4/24/14 - The county government is in the process of updating the plan that outlines how to respond to a wide variety of disasters should they strike the local area. The Public Safety and Infrastructure & Development Committee approved the updated emergency operations plan this week. The plan outlines exactly how county emergency services would respond to a full gamut of emergencies, from natural disasters like tornadoes, flooding, and severe storms to man made disasters like hazardous material spills and terrorism. It has been years since the plan was last updated, and the changes this time around were mostly minor things done to appease new requirements at the state and federal level. Emergency Management Program Manager Mike Kinaschuk tells WHMI the plan is not just an important tool for helping protect Livingston County residents, but it is actually required by law for every county to have one in place. The plan must be approved at the county and state levels by the time a disaster takes place if Livingston wants to get any kind of assistance from the state or federal government in implementing it and coping with the emergency. Kinaschuk expects the full county commission to give final approval to the updated plan at its next regular meeting on Monday. (TD)
County Moving Forward With Updated Emergency PlanCounty Moving Forward With Updated Emergency Plan
↧
↧
Howell Rotary Club Celebrating 90 Years of Community Involvement Howell Rotary Club Celebrating 90 Years of Community Involvement
4/24/14 - The Howell Rotary Club will be celebrating 90 years of continuous involvement and solid tradition in the community with an event early next month. The Howell Rotary Club was chartered on May 5th of 1924 with 17 members. The Superintendent of Howell Public Schools at the time, John S. Page, led the effort to form a club in Howell. Ironically ninety years later, the Howell Rotary Club is led by Ron Wilson, the current Howell Superintendent. For years, the club and its members have actively supported local non-profits and events from holiday bell ringing to bowling for kidsâ sake, along with various other charitable efforts. Youth leadership is a priority and every year, the club presents a scholarship to a deserving Howell High School senior. Keeping a long-time Howell tradition alive, the club also now produces and sells the original recipe melon ice cream on the courthouse lawn during the Howell Melon Festival to help support local youth initiatives. Community partners and guests are invited to attend the Howell Rotary Clubâs luncheon meeting and 90-year celebration on Monday, May 5th. The cost is $10 per person. Further details about the history of the Howell Rotary Club and the upcoming celebration can be found at in the attachment below. The Rotary Raiders team is pictured below while working during a past United Way Day of Caring. (JM)
↧
Local Agencies to Serve as Drop-Off Sites for Prescription DrugsLocal Agencies to Serve as Drop-Off Sites for Prescription Drugs
4/24/14 - An event this weekend will allow Livingston County residents to rid their homes of potentially dangerous prescription drugs. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are said to be alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to the types of drugs. A number of local law enforcement agencies are again partnering with the Drug Enforcement Administration for the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day this Saturday, April 26th. All 29 Michigan State Police posts including the Brighton location will serve as drop-off points for citizens to discard expired, unused or unwanted prescriptions and medications for destruction. The Brighton City Police Department, the Hamburg Township Police Department and the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department will also be serving as drop-off locations. No liquids, inhalers, patches, or syringes will be accepted and the service is free and anonymous. Officials say the effort addresses a vital public safety and public health issue because medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. (JM)
↧
Community Support Sought for Brighton Relay for Life Community Support Sought for Brighton Relay for Life
4/24/14 - Community support is being sought for an annual fundraiser that remembers those lost but also celebrates survivors and the strides being made with cancer research. The Brighton Relay for Life event kicks off at 6pm on Friday, May 9th at the newly renovated Brighton High School track. The 24-hour relay event is one of hundreds held across the county, state and country for the American Cancer Society. All funds go directly toward research, patient services and advocacy, which are essential to winning the fight against cancer according to Brighton Relay Publicity Chair Cortney Peters. She says the Brighton area has been ârelayingâ for 22 years now and closing on almost a quarter century of partnership with the American Cancer Society. Last yearâs Brighton event raised 104,000 and the goal this year is $115,000. Peters tells WHMI two out three people are surviving cancer today because of the research being done but they wonât stop until its three out of three. Peters says any involvement or community support is helpful whether becoming a team member, donating or volunteering in a number of different capacities. She says theyâre also specifically seeking survivors and caregivers to take part in the Brighton Relay for Life event and while it can be a touchy subject, they want as many as possible to attend and celebrate. Anyone interested is asked to email Peters at Brightonrfl@gmail.com. Details can also be found through the link below. (JM)
↧
Residential Construction Data Reveals Good News for CountyResidential Construction Data Reveals Good News for County
4/24/14 - After years of decline, residential construction has taken a turn for the better - both in Livingston County and across the entire Southeast Michigan region. The Southeast Michigan region wrapped up 2013 with a total of 7,586 new residential building permits being issued â marking a 34% increase over 2012. The region has had four consecutive years of gains in residential construction since hitting the bottom in 2009, according to a report released by the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments. It shows that net units returned to the positive in 2011 and continue to increase. The total reported construction value for all residential units permitted in 2013 was $1.3 (B) billion. All counties in the seven-county SEMCOG region experienced positive growth in residential construction, with Livingston County leading with an 88% increase over 2012 levels. The number of permits issued locally for single family homes also more than doubled; with 312 permits issued in 2012 and 626 in 2013. SEMCOG says while new housing starts are improving in the region, the recovery will be slow but steady. Officials say itâs possible that multi-family construction could be the catalyst for quicker revival of the market but numbers are not still expected to reach pre-recession levels for quite some time. Complete residential building permit data for Livingston County is available through the link below. (JM)
↧
↧
Dems Upset By Jail Funding Proposal Set To Go Before CountyDems Upset By Jail Funding Proposal Set To Go Before County
4/24/14 - The final recommendation on how to pay for the upcoming expansion to the Livingston County Jail will be presented to the full County Commission on Monday. Commissioner Don Parker chairs the Jail Improvement Committee, which was tasked with working out funding proposals for the expansion. It presented formal recommendations to the County Finance Committee during its meeting yesterday morning. The projected construction cost of the jail expansion is $16.7 million and, following the presentation, the Finance Committee authorized a resolution of intent to issue $14.2 million in bonds. Those bonds must still be approved by the full board. The Livingston County Democratic Party and its candidates for the county commission issued a press release today criticizing the plan. They say alternatives to jail sentencing should be expanded and the money for the expansion spent on roads. They also criticized the proposed funding mechanism for the project, which they say reduces the countyâs flexibility. Those comments prompted Commissioner Steve Williams to issue a formal statement, which is attached below. The Jail Improvement Committeeâs recommendation will be formally presented again to the full Board of Commissioners during its meeting Monday night. A vote on the recommendation is possible. (JM/TD)
↧
Lt. Governor Impressed by Business Community in Howell VisitLt. Governor Impressed by Business Community in Howell Visit
4/24/14 - Michigan Lt. Governor Brian Calley was in Howell Thursday as part of his periodic trips to communities around the state to discuss economic progress and listen to local leaders. Calley says he has been in around 20 Michigan communities in recent months, talking about the partnerships between the state and local communities that are helping drive Michiganâs economic resurgence. He says he was excited by the enthusiasm, drive and examples of entrepreneurial spirit that he found in Howell. Calley also says that the spirit of camaraderie between local government and the business community that he experienced in Howell is very encouraging. He adds the success of downtown Howell and nearby Brighton are prime examples of how local communities, working in concert with the state, can become dynamic destinations and a beacon for smaller communities around the state to emulate. A number of local business leaders were at the event, held at Frontal Lobe on Grand River in downtown Howell. (TT)
↧
Pinckney Library Celebrates Earth Day Saturday w/ Family Events Pinckney Library Celebrates Earth Day Saturday w/ Family Events
4/25/14 - The Pinckney Community Public Library says Earth Day deserves more than just one day of celebration and has planned some family friendly events this weekend. Organizers say although Earth Day was this past Tuesday, theyâll be celebrating Saturday anyway with PBS-featured Michigan author Doc Fletcher. The Friends of the Pinckney Library is sponsoring the "Every River Tells a Story" program, which starts at 10:30am Saturday. Then at 12:30pm, the Livingston Land Conservancy will host Earth Day activities for children and make a bird feeder, plant some seeds, create a river collage, and enjoy edible dirt cups. Officials say the activities and programs are free but ask that those attending would call the Pinckney Library and register for planning and supply purposes. (JM)
↧
Fire In Putnam Township Injures Unadilla FirefighterFire In Putnam Township Injures Unadilla Firefighter
4/25/14 - A barn fire in Putnam Township resulted in a minor injury to a firefighter Wednesday. Putnam firefighters were joined by the Unadilla Fire Department on the 3200 block of Patterson Lake Road at 1:39pm. The owner of the home had been burning cardboard boxes in an approved burn container when a spark got out and caught a pole barn on fire. There was some damage to the building, as well as the two cars inside and one parked nearby. Putnam Fire Chief Greg Amburgey says the damage was not too extensive and crews quickly knocked down the fire. One firefighter from Unadilla was injured by broken glass, receiving a cut on his hand. He declined to be transported to a hospital and was treated at the scene. The Hamburg Township Fire Department provided water for the crews to use as they fought the blaze. (TD)
↧
↧
Hamburg Road Focus Group Approves Millage Marketing Funds Hamburg Road Focus Group Approves Millage Marketing Funds
4/25/14 - A group of concerned citizens led by Supervisor Pat Hohl met Thursday night to approve elements of its campaign to repair area roadways. The collective agreed to fund the building of a website, the purchase and design of postcards, and eight large signs which will be placed throughout the township. The marketing materials will serve to educate voters about a millage being proposed to the board for placement on the November ballot. Township Trustee Pat Hohl related that the millage would raise $21 (m) million over 15 years, and would cost residents about 50-cents a day or $150 per household annually. The funds raised would be combined with those provided by Livingston County to enhance road maintenance and improvement efforts. (LR)
↧
Hartland Schools: Misunderstandings Spawned Twitter ComplaintHartland Schools: Misunderstandings Spawned Twitter Complaint
4/24/14 - A couple of misunderstandings are being blamed for one parent getting upset over some messages put out on the official Twitter feed for Legacy High School in Hartland. Earlier this week, an anonymous party claiming to be a Hartland parent sent an email complaining about two posts made to the social media site by Principal Kirk Evenson. The first was a reposting of a tweet put out by Pope Francis, and the second was a reposting of a tweet asking old teachers to retire for the sake of the districtâs budget. The official position of the district is that Evenson had meant to report the popeâs message on his private account, but accidentally used the official school account instead. The anonymous complainant tells WHMI that he understands that mistake, but the district should consider improving the oversight of the official Twitter feed to prevent a similar incident in the future. As for the second tweet, the district says the statements calling for teacher retirements were from a satirical Twitter account that is actually meant to support teachers. That satirical Twitter account has at least one Legacy High School teacher among its followers. (TD)
↧
Pinckney Schools Spends $240,000 Fixing High School Gym FloorPinckney Schools Spends $240,000 Fixing High School Gym Floor
4/25/14 - The Pinckney School Board approved some six-figure spending to fix a safety problem last night, but the expense should not interfere with the districtâs deficit elimination plan. The Pinckney High School gym floor has developed a problem with mold and mildew in the lower levels as a result of a waterlogging issue. Superintendent Rick Todd says the floor was sealed, so there was never a health safety risk to students or guests. However, he says it would be unacceptable to keep the floor in that condition, and last night the school board approved the low bid of just under $240,000 to replace and reseal the floor. About $35,000 in additional funding was also approved to pay for repairs that will fix the water problem that led to the mold. The money is coming from the remaining balance of bonds passed by voters in 2010. Pinckney is a deficit district and recently closed one of its elementary schools to stay on track with the five-year plan to get back in the black. Todd says the spending on the gym floor will not affect that effort, and this money is coming out of funds held in reserve for emergencies just like this. The work will be done over the summer to have as little impact on students as possible. (TD)
↧
Local Jobless Rate Improves in March Local Jobless Rate Improves in March
4/25/14 - March jobless rates edged downward in Livingston County and across all of Michiganâs major labor markets. The Department of Technology, Management & Budget recently released the local and regional jobless figures. Livingston Countyâs March unemployment rate stood at 7.5% - marking an improvement from the rates reported during the winter months. Itâs ranking among Michiganâs 83 counties also improved a few spots to 17th. The state says unemployment rates have dropped in all 17 major labor regions since March of 2013. One of the most prominent jobless rate reductions over that period was recorded in the Detroit-Warren-Livonia region, which includes Livingston County. (JM)
↧
↧
Man Gets Lengthy Prison Time For Sexual Relationship With MinorMan Gets Lengthy Prison Time For Sexual Relationship With Minor
4/25/14 - A Toledo man has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term on charges of having a sexual relationship with a local 13-year-old girl. 31-year-old Carloque Lanning has been sentenced to 40 to 80 years in prison. He was found guilty in February on five counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of 2nd-degree criminal sexual conduct, as well as being a fourth-time habitual offender. The charges stem from a relationship with a local girl that eventually became sexual in nature. The girl in question, who is not being named as part of a policy to not identify alleged sexual assault victims, testified that Lanning also provided her with drugs and alcohol over the course of their relationship. (TD)
↧
Former 911 Director Disputes Authenticity of Performance ReviewFormer 911 Director Disputes Authenticity of Performance Review
4/25/14 - Were performance evaluations for the former 911 Central Dispatch Director created after-the-fact by Livingston County officials? After a large show of public support following Don Arbicâs departure, WHMI filed a Freedom of Information Act request seeking his performance evaluations for 2010 through 2014, performed by County Administrator Belinda Peters. They showed he generally exceeded requirements and expectations up until 2013, when tension apparently increased. All of the reviews provided to WHMI had also been signed by both Arbic and Peters, but the 2013 review was not. Heâs disputing the authenticity of the 2013 evaluation and believes it was purposefully written and released to justify his departure after he was called to resign. Arbic says he was unaware the 2013 appraisal even existed until April 17th and it was never discussed with him. Heâs since filed a request with human resources demanding it be expunged from his personnel file, along with the 2014 review - which he feels was poisoned by the 2013 claims. What Arbic believes further demonstrates the review was written after the fact is that the Board of Commissioners did not authorize a staffing level of 25 for the department until the 2014 budget. It would have been 24 in 2013 but was reflected otherwise in the review, which he feels makes clear the author is attempting to bridge the gap between evaluations following ten years of valuable service to provide the foundation for the low ratings on the last performance review. Arbic maintains there was only disagreement and difficulty with one department head, not multiple individuals and staff as the review states. The most recent evaluation also stated that he needed to immediately revamp hiring and training processes due to a low retention rate. Arbic countered that he was handicapped while recruiting, training and retaining quality employees and urged the negotiation of fair contracts in 2009 and 2011, but better pay was not authorized until January of 2014, despite having a $4 million fund balance in the 911/Central Dispatch budget. Arbic says in reality, he was tasked with staffing the department for five years while employee pay was frozen and health insurance and retirement benefits were being cut along with positions and new employee pay. Peters declined to directly respond to any of the claims, saying itâs the policy of the County not to comment on specific personnel matters regarding current and former employees but Arbicâs service and accomplishments during his tenure were appreciated. Despite being at odds, both Peters and Arbic expressed that dispatchers deserve to be commended for all of the lifesaving work they do. (JM)
↧
Growing Howell Business Incubator Almost at Capacity
4/26/14 - A Howell business that started slowly as a business incubator to help entrepreneurs and people who are self-employed get started in a professional setting is now almost at capacity. Frontal Lobe was established nearly a year ago in downtown Howell to provide affordable office space for Livingston County entrepreneurs who have hesitated to use their home as a place of business. But business has surpassed expectations, and next month, Frontal Lobe will be celebrating the first anniversary of its formal opening in May of last year. Co-owner Courtney Tarara tells WHMI the building, near the historic court house on East Grand River, has about 3,000 square feet of space on the main floor and a renovated basement that is used as a conference room and additional office space. Tarara says Frontal Lobe gives full members not only professional office space which can be used as their business address, but the chance to network, share ideas and experience camaraderie with other upwardly mobile professionals. Office space is available via memberships that range from a low of $20 for a day pass to $145 for unlimited access and a roaming office space, up to $495 for private office space and unlimited access. For more information on Frontal Lobe, go to its website at workfrontallobe.com. (TT)
↧
Survey: Most Brighton Residents Say City Streets Need UpgradesSurvey: Most Brighton Residents Say City Streets Need Upgrades
4/26/14 - Brighton residents queried in a recent online city survey rate their streets no better than "fair", but three-quarters of them say they don't want to pay a tax assessment for improvements to their own street. Some 208 citizens responded to the survey, which city officials regard as very good, considering that it was conducted online. However, the survey questions could also be picked up at city hall and taken home to fill out. In the questionnaire, residents were asked six questions pertaining to the condition of city streets and sidewalks and possible ways to pay for projects to repair and make improvements. Citizens were also asked to prioritize potential future city projects - not just street upgrades but addressing city sidewalks, city maintenance equipment, city-owned buildings, cemeteries, Mill Pond Park and other city parks. They said "no" to additional taxes, however, an overwhelming 77% saying emphatically they would not want to participate in a special assessment district to pay for improvements to their own street. As to any potential street improvement projects, the results were evenly split between those who would like them undertaken soon, using the city's bonding authority to finance them, and those who prefer the streets be done incrementally on a pay-as-you-go basis. Overall, 46% of the respondents regard Brighton streets as "fair", 31% rate them as "good", 17% rate them "poor" and 5% say they are in "failing" condition. Only 1% regard local streets as being in "excellent" condition. Some 35% rate the streets in their own neighborhood as "good" and an equal percentage say they are "fair", while 16% rate them as "poor" and 9% say they are "failing". Foster says the survey results will be helpful to city officials as they weigh future decisions regarding the city's streets and sidewalks, and the rest of the city's infrastructure. The survey results can be viewed on the city's website - brightoncity.org - under "city news and notices." (TT)
↧
↧
Supreme Court Rules in Brighton's Favor in Unsafe Home DisputeSupreme Court Rules in Brighton's Favor in Unsafe Home Dispute
4/26/14 - The Michigan Supreme Court has sided with the city of Brighton in its case against a couple who sued the city over an ordinance which requires the demolition of unsafe homes whose value is less than the cost of repairing them. The unanimous opinion thus overturns a decision by the state Court of Appeals, which ruled in December of last year that portions of the city ordinance violated due process. The city subsequently filed an appeal with the Michigan Supreme Court, which this week reversed the Court of Appeals decision and remanded the case back to Livingston County Circuit Court for further proceedings. Leon and Marilyn Bonner own two houses on North Street that the city ordered demolished in January of 2009 on the basis that they pose a danger to public health and safety. The Bonners, represented by attorney Dennis Dubuc, took their case to the county circuit court, and after that failed to resolve the dispute, filed an appeal with the Michigan Court of Appeals. In reversing the appellate court decision Thursday, the Supreme Court said that the city ordinance âdid not constitute an unconstitutional deprivation of substantive due process because the ordinanceâs unreasonable-to-repair presumption wasâ¦related to the cityâs legitimate interest in protecting the health, safety, and welfare of its citizens.â Attorney Paul Burns, in representing the city, has consistently maintained the homes are not safe and should be demolished. But the Bonners insist they merely want to repair the homes to bring them up to code, and argue that the cityâs ordinance is unconstitutional. (TT)
↧
Lakeland Principal Will Take Up New Position At LESALakeland Principal Will Take Up New Position At LESA
4/27/14 - The principal of Lakeland Elementary is leaving the Pinckney School District at the end of this year. Sean LaRosa announced on Thursday that she would not seek another spot in the district in the fall. Her position will be eliminated when the district shuts down Lakeland to save on costs and deal with declining enrollment. LaRosa first came to the district as a first-grade student at Hamburg Elementary in 1967, and has spent her career in early childhood education within the district. She tells WHMI that she has nothing against working in the Pinckney district, but she has taken a job with the Livingston Educational Service Agency that will allow her to serve young students all around the county. LaRosa will be the new executive director of early childhood services for LESA, a new position designed to oversee educational programming for children throughout the county up to age six. She says she is excited about her new position and, since it was just created, she will have a lot of latitude in deciding how her department will operate going forward. (TD)
↧
Livingston Leadership Council Recognized for Senior AssessmentLivingston Leadership Council Recognized for Senior Assessment
4/27/14 - The Livingston Leadership Council on Aging has been recognized for its work over the past year on a community-wide assessment of senior citizen friendly systems and environments. The Michigan Office of Services to the Aging has awarded the group a Certificate of Recognition for completing the Community for a Lifetime Assessment. Ten key areas were examined including walkability, access to health care, housing availability and affordability, transportation and inclusion. Community Collaborative Planner Anne Rennie says they know that in order to provide a place for seniors to age in place, there need to be systems and environments that are senior friendly and Livingston County has that. Although 100% was not achieved in each category, Rennie says many things were in place and the group conducting the assessment was pleasantly surprised with how well prepared the county is for the aging population. Rennie says another good result is that the group now has clear goals for where improvements can be made as Livingston County has always been a community moving forward. The award will be presented to the Livingston County Board of Commissioners during its meeting Monday night. (JM)
↧
More Pages to Explore .....
