7/8/14 - The planned expansion and improvement of the Livingston County Jail is another step closer to reality. The facility on South Highlander Way in Howell has been plagued by overcrowding as well as a changing inmate population. The projected cost estimate of the expansion is $16.7 (m) million and it was earlier determined that the issuance of bonds would be the best means to finance all or part of it. The Livingston County Board of Commissioners met Monday night and unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the issuance of not to exceed $15 (m) million in capital improvement bonds. Chairwoman Carol Griffith tells WHMI the Jail Improvement Committee worked hard to come up with its recommendation and what the board would need to authorize for the project. Proceeds from the bond sale will be used for acquiring, constructing and equipping a new wing to the jail, as well as storage facilities and related site improvements. Construction is expected to commence sometime this fall and if all goes as planned, the expansion could be complete next spring. (JM)
County Approves Issuing $15 Million in Bonds for Jail ExpansionCounty Approves Issuing $15 Million in Bonds for Jail Expansion
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New Attorney Appointed For Suspect in Iosco MurderNew Attorney Appointed For Suspect in Iosco Murder
7/9/14 - A former Webberville man accused of an Iosco Township murder in 2011 has yet another attorney representing him in the case. 25-year-old Anthony Sean Duke made a brief appearance Tuesday in 53rd District Court where a new attorney, Roland Sizemore, was assigned to the case. Sizemore is the sixth attorney to represent Duke, with the previous five all having requested to be removed from the case due to conflicts of interest from prior representation of possible witnesses in the case. Duke has lamented the revolving door of attorneys and previously requested the court appoint an out-of-county defense counsel. Sizemore is based in Howell. Duke, whose next court date is August 12th, was charged with first-degree murder in the December 2011 shooting death of Ronald Hauser in his Iosco Township home. Authorities say Duke killed the 47-year-old Hauser in the course of a home invasion or larceny. He faces a mandatory life sentence without parole if convicted. (JK)
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16th Annual LACASA Garden Tour Set This Weekend16th Annual LACASA Garden Tour Set This Weekend
7/9/14 - A local non-profits premiere fundraising event will be held this weekend. Set for July 12th and 13th, LACASAâs 16th annual Garden Tour will feature more than a dozen gardens throughout Livingston County. Guests are invited to stroll the grounds of private homes and view unique garden settings. Homeowners will be on hand to answer questions and discuss gardening techniques. Ticket proceeds provide help and hope for vulnerable children and adults who are victims of interpersonal violence. Tickets for the tour are sale at area garden centers and retail outlets. This weekendâs tour will be followed next weekend with the annual Twilight in The Garden. Set for Saturday, July 19th in the garden of Alfred & Joan Stines in Howell, the gala will feature wine tasting, a cigar bar, raffles and live music. A dozen area restaurants will also provide samples of their cuisine. Registration for Twilight in the Garden runs through this Friday. Youâll find complete details on both this weekendâs Garden Tour and next weekendâs Twilight fundraiser online at lacasacenter.org (JK)
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Efforts Continue to Help Local Veteran Save Hamburg Home Efforts Continue to Help Local Veteran Save Hamburg Home
7/9/14 - Community efforts continue to not only try to save the longtime home of a local Veteran but help give his spirits a boost. The Livingston County Department of Veterans Affairs has been working to assist Ross Dahlberg, who will be turning 83 next week and lost his Hamburg Township home in a sheriff sale. The goal is to raise $132,000 before the redemption period is up on September 26th. In addition to donations, Veterans Benefits Counselor Josh Parish says thereâs been an outpouring of support and he receives daily words of encouragement to pass along to Dahlberg. Parish says his job is very unique in that he gets to help people in need. After pouring over Dahlbergâs case file that is almost four inches thick and well documented, heâs confident the foreclosure wasnât Dahlbergâs fault. Parish says Dahlberg reached out to his banks and sought assistance through a state program but just wasnât able to fix the situation on his own â adding he was pleasantly surprised to learn Dahlberg got as far as he did with such limited resources. Parish tells WHMI he understands the situation before them and doesnât know how this story will end but giving up was never an option, and thatâs not just because Dahlberg is a Veteran but because heâs a member of the community. Dahlberg suffers from ongoing medical problems and had two toes amputated. He was hospitalized late last week due to complications and there was a possibility his left leg would need to be amputated. Parish says fortunately, things are looking up since then and doctors were able to perform surgery and removed all of the infection. Parish says their office is currently exploring in-home care service for Dahlberg through the VA office in Ann Arbor but also organizing fundraisers. Parish says if anyone wants to send in words of encouragement, birthday cards or well wishes, heâd be more than happy to surprise Dahlberg with those too since heâll be celebrating his 83rd birthday on Wednesday, July 16th. Those and donations can be dropped off directly or mailed to the Livingston County Department of Veterans Affairs office. Checks should be made payable to Ross Dahlberg and sent to 2300 E. Grand River Suite 109, Howell, MI 48843. A link to the online donation site set up for the cause is also posted below. Photo courtesy of Fox 2 Detroit. (JM)
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Handy Township Board Approved Controversial Industrial RezoningHandy Township Board Approved Controversial Industrial Rezoning
7/9/14 - A controversial rezoning of 200 acres of land from agricultural to industrial was approved by the Handy Township Board last night. A residential developer walked away from the property when the housing market collapsed, leaving the township with millions in special assessments, taxes, and bond payments associated with the sewer connection installed for the site. Years of litigation followed, and during that time the land could not be sold at tax sale to recoup the townshipâs losses. Meanwhile, the county took on the townshipâs debt, which continued to accrue interest. The township was recently awarded the land by the courts and, to help recoup its losses, approved a motion to rezone it as industrial last night. Officials hope to sell the land to an industrial developer to help pay off the assessments and taxes, while the new usage for the sewer system would help cover the bond debt. However, some residents are unhappy with the decision. They argued during the entire rezoning process that it would reduce their property values, change the character of the community, ruin the view from their homes, create a noise nuisance, and increase traffic in the area. Vaupel says any development there would have to go through site plan review, during which time residents can voice their concerns and township officials will put requirements in place to help protect their interests. Only Trustee Gordon Munsell voted against the rezoning. (TD)
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Free DSO Brighton Concert Sells Out in HoursFree DSO Brighton Concert Sells Out in Hours
7/9/14 - Just hours after it was announced Tuesday that the Detroit Symphony Orchestra would play a free concert in Livingston County later this year, all of the tickets were snapped up and the show is now sold out. The Brighton Center for the Performing Arts was one of four Metro Detroit venues selected for a free DSO concert in October. It was selected by a 5-person panel, which considered dozens of letters of support from community members, hundreds of online comments and some 14,000 votes from the pool of nominees But by late Tuesday afternoon, all of the nearly 900 seats were already reserved. Gabrielle Pashadlo is a DSO spokesperson who says that reaction is exactly why Brighton was among those areas chosen for a free concert. Also selected was Garden City High School and Greater Grace Temple in Wayne County and Lake Orion High School in Oakland County. The concerts are made possible through funding provided by the DTE Energy Foundation. (JK)
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Big Pig Hamming It Up Ahead of August Primary Big Pig Hamming It Up Ahead of August Primary
7/9/14 - One big pig is causing some campaign controversy across Livingston County. The pig goes by the name of Mr. Perks and is part of Wendy Dayâs campaign, who is running on the Republican ticket in the August primary for the 47th District State Representative seat. Mr. Perks is hard to miss being that heâs the size of a small camper and permanently attached to a trailer. Chairwoman of the Livingston County Democratic Party Judy Daubenmier says she and a number of others have noticed Mr. Perks out at the Park and Ride at D-19 and I-96 in Howell for the past few days, hogging a parking spot. Daubenmier says she found it strange that someone who is so anti-government would use a government parking lot to promote her campaign, saying she needs to move it or the state should tow it and send Day the bill. Day tells WHMI Mr. Perks is on loan from a friend and feel heâs a good symbol of the âgovernment porkâ that needs to be cut, helping to spread the limited government message in a funny way. Day says due to an issue with the trailer, Mr. Perks did remain at the lot longer than the designed 48-hour period, but he has since been removed. Day added that Mr. Perks has had some run-ins with the law in the past and is glad the Democrats are keeping such a close eye on him so she knows he is safe. (JM)
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Milford Council President Abruptly ResignsMilford Council President Abruptly Resigns
7/9/14 - More than four months before the election, the Milford Village Council president issued her resignation on Monday, effective immediately. Terri Rusas-George says she is resigning to pursue another career in Troy. The Milford Times reports that an unexpectedly high home appraisal accelerated plans for she and her husband to move to that area. The village council unanimously elected Councilman Jerry Aubry to take over as interim council president at Mondayâs meeting. He will serve out the remainder of Ruasas-Georgeâs term, and has stated that he plans to run for reelection in November. It is likely the council will appoint a new member to keep a full roster until then. The councilâs president pro-tem, Mike Glagola, also announced that he would be leaving the council, though he plans to finish out his term. (TD/JK)
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Hamburg Forum Features State House & Congressional Candidates Hamburg Forum Features State House & Congressional Candidates
7/9/14 - The Pinckney, Putnam, Hamburg, Hell Chamber of Commerce sponsored a candidate forum Tuesday night at the Hamburg Township Hall. The forum was divided into four segments, dedicated to Democratic and Republican hopefuls running for the 42nd state House seat and the 8th U.S. Congressional District. Republican Nick Fiani, President of the Brighton Board of Education, is one of four candidates running for the GOP nomination. He said he is a fiscally responsible man of his word. Also running is Lana Theis, Treasurer for Brighton Township, who touted her experience in making local government more efficient. Retired newspaper executive Rich Perlberg said he is the definition of the term limit candidate as a businessman and involved community member who would serve as a citizen legislator. Republican Dale Rogers is a high school teacher who says he has the expertise to deal with the state's education issues. Timothy Johnson is the lone Democrat in the race for the 42nd District. While he didn't take part in the question and answer portion of the event, he was allowed to make a brief statement beforehand. Meanwhile, six candidates are running for the 8th District Congressional seat being vacated by Republican Mike Rogers, who plans to take up a career in talk radio. Former Michigan Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop is one of two Republicans vying to replace Rogers. He said Americans are on the verge of a revolt in how their government and economy are managed. That was echoed by fellow Republican and State Representative Tom McMillin, who said if he is elected he will continue his fight against irresponsible government. On the Democratic side, former state Demographer Ken Darga stated he supports the pipeline projects in Livingston County, but feels regulations are needed. Attorney Jeffrey Hank said he is a progressive Democrat who will fight for freedom and the American Dream. Ingham County Treasurer Eric Schertzing emphasized that while he would not seek the repeal of Obamacare, he said he would seek to improve it. And Central Michigan University Professor Susan Grettenberger said she is ready to roll up her sleeves and get to work on a variety of issues including education, the environment and equality. Tuesday's forum will be rebroadcast on Hamburg community cable television in the weeks leading up to the August 5th primary. (LR/JK)
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Controversial Conway Twp. Well Being Capped & AbandonedControversial Conway Twp. Well Being Capped & Abandoned
7/9/14 - A Texas-based energy company is in the process of abandoning a controversial well it had dug last year on property in Livingston County. GeoSouthern Energy initially received approval from state officials last September to drill a test well in Conway Township on resident Jack Sherwoodâs Maple Grove Farm property. GeoSouthern wanted to see if it could possibly extract gas or oil resources trapped deep underground using a process similar to hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. That process pumps a mixture of sand, water and chemicals at high-pressure into the rocks to try and break them up and release the trapped resources. But after a month of testing, the company is now closing down that operation according to Geologist Shaun Lehman with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. "They are in the process of plugging and abandoning that well...and it wasn't hydraulic fracturing per se. It was a type of completion called an acid fracture. That's something they've already done and have been testing the well ever since to see what they've got." Lehman says those tests indicated it wouldn't be economically viable to continue the drilling operations. That will comes as good news to many area residents who were opposed to the operation, both for environmental concerns, but also because of a strong odor they say was produced at the site on various occasions. Lehman says he knows of no other efforts by GeoSouthern to do similar drilling in Livingston County. A statement issued by GeoSouthern is attached below. (JK)
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Reopening of Woodland Lake Emergency Access SoughtReopening of Woodland Lake Emergency Access Sought
7/10/14 - A motion was approved at Monday nightâs Brighton Township board meeting to pursue the possibility of reopening an emergency access road for the Woodland Lake community. The access would allow a quicker path for emergency vehicles, and provide residents of Woodland Lake Estates with a route in the case of the closure of the Woodland Lake Bridge. The emergency access road is currently unusable after being placed on the site in 1995. In the years that have passed, the road has become overgrown with trees and other vegetation. The cost to clear the path, and make the road drivable again was estimated to be between thirty and forty thousand dollars. That cost is not currently included in the township budget for the fiscal year. Tension from several residents of Woodland Lake Estates was due to their concern that the removal of the berm would cause the area to become more heavily trafficked, and that the road would not simply be used as a last resort, emergency access point. In regard to this, The Township added an additional clause to the motion stating that there would be an effort to pursue other locations for an emergency access point. (KT/JK)
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Hune Adds Voice To Those Opposed To Chelsea Gravel MineHune Adds Voice To Those Opposed To Chelsea Gravel Mine
7/10/14 - State Senator Joe Hune has taken a stance against a proposed sand and gravel mine in the Chelsea area. McCoig Materials Inc. wants to operate a mine at the site known as Stofer Hill for 30 years, after which they say they will transform it into a lake. Residents have spoken up against the mine, and a decision on the proposed site plan has been delayed for six months to give the Lyndon Township Planning Commission time to review the extensive material involved. One of the mineâs opponents is State Senator Joe Hune, who released a letter this week opposing the operation. The Chelsea Leader reports Hune feels the mine would negatively impact the quality outdoor environment of the Chelsea area. Hune is currently co-sponsoring legislation that will allow local municipalities to ban mining and drilling for natural resources. It deletes language from a 2011 bill that Hune and other local lawmakers had supported at the time. Due to redistricting, the Chelsea area will be part of Huneâs constituency if he wins his bid for reelection in November. (TD)
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$25 Million Plan Aims to Grow Future Health of Livingston County$25 Million Plan Aims to Grow Future Health of Livingston County
7/10/14 - Saint Joseph Mercy Health System has announced a $25 (m) million revitalization program as part of a long-range plan designed to improve the patient experience and reduce overall cost of care. A renovated St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital in Howell will remain at its Byron Road location while work has already begun to upgrade the medical-surgical units, emergency room and Senior ER. A new short stay service at St. Joseph Mercy Brighton will provide overnight care for out-patients who require extended treatment and recovery. It will involve the construction of a 28-bed overnight care unit that will be staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week by nurses and physicians, as well as two additional operating rooms. Construction is expected to begin early 2015. Rob Casalou is the President and CEO of St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor and Livingston Hospitals and says the new delivery approach is the future of health care and the investment confirms the decision around four years of planning and analysis about a new location for the hospital. However, instead of building a new facility from the ground up, Casalou says the plan is to create new patient care models that help contain costs while providing the same high quality care. He tells WHMI theyâve been somewhat quiet about plans for the past few years because of everything going on with healthcare from the Affordable Care Act, the movement of population health and real changes but it gave them time to properly analyze future needs of the community. Saint Joseph Mercy Health System is currently the only full-service health care provider in Livingston County but development in the area is bringing both change and options. The announcement comes not long after St. John Providence Health System closed on the old Latson Road Elementary property and clarified plans to construct an ambulatory care facility at that location. (JM)
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Public Input Sought On Model For Drug Prevention Strategic PlanPublic Input Sought On Model For Drug Prevention Strategic Plan
7/10/14 - The gears are turning on a new strategic plan to coordinate drug abuse prevention efforts across the county. A series of meetings that began in December was held by the Livingston Community Prevention Project to gather input from the community on how such a plan should be formed. Residents provided input on what sort of drug problems were in the community, what might be causing them, and how the causes should be addressed. With that input in mind, organizers met this week and picked out three different substance abuse prevention models, each of which has been proven effective in communities around the world and could serve as the basis for a local strategic plan. While two focus on alcohol and one focuses on a broader range of abused substances, Catholic Charities Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator Kaitlin Fink says any of them could be adapted for any substance as needed locally. Any interested parties are invited to a meeting at St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital in Howell August 12th to help pick which model should be put in place. The meeting is open to everyone, including anti-drug advocates, law enforcement, members of the media, educators and interested residents. After they have chosen a program for the plan, organizers will begin looking for corporate, local, state, and federal grants that require a strategic plan to be in place. Those grants will provide the funding to get the planâs programs off the ground. (TD)
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Preservationist Group Plans Post-Theater Purchase MeetingPreservationist Group Plans Post-Theater Purchase Meeting
7/10/14 - A gathering Friday night will discuss the future of a group that had been dedicated to making sure a recently purchased landmark in Downtown Howell remained active. People for the Preservation of the Historic Howell Theater was created in February by former Howell resident Cindy Perkins who was concerned about the theaterâs future after it had closed down the year before and then a plan to install a gourmet restaurant there fell through. Those concerns were alleviated last month when it was announced that Toledo-based filmmaker and movie enthusiast Tyler DePerro had purchased the theater and was planning to renovate the structure and reopen it later this year. With that in mind, Perkins, who is in the process of moving back to Howell, says the group is planning a get together 7pm Friday at the Log Cabin Restaurant in Genoa Township. Perkins says theyâve invited DePerro to attend and further discuss his plans for the theater, but they also plan to broaden their focus beyond just the preservation of the theater and generate conversation about keeping and maintaining historic Howell sites and other topics including the need for downtown parking. Youâll find details about the gathering through the Facebook link posted below. (JK)
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Daytime & Nighttime Lane Closures on I-96 at Latson Road Daytime & Nighttime Lane Closures on I-96 at Latson Road
7/10/14 - Travel delays are possible for the next week on I-96 in the Genoa Township area due to scheduled lane closures. Both daytime and nighttime lane closures will be in effect. Starting today, there will be a single lane closure in each direction on I-96 at Latson Road for bridge work at the interchange. The daytime single lane closures will be in place each day between 5am and 8pm through next Friday, July 18th. In addition, the Michigan Department of Transportation says there will be nighttime double lane closures on I-96 at Latson Road between 8pm and 5am. The double lane closures will also be in place through next Friday, July 18th. (JM)
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Special Ops Veteran Dog To Be Buried In Milford On SaturdaySpecial Ops Veteran Dog To Be Buried In Milford On Saturday
7/10/14 - A full military funeral will be held in Milford this weekend for a dog who fought alongside American special ops teams overseas. Military War Dog Chyan passed away in May and will be buried in the Michigan War Dog Memorial Cemetery in Milford on Saturday. The Belgian Malinois spent eight years of his life working special ops missions in Europe, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Much of his history in the military remains classified, but his particular breed is preferred for use by the Navy SEALs because it can participate in high-altitude HALO parachute jumps. After a very full military career, Chyan was retired from service three years ago. Phil Weitlauf, director of the Michigan War Dog Memorial, tells WHMI the dog enjoyed a very relaxing retirement after being adopted by a convent in Marine City. Chyan passed away May 5th, four days after a big party held for his 15th birthday. He will be interred with full military honors on Saturday at 12:00 noon. Members of the public are welcome to attend the ceremony. For more information, follow the link below. (TD)
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Developer Backs Out of Purchase of Vacant Elementary SchoolDeveloper Backs Out of Purchase of Vacant Elementary School
7/10/14 - Following news that a developer had backed out of a deal to buy a vacant elementary school in Brighton, officials are in talks that could place a charter school there. Bloomfield Hills-based Robertson Brothers Homes notified Brighton Superintendent Greg Gray last week that it was withdrawing its offer to purchase the Lindbom School site on State Street. Gray says the developers had been counting on state brownfield redevelopment funds to pay for the demolition of the school, which is estimated to cost $250,000. When they didnât qualify, it made their $1.35 million offer financially unfeasible. But he says while thatâs disappointing, especially because they had hoped the new homes that were planned would potentially bring new students into the district, they are now working on Plan B. Gray will be meet next week with representatives from American Classical Academies. The charter school operators previously offered $1.45 million for the property. Gray tells WHMI that while a charter school was not their first choice, itâs also not something that should be seen as a negative for the district. "We have charter schools in Brighton presently and I'm of the belief that there are different situations for all kids and whatever parents choose to do in regards to educating their kids, we support." Gray said that whatever the outcome of the discussions next week with American Classical Academies, the district is still on track to completely eliminate its deficit by July 1st of 2015. He says the Lindbom sale was not included in the most recent deficit-elimination plan submitted to the state. (JK)
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Student Accused of Tampering w/ Teachers Drink Won't Be Charged Student Accused of Tampering w/ Teachers Drink Won't Be Charged
7/10/14 - No criminal charges will be filed in the case of a local high school student accused of spiking a teacherâs coffee with eye drops. After a thorough investigation by the Fowlerville Police Department, the Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office has concluded that there is insufficient legally admissible evidence to support the issuance of any criminal charges against a 17-year-old Fowlerville High School student on allegations that he placed a substance in a teacherâs drink. Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt tells WHMI that while Fowlerville Community Schools was able to take disciplinary action, "the administrative standards governing decisions by schools to impose discipline are different from the stricter constitutional and legal standards that apply to criminal cases". School administrators began looking into the allegations after hearing rumors about a student placing Visine eye drops in the teacherâs coffee or water. The Fowlerville Police Department later launched a formal investigation. 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 has not been identified and was initially suspended from school for ten days. However that was extended to 180 days, a full school year, after a disciplinary hearing by the Board of Education.(JM)
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Fenton Man Struck By Vehicle And Killed While Checking MailFenton Man Struck By Vehicle And Killed While Checking Mail
7/11/14 - A Fenton Township man was killed this week when he was struck by a passing vehicle as he retrieved his mail. The Genesee County Sheriffâs Department says 59-year-old Nicolai Bodnariuc, originally of Romania, was walking with a friend along Fenton Road between Thompson and Ray Roads just after 7pm on Wednesday. He crossed the street to get his mail while his friend went inside a nearby retailer. When he had his mail he turned to cross the street again, and witnesses report he stepped unknowingly into the path of a sedan traveling southbound. According to the Tri County Times, the Fenton Township Fire Department was on the scene quickly and began treating Bodnariuc, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. The 29-year-old driver of the sedan was also treated at the scene for head injuries before being transported to a hospital in Grand Blanc. Police are investigating the crash, but they do not believe speed or alcohol were factors. (TD)
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