6/4/14 - Despite the objections of nearby residents, the Handy Township Planning Commission recommended the rezoning of a recently-acquired parcel from agricultural/residential to light industrial. The parcel, located at the southwest corner of Grand River and Nicholson Road, was recently acquired by the township in the settlement of a lengthy lawsuit with a residential developer who abandoned the property during the recession. That left the township with millions in unpaid sewer debt which, combined with interest, adds up to about $5 million. Officials have stated that they do not believe residents would be willing to pass a millage to cover the debt. As an alternative, it has been proposed that the township rezone the newly-acquired parcel to light industrial and sell it off for development. More than three dozen residents came to the planning commissionâs public hearing on the proposal to voice their opposition. They cited concerns over light and noise pollution, decreased property values, increased traffic, and a disruption of the rural lifestyle that attracted to the township. A motion was made by township board liaison Erik Frazier made a motion to recommend against the rezoning, but it was defeated 2-to-3. A motion to recommend approval of the rezoning passed along the same board lines. Township Supervisor Hank Vaupel says residents should not be too concerned with the impact of the light residential zone since any new developments would have to be approved by township officials, who would be sensitive to their needs. The proposed rezoning will now go to the county for approval before heading to the township board for a final decision. (TD)
Controversial Rezoning Moves Forward in Handy TownshipControversial Rezoning Moves Forward in Handy Township
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United Way Sets 13th Annual Day of CaringUnited Way Sets 13th Annual Day of Caring
6/4/14 - The largest single-day volunteerism event in Livingston County is set for later this summer. The 13th annual Day of Caring will be held on Wednesday, August 20th, as officials with the Livingston County United Way encourage everyone from high school students to retirees to volunteer for community assistance projects, which include sprucing up area parks and recreational facilities, painting, minor general repairs at senior citizens homes, visits with area shut-ins and cleaning up and improving area playgrounds. Over the years the community service âblitzâ has grown substantially with last yearâs event logging over 1,300 volunteer shifts at 107 different work sites. And as they have in the past, Citizens Insurance is offering challenge grants to encourage local youth to volunteer for the Day of Caring. Groups who participate have the opportunity to receive a grant of either $500 or $1,000. Grants will be awarded to outstanding teams based on percentage of participation, effort and impact as described by recipients, or other factors as determined by Citizens Insurance and Day of Caring leadership. In addition to recruiting volunteers, the Day of Caring committee is also looking for work sites for this yearâs event, including area non-profit organizations, church facilities, and/or individuals needing assistance, where volunteers can lend their time and skills. Youâll find complete details at the United Wayâs website a link for which is posted below. (JK)
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Fenton Council Favors Expanded Anti-Discrimination OrdinanceFenton Council Favors Expanded Anti-Discrimination Ordinance
6/4/14 - Fenton City Council agreed at their council work session Monday to send an ordinance that would disallow discrimination based upon sexual orientation and gender identity for discussion to the next public city council meeting. The proposed ordinance would serve as a ban against all forms of discrimination including sexual orientation and gender identity, which are not covered under the stateâs Elliot-Larsen Act. A bill to cover those is in the works in Lansing, but is unlikely to be discussed before summer adjournment next week. It was clear from the discussion that the council was in favor of moving forward with the ordinance, which will be up for further discussion at next weekâs council meeting. Despite the broad variety of institutions that will be impacted by the ordinance, there are those that the ordinance will not apply to. These groups include churches and other religious organizations, institutions which are based in housing by age or gender such as sorority or senior home and emancipated minors. (KT/JK)
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Lucky Local Woman Finds Winning Lotto Ticket in Old PurseLucky Local Woman Finds Winning Lotto Ticket in Old Purse
6/4/14 - The chances of finding a winning lotto ticket a few days before it expires while cleaning out an old purse is pretty slim but thatâs exactly what happened to one local woman. Susan Christensen of Whitmore Lake was going through some old purses when she came across a lottery ticket, checked the numbers and discovered it was a winner. Mega Millions tickets are valid for one year from the drawing date but as luck would have it, Christensen claimed her $250,000 prize just four days before her winning ticket was going to expire. She purchased the ticket at the Kroger Store in the Chilson Commons shopping plaza in Hamburg Township and matched the first five numbers from the June 7th, 2013 drawing. As for her winnings, Christensen says sheâs using them to establish a trust fund for her children and grandchildren. (JM)
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South Lyon Board Doesn't Look Far For Next SuperintendentSouth Lyon Board Doesn't Look Far For Next Superintendent
6/4/14 - The next superintendent of the South Lyon School District will be a familiar face. On Monday, the school board made official that Deputy Superintendent Melissa Baker will succeed Bill Pearson when he retires at the end of next year. The vote was unanimous that Baker will begin in the position on July 1st of 2015. Contract talks were then immediately begun. Assuming they are successful in reaching a deal, and thereâs no reason to think they wonât, Baker will join her husband as superintendents of Oakland County school districts. Jim Baker is the superintendent of Huron Valley Schools. Melissa Baker has been with the South Lyon district since 1993, working her way up to deputy superintendent last year. Baker was recommended for the top job by the Michigan Association of School Boards, which assisted the district with its search. (JK)
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Mosquito Control Millage on August Primary Ballot in FowlervilleMosquito Control Millage on August Primary Ballot in Fowlerville
6/4/14 - Despite some confusion, voters in the Village of Fowlerville will be asked to renew funding for a mosquito control program this summer after all. The Village Council approved a resolution on Monday night to submit ballot language for certification for the November general election, instead of August as originally planned. There was some confusion about the legal time frame to approve language and submit it to the Livingston County Clerkâs Office so Council adopted a resolution for the November election per advice from the village attorney. Regardless of Mondayâs vote, county election officials tell WHMI the language was submitted by the required deadline and the proposal will in fact appear on the August primary ballot. In a separate motion, Council also approved extending the contract with the company that performs the service through 2018, which costs $32,000 annually. A few residents addressed Council about how bad the mosquito problem has already been this year and voiced support to continue the program. One resident did raise questions about how effective it has been for the $32,000 cost to the Village, as well as how itâs monitored. Council members responded to say itâs been a very successful program with noticeable benefits over the past twelve years and is one of the best the Village offers. Others commented that itâs actually a pretty technical process that involves identifying various types of mosquitos and hatching cycles, combined with frequent studies of different areas followed by targeted spray applications across the Village. Trustee Mary Helfmann added that because of the approved millage, anyone in the Village is able to contact the company for free and schedule a time for it to come out and spray, including before special occasions and events. (JM)
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Prosecutor: More Info Needed in Case of Teacher's Tampered DrinkProsecutor: More Info Needed in Case of Teacher's Tampered Drink
6/4/14 - It appears more investigation is needed before any decision by the Livingston County Prosecutors Office about possible charges against a Fowlerville high school student accused of spiking a teacherâs coffee with eye drops. The allegations made in a complaint were investigated by the Fowlerville Police Department, which submitted its report for review and possible charges. However, Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt tells WHMI his office has requested further information and investigation into the case. School administrators first investigated rumors that a student placed Visine eye drops in the teacherâs coffee or water. The math teacher believes she was poisoned over a five-day period beginning around May 12th and suffered severe stomach pains and throbbing headaches that kept her from school. The student, who has not been identified, was initially suspended for ten days but it was extended to 180 days following a disciplinary hearing by the Board of Education. (JM)
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Counterfeit Money Being Passed Around Fowlerville AreaCounterfeit Money Being Passed Around Fowlerville Area
6/5/14 - Counterfeit money police say looks and feels like the real deal has been circulating around the Fowlerville area. The Fowlerville Police Department is investigating reports of counterfeit bills being passed at local businesses that are well worn and look used. The department says the bills are 10's and 20's that are being copied onto a good quality paper that feels like real money. It recommends that businesses and others examine bills by holding them up to light, which will reveal the security strip embedded in each bill. Anyone that comes across money they suspect is fraudulent is asked to contact the Fowlerville Police Department at 517-223-8711.
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OLHSA Offers Housing & Support Services for Homeless Veterans OLHSA Offers Housing & Support Services for Homeless Veterans
6/5/14 - With more than 1,000 homeless veterans estimated in Michigan last year, one local agency is hoping to make a difference in the community through the housing services it offers to veterans and their families. Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency CEO Ron Borngesser says thereâs a crucial need for veteran programs in Michigan and OLHSA offers one that can help shelter veterans and their families along with a number of others for those facing crisis. The Supportive Services for Veteran Families program is an initiative by Veterans Affairs to end homelessness among veterans by 2015. It helps shelter homeless veterans who are transitioning into permanent housing and provides various forms of assistance along with case management. Those leading the program have high hopes for 2014 and are seeking to triple the number of families served over last year. The program serves individuals in Livingston, Oakland, Macomb, Genesee, Washtenaw, Shiawassee and Ingham counties. For more information regarding SSVF, call 517-546-8500 or email veterans@olhsa.org. (JM)
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Green Oak Board Approves Settlement With Factory OwnersGreen Oak Board Approves Settlement With Factory Owners
6/5/14 - The Green Oak Township Board has approved a proposed settlement with the company that owns the building that previously housed Liquid Manufacturing. The beverage producer closed its doors earlier this year due to financial problems, and had been in legal battles with the township for years. Packaging and Distribution Finance Group, or PDFG, foreclosed on the property and subsequently filed the suit against every member of the Green Oak Township Board last month in U.S. District Court in Detroit. It alleged they have violated both the U.S. and Michigan constitutions in their enforcement actions against Liquid Manufacturing. In its lawsuit, PDFG is asking the court to order that all fees, fines, and charges assessed by the township be rescinded and to award the company damages and attorney fees. In a filing made last week, the township responded to the allegations, saying its actions to enforce its ordinances are protected by governmental immunity. Furthermore, the township said the federal court lacks jurisdiction to hear the claims because the company has failed to obtain a final decision from the township regarding the application of its ordinances. The township board discussed the suit in closed session last night, and after returning to open session it voted unanimously to approve a settlement agreement with PDFG. The details of that agreement have not yet been made public, but will likely be released if PDFG approves the settlement as well. (TD)
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Rogers Bill to Allow Video Warrant Approval AdvancesRogers Bill to Allow Video Warrant Approval Advances
6/5/14 - A bill sponsored by a local legislator has cleared the Michigan House of Representatives and aims to streamline the process by which police get warrants approved. Currently, to get a warrant approved, police officers have to complete all of the necessary reports, physically take them to the prosecutorâs office for approval, then drive to the court house and wait for a judge in order to give a two-minute presentation showing probable cause. The new bill, sponsored by Genoa Township Republican State Representative Bill Rogers, would allow police to use video conferencing equipment to get clearance from the prosecutor and judge electronically. This same technology is already in use in many courtrooms to let judges arraign inmates by video. Rogers says the process of physically getting warrants approved is time-consuming, costly, and unnecessary now that better technology is available. He says the old-fashioned method is an especially heavy burden on smaller police departments, which often cannot spare an officer for hours at a time and may have to wait weeks before the opportunity arises to get warrants approved. The bill passed the house with only one ânayâ vote. It has now been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. (TD)
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Police Release Squad Car Video of High Speed Chase
6/5/14 - Local authorities have released video footage of a high speed police chase this week that involved a stolen vehicle. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department released in-car camera footage of the Tuesday morning chase that began in Ingham County and continued along eastbound I-96, reaching speeds in excess of 120 mph. It ended in Brighton not long after stop sticks were deployed, with two male suspects being taken into custody. Authorities later learned that the black Ford Taurus involved had actually been stolen during a May 28th incident in Southgate in which a 92-year-old woman was tied up and her vehicle was stolen among other items. Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt told WHMI the warrant requests submitted by the Sheriffâs Department yesterday morning were under review and he anticipated that a decision regarding charges would be forthcoming sometime today. (JM)
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NFL Star's Fundraiser to Benefit Livingston County CampNFL Star's Fundraiser to Benefit Livingston County Camp
6/5/14 - A Livingston County camp that helps children through serious illnesses will be the beneficiary of a party being held this weekend by an NFL star. St. Louis Rams offensive tackle Jake Long and his wife, Jackie, are hosting a sold-out fundraising event for about 350 people Saturday night to benefit North Star Reach in Pinckney. Former Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland, former Michigan football coach Lloyd Carr and U of M standout Charles Woodson are expected to attend, along with Rams quarterback Sam Bradford. When he played college football for the Wolverines, Long says he was exposed to children facing serious challenges during hospital visits. He like the fact that North Star Reach will get kids out of hospital beds and onto horses, canoes and zip-lines. North Star Reach CEO Doug Armstrong said that the nonprofit organization has raised $20 million of the $26 million-plus needed to open the camp next year, giving referred children a free week of camp. A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for July. The University of Michigan has reached an agreement with North Star Reach to lease the land for $1 a year instead of selling the decaying summer camp. (JK)
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Historical Society Seeks Green Oak's Help Repairing Ice DamageHistorical Society Seeks Green Oak's Help Repairing Ice Damage
6/5/14 - Green Oak Township is looking into the condition of the historical building that now houses the townshipâs historical society and was damaged by melting snow during the winter. Last night, representatives from the Green Oak Township Historical Society visited the township board to explain the problem and ask for assistance. Society President Marilyn Harrington tells WHMI during the severe weather this winter, ice dams formed on the roof of an expansion to the 150-year-old building and caused water to leak through the ceilings. The bulk of the damage was done to two rooms in expansions to the original structure. The foam ceiling tiles have been removed due to water damage, and now the society has priced out replacing them and repairing the damage. Replacing the ceiling as it was would cost about $17,000, and upgrading to drywall and injected insulation would cost at least $28,000. The township owns the building and trustees were sympathetic to the societyâs plight, but they felt that more investigation was needed before action could be taken. The board approved a resolution directing the township utilities committee and building director to work with the historical society over the next two weeks. Together, they will inspect the damage and seek out any other ongoing problems with the building as a whole. A proposal will then be presented to the township board at its next regular meeting later this month. (TD)
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Weekend Job Fair to Fill Positions at Brighton & Other ENA PlantsWeekend Job Fair to Fill Positions at Brighton & Other ENA Plants
6/5/14 - The expansion of a Brighton manufacturing plant is expected to create many of the positions that will be filled during a job fair this weekend. Southfield-based Impact Management Services will host the hiring event Saturday from 10am to 2pm at the Novi location of Eberspächer North America, or ENA. The goal is to fill 100 full-time manufacturing positions. ENA is a German-owned, world-wide manufacturer of advanced auto and truck exhaust systems. The Brighton plant, on Orndorf Drive, makes catalytic converters and other exhaust components for large trucks. The current plant âopened in 2003 â is 110,000 square feet. A planned $60 million, 191,000-square-foot addition will increase the plant size to over 300,000 square feet and make it the largest ENA facility in North America. That expansion alone is expected to create 100 jobs, while additional positions are also opening up at ENA facilities in Wixom and Novi. Saturdayâs job fair will cover all three locations with more than 100 open full-time, permanent positions including tig welders, machine operators and hi-lo drivers. Candidates must have at least six months of recent manufacturing experience, a high school diploma or GED, and must be willing to undergo a background check and drug screening. Youâll find complete details through the link below. (JK)
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Rally Seeks Awareness & Support For LGBT CommunityRally Seeks Awareness & Support For LGBT Community
6/5/14 - A weekend rally aims to celebrate diversity and love inclusively in Livingston County. All walks of life, sexual orientation and diversity are encouraged to attend the 2nd Annual Rainbow Community Rally at the Brighton Mill Pond this Saturday, June 7th. Itâs being sponsored by a number of local organizations including the Livingston Diversity Council, Community Unitarian Universalists in Brighton, St. Paulâs Episcopal Church, New Hope Congregation and P-FLAG of Livingston County or Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. Tabatha Metreger is a P-FLAG board member and tells WHMI the rally is really just a way to let local LGBT youth know they arenât alone. "Research shows LGBT students frequently experience harassment at school and are more than twice as likely to have attempted suicide than their heterosexual peers. We do hear from LGBT youth in Livingston County that they don't feel safe in their school and our community. The rally is our way to show they are supported..." She adds that the rally, which is from 1-3pm on Saturday, is a family-friendly event and will feature speakers, childrenâs activities, information booths by local organizations and live music. (JK)
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Livingston Uniform Traffic Team Captures Man Hiding in WoodsLivingston Uniform Traffic Team Captures Man Hiding in Woods
6/5/14 - A group of local police officers that work together as a team to conduct traffic safety patrols and crime detection were able to capture a local parole absconder who fled into the woods. It all happened around 11:15am Wednesday when the Livingston Uniform Traffic Safety Team was operating along the M-36 corridor. An officer stopped a vehicle on Fieldcrest Road in Green Oak Township and a subject inside bolted, although it wasnât long before he was captured during a search of the area by members of the team. Itâs comprised of officers from the Michigan State Police Brighton Post, the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department as well as the Hamburg and Green Oak Township Police Departments. The Fowlerville Police Departmentâs K-9 unit helped locate the individual while hiding in the woods and MSP Sergeant Mark Thompson tells WHMI undercover officers from LAWNET were also instrumental in assisting team members. Thompson says the subject was welted up pretty bad from mosquito bites, soaking wet and missing a shoe from running through a swamp when he was caught. The Brighton man was wanted on a felony warrant for failure to report to parole and probation regarding a narcotics charge. Thompson says he was lodged in the Livingston County Jail and charges of resisting and obstructing police are being sought. (JM)
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Man Arraigned on Charges After High Speed Chase in Stolen CarMan Arraigned on Charges After High Speed Chase in Stolen Car
6/5/14 - A man arrested after weaving through traffic on I-96 while fleeing police in a car that was stolen from an elderly woman has been formally charged. 21-year-old Kevin Vincent-Lynn Jones was arraigned on a felony count of fleeing and eluding. A $200,000 cash or surety bond was set and he's being charged as a second habitual offender, based on a prior fleeing and eluding conviction out of Wayne County. Jones is the alleged driver of the stolen vehicle involved in Tuesday morningâs high speed police chase that stretched from Ingham County along I-96 and ended in Brighton after stop sticks were deployed. The passenger in the vehicle is not being charged locally at this time, although both he and Jones are expected to be released to the Southgate Police Department. Thatâs where the May 28th incident occurred in which a 92-year-old woman was tied up in her home and robbed but also had her black Ford Taurus stolen. (JM)
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Brighton Police Seek Help Identifying Suspects in Target Theft Brighton Police Seek Help Identifying Suspects in Target Theft
6/6/14 - Brighton Police are hoping the release of surveillance photos will help identify two suspects wanted in connection with a store theft. Police say the couple that can be seen in the surveillance photo pushed more than $1,300 worth of merchandise out of the fire exit at the Target store. It happened around 9:30pm on Tuesday, May 27th. Prior to entering the store, police say the male was seen driving a vehicle that appears to be a new blue or gray Ford Fusion. The male appears to have a full sleeve tattoo on his left arm while the female has a tattoo on her right upper back/shoulder area. Anyone able to assist with information about the identity of either subject is asked to contact the Brighton Police Department at 810-227-2700. (JM)
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Pinckney School Board Working With Potential Pinckney El BuyerPinckney School Board Working With Potential Pinckney El Buyer
6/6/14 - The Pinckney Board of Education is taking a serious look at a proposal by a local developer looking to purchase Pinckney Elementary. The school, along with Hamburg Elementary, was shut down in the past year to cope with a declining student body and the loss of state funding that results. Both schools and the properties around them are now up for sale, and despite several interested parties the district has yet to finalize a purchase agreement. Over the past two weeks, administrators have received two letters of intent from local companies seeking to buy the Pinckney Elementary property. One of these was rejected at last nightâs school board meeting, but the other was accepted and could result in a purchase agreement sometime in the coming weeks. The company making the offer is Rescue LLC, a Howell developer that wants to put new housing on the property. Rescue LLC is offering to spend $300,000 on the property at this time, less than officials had hoped to make on the site. However, Superintendent Rick Todd says the district will benefit from having new housing to bring families into the community, adding children to the local student population. The existing Pinckney Elementary building may not be demolished when the new development goes in, possibly serving instead as a community center. (TD)
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