7/29/14 - What to do about streets, swales and parking in the City of Howell is the ongoing task before council members. Council voted Monday night to defer a street modification project involving parking and curb changes as well as removing all of the 16 mini-circles previously installed. It will be re-bid in January or February. Council has been looking at modifications to streets in parts of the city and put together a plan but thereâs a shortage of contractors to do the work this season as many are booked solid. The one bid that did come in was almost four times higher than engineering estimates. Mayor Phil Campbell tells WHMI council is committed to addressing ongoing problems in the City but what they can do is bound by whatâs possible. In this case, he says the cost was prohibitive so council made the financially prudent decision to postpone the work. Staff will work to obtain informal quotes in case thereâs the possibility of getting anything done this season. In a separate but related item, member Doug Heins proposed an ordinance lessening parking restrictions that he requested the city attorney draft per council rules, saying he wanted it on the agenda as a vehicle for discussion. Current ordinance prohibits off-street parking in certain areas and in swales. Heins said he doesnât want to be ticketed for having a tire touching the grass and feels residents should be able to enjoy a certain amount of latitude in the right-of-way in front of their homes. Heins said his proposal was intended to address what he feels is parking discrimination but others on council were not convinced and pointed out as currently worded, it would allow unlimited parking in swales and owners would have no control. Some stated it would contradict efforts to address street erosion and waste the thousands of taxpayer dollars invested to solve real problems the street project was designed to eliminate including flooded yards and basements. Councilman Scott Niblock called it another step by Heins in a systematic attempt to dismantle the street project. Councilman Steve Manor commented that the swales were deliberately chosen by council to control and treat storm water run-off and have been successful in fulfilling their designed purpose. The matter of streets and parking will be revisited during the August 11th meeting. (JM)
Swales, Mini-Circles & Street Issues Resurface in City of HowellSwales, Mini-Circles & Street Issues Resurface in City of Howell
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Distracted Driving Course Offered to Local Teens & ParentsDistracted Driving Course Offered to Local Teens & Parents
7/29/14 - Teens and their parents will have the opportunity to experience different forms of distracted driving at a class next month. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department and the Green Oak Township Police Department will be holding a hands-on distracted driving course for area teens and their parents on August 23rd. There will be two sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon that will each run for four hours at FT Techno of America in Fowlerville. The class will include a discussion and video presentation before getting the chance to drive on the test track under different circumstances. The scenarios will include texting while driving and the use of drunk driving goggles. Class size will be limited to 20 students and a parent per class. Attendees are required to have a valid driverâs license and be enrolled in high school. More information is available in the attached press release.(JM)
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Interim Manager Appointed For Village Of DexterInterim Manager Appointed For Village Of Dexter
7/29/14 - The Village of Dexter has appointed an interim village manager following Donna Dettlingâs resignation earlier this month. After 14 years as the village manager, Dettling was offered a job as the village administrator for North Baltimore, Ohio, about 40 miles south of Toledo, on July 8th. She issued her resignation the following day. At its regular meeting last night, the village council unanimously appointed Assistant Village Manager Courtney Nicholls as the interim manager until someone can be found to fill the position permanently. Nicholls is the favorite to fill that position, having served the village for the past seven years, but the Dexter Leader reports council members want to advertise the position so a process for filling future vacancies can be established. Nicholls will serve as the interim manager on a month-by-month basis until a permanent manager is appointed. (TD)
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"College Safe" Seminar Educates On Sexual Assault Prevention"College Safe" Seminar Educates On Sexual Assault Prevention
7/29/14- LACASA Center of Livingston County is taking action against sexual assault that occurs on college campuses. LACASAâS Youth Prevention Educator Kayla Dillon and Intern Jessica Dailey kicked the week off at Brighton District Library Monday afternoon with their first presentation on how to stay safe while at school. The interactive seminar known as âCollege Safeâ aims to educate college-bound students on ways to prevent sexual assault, as well as eliminate common misconceptions. Dailey tells WHMI sexual assault is not limited to one stereotype. The presentation highlighted preventative programs that several Michigan schools have and enforce, as well as steps to take should an incident occur. Dillon and Dailey discussed different substances that are commonly used, as well as what side effects to look for if someone is a victim of substance-influenced assault. While Dillon says the seminar may need some tweaking, she tells WHMI she wants to expand it to high school outgoing seniors. College students are encouraged to attend the free seminar, which will take place this Thursday, from 5-7:30 p.m. at Howell Carnegie Library. (DK)
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Condition of Railroad Crossing Causing Concern in South LyonCondition of Railroad Crossing Causing Concern in South Lyon
7/29/14 - Residents and motorists are being encouraged to take issues with the condition of a railroad crossing in South Lyon to the next level in hopes of spurring some action. The City of South Lyon has been receiving a number of calls and inquiries this summer in regard to the 10 Mile/Lake Street railroad crossing. City officials have been in contact with both CSX Railroad and the Michigan Department of Transportation. In an effort to get the necessary repair work done sooner rather than later, the City is asking that individuals contact CSX and MDOT to register a formal complaint. Those that plan on doing so are being asked to refer to the 10 Mile/Lake Street crossing and contact information is available on the City of South Lyonâs website. A link is posted below. Three rail lines once passed through South Lyon and today, the community hosts the CSX railroad main line from Detroit to Grand Rapids. (JM)
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Howell City Council Approves Economic Development ContractHowell City Council Approves Economic Development Contract
7/29/14 - The Howell City Council approved its annual partnership contribution toward county-wide economic development efforts aimed at fostering business growth. The Economic Development Council of Livingston County partnered with Ann Arbor SPARK to provide economic development services. A number of local municipalities contribute financially toward that through individual contracts with the Economic Development Council of Livingston County. The City of Howell signed a three year agreement and the $6,000 invoice approved Monday night covers the remainder of that commitment. Members didnât get into any particulars as it was noted that the three-year contract will be up for discussion in November. EDC officials have said the regional cooperation developed with Ann Arbor SPARK has put Livingston County back on the map and the partnership aligns well with regional initiatives launched across the state. (JM)
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County Committee Okays Bill Pay On VHF Simulcast ServiceCounty Committee Okays Bill Pay On VHF Simulcast Service
7/29/14 - The County Public Safety and Infrastructure & Development Committee has approved a budget amendment that will make the final payment on a service that helped 911 Dispatch organize efforts during Saturdayâs phone outage. Central Dispatch is seeking to pay roughly $260,000 on the simulcast VHF radio system. 911 EMS Director Jeff Boyd says the system allows dispatch to page 500 emergency services personnel from all eight local fire departments at once. Dispatch acquired the system over the past year and a half after it was announced that emergency services would have to reduce their radio communications to a narrow frequency band or upgrade to a VHF radio system. Boyd says Livingston County chose to upgrade, and it has served them well. He tells WHMI it certainly worked out when the telecommunications disruption on Saturday. While the computers used by dispatch and vehicles were unable to connect, the VHF simulcast system worked just fine and helped emergency services organize their efforts. The budget amendment to pay that final bill will go to the county finance committee for review on Wednesday. It will have to go before the full board of commissioners for final approval. (TD)
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Suspect In June Home Invasion Bound Over To Circuit CourtSuspect In June Home Invasion Bound Over To Circuit Court
7/29/14 - One of the men charged in a June home invasion in Oceola Township has been bound over to circuit court. 28-year-old Richard Quam of Grand Rapids is facing 26 counts, including home invasion, unlawful imprisonment, armed robbery, and weapons charges. He was bound over to Judge Hattyâs courtroom in Livingston County Circuit Court today. No new court dates have been set in his case. Quam, along with codefendants 18-year-old Cody James DeBruyn and 39-year-old Ronald Johnny-Wayne Morrell, are among several suspects who police say stormed a local home on June 10th armed with handguns. Prosecutors say the men confronted the homeowner, which led to a physical confrontation and a shot being fired from one of the intruderâs weapons, although no injuries resulted. One of seven other people in the residence at the time of the attack was kicked in the mouth and lost some teeth. Authorities say the intruders had a specific reason to attack that house, and other homes in the area are not in danger. (TD)
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Aisin Seiki Asked To Donate To DIA For Detroit's Grand BargainAisin Seiki Asked To Donate To DIA For Detroit's Grand Bargain
7/30/14 - A Japanese automotive supply company with local ties is one of several companies being asked to contribute to Detroitâs Grand Bargain. Aisin Seiki Corporation is based in Japan, but its facility in Fowlerville provides testing and research for many of the parts the company sells to Detroit automakers. That economic connection to the Motor City is the reason automotive parts suppliers- both American and Japanese- were called upon last week to contribute to the $100 million needed by the Detroit Institute of Arts. That payment is part of the Grand Bargain, which will keep the DIAâs artwork off the auction block as the city files Chapter 9 bankruptcy. According to the Detroit Free Press, executives from automotive supply companies such as Lear, TriMas, and Metaldyne responded positively to the suggestion. Aisin Vice President of Human Resources Mike Lapinski said he was confident the company would figure out a way to contribute and demonstrate its civic commitment. Automotive suppliers have been tapped for philanthropic fundraisers in the past, usually after the Big Three automakers had contributed, although Japanese suppliers are not always included in the mix. Solid decisions from the companies are expected by the end of August. After the Grand Bargain, the DIA will be transferred to an independent nonprofit to make sure it will never be on the hook for city debt again. (TD)
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Sheriff's Department Seeking Upgrade For CSI UnitSheriff's Department Seeking Upgrade For CSI Unit
7/30/14 - An upgrade is in the works for the Livingston County Sheriffâs Departmentâs mobile interview and command center. The vehicle, called the âCSI Truckâ by the department, is actually a rolling office where officials can conduct business, perform interviews, and give briefings at crime scenes. The vehicle is the primary response vehicle for the departmentâs detective bureau, containing tools for forensics and crime scene analysis. It was originally a 2002-model ambulance, but it was purchased from Livingston County EMS and repurposed in 2006. Detective Sergeant Gary Childers says the truck is in need of an upgrade, and on Monday the County Public Safety and Infrastructure & Development Committee approved the lowest bid for the work. If the money is approved, the department will send it to a specialty firm which will refurbish the box and update its contents, then mount it again on the same chassis. Childers says refurbishing the existing box is less expensive than replacing the vehicle to the tune of about $35,000. If the cost is approved by the county, the refurbishment should take about six months. (TD)
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DDA Looks to Lure Lodging to Old TRW Site in Downtown MilfordDDA Looks to Lure Lodging to Old TRW Site in Downtown Milford
7/30/14 - Now that a purchase agreement has been finalized, the development possibilities for an old manufacturing site right in the middle of downtown Milford are endless but officials are holding out hope to lure some lodging to the community. The owners of the former TRW manufacturing site, the Milford DDA and the Village worked to try and find a creative solution to differences arising out of a 1999 lawsuit. After more than a decade of complicated negotiations due to contamination, the purchase was finalized earlier this month. The DDA acquired the property for $1 from the Village and no concrete plans have been identified but Director Ann Barnette says the ideal redevelopment venture would be the one thing the community is lacking - an overnight lodging facility. Barnette says the community is walkable and uniquely positioned, completely surrounded by green space and in close proximity to multiple parks and recreation area but also home to the world renowned GM Proving Grounds and full of restaurants and amenities. The site totals 7.5 acres and is adjacent to the upper Mill Pond, between Mill Valley and Prospect Hill. Itâs now mostly vacant as an old manufacturing building there was demolished about ten years ago. The goal was to make reasonable, productive use of the property but also align with the Villageâs future vision for the parcel and address environmental conditions. Barnette says all of the parties wanted to be extremely careful and it just ended up taking a long time to close the deal. Barnette says the purchase has been an incredible ordeal and sheâs thrilled the DDA board had the tenacity to see it through until the end. Since there arenât any holding costs, the DDA will be taking itâs time exploring all potential uses for the site but Barnette says it would take a lot of convincing to give up on the hotel idea. The next step in the process will be a change in the zoning classification from industrial to commercial. (JM)
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LACASA Seeks to Double-Down For $50,000 GrantLACASA Seeks to Double-Down For $50,000 Grant
7/30/14 - The LACASA Center is inviting the community to take part in a fundraising challenge that could help the non-profit earn a $50,000 grant. The domestic violence prevention agency and shelter says that two private foundations will award them $50,000 in match grant funds if the nonprofit organization meets its fundraising goal for Denim & Diamonds. The annual western-themed fundraising event is set for Saturday, September 13th on the private ranch of Gwen Haggerty-Bearden and Stephen Bearden in Marion Township. It will include equestrian shows, gambling, live music, line dancing and a fireworks display to end the evening. The private foundations issuing the match-grant challenge are the Wheeler Family Foundation and the Ted and Jane Von Voigtlander Foundation. LACASA officials say if they can raise $50,000 in fundraising activities for the event, the organization will earn an additional $50,000 in grant funding. Fundraising activities include sponsorships, donations, ticket sales, gambling proceeds, raffle purchases and cigar bar proceeds. In order to take advantage of the challenge, LACASA has extended their deadline to become a Denim & Diamonds sponsor to this Friday, August 1st in order to be included in all pre-event promotional materials. All of the proceeds from the event will be used by LACASA in Livingston County to benefit abused children and victims of interpersonal violence. To learn more about the event, visit lacasacenter.org (JK)
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Bridge Replacement Project to Bring Traffic Detours Next Week Bridge Replacement Project to Bring Traffic Detours Next Week
7/30/14 - West Grand River bridgework is set to commence next week. The replacement of the bridge on Grand River between Webberville and Fowlerville will begin on August 4th and work is scheduled for completion on October 28th. The $900,000 project includes the demolition and replacement of the existing structure built in 1934. Livingston County Road Commission Managing Director Mike Craine says they originally considered building the new bridge partâwidth, using a temporary traffic signal to meter oneâway traffic across the existing bridge. However, he says full width construction will provide the necessary working room to build a better bridge in four fewer weeks than originally contemplated. Traffic will be detoured, with thru trucks directed to use Iâ96. Message boards identifying the recommended truck route will be located on Grand River at Mâ52 in Webberville and at Gregory Road in Fowlerville. Local traffic will be detoured on Stow, Allen, and Gramer Roads and the 4.5 mile detour will be posted before construction begins. Extra applications of dust control will be placed on the portion of the route that is aggregate surfaced. A copy of the detour route is attached.
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City of South Lyon Continuing Summer Skeeter Control Efforts City of South Lyon Continuing Summer Skeeter Control Efforts
7/30/14 - The City of South Lyon is continuing protection efforts against an unwelcome but familiar summertime buzz. The City Council recently authorized a resolution seeking reimbursement of $1,546 for this yearâs mosquito control projects, which includes providing free repellant towelette packets to residents and applying larvacide treatments to storm water catch basins. Municipalities are eligible to be reimbursed for mosquito protection measures and activities through the Oakland County West Nile Virus Fund. Protection efforts against the pests have been ongoing for years and Oakland County approved South Lyonâs program back in April. The City focuses on resident education and provides materials related to the West Nile Virus as well as how to manage mosquito habitat. The DPW also fills in standing water in public areas as part of efforts to reduce the prime environment for mosquito reproduction. The mosquito repellant wipes are currently available at the South Lyon City Hall but are also handed out during various events and outdoor concerts. (JM)
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Drivers Ed Scholarships Awarded to Livingston County TeensDrivers Ed Scholarships Awarded to Livingston County Teens
7/30/14 - A local non-profit has teamed up with the State of Michigan and a drivers education company to bring scholarships to area teenagers. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Livingston County has partnered with All Star Driver Education, the T. Wall Foundation and Secretary of State Ruth Johnson to create a program that allows teens from low income families to attend drivers training for free. Six Livingston County teens were awarded a scholarship this month, giving them the ability to attend a six week driver education program. Livingston Countyâs Big Brothers Big Sisters executive director Shari Davis-Schoech says the program is a great thing for those who otherwise wouldnât be able to receive the training. One of the goals of the program is to help make roads safer by training more drivers, and hopefully reduce the number of teens involved in accidents. The groups involved say they hope to make this an annual scholarship program that will eventually continue to grow and develop into something on a national level. Ian Asher was one of the teenagers awarded a scholarship this morning along with a State of Michigan flag. He is currently taking driverâs ed and will finish in August. (AV/JM)
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Local Business Owner Passes, Fundraising For Family OngoingLocal Business Owner Passes, Fundraising For Family Ongoing
7/30/14 - Despite the support of friends and the community at large, a local business owner has passed away following a stroke earlier this month. Emergency crews responded to the home of Ray Kroske on Saturday, July 12th, and he was hospitalized in an intensive care unit. Kroske is a single father who owned Mill Creek Sport Center in Dexter. His insurance status was unclear, so friends and family began seeking donations to help cover his medical bills. The community rallied around Kroske, raising more than $16,000 in less than a week. However, on July 26th, he passed away at the age of 54. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Borek Jennings Funeral Home, which is holding a farewell event for Kroske tomorrow beginning at 10am. Local entertainment business owner Scottie Alexander says Kroskeâs friends are continuing to raise money to cover his remaining medical bills and final expenses. The online fundraising campaign is now over $20,000. A link to the fundraiser and more information can be found below. (TD)
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Hartland Man Arrested After Allegedly Threatening Woman w/ GunHartland Man Arrested After Allegedly Threatening Woman w/ Gun
7/30/14 - Charges of domestic violence and felonious assault are being sought against a Hartland Township man following an incident Tuesday afternoon that involved a gun. Michigan State Police Troopers from the Brighton Post and Deputies from the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department were called out to a residence on Montgomery Drive regarding a physical domestic dispute involving a handgun. Upon arrival, police say they were met by a female outside who stated she and a male subject in the residence were having an argument when he pointed a handgun at her and threatened to shoot her. The female also advised there was a child in the residence and the man had taken a large amount of prescription drugs. Officers took tactical positions and utilized a patrol car public address system to order the male subject from the residence. The male subject exited the residence un-armed with the child. Police say the man was taken into custody without issue, and the child was turned over to the female. A handgun that was found in the residence was taken as evidence and the man was lodged in the Livingston County Jail. (JM)
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DNR Hosting Thursday Meeting About Spring Mill Mine ReclamationDNR Hosting Thursday Meeting About Spring Mill Mine Reclamation
7/30/14 - A public information meeting tomorrow night will focus on the stateâs future reclamation of the Spring Mill Mine portion of a local recreation area. The Spring Mill Mine encompasses approximately 550 acres of a former sand and gravel mine in the southwest area of the Island Lake Recreation Area, just north of McCabe Road in Green Oak Township. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Parks and Recreation Division is seeking a non-metallic mineral lease to reclaim the area. The state says the purpose is to re-contour and improve the area to enhance public recreation opportunities, establish grassland habitat for wildlife and address potential safety concerns. Prior to becoming a part of the recreation area, sand and gravel had been mined from the site by a number of different companies since the 1930âs. The former aggregate mine area is part of the park however; the DNR says it was never properly reclaimed or contoured. As a consequence, the DNR says the area has non-compatible spoil piles, steep slopes that are un-stable, random excavations and mining artifacts such as building foundations, roadbeds, fences and pipes. The reclamation will remove all of the artifacts from former mining while the lease will allow approximately 4.9 million tons of aggregate to leave the site as new topography is shaped. State officials estimate the project will take 5-10 years to complete and say proposals will be sought from qualified companies to reshape the land and provide the best value plan for the park. Thursdayâs informational meeting on the reclamation will be held from 7 to 8:30pm at the Green Oak Township Hall on Silver Lake Road. (JM)
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Special Flag Raising Ceremony Set For Brighton ChamberSpecial Flag Raising Ceremony Set For Brighton Chamber
7/31/14 - A flag bearing a powerful symbol will be raised during a special ceremony in downtown Brighton later this summer. The Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce and Rolling Thunder Chapter 5 Michigan will host the POW/MIA flag raising ceremony. The POW/MIA flag is said to be symbolic of the countryâs concern and commitment to resolve as fully as possible the fates of Americans still prisoner, missing and unaccounted for. By the end of the Vietnam War, more than 2,500 service members were listed by the Department of Defense as Prisoners of War (POW) or Missing in Action (MIA). In 1971, the wife of a U.S. military officer listed as missing in action during the Vietnam War developed the idea for a National flag to remind every American of the U.S. service members whose fates were never accounted for during the war. The public is invited to attend the flag raising ceremony on Saturday, August 23rd at 10:30am on the front grounds of the chamber building on East Grand River in downtown Brighton. For more information or to RSVP, contact the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce at 810-227-5086. (JM)
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Ground Breaking Ceremony Kicks Off Camp ConstructionGround Breaking Ceremony Kicks Off Camp Construction
7/31/14- A humble dream that began in 2007 is coming to life for one man. Doug Armstrong, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of the North Star Reach childrenâs camp, saw the product of many years of hard work at a ground breaking ceremony yesterday afternoon. The barrier-free camp will be free of charge to campers and their families. Children ages 7-15 who struggle with chronic and life-threatening health challenges will be able to participate in camp sessions year round that include a multitude of activities. Armstrong tells WHMI his personal experience encouraged him to pursue this project. The event was held at The Polo Fields Golf and Country Club in Ann Arbor, though the camp will be located near Pinckney. Armstrong says the campground is currently gearing up for construction and would not be able to fit the crowd that attended the ceremony. Donors, volunteers as well as staff and board members came together to celebrate the projectâs commencement. Campers gave their testimonies about the best parts of camp and how it has changed their lives. North Star Reach hopes to complete construction by next fall. (DK)
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