4/10/14 - The Putnam Township Planning Commission discussed state-level changes in the topics of hydraulic fracturing and medical marijuana last night. The township wants to be informed and prepared should any changes in those topics take place requiring local action. Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is a process where high-pressure water, sand, and chemicals are pumped into rocks containing oil and gas, which can then be harvested. It is controversial due to the hazardous chemicals used and unknown environmental impact of the process. Local municipalities have been frustrated with the process in the past due to the lack of local input in the permitting process and nondisclosure of the chemicals used. Zoning Administrator Tom Lewis told the planning commission last night that the Department of Environmental Quality is considering new standards that would potentially allow local municipalities to enter the permitting process for oil wells, specifically those for fracking operations. Lewis also told the commission that the state is working to clarify the legality of commercial medical marijuana dispensaries, and may end up leaving that question in the hands of local municipalities. If so, he says, that will be an important decision for Putnam. Lewis emphasized that the township has no desire to interfere with the activities of licensed patients and caregivers. (TD)
Putnam Twp. Plans For Fracking & Medical MarijuanaPutnam Twp. Plans For Fracking & Medical Marijuana
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Area Public Safety Officials Puzzled by 911 Director ResignationArea Public Safety Officials Puzzled by 911 Director Resignation
4/10/14 - There has been no official information since the announcement of 911 Dispatch Director Don Arbic's resignation last week, but public safety officials are being vocal about his outstanding performance in office. Arbic was the 911 director for Livingston County since 2009, and had worked in public safety for nearly four decades. County Administrator Belinda Peters sent out an email on April 4th announcing Arbic's resignation. This left many county and public safety officials confused, since Arbic had many ongoing projects and had not discussed any plans to retire previously. There has been no additional information from the county since then, but those who worked with Arbic says he was an outstanding and professional 911 director. Putnam Township Fire Chief Greg Amburgey called him an exceptional leader who will be very difficult to replace, and Pinckney Police Chief Jeff Newton says since coming to the area he has learned to respect Arbic for his knowledge and professionalism. Hartland Fire Chief Adam Carroll, Howell Police Chief George Basar, former Unadilla Police Chief William Cook, and County Commissioner Dave Domas have all spoken highly of Arbic since his departure. (TD)
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Boil Water Advisory Issued for Some Residents in City of FentonBoil Water Advisory Issued for Some Residents in City of Fenton
4/10/14 - A boil water advisory has been issued for some residents in the City of Fenton following a water main break yesterday. The Cityâs water distribution system experienced a water main break on Trealout Street Wednesday and crews attempted to make repairs without de-pressurizing the system but were unsuccessful. Crews shut down the water main today to make the repairs, which resulted in a loss of system pressure. Public health officials advise affected residents to boil drinking or cooking water for at least the next 48 hours until water tests are performed. The advisory affects those living in areas off Trealout Street including Crestmont Care Center and Crestview Apartments as well as those in Fenton Commons and the Appletree subdivision. Further details can be found in the press release below. (JM)
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New Weather Sirens To Be Tested Friday in Hamburg TownshipNew Weather Sirens To Be Tested Friday in Hamburg Township
4/10/14 - The Hamburg Township Fire Department will be testing out new weather warning sirens Friday afternoon. Four tornado and severe weather sirens have been installed in Hamburg Township as the first phase of a project. The sirens are located in the area of M-36 & Chambers Road; Pettysville and Rush Lake Roads; Chilson Road and M-36; and Strawberry Lake Road and Merrill Road. Each siren should activate at the same time, 1pm Friday weather permitting, and should last for three minutes. After the initial operational test, Deputy Fire Chief Nick Miller says the sirens will be tested monthly to confirm all equipment is operational. That will happen on the first Saturday of each month, also at 1pm. No operational tests will happen during potentially severe weather. Miller says the four new siren locations cover all of the Lakelands Trail and Bennett Park along with a high percentage of the population of Hamburg Township so that anyone outside or away from their homes receive the earliest notification possible. He says more weather sirens will be installed in future years to ensure as close to 100% coverage as possible and reduce risk. More information can be found through the link to the Hamburg Township website as well as the attachments below. (JM)
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Livingston County Honors Crime Victim AdvocatesLivingston County Honors Crime Victim Advocates
4/10/14 - Community members and organizations from Livingston County were honored Wednesday for their efforts in defending crime victimsâ rights. The Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office held an awards ceremony, followed by a luncheon as part of National Crime Victimsâ Rights Week to thank those who have put in extra effort over the past year in this area. The Prosecutorâs Office has recognized proactive groups for several years with its Above and Beyond Award. Among those honored this year was LACASAâs On-Call Response Team, which provides round the clock aid to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse. Chelsea Finke, the On-Call Coordinator at LACASA, tells WHMI she is proud to call the volunteers her team. From the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department, Detective Gary Childers, Deputy Matt Young and Deputy William Schuster were recognized for their investigations on a series of home invasions. Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt, who presented the awards, says there must be continued momentum to defending victimsâ rights and âwe need to remember it is not an invitation to restâ. (DK)
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Hune Declines Congressional Run, Seeks State Senate Re-ElectionHune Declines Congressional Run, Seeks State Senate Re-Election
4/10/14 - With a filing deadline approaching, a Livingston County lawmaker says he won't run for the GOP nomination for the 8th District U.S. House seat being vacated by Congressman Mike Rogers. State Senator Joe Hune made official that he is not seeking the Congressional seat being vacated by Rogers, who will become a talk show host in January. The Hamburg Township Republican said the surprise announcement from Rogers led him and his family to seriously contemplate a run for the office, but in the end he wasnât willing to make the personal sacrifice to his family time that regular attendance in Washington would require. Hune says he is committed to seeking re-election to the state Senate, for which he previously filed. Hune added that he believes heâll have more of an impact in Lansing than in the partisan gridlock in Congress. That leaves just two Republicans in the race right now, former state Senate majority leader Mike Bishop and Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett. The filing deadline is April 22nd. The only announced Democrats are former state demographer Ken Darga and CMU Professor Susan Grettenberger. (JK)
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Pharmacy Owner's License Revoked, Fined $100K for Tainted DrugsPharmacy Owner's License Revoked, Fined $100K for Tainted Drugs
4/10/14 - Following claims it illegally mass-produced tainted drugs, a South Lyon pharmacy was fined $100,000 and has been barred from distributing drugs in Michigan while the ownerâs license was revoked. The fines and other sanctions were announced today. The Michigan Board of Pharmacy Disciplinary Subcommittee approved a consent order that calls for the permanent surrender of the pharmacy license for Specialty Medicine Compounding Pharmacy of South Lyon. Owner Kenny Walkupâs individual pharmacist license will be revoked for three years. Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette filed a formal complaint after the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs received a report of tainted dextrose injections being distributed by the pharmacy in October 2013. Previous testimony from inspectors for the state and the FDA during hearings indicated the pharmacy was not following proper procedures to ensure products were sterile. Walkup was alleged to have been acting as a drug manufacturer by distributing large amounts of medication to various hospitals and clinics even though the pharmacy was only licensed to fill individual prescriptions. He had applied for a license to manufacture drugs in October 2012, but that application was denied. Walkupâs attorney previously maintained that regulations allow pharmacists with that type of license to provide the service if it is less than 5% of the pharmacyâs business. In addition to the licensing sanctions announced today, Schuette says heâs reviewing whether additional legal action is warranted in connection to reports of tainted injections allegedly manufactured and distributed by Specialty Medicine. Several of the pharmacyâs products at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit were found to contain fungus although to date; there have been no reports of illness related to the drug. (JM)
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Volunteers Sought for Spring Clean-Up at Park in HamburgVolunteers Sought for Spring Clean-Up at Park in Hamburg
4/11/14 - Now that spring appears to finally be settling in, volunteers are being sought for a clean-up project at the Winklehaus Park in Hamburg Township. Located on Hamburg Road, the park includes picnic tables, walking areas and a gazebo. In recent years, volunteers and township officials have done extensive brush and tree removal and also created a trail at the park. Itâs named for the Winkelhaus Family, which lived in the nearby 175-year-old Hamburg Hotel for decades and worked with local municipalities to develop the park. The clean-up day is planned on Saturday, May 3rd from 8am to 1pm but in case of any Michigan weather, the rain date will be Sunday, May 4th. Organizers say any amount of time volunteers can give is helpful and ask that they wear gloves and bring yard tools such as rakes and clippers. Details can be found in the attached flyer. (JM)
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Lyon Township Seeks Millage Hike To Increase Police ProtectionLyon Township Seeks Millage Hike To Increase Police Protection
Lyon Township residents will be asked to vote on a proposed millage increase to step up sheriffâs department coverage of the municipality. The township currently contracts with the Oakland County Sheriffâs Department for 10 patrol deputies, a detective, and a sergeant in charge at the Lyon Township substation, providing 24-7 coverage at a cost of about $18 million annually. The South Lyon Herald reports the current staffing is actually down three officers from previous levels due to cost cutting during the recession. Now that new construction is on the rise and property values are increasing, township officials want to step up police protection. A committee called Citizens for a Safer Lyon Township is currently drafting language for a millage increase that could appear on the August primary or November general election ballot. The committee is expected to meet on April 14th to decide how much of an increase will be requested. The deadline to get on the August ballot is May 12th. (TD)
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Brighton H.S. Concert Band Wins Disney HonorsBrighton H.S. Concert Band Wins Disney Honors
4/11/14 - The Brighton High School Concert Band and its Wind Ensemble undoubtedly pleased the panel of judges at the recent Festival Disney competition at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. It was announced at the Brighton Board of Education meeting Monday night that the Concert Band won the âGold Mickey Award âas the best overall concert band in the competition, regardless of class. Another accolade for Brighton High School was that the BHS Wind Ensemble took âBest in Classâ honors. The prestigious Festival Disney, an annual competition, is open to concert bands, musical ensembles, marching bands, school orchestras and show choirs from around the nation. The Brighton High School Concert Band is led by Director Gabrielle Hoffman. (JK)
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Doctor's Motion Denied to Dismiss Drug ChargesDoctor's Motion Denied to Dismiss Drug Charges
4/11/14 - The trial of a Howell doctor charged after a raid by the DEA will move forward. Dr. Michael Holda, an orthopedic surgeon, is charged with six counts of delivery of a controlled substance and one count of possession of marijuana in Livingston County Circuit Court. A hearing was held Thursday to hear a motion filed by the defense to quash the information and dismiss the charges. But that was denied by Judge Michael Hatty, as was a motion to recuse himself from the case. A trial date is set for May 19th. Previous testimony from undercover agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration indicated Dr. Holda prescribed pain medications, including Xanax, beyond what would have been medically necessary. Holda, who has been practicing in the Howell community for more than three decades, operates Livingston County Orthopedics on Byron Road. In May of 2013, Livingston County Sheriffâs Deputies assisted the DEA in executing a search warrant at that location, which followed the undercover visits. (JK)
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Pharmacy Owner's License Revoked, Fined $100K for Tainted DrugsPharmacy Owner's License Revoked, Fined $100K for Tainted Drugs
4/11/14 - Despite $100,000 in fines and other sanctions against a South Lyon pharmacy after reports surfaced of it illegally mass producing tainted drugs, state officials say the investigation is not yet over. Specialty Medicine Compounding Pharmacy of South Lyon must permanently surrender its license while owner Kenny Walkupâs individual pharmacist license will be revoked for three years as part of a consent order approved by the Michigan Board of Pharmacy Disciplinary Subcommittee. Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuetteâs office filed a complaint following reports of tainted injections being distributed by the pharmacy in October of last year. Spokeswoman Joy Yearout says Thursdayâs announcement of the fines and sanctions against the pharmacy and Walkup are a licensing matter and address their ability to serve the public. She says Schuette and the state Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs are continuing their investigation that will determine whether any additional civil or criminal legal action is warranted for distributing potentially tainted medicine to the public. Yearout added that this case would have never come to light without the vigilant staff at Henry Ford Hospital that inspected the drugs and realized something was amiss and filed an immediate report with the state. (JK)
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Meeting to Deal With Signage Concerns in HartlandMeeting to Deal With Signage Concerns in Hartland
4/11/14 - Business owners and members of the public concerned with signage in Hartland are invited to a public hearing this month to discuss possible changes to the local ordinance. Planning Director Dave Campbell says over the past few years, stakeholders have been approaching the township with concerns about what kinds of signs are not allowed or restricted within the municipality. A special public hearing will be held on April 29th for those who would like to discuss their concerns with township officials, with the plan of covering a few key areas that have been of keen interest to residents. These include the total ban on temporary signs in the township, specifically donor appreciation signs for nonprofits and sandwich boards for businesses in the village area. They will also discuss special allowances for agritourism businesses like cider mills, which are a significant part of local tourism and culture. Modest signs for home-based businesses, which are currently banned, will also be considered. Campbell tells WHMI the conversation will not be limited to these topics, and all stakeholders are invited to share their concerns on any portion of the signage ordinance. The goal of the meeting is to create suggestions that will be reviewed by the planning commission for possible recommendation to the township board in late summer. Those who cannot attend the April 29th meeting are invited to share their opinions through an online survey put out by the township. A link to that survey can be found below. (TD)
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Pinckney Student Group Helps With Substance Abuse MessagePinckney Student Group Helps With Substance Abuse Message
4/11/14 - Officials from Pinckney Community Schools got an update this month from representatives of a student-led organization dedicated to fighting drugs. Students in the district are in charge of It Stops With Students, a group which works together with the Pinckney Coalition to increase awareness about drugs and reduce their influence on local students. The Pinckney Board of Education got a report from about a dozen members of the group and a few of their partners from the Pinckney Coalition about the activities and programs they have undertaken this year. These have included student events, like a swim-in, a canned food drive, and a dodgeball tournament. They also engaged in campaigns in the community, including Project Sticker Shock, where students visited local merchants and placed brightly-colored stickers on packs of beer reminding customers about the legal penalties of providing alcohol to minors. One member of the group has even participated in compliance checks in local merchants by attempting to purchase tobacco products as a minor. (TD)
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No Further Jail Time For Woman Who Ran Over BoyfriendNo Further Jail Time For Woman Who Ran Over Boyfriend
4/11/14 - A Brighton woman charged with running over and injuring her former boyfriend has been sentenced. 51-year-old Tamara Smith had was originally charged with operating under the influence causing incapacitating injuries and failing to stop after an accident with serious injuries for the incident last year. But in a plea deal with prosecutors, those charges were reduced to operating under the influence and failing to stop at an accident. At her sentencing Thursday, Smith was given a 83 days jail sentence for the first count and 109 days on the second, but also given credit for that time already served. The charges were filed after police say Smith ran over her ex-boyfriend with her vehicle after he broke up with her in September of 2012. He said Smith kicked him afterwards and then went inside to get a drink before driving away. The boyfriend, who was found by neighbors, suffered a back fracture. While Smith wonât be heading back to jail in the case, she was also ordered to serve two years of probation and to pay $560 in restitution. (JK)
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Trio of Brush Fires Keep Firefighters Busy ThursdayTrio of Brush Fires Keep Firefighters Busy Thursday
4/11/14 - Several brush and grass fires in Livingston County kept firefighters busy Thursday. The first fire was reported just before noon in an Iosco Township field in the area of Coon Lake and Bradley roads. Fowlerville Fire Chief John Wright tells WHMI the fire (pictured) was likely started by a spark from a nearby pile of brush being burned by a resident. In all, approximately ten acres of grass, brush and trees were burned. A call then came in just before 2pm from Unadilla Township about a brush fire off of Dutton Road, possibly started by someone burning material in a ditch. It eventually consumed a 100-year-old barn and destroyed it. Howell firefighters also battled a small field fire in Marion Township that was called in around 1pm. That was apparently also started by a residentâs brush fire that got out of control. Burn bans are in effect in both the Howell and Hartland fire authority areas because officials say the ground still has not completely thawed from the winter freeze and that plants remain brown and dormant. Because of that, they cannot absorb moisture and remain susceptible to fire. (JK)
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Livingston County Lincoln Day Dinner Well-AttendedLivingston County Lincoln Day Dinner Well-Attended
4/12/14 - The state attorney general and a former Michigan secretary of state were the keynote speakers for the 54th annual Lincoln Day Dinner held Friday evening, with Republicans from around Livingston County in attendance. Addressing an audience of about 200 at the Crystal Gardens Banquet Center were State Attorney General Bill Schuette and U.S. Senate candidate Terri Lynn Land. Before his address WHMI spoke with Schuette, who later told the partisan crowd that the Michigan Constitution is not something to pick and choose from when itâs convenient, but must be adhered to. Schuette told WHMI that doesnât make any difference whether itâs an issue of the voter-approved constitutional amendment affirming marriage as between a man and a woman or any other issue that comes before the stateâs highest court. WHMI also spoke with Land, who was critical of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. Land told WHMI that one problem with the Affordable Care Act is that â contrary to its name - many people canât afford it. Land is running this year for the U.S. Senate. Democrat incumbent Sen. Carl Levin has stated he will not run for another term. If Land wins the GOP nomination, she is expected to face 14th District Democrat Congressman Gary Peters in the November election. Peters has received the endorsements of Levin and Michigan U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow. (TT)
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Feds Allege Fenton Men Lied About Military Missile WorkFeds Allege Fenton Men Lied About Military Missile Work
4/12/14 - Federal charges are pending against two Fenton businessmen accused of making false statements about their work on the Tomahawk cruise missile system. MLive.com reports that Precision Metal Spinning of Fenton was hired by Williams International Corporation to weld the outer wall assemblies for use in the missiles' engines. The men are accused of making false statements to the Department of Defense about their work on the missiles between 2004 and 2011. The Tomahawk missile is known as the most advanced cruise missile in the world and has played a long role in U.S. military operations although the federal budget calls for procurement to be eliminated after this year. Court documents allege the pair farmed out the work to a different company and that it was done to a different welding standard. Federal prosecutors declined to elaborate on the charge against the men, which was filed as criminal âinformationâ in U.S. District Court in Flint, where the pair are expected to be arraigned May 1st. (JM)
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Brush & Field Fires Continue to Tax Resources of Local DepartmentsBrush & Field Fires Continue to Tax Resources of Local Departments
4/12/14 - More grass and brush fires spread across Livingston County Friday. High winds have contributed to the spread of multiple brush and field fires this week. Local fire departments continue to stress the dangers of burning and say carelessness has caused a number of fires that tax resources and spread departments thin. Howell firefighters have responded to a handful of brush fires in just a two-day period â preventing a field fire from spreading in Marion Township Thursday and then battling another in Oceola Township Friday. That fire spread quickly and came close to burning a home and barn in the Gulley Road area, where a diesel fuel tank was also located. An additional fire was reported later Friday evening in the Mason Road, County Farm and Jewell Road area of Marion Township. To ensure the safety of community, the Howell Area Fire Department and the Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority have issued burn bans in coverage areas until further notice. While they may start out small, officials say the fires can get out of hand in a hurry due to the frozen ground and extremely dry conditions that exist this time of year. (JM)
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Yoshiaki Kato Takes Control Of Fowlerville Proving GroundsYoshiaki Kato Takes Control Of Fowlerville Proving Grounds
4/13/14 - A new leader has been appointed for the FT Techno of America proving grounds near Fowlerville. On Monday, Japan-based automotive supplier Aisin Seiki announced that Yoshiaki "Yoshi" Kato was named president of the Plymouth-based Aisin Technical Center of America as of April 1st. That position also makes him responsible for the 950-acre proving grounds south of Fowlerville, where advanced vehicle performance evaluation and automotive parts testing take place. He replaces Takashi Aoyama, who will remain with the company as a senior technical advisor. In a press release, Kato says his goals include developing products to specifically meet the needs of American companies. The 59-year-old executive has worked with Aisinâs research and development department since 2006 following a 25-year stint at Toyota. (TD)
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