5/27/14 - Anyone traveling along M-59 near Hacker Road in the Hartland/Howell area can expect to see orange barrels all summer long and M-DOT is reminding them to use caution. The Michigan Department of Transportation is constructing a center left-turn lane on M-59 at Hacker Road, west of US-23. Crews recently installed a median concrete barrier wall and the current traffic shift will be in place throughout the summer. M-DOT spokeswoman Kari Arend says generally, one lane in each direction of M-59 will always be maintained to help traffic flow. She tells WHMI although it is a short stretch, motorists are advised to slow down and be conscious of workers nearby. The project is estimated for completion at the end of September. (JM)
M-59 Construction in Hartland Enters Next PhaseM-59 Construction in Hartland Enters Next Phase
↧
↧
Middle School Fundraising Campaign Surpasses GoalMiddle School Fundraising Campaign Surpasses Goal
5/27/14 - A year-long fund raising and awareness campaign has more than hit the mark at Highlander Way Middle School in Howell. The school's student run news network The HAWK News launched Project: Find A Cure for FA back in the fall, with a goal of raising awareness of Friedreich's Ataxia - a debilitating and life-shortening neuro-muscular disorder that student Jack DeWitt suffers from, but also to raise funds for the Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance or FARA. Technology teacher Carole Colburn tells WHMI that their goal was to raise $3,000, but following a final fundraising event earlier this month that featured a staff versus student basketball game, they have raised more than $5,000. The money is expected to be delivered to Jackâs mother at a ceremony on June 3rd at the school. Ruth DeWitt is a board member for FARA. (JK)
↧
Clock is Ticking on Unclaimed Lottery TicketClock is Ticking on Unclaimed Lottery Ticket
5/27/14 - Whoever purchased a winning lottery ticket in Livingston County has less than two weeks to cash in. According to the Michigan Lottery website, a Mega Millions ticket purchased at the Kroger store in Hamburg Township is worth $250,000 as it matched all five numbers for the June 7th, 2013 drawing. Those numbers were; 01-10-37-48-55. The only reason the ticket wasnât eligible for the $14 million Grand Prize was due to the fact that it did not have the correct Gold Mega Ball of 21. However, it was one of 5 tickets that matched all of the regular numbers and was worth a quarter million dollars. If the ticket goes unclaimed by June 7th of this year, the prize money will be transferred to Michiganâs School Aid Fund. Because itâs a Mega Millions prize, that share will be split between the various states that contributed to its funding. (JK)
↧
Howell Teacher & Student to Tour w/ International Choir Howell Teacher & Student to Tour w/ International Choir
5/27/14 - An eighth grader at Parker Middle School in Howell will perform with the 2014 Blue Lake International Choir, which is also being led by a Howell teacher. Hannah Tolliver is one of 61 students selected for this year's choir, which will travel and perform in France, Germany and Luxembourg. Tolliver was accepted into the choir following a meeting with representatives from Blue Lakeâs International Outpost last August. Tolliver says she was elated to learn she had been accepted in the program and has a large support system of people telling her to go after her dreams. The self-proclaimed foodie says sheâs excited to explore the world not only through music, but food and experience the different types of cuisine Europe has to offer. During the tour, choir members will be hosted by European musical organizations and their communities. They will stay in private homes with local host families to enjoy the opportunity of making new friends and learning about the countries and people they visit. Intensive rehearsals and orientation meetings will be held in June - one week prior to the start of the tour. By the way, Tolliver isnât the only Howell connection to the choir. Itâs also being directed by Kelli Falls, Parker Middle Schoolâs vocal music director. Sheâs been teaching at Blue Lake since 2001 and took over as director of the International choir last summer. But European audiences wonât be the only ones to enjoy the groupâs performance. The various Blue Lake International Groups will be performing at U of M's Hill Auditorium in July after they return from Europe. (JM/JK)
↧
Memorial Day Parades Honor Ultimate SacrificeMemorial Day Parades Honor Ultimate Sacrifice
5/27/14 - Beautiful blue skies, sunshine and a light breeze blew during the annual Howell Memorial Day parade, sponsored by the American Legion Devereaux Post 141. The parade included representatives of local veteransâ groups, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and members of the armed forces. Starting in front of the Howell Carnegie Library, the parade made its way along Grand River and up Barnard before ending at Lakeview Cemetery on Thompson Lake. The parade was followed by a ceremony honoring all those who gave their lives serving the United States of America. Speakers included Senator Joe Hune from Hamburg, who expressed the importance of honoring all those who serve. âWe can offer admiration and recognition for we live as a nation not under oppression or tyranny but at liberty. Their lives should always be remembered and their actions should be revealed by all Americans and all generations to come." Lakeview Cemetery is home to two veteran's memorials. A plague and flagpole near the graves of American Legion members, and an American Civil War Monument. The Civil War monument features a Union Soldier standing vigilant over the final resting place of veterans who served in wars as far back as the Revolutionary War. Howell's parade was one of six that took place across the county on Monday. (JK)
↧
↧
Hunger Still An Issue As Food Stamp Rolls DeclineHunger Still An Issue As Food Stamp Rolls Decline
5/27/14 - New statistics on food benefits could be another sign the state's economy is slowly improving. Kevin Concannon, the U.S. Department of Agricultureâs undersecretary for food, nutrition and consumer services, says the number of Michiganders receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP benefits, decreased by 80,000 over the past year, one of the biggest drops in the nation. "It's a positive sign, it's one we need a lot more of. I'm always careful to add that we're seeing green growth here and there. It's not universal yet, by any means. " Nationwide, there are now 46.2 million Americans receiving SNAP benefits, down from 47.7 million last year. SNAP enrollment ballooned after the financial crisis and continued to rise for several years. Concannon says the recent decline supports the idea that food assistance is not a crutch people rely on for life, but rather a bridge to get them through tough times. Social service agencies across the state say cuts to SNAP benefits, which took effect late last year, have many more families turning to food banks and other community resources in an effort to make ends meet. Locally that goal is being met by the Livingston County Hunger Council, a collaborative body made up of government agencies, non-profits, local businesses and private citizens. Youâll find a link to their website below. (JK)
↧
Group Looks to Change Pinckney's Perception & Reality for YouthGroup Looks to Change Pinckney's Perception & Reality for Youth
5/27/14 - A new community group says that the Pinckney area may have a checkered past when it comes to drugs, but itâs time to move on and change the community culture. That's the goal of the Community Development Youth Initiative, or CYDI project being led by retired Pinckney teacher Rosemary Gass and local pastor Vicky Lovell. Gass feels that youth are the community's most treasured possession and it's time to lift them up. She tells WHMI the biggest problem in Pinckney everybody knows about but no one talks about is M-36. "We've got twelve miles of highway and on those twelve miles, there's nothing for kids. If you live off of M-36 and you're a youth, there's nowhere to go and nothing to do, and that just spells trouble, boredom and just a lack of enthusiasm for being in a great community...The CYDI initiative is to bring life down that corridor and into the neighborhoods off of it." Schools, businesses, and others in the community are already embracing the CYDI project with an informational community gathering planned on Tuesday, June 10th Pinckney High School. A re-create Pinckney Facebook page is also available through the link below. (JK)
↧
Truck Crashes Into Fenton Newspaper Office
5/28/14 - A man remains hospitalized after crashing into the office complex of a local newspaper late last week. On Thursday, the Fenton headquarters of the Tri County Times was damaged when the truck rolled into an arched entryway. Times employees say the truck came within inches of the buildingâs front window and could potentially have caused even greater damage. The driver of the semi, a 77-year-old Warren man, was reportedly turning around in a nearby parking when he lost consciousness, drove over an adjacent property, and collided with the Times building. Nearby workers helped remove him from the truck, and he was transported to Genesys Health Parkâs intensive care unit where he was admitted in critical condition. Despite the damage to the building, nobody else was injured. The reason for the manâs loss of consciousness is not known, but it could have been caused by a heart attack. (JK)
↧
Health Department Seeks Federal AccreditationHealth Department Seeks Federal Accreditation
5/28/14 - Even as it prepares for its regular state accreditation audit, the Department of Public Health in Livingston County is working toward national recognition. Health Educator Chelsea Moxlow tells WHMI the department is working on requirements for these various levels of accreditation, which basically indicates that the department does what it is supposed to do and is responsible with state funding. However, federal accreditation is a higher level of recognition with even more stringent requirements, and getting it would indicate that the health department is working hard to improve its service to Livingston County. The department is currently working on a community health assessment, which will be followed by a community health improvement plan and an agency strategic plan. All of those reports are necessary before the department can even apply for federal accreditation. Earlier this month, the health department obtained support in this effort from the County General Government and Health and Human Services Committee, which acts as the local board of health. Moxlow says seeking this accreditation will be a shift for the department, and having the support of the committee will show the national accreditation board that they are committed to a culture of quality improvement. (JK)
↧
↧
Fenton Police Arrest Man Accused Of Shooting Neighbor In DisputeFenton Police Arrest Man Accused Of Shooting Neighbor In Dispute
5/28/14 - A suspect is in custody following a Memorial Day shooting in Fenton. Police in Fenton say they are investigating a shooting that took place in the 800 block of North Leroy just before 1pm on Monday. Chief Rick Aro tells WHMI a call was received at 12:50pm, reporting that a resident had been shot by a male neighbor with a semiautomatic pistol. Police arrived within three minutes and took the neighbor into custody. First aid for the victim was started at the scene, and he was eventually taken by Stat EMS to Genesys Regional Medical Center, where he was last listed in stable condition. Aro says he was shot in the lower extremities and suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The investigation is ongoing, but Aro says there was an ongoing dispute between the alleged shooter and the victim which culminated in the shooting. The dispute apparently included issues such as pets, lawn maintenance, property lines, and other common sources of disagreement between neighbors. He expects charges to be filed in the next 24 hours. (JK/TD)
↧
Handy Twp. Industrial Rezoning Plan Angers Nearby ResidentsHandy Twp. Industrial Rezoning Plan Angers Nearby Residents
5/28/14 - The recent settlement of a lawsuit by Handy Township has prompted a proposal to rezone more than 200 acres of land just west of the Village of Fowlerville into an industrial zone, and that has many residents worried that their rural homesteads could soon be neighbors to a factory. The lawsuit, which had been filed by the Mitch Harris Building Company, involved a failed housing development that had been planned for the southwest corner of Grand River and Nicholson Road. The builder alleged the township had failed to provide the property with sewer access after levying a $3.9 million special assessment. Township officials countered that the developer failed to reimburse the municipality for providing initial test wells. The settlement, reached on March 28th, dismissed the claims without cost and allowed the township to purchase the land for what the deed says is the âfull consideration of $1.â With the land now in its possession, the township is hoping to rezone it and several other adjoining parcels it bought at tax sale from its current residential status to industrial business. Officials hope to then sell it and help pay off their sewer-bond debt owed to the county. Township Supervisor Hank Vaupel says they have received several inquiries about the land for industrial purposes, but no concrete offers. But for the residents whose land abuts the property to be rezoned, the notion that their way of life should be disrupted to help the township dig itself out of the financial hole it got itself into with its sewer debt is not fair and they plan to fight it. Among them is Roger Chance, who lives on Nicholson Road. He tells WHMI that the townshipâs process is exactly backward as normally a specific proposal would be brought forward with a request to rezone the land. But in this case, officials want to rezone it and then open it up to all interested parties, which he says will severely limit their ability to control what goes in there. It would also include access to the railroad, which has many residents concerned that heavy industry would be attracted to the land. Vaupel says that any development would be subject to a rigid site plan review and any uses not covered would require a Special Use Permit. The zoning being proposed would allow for everything from warehousing to plastics manufacturing and township resident Anthony Szura, who also lives on Nicholson Road, says the bottom line is that the nature of where they live would drastically change. He believes the driving force is the township trying to dig itself out of debt made from previous poor decisions to lay sewer lines without adequate assurances that it could be paid for. Both Chance and Szura, and many of their neighbors, say they are hoping to get the public to attend an upcoming special meeting of the Handy Township Planning Commission at 7:30pm on June 3rd at the township hall at 135 North Grand Avenue, where a public hearing on the rezoning proposal will be held. They say if enough people stand up and let officials know this isnât what they want in their backyards, they might just force them to rethink the plan. (JK)
↧
Public Hearing Set for Airport Property Rezoning
5/28/14 - The Howell Township Planning Commission set a date of June 24th at their meeting last night for a public hearing in regard to the rezoning of property near the Spencer J. Hardy Livingston County Airport. The parcel of land that is up to be rezoned is located off of M-59, close to the airport. If rezoned, the property will serve as a transitional piece of land. Instead of allowing for heavy commercial development on the parcel close to the single family homes located nearby, the land will be used for research technology. Howell Township Associate Planner Christopher Kleinsmith tells WHMI that the project to rezone the land has been in the works for four to six months. (KT/JK)
↧
South Lyon Road Construction ContinuesSouth Lyon Road Construction Continues
5/28/14 - Drivers through South Lyon will still be dealing with road construction, although an intersection closure is completed. A two-week closure wrapped up last week that had closed 10 Mile Road, or Lake Street, at the intersection with LaFayette Street. The closure allowed crews to rehabilitate the intersection, including work on the road surface, curbs, and sidewalks, while also installing barrier-free ramps. This week, a two-week county project will begin on Lake Street from Dixboro to Reynold Sweet Parkway. That will be followed on Monday, June 9th when the paving of Lake Street will start west of South Lyonâs downtown to Dixboro. There is also additional road work taking place on Pontiac Trail from McHattie Street to the railroad tracks as water lines are connected to nearly 20 homes and businesses. (JK)
↧
↧
Lawsuit Filed in Tainted Beef RecallLawsuit Filed in Tainted Beef Recall
5/28/14 - A lawsuit has now been filed concerning the recall of beef suspected of sickening nearly a dozen people, including someone locally. A college student sickened at a Detroit-area restaurant has sued a packing company that recalled 1.8 million pounds of ground beef products that officials say may have been contaminated with E. coli. Rachel Tamminga's lawsuit against Wolverine Packing Co. was filed Tuesday in Kalamazoo County Circuit Court. It seeks at least $25,000 in damages and says Tamminga was hospitalized with an E. coli infection linked to the Detroit company's recall. According to the suit, Tamminga became ill April 23 after eating ground beef at a restaurant in Farmington and at least one other location. Officials say 11 people in four states have been sickened. At least one of those was in Livingston County. Health officials say that person was an otherwise healthy young male, so has since recovered. Tamminga says she was in the hospital for six days and still suffers from general weakness and gastrointestinal discomfort. (JK)
↧
Infant's Injuries Lead To Child Abuse Charges Against Brighton ManInfant's Injuries Lead To Child Abuse Charges Against Brighton Man
5/28/14 - Child abuse charges have been filed against a Brighton man after injuries were found on his 11-week-old daughter. Joshua Quincy Burns was arraigned on May 9th on a charge of 2nd degree child abuse. He is also facing abuse and neglect proceedings in Livingston County probate court. He is free on a $10,000 bond, but the court has barred him from all contact with his infant daughter. The bond also stipulates he may not have any alcohol, marijuana, or illicit drugs, and he may not show any assaultive or threatening behavior. However, he may fly domestically for work. Yesterday, a judge cancelled drug and alcohol testing for Burns, and set an exam for June 10th. In the neglect and abuse case, Burns is scheduled for a settlement conference in front of Judge Miriam Cavanaugh on July 3rd and a jury trial on July 14th. (TD)
↧
Brighton Arts And Culture Commission Seeking New Member
5/29/14 - The Brighton Arts and Culture Commission is seeking a new member to complete an unfinished term. The opening in the five-person commission came about when one member recently left due to medical problems. Chair Claudia Roblee says the board is primarily tasked with curating the cityâs outdoor statuary, but also organizes art-themed events like this summerâs Gallery Walk. She says the position is not too demanding, but the work it important as the commission promotes art and culture within the Brighton community. To qualify, applicants to the position must have been residents of the city of Brighton for at least two years before being appointed, be a registered voter, and not be in default to the city. Roblee adds that applicants should also have a love of art. Those interested should write letters of application summarizing their experience, qualifications, and desire to join the Arts and Culture Commission and send them to Human Resources Director Jennifer Burke. She can be found at the city offices at 200 North 1st Street, or contacted at (810) 225-9251. Applications are due by June 16th. (TD)
↧
Second Local 'Coffee with a Cop' Event PlannedSecond Local 'Coffee with a Cop' Event Planned
5/29/14 - Local residents are being invited to have coffee with local law enforcement both tomorrow and again next Friday as a part of a new program to ask questions, bring concerns or just get to know officers. Residents are being given the chance tomorrow to meet Troopers from the Michigan State Police Brighton Post and officers from the Green Oak and Hamburg Township Police Department in an informal space to discuss whatever they wish. The event, which will be held at Panera Bread in the Green Oak Village Mall from 9:30 to 11:30 am, is part of a program aiming to bring officers and their community closer together through something many people enjoy, coffee. It is the first of two planned Coffee with a Cop events, with a second one planned for next Friday, June 6th at 9:30am at the Starbucks on Grand River in Brighton. That will feature officers from the City of Brighton and State Police from the Brighton Post. Officials say the get-togethers provide a unique opportunity to ask questions and learn more about law enforcement across Livingston County. They add that with most contact between officers and community members coming at stressful times or emergencies, it is difficult for relationships to be built. This program hopes to break down those barriers, and allow for one-on-one relaxed interaction. All community members are invited to attend. (JK)
↧
↧
Fenton Sells Home to Genesee Habitat for HumanityFenton Sells Home to Genesee Habitat for Humanity
5/29/14 - The City of Fenton on Tuesday approved the sale of city property to Habitat for Humanity. The property at 703 E. Main Street was obtained by the city through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. The NSP required the property be sold to a non-profit organization such as Habitat for Humanity. Margaret Kato Executive Director of the Genesee County Habitat for Humanity tells WHMI the property will be transformed into a Habitat house for a family in need. To qualify, they'll need to show the ability to repay a 30-year mortgage and also a willingness to invest what the organization calls, "sweat equity," in helping rehabilitate their home or the home of another recipient. Habitat for Humanity purchased the property from the City of Fenton for $1. The organization plans to begin construction of a new home on June 18th. (LR/JK)
↧
Research Being Done For Proposed Howell Ice RinkResearch Being Done For Proposed Howell Ice Rink
5/29/14 - Despite the record-setting snowfall this past winter, the Howell Downtown Development Authority is hoping to add some more ice to the city later this year. The DDA is researching the possibility of adding an ice rink to the downtown area. Board President Eric Conn says the DDA is interested in place-making, and the option of adding an ice rink to the downtownâs attractions has been looked at in the past as a way to tap into Livingston Countyâs hockey culture and bring young people to the city. Earlier plans included more elaborate features, including a pavilion and an amphitheater, but Conn says more recent plans are simpler to cut back on cost. He tells WHMI while there have been preliminary talks and some possible locations discussed, the project is still in its early stages. There are a number of logistical problems facing the proposed ice rink, including finding a site for it in the downtown, maintenance, and the possibility of managing skate rentals. Right now the DDA is working on researching the project and determining interest on the city and county level. Conn says they hope to have a proposal ready for announcement sometime in the next two weeks, and possibly to have the ice rink ready for use by this winter. (TD)
↧
State High Court Rejects Appeal in 2010 MurderState High Court Rejects Appeal in 2010 Murder
5/29/14 - One of the two people found responsible for the death of an elderly Vietnam War Veteran in Livingston County has had his appeal denied. 46-year-old Mitchell Judd Hall of Byron was sentenced in October to a minimum of 22 ½ years and a maximum of 50 years in prison. On Tuesday, the Michigan Supreme Court released an order saying it was not persuaded it should hear his appeal. Both he and his live-in girlfriend, 52-year-old Antoinette Bea Hix of Gaines, pleaded guilty to 2nd degree murder in the death of 71-year-old Clarence Elijah Hines, who authorities say died due to a combination of hypothermia and multiple blunt trauma injuries. Hix received a sentence of 18 years and 9 months to 50 years behind bars. Police say the couple left Hines at the side of Sober Road in Conway Township on April 11th, 2010 - where he was found dead the following morning. Authorities say the couple had been caring for Hines and receiving his Social Security benefits but later wanted to rid themselves of him, due to his failing health. Hix admitted that knowing the victims age, his injuries, and the 30-degree temperature outside that he was probably going to die when they dropped him off. Hall is eligible for parole in 2033, Hix in 2030. (JK)
↧
More Pages to Explore .....
