7/18/14 - The cities of Brighton and Howell are working with Ann Arbor Spark and Cleary University to become Satellite SmartZones, a program designed to be an incubator to attract new businesses to the community. The Brighton City Council was told at its meeting Thursday night the result could be luring manufacturing, high tech and energy-related businesses to their communities. Luke Bonner, Vice President for Business Development at Ann Arbor Spark, told council a satellite SmartZone captures a portion of local taxes through the communitiesâ Local Development Finance Authority, or LDFA. City Manager Dana Foster emphasizes that even though thatâs true, local governments such as schools, cities, and counties are reimbursed by the state and suffer no loss in revenue. A community approved as a satellite SmartZone is required to partner with a 4-year university, and in Livingston County, that is Cleary University in Howell. Foster tells WHMI he has been involved in exploratory talks with Howell City Manager Shea Charles and Cleary toward creation of a joint satellite SmartZone. If approved, the Brighton and Howell Satellite SmartZone would be under the umbrella of the Ann Arbor SmartZone, which would act as the âhostâ. Ann Arbor Spark is also working with the cities of Adrian and Tecumseh in Lenawee County toward becoming satellite SmartZones, along with Howell and Brighton. Each community would be required to contribute a ânominalâ amount of funds annually to participate in the program â an amount that has yet to be determined. Bonner told council that time is short for Brighton and Howell to become satellite SmartZones and take advantage of the incentives that provide for business attraction, entrepreneurship and job expansion in the local communities. Cleary President Tom Sullivan will be at the next council meeting in August to explain how the university would act as the service provider for the cities of Brighton and Howell in the program. The applications must be in to the state by the end of September, and only a limited number of Satellite SmartZones will be approved by the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (TT)
Brghton and Howell Considering Business Incubator StatusBrghton and Howell Considering Business Incubator Status
↧
↧
Mobile Food Truck Hosting Back-To-School Clothing DriveMobile Food Truck Hosting Back-To-School Clothing Drive
7/18/14 - Kids may not be thinking of back to school time, but a local non-profit groupâs mobile food truck will be in the Fowlerville area to help parents in need of a helping hand. The Torch food truck will be at Randyâs Service Station in Handy Township on Saturday from 8am to 3pm hosting a clothing drive and fundraiser. The Torch is collecting new and gently used childrenâs clothing for a back-to-school event which will be held in August. Rhonda Callanan and Sarah Ruddle, co-founders of The Torch, will be serving food from the truck for free, but donations will be gratefully accepted. Food service will begin at 8:30 AM with a selection of breakfast items and will continue throughout the day, with the menu changing. Torch t-shirts will also be available for purchase at the event. Randy's Service Station is located at the intersection of Fowlerville Road and Mason Road. (JK)
↧
Parent Meeting In The Park Provides Insight And FunParent Meeting In The Park Provides Insight And Fun
7/18/14 - The Livingston County Great Start Parent Coalition held its monthly meeting Thursday night at the Genoa Township playground. The group meets on the third Thursday of the month, usually at the Livingston Educational Service Agencyâs office on Grand River in Howell. This time around the great weather provided organizers, parents and kids with an opportunity to make a field trip out of the monthly meeting. Everyone in attendance was treated to free pizza. Childcare was provided so that parents could discuss volunteer opportunities and the âBackpacks for Kidsâ event that will be held on August 21st. Sarah Smith, a parent liaison with Great Start Livingston, tells WHMI, each year the organization surveys county kindergarten teachers to determine areas of improvement for new students. Smith said the biggest concern is social and emotional development. Teachers say they can teach them their ABCâs and 123âs, but they need to be able to sit in order to learn that. In order to ready your youngsters for the upcoming school year, Smith suggested parents plan play dates for pre-kindergarteners to improve social skills. She added that the Howell Carnegie Library host events throughout the year to engage children in social activities. According to Smith, the toddler preschool dance party, and early literacy days are a big hit with the kids. For more information on the Great Start Livingston Parent Coalition, their educational and fun time events visit one of the links provided below. (LR/JK)
↧
Chelsea Center For The Arts Shut Down Due To Funding ProblemsChelsea Center For The Arts Shut Down Due To Funding Problems
7/18/14 - A nonprofit institution that promoted the arts in Chelsea for 20 years has suddenly closed its doors. The Chelsea Center for the Arts closed, seemingly for good, earlier this week. All camps and lessons at the center have been suspended, and no tuition refunds will be given. In a letter, the Centerâs board of directors explained that donations have slumped, and it has gotten to the point where the facility can no longer make payroll. According to the Chelsea Standard some instructors will complete their courses without pay to uphold their commitments to students and families, and the center has promised to do what it can to help them in that effort. In its letter, the board pointed to the recent economic downturn as a likely contributor to the decline of donations. The letter ended with a statement hoping that a new avenue for the services offered at the center will be made available in the future. (TD)
↧
Council Hears Erosion Complaints at Springhill DevelopmentCouncil Hears Erosion Complaints at Springhill Development
7/18/14 - About 25 residents of the Springhill residential development in Brighton packed Brighton City Council chambers Thursday night to say they are having serious erosion problems at their development on Flint Road. One resident of the site condominium development next to I-96 said he has lost much of his back yard because the accumulation of water undermined the soil and erosion caused it to wash away. City Manager Dana Foster tells WHMI the city has been aware of the problems and is working with the developer to make the changes necessary to come into conformance with the site plan and city codes. Developer Trevor Surdu, president of SDG Homes, told council and the audience he is working diligently to correct the problems as quickly as possible. City engineer Gary Markstrom of Tetra Techâs recommendations are that the grading in the development is restored and stabilized, retaining walls are stabilized, grading is done around the homes to prevent water damage to the buildings, areas that have suffered erosion are landscaped, and affected utility lines and pavement are repaired. Foster says the city will continue to monitor the developerâs progress in making the corrections, and legal action would be the next step if insufficient progress is made by the next council meeting on Aug. 7. (TT)
↧
↧
Police Say Green Oak Man Confesses to Flashing Incident Police Say Green Oak Man Confesses to Flashing Incident
7/18/14 - Police say a Green Oak Township man suspected in an indecent exposure case could be involved in similar incidents. Police were called out around 7:30 Monday evening to a retail store in the area of Grand River and Wixom Roads following reports of a male suspect exposing himself to a female shopper. There was no contact between the woman and the suspect but Novi Police released surveillance photos of the man, who was seen leaving the area in a red Dodge Dart. Police say a 30-year-old Green Oak Township man confessed to investigators after information possibly linking him to similar incidents in a neighboring community was shared with the department. Further details are not being released at this time due to the ongoing investigations but Novi Police say their case will be presented to the Oakland County Prosecutors Office for review on all applicable charges. (JM)
↧
Metroparks Stewardship Coordinator Managing Natural ResourcesMetroparks Stewardship Coordinator Managing Natural Resources
7/19/14 - A local man is going back to his roots when it comes to the planning, implementation and monitoring of natural resources within Huron Clinton Metroparks. Ryan Colliton of Highland Township serves as the Stewardship Coordinator for the regional park system that consists of 13 parks covering 25,000 acres. He was hired this year and works to ensure that the Metroparks not only maintain, but improve native habitats for native species with a focus on rare and protected species. Officials say Colliton brings more than a decade of experience as a natural resources manager in the private and public sectors, as well as certifications in wetland delineation, pesticide use, prescribed fire and the use of Geographic Information Systems for natural resources management. Colliton also has a heavy background in overseeing improvements of grasslands, forest, wetlands and cold-water streams. Colliton says heâs proud to be back in the area where he grew up, adding itâs âan honor to work for an agency and community that acknowledges and understands its role as a steward of natural resources and strives to continually improve its management of those resources.â (JM)
↧
Dexter Manager Resigns For New Job in OhioDexter Manager Resigns For New Job in Ohio
7/19/14 - The Dexter Village Manager has submitted her resignation and plans to return to Ohio. Donna Dettling has managed the Village of Dexter for the past 13 years, but on July 8th she was offered a job as the village administrator for North Baltimore, Ohio, about 40 miles south of Toledo. She issued her resignation to the Dexter Village Council the following day. According to the Dexter Leader, the members of the village council have known for some time that Dettling hoped to return to Ohio, but they are still sad to lose such a valued employee. The village is now planning to find a replacement for Dettling, which will include advertising the position and examining the possibility of promoting Assistant Manager Courtney Nicholls. The process will be discussed at the village councilâs July 28th meeting. (TD)
↧
Hamburg Board Warns Residents About Smart Meter ControversyHamburg Board Warns Residents About Smart Meter Controversy
7/19/14 - The Hamburg Township Board is calling attention to the controversy surrounding DTEâs new smart meter technology. Smart meters are being installed on buildings around the country. They automatically monitor electricity usage and power outages, sending reports back to DTE with the same technology used in cell phones. The Michigan Public Service Commission says the technology is proven safe, and its website has links to reports and studies performed around the country supporting that conclusion. However, this week, the Hamburg Township Board approved a motion urging residents to educate themselves about the controversy surrounding smart meters and informing them that they are allowed to opt out of the smart meter program for an added fee. Supervisor Pat Hohl tells WHMI this action was prompted by claims from some groups that the meters represent an invasion of privacy or negatively impact health. A secondary action by the board would allow trustees to bring forward a motion at their next meeting calling for the Public Service Commission to re-examine the issue of smart meters. A link to information from the commission has been posted below. (TD)
↧
↧
Construction Underway on New BHS Swimming PoolConstruction Underway on New BHS Swimming Pool
7/19/14 - If all goes according to schedule, Brighton will be getting a brand-new swimming pool at the high school in a little over a year. The Board of Education, meeting in regular session Monday night, approved construction of a state-of-the-art pool, which will replace a pool so old that as parts have broken or needed repair in recent years, many of them are no longer manufactured and the parts had to be fashioned individually. Superintendent Greg Gray tells WHMI that construction of the new pool is already underway, with completion scheduled for August of 2015. Cost of the new pool itself is pegged at $9 million with an additional $5 million for the entryways and other aspects of the building. Gray says what is special about it is that the entire community will be able to take advantage of the facilities, regardless of age. He says that, like with other aspects of the bond issue such as the new tennis courts, the pool will serve to draw more people to use Brighton school facilities, which are for everybody to take advantage of, and not just students. (TT)
↧
Job Center Touts Past Year's AchievementsJob Center Touts Past Year's Achievements
7/20/14 - A local employment agency is highlighting its successes over the past year. Officials with the Livingston County Michigan Works Center say they have had a successful year working with area businesses and job seekers. The Center, located in the Trans-West Industrial Park in Howell, is part of the statewide Michigan Works system of one-stop service centers. From July 1st of 2013 to June 30th of this year, the local Michigan Works office reports that more than 1,080 job seekers found employment with the help of the centerâs staff, which assisted over 80 companies in filling their positions. Michigan Works says it continued to focus on demand-based training, using various training funds to support local businesses and assist them in expanding. Eight area employers were awarded over $495,000 in Skilled Trade Training Funds to upgrade the skills of over 670 employees, while ten employers used On-the-Job training in the hiring of 78 employees. Michigan Works officials called both programs a âwin-winâ for the business and the employee. (JK)
↧
Hundreds Forge Through Hell For A Good CauseHundreds Forge Through Hell For A Good Cause
7/20/14 - It appears playing in the mud never gets old as long as it is for a good cause. Athletes from all over Southeast Michigan ventured over and under, through mud, water and even an amped up obstacle course during the second annual Forge Through Hell on Saturday. About 200 extreme challenge enthusiasts entered the 5-K at Hell Survivors in Pinckney to raise money for the Arthritis Foundation of Michigan. Mary Sue Lanigan, Development Director for the Arthritis Foundation of Michigan, tells WHMI there were ten obstacles on the course. One called the over under is used in Marine training. Lanigan said, âthere are many mud runs across the state, but this one is hard.â The course had teams and individuals swinging on ropes, zip lining, running up and down hills, and wading through murky water. The event proved to be demanding for Michele Mischley of Ada, Michigan. Mischley completed 7 out of 10 challenges. She forged for her daughter Victoria, who has battled Arthritis since she was five years old. Mischley said, if she can go through what she goes through without complaining, she can complete the Forge Through Hell. Last year, only about 50 people participated. The turnout for this year has more than tripled that number. Information about the Forge Through Hell can be found by visiting the link provided below. (LR)
↧
Wreath Presentation Concludes Brighton Community Reunion Wreath Presentation Concludes Brighton Community Reunion
7/21/14 - About 500 gathered around Mill Pond to take part in the Veterans Memorial wreath presentation during Brighton Community Reunion. The event started Friday and ran through Sunday night in downtown Brighton and at Brighton hotspots. Activities included a 5-K run, the Epic Event at Mt. Brighton, multi-year class reunions and a classic car show. Beverly Barton, a director with Brighton Core, the group organizing the event, tells WHMI the wreath presentation was the perfect way to wrap up the weekendâs festivities. Barton said a group started the Brighton Community Reunion to bring the whole community together and they couldnât do that without including those who went before us and fought for our country. Barton added the event was for everyone, even those who didnât attend Brighton High School or live in Brighton. Brighton Core, is a non-profit organization that raises money for those in need in the Brighton area. This year, the group partnered with the Brighton Area Schools Alumni Association and the Brighton Historical Society to help raise money for scholarships and local preservation efforts. Barton and the other directors are already planning next yearâs event which will take place over the 3rd weekend in July. (LR)
↧
↧
Motorcycle Owners Told To Be On Guard Following TheftsMotorcycle Owners Told To Be On Guard Following Thefts
7/21/14 - A rash of motorcycle thefts has struck South Lyon and nearby communities, and officials are warning residents to be on guard. Beginning June 4th and continuing into July, thieves have been targeting motorcycles and saddle bags in car ports and parking lots. Two Harley-Davidson motorcycles were stolen from a South Lyon condominium development on that date, and the South Lyon Herald reports similar thefts took place in Plymouth and Canton on the same day. Since then, another motorcycle and two sets of saddlebags have been stolen from other parking areas. At least one set of saddlebags was on a Harley-Davidson that was heavily locked, perhaps deterring the thieves from taking the motorcycle itself. The South Lyon Police are encouraging residents to take extra precautions when locking up their motorcycles, especially if they are parked in the open. The department is working with authorities in Canton and Plymouth in their investigation. (TD)
↧
Local Church Continuing Mission to Construct School in LiberiaLocal Church Continuing Mission to Construct School in Liberia
7/21/14 - The Arise Liberia program started after Sarah VanderVelde, who teaches all over the world, noticed a big need for education in the Liberian village of Gbanga near the capitol of Monrovia. She and her father, Pastor Dan VanderVelde of the Fowlerville Freedom Center, are now planning to take a group of local volunteers to the village around Christmas to build the facility that will help provide education and health care for locals. Pastor Dan recently returned from a scouting mission to the village, where he says work on clearing foliage is well underway. Organizers are now mainly concerned with fundraising, with a car show, silent auction, and garage sale planned for August 2nd at the Fowlerville Fair Grounds. VanderVelde tells WHMI volunteering or making donations will help make their dream a reality. Donations can be sent to 203 North Collins Street, Fowlerville, MI 48836, with âArise Liberiaâ in the memo line. (TD)
↧
Highland Police Millage Renewal Touted As Essential To ServiceHighland Police Millage Renewal Touted As Essential To Service
7/21/14 - Officials in Highland Township say a millage renewal on the August 5th primary must pass if residents want to continue receiving police service. The primary election in Highland will include a single question to renew both police millages, the 2.78 mills passed by voters in 2008 and an additional .75 mills approved in 2012. They support the Highland Township substation of the Oakland County Sheriffâs Office. The Milford Times reports Highland officials have been getting inquiries from residents about what would happen if the millages were not approved, and Township Supervisor Rick Hamill says the taxes are necessary for the substation to operate. Its current budget of about $2.5 million maintains a staffing level that officials consider to be sufficient for the area, even though there are fewer patrols available now than there were a decade ago. Township officials are confident the millages will be renewed, but in case they are not, the issue can be put back before voters in November. (TD)
↧
Genoa Township Board to Dicuss Development Items & ProjectsGenoa Township Board to Dicuss Development Items & Projects
7/21/14 - New development and future growth being anticipated in Genoa Township is leading to proposed changes in connection fees to existing municipal sewer and water systems. The Genoa Township board will meet tonight to discuss the modification of connection fees for the Marion, Howell, Oceola, Genoa or MHOG water system and the Genoa Oceola or GO sewer system. Those service the Grand River corridor as well as adjacent subdivisions near Grand River. The township is already seeing an increase in new development in the South Latson Road area and expects that trend will continue following completion of the Latson Road/I-96 interchange. In an effort to plan for future growth and utility demands, the township requested an analysis of current water and sewer system connection fees to determine if changes were necessary. A presentation is planned during tonightâs meeting on the existing system limitations, plans for future growth, capital improvement costs and how the anticipated costs are accounted for in the connection fee modifications being proposed. A link to the latest studies regarding connection fees is available on the Genoa Township website. Meanwhile in other business, public hearings are set for two development projects; a 1,000-square-foot addition being proposed for the Buffalo Wild Wings Latson Road location and a proposed USA2GO gas station and drive thru Tim Hortons at a vacant lot on the west side of Latson Road, near Grand River and Grand Oaks Drive. The Genoa Township Board meeting starts at 6:30pm at the township hall on Dorr Road. (JM)
↧
↧
Sunshine, High Temps & Humidity Spur Ozone Action Day Sunshine, High Temps & Humidity Spur Ozone Action Day
7/21/14 - Today marks the first Ozone Action day of the year and officials are reminding local residents that a single action by many can help make a big difference. Summer-like conditions are returning to Livingston County and the Southeast Michigan region for the next few days, making an upsurge in ozone likely. This also marks the 21st year of the Southeast Michigan Council of Governmentsâ voluntary program that helps keep air clean. Local residents are being reminded of some simple things that can be done to help air quality on Ozone Action Days such as reduce automobile use, delay or combine errands and save outdoor chores for another day. Itâs also recommended to not refuel vehicles on Ozone Action Days or fill up in the evening when the weather is cooler and donât âtop offâ the tank. Thanks to a regionally coordinated effort, SEMCOG officials say the regionâs air quality has steadily improved over the past two decades and thatâs due, in part, to the actions that residents take on Ozone Action Days. (JM)
↧
Public Hearing Tuesday on Hartland Township's Safer Roads Plan Public Hearing Tuesday on Hartland Township's Safer Roads Plan
7/21/14 - A public hearing Tuesday night will serve as the final opportunity for Hartland Township residents and the community at large to weigh in on a plan to address deterioration roads and proposed millage to pay for it. The Safer Roads and Pathways Citizens Task Force was convened last fall and after much input, created a plan that calls for improvements and repairs to existing gravel and paved roads, newly paved sections of road and several sidewalk connections. The funding plan from the task force would involve placing a 1.5-mill, 10-year question on the November ballot. While the task forced felt it struck a good balance in the initial draft plan, significant changes have been made based on public input and the plan is now all about roads. If the millage request is successful, then the millage proceeds would be invested in roads - allowing the township to invest general fund dollars into sidewalk improvements and connectivity, as well as pursue grants. The final vote on any millage ballot language would happen in August. As proposed currently, it would equate to $150 per year for the average Hartland Township homeowner. The public hearing will be held during Tuesday nightâs board meeting that starts at 7pm at the township hall on Clark Road. All of the road plan documents are available through the link below. (JM)
↧
Man Hospitalized After Setting Ex-Girlfriend's Home on FireMan Hospitalized After Setting Ex-Girlfriend's Home on Fire
7/21/14 - A Highland Township man was arrested after authorities say he violated a personal protection order and intentionally started a house on fire last weekend. The Oakland County Sheriffâs Office reports that a 31-year old Highland Township woman feared for her safety and contacted police early Saturday morning after an ex-boyfriend continued calling her in violation of a personal protection order. When authorities arrived, deputies located the man exiting the residence on Loch Lomond Court with burns on his arms and he was taken into custody without incident. The 37-year-old man, also from Highland Township, reportedly told police that he didnât want to live anymore and was going to burn the house down. Investigators have determined that the fire was arson and say the man poured gasoline into a garbage can and lit it on fire. He remains hospitalized for treatment of his burns and smoke inhalation. The case is expected to be turned over to the Oakland County Prosecutorâs Office for review and possible charges. (AV/JM)
↧
More Pages to Explore .....
