6/6/14 - Weekend construction and lane closures are planned on I-96 that could result in some travel delays for local motorists. The Michigan Department of Transportation says the construction activities are scheduled in addition to work already in place. In Oakland County, westbound I-96 from Novi Road to the west Oakland County line will have two lanes closed nightly for road work. The lane closures will be in place from 9pm tonight to 11am Saturday, and then again overnight Saturday from 9pm to 11am on Sunday. As always, M-DOT reminds motorists that some work may be postponed due to weather or other circumstances. Current construction and traffic information is available on the stateâs website. A link is below. (JM)
Weekend Lane Closures Could Spell Slowdowns & Delays on I-96 Weekend Lane Closures Could Spell Slowdowns & Delays on I-96
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Wanted: Ordinary Individuals Who Have Acted in Extraordinary WaysWanted: Ordinary Individuals Who Have Acted in Extraordinary Ways
6/6/14 - A local organization is looking to recognize and honor individuals that have either saved a life or greatly impacted the lives of others. The Livingston County Chapter of the American Red Cross is again soliciting nominations from the community at large for its annual âSalute To Everyday Heroesâ celebration. Set for September 25th, the event honors local residents who have gone out of their way to help someone in need. While the banquet is several months away, Red Cross officials are beginning the process now of asking the public to nominate individuals in several categories for recognition including workplace, first responder and law enforcement heroes, an individual who has dedicated their life to serving others, good neighbors and even animal heroes that have reacted in a significant way to help and assist in an emergency. All nominees must live or be employed in Livingston County or have performed an act of heroism in the county. Nominations must be submitted by Friday, June 20th and forms are available for download in the attachment below. (JM)
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Brighton City Council OKs Tax for Downtown Promotion Brighton City Council OKs Tax for Downtown Promotion
6/6/14 - After many weeks of discussion and two public hearings, the Brighton City Council has approved the assessment roll as the final step toward establishing a downtown special assessment district. The SAD will collect revenue from property owners in the downtown district to fund programs by the Principal Shopping District. The PSD for the past couple of years has been funded by the Downtown Development Authority, but the DDA has a tighter budget than in the past and can no longer fund the PSD. As at previous meetings where an SAD was discussed, some business and property owners objected. Thursday night, a businessman who owns office buildings on First and Second avenues recited a familiar refrain: That the tax assessment doesnât benefit him or his tenants because he doesnât have any retail stores or restaurants in his buildings. However, at the same time he complimented city officials for their success in making downtown Brighton a vibrant regional destination. After the meeting Brighton Mayor Jim Muzzin told WHMI that in earlier voting on the proposal he voted no because he thought the assessment structure was unfair for areas of downtown that do not have retail stores or restaurants. But Muzzin changed his position after the way of assessing specific areas was amended. At a meeting in May, the PSD voted to lower the assessment rates for properties in the affected areas. As a result, the SAD will now generate about $70,500 per year, compared to $81,500 under the original scenario. The revenues will be used primarily to place ads on radio stations, in newspapers and on billboards touting Brighton as an ideal place to shop, dine and enjoy recreation. The SAD will go on the summer tax rolls July 1st of this year. (TT)
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70 Years Later: Howell Veteran Recalls His Role on D-Day70 Years Later: Howell Veteran Recalls His Role on D-Day
6/6/14 - It was 70 years ago today that the D-Day invasion of Normandy took place in World War II, and on this anniversary a Livingston County veteran of that historic event is back on the same soil he helped to liberate.
89-year old Don Burgett of Howell was just 19 when he parachuted into Normandy in the morning hours of June 6th, 1944 as a member of the 101st Airborne Division. Heâs back in Normandy today for anniversary celebrations, but recalls that morning as if it were yesterday. "I parachuted in at 14 after one in the morning on D-Day. The beach landings started at 6:30. I picture myself as 19 years old, dark, all alone in a field taking my parachute harness off. It gets to you, almost hour by hour, where you were and what your were doing." Burgett was a member of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, which was charged with securing the causeways behind Utah Beach, so that the troops landing in a few hours would have an exit to get off the beach and head inland. But they were dropped miles from their intended target and had to fight their way to their objective. Burgettâs experiences of the war only began in Normandy. He took part in the ill-fated âOperation Market Gardenâ drop into Holland and then helped to hold the line against a last-gasp German attack at the Battle of the Bulge. Burgett will be honored tomorrow by the French government with the Légion of Honour, the highest decoration in France, and is normally reserved only for citizens of that nation. However, it is also bestowed to those who have served and fought in defense of France. Burgett would go on to write four books about his experiences, including the iconic âCurrahee; A Screaming Eagle at Normandy.â Burgett says heâs working on a fifth book about his experiences. Picture courtesy of AFP. (JK)
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LDFA Revenue Sharing Continues In FentonLDFA Revenue Sharing Continues In Fenton
6/6/14 - The Local Development Finance Authority and the City of Fenton revenue sharing agreement will continue for the foreseeable future. The LDFA, much like the Fenton Downtown Development Authority, promotes projects that spur new economic expansion and development creating employment opportunities within the city. Fenton City Manager Lynn Markland tells WHMI the Local Development and Finance Authority is a district which consists of the Fenton Industrial Park area. âSharing of revenue is for the city to help provide services in that area and continue operating the LDFA. The $171,000 the LDFA is sharing will help cover the cityâs costs for fire protection, police protection, and road maintenance in the industrial area. The council also recently voted to extend the Fenton Downtown Development Authorityâs operating plan from 2030 to 2040. Markland says, the DDA will use the additional time to complete projects currently underway and others that are in the current plan. (LR/JK)
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Volunteers To Plant Vegetables At Community Garden TomorrowVolunteers To Plant Vegetables At Community Garden Tomorrow
6/6/14 - Volunteers are being sought to help plant seedlings this weekend for a community garden that helps feed local families in need. The Livingston County Hunger Council and Gleaners Community Food Bank are holding an open Community Work Day on Saturday from 9am to noon. It will take place at the Victory Garden on Whitmore Lake Road in Brighton, the largest of the Hunger Councilâs 10 community gardens. The gardens are operated by volunteers every year to help combat hunger in Livingston County. A large group of volunteers began work planting the gardenâs vegetables on Tuesday, but there are still seedling tomato, eggplant, and pepper plants that need to be placed within the garden. There are also a few odd jobs, such as helping with irrigation, that need to be handled. Those interested in participating can just show up at the garden, but organizers would prefer they call or email ahead of time so they know how many people to expect. Volunteers can also bring their own planting tools, but most of all they are encouraged to bring their own drinking water since there is not a well on-site. More information can be found on the Livingston Hunger Councilâs Facebook page. A link is posted below. (TD)
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Eagle Scout & Team Raise New Flagpole at County AirportEagle Scout & Team Raise New Flagpole at County Airport
6/6/14 - The Livingston County airport is looking a bit nicer thanks to the efforts of a local Boy Scout. A new flag pole was recently installed at the Spencer J. Hardy Livingston County airport. It was part of Joshua Rushlowâs Eagle Scout project. Rushlow is a member of Troop 362 in Howell, and also planted over 330 trees with the help of more than 50 volunteers alongside the terminal fence on Tooley Road. Joshua chose to work with the airport because of his passion for flying, as evidenced by his participation in the aviation class at Howell High school. Heâs also working on his private pilotâs license. Next Saturday, June 14th, a 9am ceremony will be held to inaugurate the new flag pole. It was no coincidence as to why Rushlow chose the 14th for the event, as that is Flag Day. The ceremony is open to the public.
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Howell Woman Sentenced to Jail in Gun Threat & Teddy Bear TheftHowell Woman Sentenced to Jail in Gun Threat & Teddy Bear Theft
6/6/14 - A Livingston County woman has been sentenced to six months in jail for stealing collectible teddy bears and threatening two children with a gun. 45-year-old Denise Louise Powell apologized Thursday in Circuit Court before learning her punishment. She told the court that it was obvious a drinking problem had made her life a mess and sheâd like to try and fix it. In addition to jail time, Powell was also ordered to serve two years of probation. She was charged with larceny for stealing the 10 stuffed collectible Steiff bears, which were taken from a Hamburg Township garage in July. She was also sentenced to 93 days in jail for assault and battery for threatening the children. Under a plea deal, the prosecutor's office dismissed charges including receiving and concealing stolen property and felonious assault. (JK)
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Township Weighing Action Against Teens After Cemetery VandalismTownship Weighing Action Against Teens After Cemetery Vandalism
6/6/14 - The Benjamin Cemetery in Conway Township was vandalized over the Memorial Day weekend. Township Clerk Cindy Dickerson first contacted the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department after discovering the vandalism on Memorial Day but later contacted the Fowlerville Community Schools liaison officer to ask that he keep his ears open. Just a couple of days later, she says four teenagers had confessed. Dickerson tells WHMI theyâre currently in the process of getting quotes and damage estimates. Eleven monuments and stones were damaged â with some really big monuments being toppled over. Dickerson says one of the most upsetting was from 1865 that cracked when it landed and they donât know if that can be fixed, along with another headstone from 1865 that was smashed. As to whether any criminal charges will be pursued, Dickerson says theyâre weighing all options but feels alternatives could be explored that might provide better life lessons learned in the long run. Dickerson says theyâve requested the four teens and their parents attend the next board meeting June 17th to allow for in-depth discussion about the incident and options. She expects a decision will be made at the meeting, likely in closed session. (JM)
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Woman Pleads Guilty to Charges After Overdose Death of Child Woman Pleads Guilty to Charges After Overdose Death of Child
6/6/14 - A woman has entered a plea to criminal charges filed in connection with the overdose death last year of a child in the Fowlerville area. 22-year-old Chelsie Lenee Marme pleaded guilty as charged to involuntary manslaughter and 2nd degree child abuse in Livingston County Circuit Court. Prosecutors agreed to a mid-guideline sentencing cap but should the judge exceed that recommendation, Marme would be able to withdraw her plea. Authorities say Marme and 24-year-old Jared Kyle Brock were babysitting Brockâs niece August 31st at his motherâs home in Handy Township when the child is believed to have swallowed a Suboxone pill that belonged to Brock. The synthetic opiate is normally used for treatment of opiate dependence. Authorities say Brock and Marme were twice told to take the child to the hospital, first by friends they had called and then Poison Control, but failed to do so. They also didnât tell the childâs paternal grandmother about the pill before leaving the home that afternoon. The child died later that night. Brock and Marme initially denied knowledge of the pill, but later admitted the child had swallowed it. Meanwhile, both Brock and Marme are facing custody proceedings for their own child because of the criminal case. (JM)
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Howell Teen Pronounced Dead Following Crash on Latson Road Howell Teen Pronounced Dead Following Crash on Latson Road
6/6/14 - A Howell teen has passed away following a serious accident that shut down Latson Road for roughly three hours in Oceola Township. The crash happened around 8pm Friday on Latson Road, south of M-59 when an 18-year-old Howell resident in a Volkswagon pulled out of a gas station in front of a pickup truck. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department reports that the impact of the crash caused the Volkswagon to roll over and catch on fire. It was extinguished by Howell firefighters, who were able to extricate the unconscious teen and prevent the fire from spreading into the passenger compartment. Sheriff Bob Bezotte tells WHMI the Howell teen was taken by ground ambulance to the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, where he was pronounced dead. The driver of the pickup truck, identified as a 23-year-old Fenton resident, was not injured. Bezotte says alcohol doesnât appear to have been a factor and the crash remains under investigation by the Sheriff Departmentâs Traffic Safety Bureau. (JM)
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Thousands Of Diapers Gathered By Great Start In Annual DriveThousands Of Diapers Gathered By Great Start In Annual Drive
6/7/14 - Great Start Livingston gathered nearly 20,000 diapers during its 4th annual diaper drive this year, and it is thanking the community for its generosity. April is Month of the Young Child and the Great Start Parent Coalition partnered with Gleaners Community Food Bank and the Howell Kiwanis Club to host the drive. Great Start officials say that one in three Americans struggle to provide their babies with diapers and that in Livingston County, many families who rely on federal programs to get by find that most of those programs do not cover the cost of diapers. Individuals and businesses contributed diapers throughout the month of April, dropping them off at the Livingston Educational Service Agency, local libraries, and partner business around the county. Organizers now report that a total of 19,259 diapers were donated during the drive. While they last, those diapers will be distributed through Gleaners Community Food Bank. Last yearâs drive collected over 32,000 diapers, which were used up in less than two months. (TD)
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Group Donates $10,000 to Summer Lunch Bunch ProgramGroup Donates $10,000 to Summer Lunch Bunch Program
6/7/14 - The Summer Lunch Bunch program will get a big boost from a group of 100 charitable women this year. The Lunch Bunch is a program that provides free prepared lunches and groceries to families with children during the summer months, when the free and reduced-cost meal programs at local schools arenât available. Families all over the county rely on the program, which is offered through the Salvation Army, to provide adequate nutrition when school is out. A separate organization, the 100 Women Who Care, meets quarterly to identify one local nonprofit to benefit from their combined generosity. Once a program is chosen, each of the 100 women provide a check for $100, adding up to a donation of $10,000.Organizer Candye Hinton tells WHMI the Lunch Bunch was the chosen program at its most recent meeting after the 100 women heard presentations from three randomly-selected members on different local nonprofits. Previous winners have included the Howell Nature Center, LACASA, and the Connection Youth Center. The 100 women will present the Salvation Army with the money in about two weeksâ time at a presentation ceremony in Howell. (TD)
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Howell Teen Passes Away After Friday Crash; Identified By PoliceHowell Teen Passes Away After Friday Crash; Identified By Police
6/7/14 - Authorities have identified a Howell teen that died due to injuries sustained after a Friday night crash in Oceola Township. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department reports the accident happened around 8pm on Latson Road, south of M-59. 18-year-old Trevor Mitchell Inman of Howell was taken by ground ambulance to the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, where he was pronounced dead. Sheriff Bob Bezotte tells WHMI a 1997 Volkswagen driven by Inman pulled out of the USA Togo gas station parking lot onto Latson Road, directly in front of a northbound 2007 Ford F-250 and was struck. The impact caused Inmanâs Volkswagon to roll over and catch on fire. It was extinguished by Howell firefighters, who were able to extricate the unconscious teen and prevent the fire from going into the passenger compartment. The driver of the Ford F-250, identified as a 23-year-old Fenton resident, was not injured. Bezotte says alcohol and speed donât appear to be factors and seat belts were worn. Latson Road was closed for approximately three-and-a-half hours to allow for investigation by the departmentâs traffic bureau. (JM)
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Game Of Thrones-Themed Event Planned At Pinckney LibraryGame Of Thrones-Themed Event Planned At Pinckney Library
6/8/14 - It may be June, but an upcoming event at the Pinckney Community Public Library will remind the community that winter is coming. A Game of Thrones Mini Renaissance Fair will take place at the library on Friday, June 20th from 6:15 to 9pm. After the libraryâs successful event based around PBS series Downton Abbey, organizers decided to host an even larger event based on the fantasy novel series by George R. R. Martin and the corresponding HBO television series. The event will be divided into two sections, with the first part open to all ages. It will include demonstrations and discussions of medieval combat by an action theatre and stunt troupe, performances of madrigal music by an A Capella singing group, discussions and games by local roleplaying and card game groups, and official Game of Thrones board games. The second part of the evening, beginning at 8pm, will be dedicated to a discussion about the books and games, including mature content and spoilers for both the books and the television series. For more information or to register for the event, visit the library's website. A link is posted below. (TD)
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2nd Annual Rainbow Community Rally Held in Brighton2nd Annual Rainbow Community Rally Held in Brighton
6/8/14 - On a perfect day for an outdoor event, supporters of the lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender community held a rally Saturday afternoon in downtown Brighton. The rally featured speakers, childrenâs activities, information booths by local organizations and live music. Spokeswoman Tabitha Metreger is on the board of the Livingston County chapter of P-FLAG, the main sponsor of the event. She says that P-FLAG is a group consisting of family, friends and other supporters of the LGBT community in Livingston County. About 100 people attended the rally, which was held at the Mill Pond on Main Street in Brighton. Metreger says P-FLAG wants to get the message out that gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgenders are just like everybody else, with the exception that they have adopted an alternative lifestyle. Metreger says LGBT students are often bullied and harassed at school, and stresses that they have the same rights as everybody else, including the right to live their lives without harassment or bullying. The event was sponsored by the Livingston Diversity Council, Community Unitarian Universalists in Brighton, St. Paulâs Episcopal Church on the Millpond, New Hope Church of South Lyon and P-FLAG. Metreger says P-FLAG will have other events later in the year in Livingston County to draw attention to their cause. (TT)
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Walgreens Partners With Big Red Barrel Again This SummerWalgreens Partners With Big Red Barrel Again This Summer
6/8/14 - The Big Red Barrel program is once again working with corporate partner Walgreens to make its prescription drug disposal program more accessible this summer. The Big Red Barrel serves as a dropoff point for residents to get rid of their unwanted or expired prescription drugs. Organizers say unused prescription drugs, especially painkillers, are one of the most common ways for young people to begin experimenting with substance abuse. Permanent barrels are currently located around the county at police stations, the Sheriffâs Department, and the Michigan State Police Brighton Post. Last year, the Livingston County Community Alliance partnered with Walgreens to hold collection events at the stores, allowing people to drop off their medications in a more familiar and accessible location. That partnership is continuing this year, with appearances scheduled at Walgreens locations in Howell, Brighton, and Hartland through October. The first will take place on Saturday, June 14th from 10am to 2pm at the Howell Walgreens at the corner Grand River and Golf Club Road. To date, the Big Red Barrel program has collected more than 1,800 pounds of prescription medication, all of which has been disposed of in an environmentally-safe manner. (TD)
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Community Invited to Learn About Re-Create Pinckney Movement Community Invited to Learn About Re-Create Pinckney Movement
6/9/14 - A gathering Tuesday night will educate the community about how to get involved in a new movement that aims raise up youth and re-create Pinckney. The Community Youth Development Initiative, or CYDI project, is an effort to unite the Pinckney and Hamburg areas to share in the responsibility of the success of youth. Part of that is a community youth center that would not have just one physical location but serve as a hub and branch out to different venues. Retired teacher Rosemary Gass is helping to lead the effort. She tells WHMI what they really need is for the people of Pinckney and youth to come together to make the overall initiative happen and that the first step is to attend a community gathering at Pinckney High School Tuesday night at 7pm. Gass says anyone with questions, wanting to get involved or volunteer should email recreatePinckney@gmail.com or check out the Recreate Pinckney Facebook page through the link below. (JK)
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Fraud Suspects Sought by Green Oak PoliceFraud Suspects Sought by Green Oak Police
6/9/14 - Green Oak Township Police are asking for the publicâs help to identify two suspects in connection with a check fraud that occurred over the weekend. Police said two women entered the Kohlâs store on Whitmore Lake Road Saturday and purchased about $1,000 in merchandise using fraudulent American Express travelersâ checks. The women were seen leaving the storeâs parking lot in a gold Jeep Patriot with a plate of CEJ 5136, which is actually registered to a 1999 red Ford Crown Victoria in Livonia. Police said two unique identifiers on the Jeep were red bungee-type cords holding the hood down and a yellow âpine treeâ air freshener on the rear-view mirror. Anyone with information is asked to call Green Oak Township Officer Matt Hughes at 810-231-9626, ext. 240. (JK)
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Award in Memory of Howell Teen Given to Local SwimmersAward in Memory of Howell Teen Given to Local Swimmers
6/9/14 - The memory of a Howell teen that passed away nine years ago has been honored with an award to two local students. Mackenzie Watts was just 15 when she passed away while swimming at a Howell Varsity swim practice in November of 2005. She was also a member of the Howell Sea Serpents swim team and served as a junior coach for the team. Following her death, the teamâs coaches created the Mackenzie Watts Award in her memory. Itâs given to swimmers who have demonstrated hard work, sportsmanship, and dedication to the sport of swimming. This yearâs winners are 6th graders Madison Zerona and Hunter Gubeno. Mackenzieâs parents, George and Laurie Watts, donated the plaque that hangs in the Aquatic Center lobby at Howell High School that lists the winners of the award from every year. (JK)
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