local and state officials, K-9 handlers, search and rescue dogs, the Michigan State Police and Oakland County Sheriffâs Office K-9 units as well as Stiggyâs companion dogs. It starts at 11am on Saturday, April 12th and should last around an hour. Details about the memorial can be found through the link below. (JM)
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Plan Would Close Maxey Facility Three Years After RenovationPlan Would Close Maxey Facility Three Years After Renovation
3/28/14 - A budget proposal under consideration in Lansing would close the state-run Maxey Training School in Livingston County. The plan before the Michigan House Appropriations Committee would save approximately $8 million by shutting down the Green Oak Township facility. Republican State Representative Peter MacGregor of Cannon Township chairs the budget subcommittee which recommended the closure based on a draft budget from the Michigan Department of Human Services. He told Michigan Radio that the facility, located on the north side of M-36, west of US-23, is running at about 40% capacity and that the 31 juveniles housed there could be transferred to several public and private institutions at much less cost. However, he said Maxey might also be converted to house youth convicted as adults and serving lengthy prison terms. The proposal to close the facility comes just three years after the state paid to renovate the campus, which has local officials expressing frustration that a decision to close it down would follow so soon after taxpayer dollars were expended to keep it running. (JK)
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Cold Case Team Continues Search for Answers in 1983 MurderCold Case Team Continues Search for Answers in 1983 Murder
3/28/14 - Saturday will be the 31st anniversary of the discovery of a missing girl's body near Cohoctah, and local investigators are still working to bring her murderer to justice. Christina Castiglione, then 19 years old, was found dead in 1983 near the intersection of Fisher and Fawcett Roads. The case remains unsolved and no arrests were ever made. However, the Livingston County Sheriff's Cold Case Team Homicide Unit is still striving to find the killer. Deputy Ed Moore says the team has recently been reviewing old interviews, conducting new interviews with the same people, and finding new people to question in the case. Moore says his cold case team has been working with similar teams in Oakland, Washtenaw, and Farmington Hills to compare unsolved cases and see if there are any common factors. He says the team has not been able to generate a positive person of interest, but the expanding interviews have allowed them to eliminate some possible suspects. A billboard on I-96 asks residents with information on local cold case homicides, including Castiglione's case, to call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. Moore says a reward may be available for information leading to a conviction. Early in the investigation, police suspected Ron Latilla, but they never had enough evidence to make an arrest. Latilla was the one who found Castiglione's body, and while he claimed to be hunting and fishing in the area, he had neither a fishing rod nor rifle on his person. A DNA test confirmed that material found on Castiglione's body did not match Latilla, but police remained suspicious of his story. Latilla's brother owned property near the place where Castiglione was last seen alive. (TD)
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Pinckney Library Seeks Larger Millage For Larger BuildingPinckney Library Seeks Larger Millage For Larger Building
3/28/14 - An increase in the Pinckney Library's operating millage will be on the primary ballot this August. Library Director Hope Siasoco tells WHMI the library' current millage will expire at the end of December. That .9562-mill property tax was passed in 2008 to pay for the operation of the old library building, which was only 3,000 square feet. The new facility is roughly 14,000 square feet, and Siasoco says an increased millage is needed to cover the operation and maintenance of that larger building. The library board decided in January to begin looking at how to get funding once the current millage ends. They decided to put the increased millage on the August primary election so if it gets defeated they can put another proposal on the November ballot. Siasoco notes that the library does not have the funding necessary to hold a special election to accomplish this sooner. Voters in that area are still paying a millage for the bonds that paid for the library to renovate and relocate into its new facility. (TD)
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Rogers Will Not Seek Re-Election; Heading to RadioRogers Will Not Seek Re-Election; Heading to Radio
3/28/14 - Seven-term Republican Congressman Mike Rogers of Howell says he won't seek re-election. The chairman of the House Intelligence Committee announced his plans this morning, telling WHMI that he'll serve out the end of his term and then start in January as a nationally syndicated radio show host at Cumulus Radio. When asked if the move was the first step towards a bid for the White House in 2016, Rogers said he âwould never say never,â but was focused on finishing out his current term and then beginning a new chapter in his life. The 50-year-old Rogers, who was elected to Michigan's 8th District in 2000, has been a frequent critic of the Obama Administration during many appearances on Sunday morning talk shows. However, heâs also formed a good relationship with Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger of Maryland, the top Democrat on the Intelligence Committee. The pair recently offered legislation ending NSA bulk collection program for phone calls and other agency reforms, which Rogers says will be his focus during his final months in office. The youngest of five sons, Rogers graduated from Adrian College in 1985, served as an officer in U.S. Army and then became an FBI agent before winning a seat in the Michigan Senate in 1995, rising to majority floor leader in 1999. He ran for the first of his seven terms in Congress the following year. The announcement caught many by surprise and it has already sparked interest from a large field of possible candidates, including Republican State Senator Joe Hune of Hamburg Township who says itâs a tough decision that will require careful consideration and some in-depth discussion with his wife, family, campaign crew and others. Hune told WHMI Congress is a different level with much different problems and not something he really aspired to do but itâs also a new opportunity thatâs difficult to pass up. His complete statement is attached below. Other Republicans mentioned as possible candidates include the Congressmanâs brother, State Representative Bill Rogers of Genoa Township, although he has not made any formal announcement along with former state Senate majority leader Mike Bishop, former state GOP chairman Saul Anuzis and Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard. On the Democratic side, Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum is considered a potential candidate. (JK/JM)
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Bids Opened On Highland Township Streetscape ProjectBids Opened On Highland Township Streetscape Project
3/29/14 - Highland Township is now reviewing bids on the streetscape project that will kick off this spring, presuming the funding can be secured. The project will improve Milford Road from M-59 to south of McPherson Road, adding curb and sidewalk, streetlights, and landscaping. The Milford Times reports that township officials publicly opened five bids for the project last week, with the low bid coming from a Milford company that estimated the cost at about what the township expected to pay. The contract has not yet been awarded, and township officials are now looking at how to pay for the multimillion-dollar project. At least part of the money will come from bonds, and about $1 million will come from the local downtown development authority. A committee has been formed to seek funding for some of the more optional and decorative part of the project, like landscaping and sidewalk inlays. The township has also opened up the option of sponsoring trees, shrubs, or streetlights, allowing residents to honor a friend or loved one with the fixture. (td)
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Yellow Bricks From Old Latson Elementary Available in AprilYellow Bricks From Old Latson Elementary Available in April
3/29/14 - A large number of old yellow bricks will soon be piled in front of an old elementary school thatâs set to be torn down and while they may look like just that to most, they signify much more to a large number of educators and alumni in the Howell community. The old Latson Road elementary school opened in 1979 but was closed in 2011 due to declining enrollment and in anticipation of the new interchange at I-96 being built. The building is set to be demolished soon and the land is currently being marketed by the Howell Public Schools district to commercial developers. Former 2nd grade teacher Chris Bastian retired with a lot of great memories and says those who attended the school likely remember all of the yellow bricks that lined the roof, which is why many students used to call it the cheeseburger school. Bastian tells WHMI those bricks will soon be made available to anyone wanting a lasting memento and reminder of all the good years at Latson. Bastian says it was originally thought work would begin March 31st but the company that will be doing the demolition has been waiting to receive clearance from utilities. She says the latest word is that it will come down sometime during the first couple of weeks in April and bricks will be piled outside. She says once that happens, anyone can just pull up and take what they want as a memento to remember the school and there should be plenty of bricks for everyone. (JM)
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Livonia Man Charged in Local Road Rage Incident to Appear in CourtLivonia Man Charged in Local Road Rage Incident to Appear in Court
3/29/14 - A man accused of brandishing a weapon during an alleged road rage incident will appear in court next week. 46-year-old Thomas Lee Holman of Livonia was arraigned on a single count of assault with a dangerous weapon related to an incident the afternoon of Sunday, March 23rd. Court records show the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department handled the complaint in which Holman is accused of brandishing a semi-automatic pistol at two Nunica residents in a Chevy Impala on I-96 near Chilson Road in Genoa Township. The pair reported that Holman and his wife, who was a passenger, were tailgating them and flipping them off, alleging Holman eventually pulled alongside their vehicle pointing a gun. However, Holman denies brandishing a weapon and maintains that it was the Nunica man who was driving erratically and cut them off, nearly hitting their vehicle. Holman has a license to carry a concealed weapon, which was reportedly seized, along with several rounds of ammunition. He remains free on a $5,000 personal bond. Heâs scheduled to appear for an exam conference before 53rd District Court Judge Carol Sue Reader on Tuesday, April 1st. (JM)
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Political Analyst Says 2014 Could Bode Well For Republicans Political Analyst Says 2014 Could Bode Well For Republicans
3/29/14 - After Fridayâs news that Howell Congressman Mike Rogers would be stepping down at the end of his current term to become a nationally syndicated radio show host, thereâs been a lot of buzz about who will be seeking the open seat and one political analyst says itâs looking like a good Republican year. Susan Demas is the publisher of Inside Michigan Politics and says the announcement definitely came as a surprise and caught a lot of people off guard, especially with Rogers being at what many would call the peak of his career. Demas says the 8th Congressional District is considered 54% Republican. She tells WHMI given the places of power in the district and with Livingston County being very conservative along with northern Oakland County; she feels 2014 will be an uphill battle for Democrats. Demas pointed to State Senator Joe Hune of Hamburg Township as a good Republican candidate with a conservative record, noting that he was named Inside Politics 2013 Most Conservative Senator of the Year and that he would likely be able to raise the money for a run. He told WHMI he's giving it careful consideration. Thereâs been a lot of speculation about State Representative Bill Rogers of Genoa Township entering the race, who Demas says would bring a great family name. However, in speaking with WHMI Saturday morning, Rogers expressed a desire to continue his work at the state level and remain a part of the Michigan delegation when his term ends â whether that be a role within administration, a state department or a possible Senate run should Hune enter the Congressional race. Meanwhile, Demas pointed to Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum as the Democrat who would have the highest profile to possibly enter the race as her mother Diane Byrum lost the 8th District seat to Mike Rogers in 2000 by 111 votes, which was his first term. The filing deadline for candidates is April 22nd. (JM)
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Governor Signs Package of Alcohol-Related Bills & Logo ItemsGovernor Signs Package of Alcohol-Related Bills & Logo Items
3/30/14 - A package of bills affecting the brewing and hospitality industry that will also ease restrictions on the marketing of logoed items inside bars and restaurants was recently signed into law by Governor Rick Snyder. The Michigan Licensed Beverage Association says it creates great change for those industries and although getting the bills through the legislature was a long process and hard fight, it resulted in a huge win for small business growth. MLBA Executive Director Scott Ellis tells WHMI State Representative Cindy Denby of Handy Township was instrumental in helping the different sides come together but also credited State Senator Joe Hune for his willingness to compromise, despite his having initially introduced the bill that called for a complete ban of the items such as logoed glassware, coasters, napkin holders and umbrellas. Smaller craft brewers and the Michigan Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association had wanted to stop larger brewers from using items with their logos as leverage to win a greater presence in restaurants and bars. Ellis says under the new package, their members can now buy items from manufacturers or anyone on the spirit side but they must purchase from a third party on the beer and wine side, which should help boost sales. The legislation took immediate effect after being signed by the Governor. (JM)
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Howell Backs Ann Arbor Rail Study Through CityHowell Backs Ann Arbor Rail Study Through City
3/30/14 - The Howell City Council is backing a grant application from Ann Arbor that would begin work on a possible rail line through the city. City Manager Shea Charles tells WHMI Howell would be one stop along the proposed rail line that would run from Detroit to Holland and all points between. The Ann Arbor Transportation Authority has been chosen as the lead grant applicant seeking federal money for a comprehensive rail study along the route. It is currently seeking letters of support from local governments, which the Howell City Council provided at its regular meeting last week. The rail line would connect Michigan's three largest metropolitan centers by extending from Detroit to Grand Raids while passing through Lansing. According to AnnArbor.com, those areas have not been connected by a commuter rail line since the 1970's. Charles says the information gathered from the study would also benefit the WALLY rail line, which has been in the works for years. He adds that there are no set schedules for these rail lines to start moving, but such projects can take years to complete. (TD)
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South Lyon Picks Top Five City Manager FinalistsSouth Lyon Picks Top Five City Manager Finalists
3/30/14 - The field of candidates for the South Lyon city managerâs position has been narrowed to five finalists. The position became vacant in the fall when the previous city manager, Dave Murphy, was fired by the city council. A total of 47 applications have been received by the city from both inside and outside the state. According to the South Lyon Herald, a consultant presented the applications in an anonymous format to the council, which narrowed the field to five finalists during a closed session on Monday night. The final five include two women and three men, and one of them is from outside Michigan but has worked in-state in the past. All of them are experienced working for local municipalities. The five have been offered interviews for the job on April 26th, with hopes of making a hiring decision in May. The process was earlier expected to be finished by mid-April, but the city decided to extend the application period. The new city manager will likely make between $85,000 and $95,000 annually, plus benefits. (TD)
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