5/7/14 - More than 100 Brighton-area business owners and residents turned out for an informational session this morning on an upcoming freeway project. Starting this summer, the US-23/I-96 interchange will be re-designed, including re-routed ramps. The Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the event at the American Spirit Centre, featuring a presentation by the Michigan Department of Transportation. Among those in attendance was Real Estate Agent Gerald Wingerter, who says while itâs long overdue, heâs concerned that it will still be a surprise for many motorists. The biggest concern for many at todayâs meeting was the planned closure of Spencer Road, which is expected to last approximately 40 days. MDOT say that is being done first as Spencer will be a major detour route once the interchange work gets underway. Additionally Brighton Area School officials had concerns as Spencer Road is utilized as part of 47 different bus routes. Many of the business owners understood the construction would likely lead to decreases in customer traffic, but expressed support that long-standing issues were finally being addressed. (JK)
Interchange Project Meeting Brings Out Business Owners & OthersInterchange Project Meeting Brings Out Business Owners & Others
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Emergency Weather Siren Heard in Howell Deemed False Alarm Emergency Weather Siren Heard in Howell Deemed False Alarm
5/7/14 - An emergency siren that went off in the Howell area early this morning was a false alarm. A single weather siren connected to the Howell fire service went off at around 5am, alarming some residents in the area. The weather warning siren system was recently upgraded to connect all of the sirens across Livingston County and they will all be activated simultaneously in the event of severe weather by Central Dispatch. County Emergency Manager Mike Kinaschuk tells WHMI they did the first test of the system last Saturday and it worked quite well so theyâre not sure why one siren activated this morning when none of the others did. He says itâs an anomaly but theyâre not sure what triggered it and it could have been the thunderstorm or something else and the company that installed the system will be coming out to look at it. Kinaschuk says until they find out what actually happened, it appears to be one of those odd circumstances and they could still be working out bugs in the system. All of the weather warning sirens will continue to be tested across Livingston County on the first Saturday of every month. (JM)
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Victims of Tainted Steroid Outbreak to Share $100 Million SettlementVictims of Tainted Steroid Outbreak to Share $100 Million Settlement
5/7/14 - Victims in the nation's outbreak of fungal meningitis will share a $100 (m) million settlement. Attorneys announced today that the victims of contaminated steroid injections who sued in federal courts will share a $100 million settlement against New England Compounding Center. The now-defunct Massachusetts company distributed the tainted steroid injections to patients at clinics in 20 states. Michigan patients were hit hardest by the outbreak, with 264 infections and 19 deaths according to the most recent tallies. The steroids were distributed to clinics in four Michigan counties including Livingston, Genesee, Macomb and Grand Traverse. The settlement was tentatively agreed upon last December and was officially filed today with the bankruptcy court, which must still approve it. Attorneys that represent the victims say they could be receiving compensation as early as next year. Meanwhile just this month, the Michigan Senate Health Policy Committee unanimously approved legislation sponsored by a Livingston County lawmaker to strengthen oversight of compounding pharmacies and increase regulations. Itâs currently before the full Senate. George Cary of Howell Township is pictured. They both received the contaminated steroids from a Brighton clinic, his wife died while he was left hospitalized. Photo Credit AP.(JM)
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Local Chamber Officials in Lansing for Chamber of Commerce DayLocal Chamber Officials in Lansing for Chamber of Commerce Day
5/8/14 - State and local chambers of commerce from around Michigan gathered in Lansing this week to meet with legislators and advocate for policies that foster business and job growth. Tuesdayâs event marked the first Chamber of Commerce Day, attended by the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce, the Michigan chamber and 31 other local chambers that discussed their combined goals and strategies in 2014. Participants attended a series of meetings with legislators and policymakers throughout the day to discuss issues favorable to job creation and business growth in Michigan. Participants met early in the day with policymakers to discuss topics on transportation and infrastructure funding, minimum wage and personal property tax reform. In the afternoon, Chamber leaders met with legislators and Lt. Governor Brian Calley. Brighton Chamber President and CEO Pam McConeghy says theyâre leading the way for members in the local community to be better informed about issues affecting their businesses to make a difference. Plans are also already in the works to make the Chamber of Commerce Day an annual event. (JM)
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Fenton Business Owners Plead Guilty in Federal Missile ProbeFenton Business Owners Plead Guilty in Federal Missile Probe
5/8/14 - A father and son who own a Fenton business have pleaded guilty to lying to the Department of Defense about the welding of Tomahawk cruise missiles. Dennis Frederick and his son Brian Frederick own Precision Metal Spinning in Fenton, which was contracted by the federal government to perform welding on the outer wall assemblies of the missiles from January of 2004 to December of 2011. Tomahawks are medium-to-long-range cruise missiles that can be fitted with a number of different warheads. Earlier this year, a federal investigation uncovered that the Fredericks had been falsely claiming that they had been performing the work themselves, when in fact they had been outsourcing the work to a different organization that was using a sub-par welding standard. Court documents indicate Precision Metal Spinning had difficulty meeting the specifications of the welding as outlined in its subcontract. Yesterday, the two men pleaded guilty to making false statements to the government. As part of their plea agreement and for cooperating with investigators, the government is recommending prison time not exceeding 18 months, as opposed the usual 30-37 months. The two men would also be ordered to serve their sentences at different times, which would allow Precision Metal Spinning to continue serving its non-government customers. They will also likely be ordered to pay the more than $1.6 million in restitution being sought by the US Navy. They are scheduled to be sentenced on September 3rd. (TD)
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Luminaria Ceremony & Survivors Lap Kick Off Brighton Relay FridayLuminaria Ceremony & Survivors Lap Kick Off Brighton Relay Friday
5/8/14 - An inspiring event that allows the community to take action and fight back against cancer kicks off in Brighton Friday evening. The Relay for Life movement benefits the American Cancer Society, with several events held throughout Livingston County. They offer an opportunity to honor cancer survivors, promote how individuals can reduce their cancer risk, and raise money to help end the fight against cancer. The Brighton Relay for Life will get underway at 6pm Friday at the newly renovated Brighton High School track and one large aspect is the luminaria ceremony. Luminaria bags and candles are dedicated to those who have battled or are currently battling cancer and are lit up around the track. The theme of the 24-hour Brighton relay event this year is destination so every tent around the track will be a destination of some kind, whether real or imaginary. Last yearâs Brighton event raised 104,000 and the goal this year is $115,000. The public is encouraged to come out and support the event during the course of the 24-hours. It starts at 6pm this Friday and will feature food, games, music and entertainment along with fitness activities and stuff for kids. Complete event information can be found in the link below. (JM)
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Howell Township Crash Sends Two Local Women To HospitalHowell Township Crash Sends Two Local Women To Hospital
5/8/14 - Two local women, one of them in her third trimester, were sent to the hospital after a head-on crash in Howell Township last night. At about 6:30pm, emergency crews were called to the scene of the accident along M-59 near Durant Road. Undersheriff Mike Murphy says a 34-year-old Brighton woman in a Chevy Malibu was traveling westbound in an eastbound lane of M-59 when she struck a Saturn driven by a 29-year-old Howell woman. Both women suffered significant injuries, but their status is currently unknown. The at-fault driver was taken by Survival Flight to the University of Michigan Hospital, while the driver of the Saturn, who is seven months pregnant, was transported to the hospital by Livingston County EMS. The status of her child is also unknown. Murphy says the pregnant woman was wearing a seat belt but the at-fault driver was not. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and it is not known at this time whether drugs or alcohol played a factor in the crash. It took cleanup crews more than two hours to fully reopen local roads. (TD)
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$100 Million Settlement Announced in Tainted Steroid Case$100 Million Settlement Announced in Tainted Steroid Case
5/8/14 - Victims in the nation's outbreak of fungal meningitis will share a $100 (m) million settlement. Attorneys announced this week that the victims of contaminated steroid injections who sued in federal courts will share a $100 million settlement against New England Compounding Center. The now-defunct Massachusetts company distributed the tainted steroid injections to patients at clinics in 20 states. Michigan patients were hit hardest by the outbreak, with 264 infections and 19 deaths according to the most recent tallies. The steroids were distributed to clinics in four Michigan counties including Livingston, Genesee, Macomb and Grand Traverse. The settlement was tentatively agreed upon last December and was officially filed today with the bankruptcy court, which must still approve it. Attorneys that represent the victims say they could be receiving compensation as early as next year. Meanwhile, the Michigan Senate Health Policy Committee recently unanimously approved legislation sponsored by State Senator Joe Hune of Hamburg Township to strengthen oversight of compounding pharmacies and increase regulations. Itâs currently before the full Senate. (JK)
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HAFD's Andy Pless Named President Of Fire Chiefs' AssociationHAFD's Andy Pless Named President Of Fire Chiefs' Association
5/8/14 - The leader of Howellâs fire department has been named the president of the association that works on behalf of the fire chiefs around Southeast Michigan. Andy Pless is chief of the Howell Area Fire Authority, and has been serving with the department since 1987. He was sworn in as the new president of the Southeastern Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs at the organizationâs regular general membership meeting today. The Farmington Hills-based association was created to promote improvements in fire prevention and suppression, safety, emergency medical services, and other related fields. It also works to promote unity within the regionâs fire departments and provide training and networking opportunities. (TD)
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Hartland Township To Spend $27,500 On Residential Area AnalysisHartland Township To Spend $27,500 On Residential Area Analysis
5/8/14 - Officials in Hartland are trying to get a better understanding of the post-recession housing market and where it will be going in the future. Last night, the township board approved spending up to $27,500 on an analysis of the residential housing market, including what is currently in demand, what is available, the potential for new construction, and what kinds of housing will be in demand in coming years. Township Manager James Wickman says many important decisions at the township level rely on accurate knowledge of the status and future of housing in the municipality. The township will use the results of the analysis in creating comprehensive plans, land use planning, and policies for the municipality that better reflect the needs of residents. Wickman says the township needs to know how the housing market has changed and will continue to change following the recession, and a third party analysis is needed to confirm or deny the anecdotal evidence that has been collected so far. Trustee Joe Petrucci told the board he was not happy with having to spend this kind of money on a residential analysis, but he understood why it was necessary for the function of the township board. The analysis will be conducted this summer. (TD)
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Eight Young Defendants In Alcohol Case Seeking DismissalEight Young Defendants In Alcohol Case Seeking Dismissal
5/8/14 - Attorneys are trying to get the cases against eight young people accused of possessing alcohol dismissed based on double jeopardy protections. Police arrived at a social gathering in Hartland on November 23rd and identified eight individuals aged 17 to 19 from all around Livingston County, with one from Holly. Each of them now faces one count of being a minor in possession of alcohol. One of them has had his case transferred from Judge Miriam Cavanaugh to Judge Suzanne Geddis, and a mistrial was declared for the defendants. The defense attorneys have since called for the new trial to be dismissed on the grounds of double jeopardy. Seven of the eight defendants have a status conference scheduled for June 5th, with jury pick on June 6th, but those dates may change based on how the court responds to the motion for dismissal. (TD)
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Man & Family Killed in Florida Mansion Fire Have Local Ties Man & Family Killed in Florida Mansion Fire Have Local Ties
5/8/14 - The family killed in a Florida fire that authorities believe was intentionally set have local ties. The home is owned by former tennis star James Blake, who was renting it to the Campbell family. It was engulfed in flames when firefighters responded early Wednesday morning and the bodies of two adults and two teenagers were found in the charred remains. Theyâre believed to be 49-year-old Darrin Campbell, his wife Kimberly, and the coupleâs son and daughter. Darrin and Kimberly reportedly met in Lansing, while both were working as legislative aides. Kimberly graduated from Central Michigan University and Darrin Campbell had an MBA from the University of Michigan. He worked for a time at Ford Motor Company and the couple lived in Milford before relocating to Florida with their family. Campbell had been an executive for several high-profile companies, including a senior vice president at a company that provides mobile, temporary shipping and storage containers. Investigators have described the fire as unusual and said there were "various fireworks" throughout the home but have so far stopped short of calling the case a murder-suicide. Autopsies were being performed today. (JM)
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Governor Joins Students During Construction Career Day in HowellGovernor Joins Students During Construction Career Day in Howell
5/8/14 - Some students got an up close opportunity to learn about building their future. Job opportunities in the skilled trades field were the focus of a career exploration event in Howell Thursday morning. Governor Rick Snyder toured the Michigan Construction Career Days alongside middle and high school students at the Operating Engineers Local 324 Training and Education Center off M-59. Snyder says the event offers a unique opportunity for todayâs younger generation to learn about all of the different skilled trades out there, and the thousands of good paying jobs and careers available now. As part of the Construction Career Days, high school students from all over had a chance to experience construction up-close and use real tools, materials and heavy equipment under the direct guidance of professionals from all sectors of the industry. (JM)
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Woman Sentenced in Fowlerville Porch CrashWoman Sentenced in Fowlerville Porch Crash
5/9/14 - A sentence has been handed down for the Ingham County woman who pleaded guilty to crashing her jeep into the home of a local deputy fire chief. 41-year-old Heather Ann Belen of Webberville pleaded guilty to charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated and operating a vehicle with no insurance. In exchange, prosecutors dismissed a count that she was driving on a suspended license. This week she was sentenced to 30 days of community service and one year of probation. During that time she is ordered not to possess any alcohol, drugs, or marijuana, and not to enter any bars. She has also been ordered to attend substance abuse counseling and pay more than $5,000 in restitution. Police say Belen was northbound on Veterans Drive the evening of January 12th when her vehicle left the roadway on Grand River, crossed over a curb, and crashed into the front porch of Deputy Fowlerville Fire Chief Robert Feigâs home. Feig administered first aid to Belen until EMS arrived. She sustained minor facial injuries and was treated at a hospital before being taken into custody. (JK)
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Construction Begins Next Week on M-59 in Howell AreaConstruction Begins Next Week on M-59 in Howell Area
5/9/14 - Orange barrels are popping up now and come Monday, theyâll be greeting drivers on M-59 in the Howell area. The Michigan Department of Transportation will start work Monday to construct a center left-turn lane at Hacker Road and M-59 near Howell. All next week, one lane will be open under flag control on M-59 between Musson Road and Cullen Road. That will allow crews to install concrete barrier wall and temporary pavement markings for installation of a traffic shift. Lane restrictions will take place between 9am and 3pm each day. M-DOT says once the traffic shift is in place, one lane of traffic will be open in each direction on M-59. Traffic will be shifted to the south side of the roadway while crews build the center left-turn lane at Hacker Road. The project is estimated for completion at the end of September. (JM)
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Local Authors, Storytellers & Others Muse on MotherhoodLocal Authors, Storytellers & Others Muse on Motherhood
5/9/14 - Memories, perspectives, and humor about being a mom was shared with dozens of women from around the area in Howell last night. âMommologues: Musings on Motherhoodâ was held for the first time yesterday at the Howell Opera House. The live presentation featured local speakers and benefitted LACASA. The event was emceed and co-produced by Mona Shand, and included eight other speakers who shared their viewpoints and stories about motherhood. Speakers included blogger Maria Stuart, local chef Renee Chodkowski, also known as the Great Foodini; Howell Area Chamber of Commerce President Pat Convery and local authors David Hayes and Cindy Spencer Pape. While many of the stories were humorous or touching, they also included a sad reminder of the late Dominic Calhoun, a local 4-year-old, as a reminder of the importance of mothers and the value of services like those offered through LACASA. Shand says she hopes more events like Mommologues can be held in the future to continue supporting the domestic abuse prevention and recovery programs of LACASA. (TD)
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Rogers Praises K-12 Budget Increase Amid Democrats CriticismRogers Praises K-12 Budget Increase Amid Democrats Criticism
5/9/14 - A local lawmaker says the school aid budget will increase school funding by close to half-a-billion dollars from 2014 levels, while critics say the bill is still unfairly distributing education dollars. The Republican-led Michigan Senate and House passed $13.7 billion schools budgets increasing per-pupil funding in K-12 schools. State Representative Bill Rogers chairs the House Appropriations Subcommittee on School Aid. The Genoa Township Republican spoke on the House floor Thursday prior to passage of the school aid budget for 2015. "I am proud to say we have increased over the prior budget school aid by approximately $460 million dollars. Realizing that some people will never say its enough, I will say my children never said I gave them enough of an allowance. But we have increased the funding for schools." But not everyone saw things so positively. Democratic State Senator Hoon-Yung Hopgood of Taylor said the bill was nothing less than âraiding the School Aid Fund to make up for the money now missing from the General Fund." Hopgood said that kids, âshouldn't have to pay for corporate tax handouts, nor should they have to pay for the poor budgetingâ of the legislature and that School Aid Fund dollars were intended to be spent on one thing only: K-12 schools. The budget provides funding increases to community colleges, higher education and School Aid for K-12 education. Differences between the House and Senate versions will be hammered out in conference committees after lawmakers and Snyder's administration meet. (JK)
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Hudson Mills West River Trail Completed For MetroparkHudson Mills West River Trail Completed For Metropark
5/9/14 - A trail connecting the Hudson Mills Metro Park and the Village of Dexter has completed its second phase. A dedication ceremony was held at the Metro Parkâs golf course Thursday afternoon to officially open the trail. The Hudson Mills-Dexter Trail is almost 3 miles long, which will bring the amount of paved trail in the Metro Park to a total of 8 miles. The route includes a 12-foot wide boardwalk and steel pedestrian bridge, as well as an asphalt trail. The project, which cost nearly 2 million dollars, began construction in January 2013 and was partially funded by grants. Assets and Development Manager Michael Brahm-Henkel, tells WHMI the stages of planning through completion of construction required teamwork. Several elected officials, as well as departments involved in the Metro Parkâs venture, were present at the ribbon-cutting for the task that took nearly a year and a half to complete. The public is encouraged to attend the grand opening of the trail, which will be held Saturday June 7th to celebrate National Trails Day. (DK)
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Rogers Helps Bishop Kick-Off 8th District CampaignRogers Helps Bishop Kick-Off 8th District Campaign
5/9/14 - Congressman Mike Rogers spent time earlier this week escorting the man he hopes will succeed him in Congress around the 8th District. The Howell Republican introduced former State Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop during stops in Howell, Brighton, Rochester Hills, and Lansing. Rogers, who previously announced he would not seek re-election in November, has endorsed Bishop for the GOP nomination. Rogers told WHMI that his support was based largely on how Bishop handled himself in Lansing. "Mike Bishop is the right choice for voters who want a Congressman that stands up to liberal policies of the Obama administration, just like Mike stood up and fought for us against the liberal policies of the Granholm administration.â Rogers, who chairs the House Intelligence Committee, is leaving Congress to host a national radio show starting in January. Bishop says he never entertained any ideas about running for higher office until Rogersâ announcement, but with that being the case; heâs ready to step up. "I am honored to have Mike Rogersâ endorsement. Mike Rogers has led a tremendous life of service with great distinction. No one will fill his shoes, but if elected, I will do my best to serve the district to the very best of my ability. I plan to take my conservative principles to Washington and fight the failed policies of President Obama.â Bishop is facing off against State Representative Tom McMillin of Rochester Hills for the Republican nomination. The winner will then face off against the Democratic nominee in November. That race is between former state demographer Ken Darga, Central Michigan University professor Susan Grettenberger, attorney Jeffrey Hank and Ingham County Treasurer Eric Schertzing. You can hear the full interview with Rogers and Bishop this Sunday morning at 8:30 on WHMIâs Viewpoint. (JK)
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Brighton Teacher Contract Talks Get Into Full SwingBrighton Teacher Contract Talks Get Into Full Swing
5/9/14 - Talks between the Brighton Area Schoolsâ administration and the Brighton Education Association are now beginning in earnest. The nearly 300 teachers are in the second year of a two-year contract which expires this summer. The current contract between the district and its nearly 300 teachers expires this summer, and Superintendent Greg Gray hopes to come up with an agreement as soon as possible to facilitate the budget process. Teachers in Brighton are now in the second year of a 2-year contract. Those with the most number of years in the district, who are no longer on âstepsâ, received a 2% salary increase this year, and those still on âstepsâ got a 1% raise. The previous year, teachers received a zero increase. BEA President Ellen Lafferty has said that teachersâ pay is still not back to what it once was. She says before the increase this school year, teachersâ salaries were reduced by 7%, not including give-backs, over a period of several years. Also taking place this spring are contract negotiations with the Brighton Educational Support Personnel Association, representing over 100 hourly workers. Last month, the board ratified a new contract agreement with the Brighton Area Schools Administratorsâ Association, which represents about 20 principals, assistant principals and department directors in the school district. The contract is substantially the same as the current one, involving a pay freeze and a salary reopener after the 2014-15 year. (TT)
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