12/5/12 - Although the legal battle continues, an attorney says an appeals court ruling finding a section of Brighton City ordinance unconstitutional is a victory for an elderly Northville couple. Dennis Dubuc represents Leon and Marilyn Bonner, who own two homes on North Street that the City ordered demolished in January of 2009 based on its ordinance. Livingston County Circuit Court Judge Michael Hatty found that ordinance unconstitutional and the City appealed to the Michigan Court of Appeals, which has issued an opinion upholding Hattyâs ruling. It deemed a section of the ordinance violated substantive due process, specifically the portion that permits the city to have an unsafe structure demolished as a public nuisance, without providing the owner the option to repair it. Dubuc tells WHMI there is nothing wrong with the homes; itâs just the Bonners have just been prevented by the city from fixing them up or occupying them. More recently, Hatty ruled the Bonnerâs lost their non-conforming use of the property as residential because they havenât lived in the homes or rented them out. Dubuc is appealing that decision, saying there has never been intent by the Bonnerâs to abandon their property. He says the City shut off water service to both homes years ago and never turned it back on so theyâve been prevented from using the property, even though they maintained and heated the homes, paid taxes and cut the lawns for all these years. Dubuc is also seeking a stay of proceedings from the appeals court in an attempt to stop the process of the Bonners being ordered to bring the homes up to commercial standards - Hatty denied his request for a stay in late November. The parties are set to appear in Livingston County Circuit Court on December 14th, which Dubuc says was scheduled by Judge Hatty to check on the status of their applications for the commercial permits they were ordered to apply for. A link to the opinion released by the Court of Appeals can be found below. (JM)
Court of Appeals Rules Brighton City Ordinance Unconstitutional Court of Appeals Rules Brighton City Ordinance Unconstitutional
↧
↧
Salvation Army Seeks Community Support at Toy & Coat DriveSalvation Army Seeks Community Support at Toy & Coat Drive
12/6/12 - Local residents are being encouraged to help fill a Salvation Army truck this weekend during a drive that aims to fulfill the wishes of local families by providing them with toys and warm coats this holiday season. Volunteers with the Salvation Army of Livingston County will hand out wish lists to customers as they enter Walmart stores this Saturday and then drop the toys and coats into bins located outside of all locations. Salvation Army trucks will also be parked outside to collect the purchased items. The stores host the Salvation Armyâs red kettles and bell ringers up until Monday, December 24th. All donations stay in the community and help the non-profit provide food, clothing, shelter, financial assistance and other services to those in need all year long. Last year, it distributed tens of thousands of coats and toys to children in need and the âFill the Truckâ event will enable the Salvation Army to help even more families than in the past. The toy and coat drive will take place at all Walmart locations this Saturday only from 9am to 5pm. (JM)
↧
Attorney Says Local Medical Marijuana Case is Significant Attorney Says Local Medical Marijuana Case is Significant
12/6/12 - The attorney representing a Genoa Township couple in a Medical Marijuana case says the fact itâs even going before a local jury is significant and likely precedent setting. Prosecutors allege Dewey Thomas and his wife Pamela were growing 76 marijuana plants on their outdoor farm in Genoa Township in August of 2011 - more than allowed under the Medical Marijuana Act. Defense attorney Michael Komorn maintains both are protected under the immunity section of the Act and Thomas is a certified, card-holding caregiver for his wife, who is a certified patient with a debilitating medical condition. Livingston County Circuit Court Judge Michael Hatty recently denied a motion from prosecutors that had sought to deny the couple the ability to present an affirmative Medical Marijuana defense to a jury. Komorn says this is certainly the first such case allowed to make that argument to a jury in Livingston County and possibly the state which is significant because of what he calls a unified attempt by prosecutors all over Michigan to deprive defendants of the right to speak before a jury about medical marijuana. Komorn says thatâs because they recognize 63% of voters approved the law and thereâs a good chance many would be seated on a jury. He says whatâs really significant is that law is finally now beginning to be implemented as intended and most of the violations prosecuted are very technical when compared to what one would consider traditional criminal activity. Komorn says it is his personal, legal belief that when juries see how law enforcement has been looking for ways to manipulate the law to arrest people and the way theyâve resisted implementing the act as it was intended, juries will acquit on the cases. He says that also means prosecutors will have to re-evaluate their current policies when it comes to arresting sick people and those who are assisting sick people with their medical use of cannabis. Komorn expects the case will go to trial in January but says prior to that, the matter of jury instructions will need to be addressed since no standard instructions currently exist as to how they should read for a medical marijuana trial. (JM)
↧
Fenton City Gets Citizen Input On Future At Visioning ForumFenton City Gets Citizen Input On Future At Visioning Forum
12/6/12 - More than 100 Fenton City residents attended visioning forum last night to tell the city government what they think the cityâs future should look like. The event was held at the Andrew G. Schmidt Middle School by the City Council and staff. Attendees were split into teams and asked to describe the goals, assets, and values of the City of Fenton. The ideas were then shared with the group and expanded upon. Some of the ideas shared during the meeting included library improvements, increased parking, more specialty retail and dining options, outdoor recreation, and action to be taken to reduce blight. The information gathered will guide the city in its efforts to put together a strategic plan for the next 10 years. The ideas will now be compiled and a second meeting to review them is scheduled for January 18th. (TD)
↧
Recycle Livingston Seeks Volunteers As Holidays ApproachRecycle Livingston Seeks Volunteers As Holidays Approach
12/6/12 - With people making plans and leaving town this holiday season, Recycle Livingston says it needs volunteers to step up this weekend. The organization needs volunteers on Saturday, December 8th from 8:30am to 1:30pm. Organizers say this is an excellent way to log community service hours and meet new people. Recycle Livingston would appreciate phone calls in advance from people wishing to volunteer, but drop-ins are welcome as well. Volunteers should be able to lift 20 pounds, and children and young teens should be accompanied by an adult. For more information or to sign up to volunteer, call 517-548-4439. (TD)
↧
↧
Genoa Board Approves Township Park Signage Genoa Board Approves Township Park Signage
12/6/12 - Genoa Township officials are hoping new signage will help better guide visitors toward its expanded recreational offerings. Board members approved moving forward with installing a freeway-oriented township park sign at its meeting Monday night. The board approved three separate bid awards totaling nearly $39,000 for the eco-friendly signage and related work to install it along the municipalityâs I-96 frontage, which will read âGenoa Parkâ. Member Linda Rowell was opposed. Officials have been working over the past few years to not only brand the municipality but expand offerings to residents. Some work has included the construction of a playground and athletic fields, bathroom facilities and a sled hill on the township hall property on Dorr Road. The feedback from residents has been very positive but officials also field inquiries from individuals outside of the community who notice the playground equipment while traveling along I-96. With all of the work being done, officials felt signage along I-96 was appropriate to guide visitors to the municipal park and other facilities. (JM)
↧
Candlelight Vigil Held For Recently Deceased Fenton TeenCandlelight Vigil Held For Recently Deceased Fenton Teen
12/6/12 - Linden High School students organized a candlelight vigil at the Linden Mill Pond last night in memory of a local teen who committed suicide on November 27th. Josh Pacheco lived in Fenton and was a junior at Linden High School. He came out as gay earlier in the school year, and his parents blame his suicide late last month on bullying. Last nightâs candlelight vigil was organized by Senior Shaelyn Gifford who tells WHMI that she wanted to find a way to honor her friendâs memory. She says she originally planned an event at the school but was concerned with the tone it would take, so she decided instead to hold a candlelight vigil at the mill pond. She says people called her when they heard about the event and offered to donate or contribute. Well over 100 people attended the vigil, where they were invited to step up and speak about Josh or their own experiences with bullying to encourage others who might be experiencing similar problems. Linden High students made up much of the audience, and even those who did not know Josh personally chose to speak out against bullying. (TD)
↧
Body of Missing Howell Man Found in Farmington HillsBody of Missing Howell Man Found in Farmington Hills
12/6/12 - Novi Police say a decomposed body found in Farmington Hills earlier this week is that of a missing Howell man. The body was found Tuesday in a creek in a heavily wooded area near Halsted and Thirteen Mile roads. The Oakland County Medical Examinerâs Office confirmed that the body is that of 39-year-old Patrick Keough, who was last seen June 14th at his place of employment in the area of 12 Mile Road and Haggerty near M-5. Authorities say that while the cause of death is yet to be determined, it does not appear to be suspicious in nature. Police previously said Keough had not accessed bank accounts and they found no evidence of foul play in his disappearance. Keough, who was married and has four young children, had just bought a new home near Howell before he went missing. (JK)
↧
Mount Brighton To Be Sold To Large Resort Operator In Colorado Mount Brighton To Be Sold To Large Resort Operator In Colorado
12/6/12 - A large mountain resort operator has announced that it will be acquiring two Midwest ski areas, including one in Livingston County. Colorado-based Vail Resorts Spokeswoman Kelly Ladyga tells WHMI the company has negotiated purchase agreements with the owners of two urban ski areas - Mount Brighton locally and Afton Alps in Minnesota. Mount Brighton opened in 1960 and currently draws skiers and snowboarders from all over the southeast Michigan region. The company has agreed to buy the two ski areas for $20 million and expects to complete the purchase of both within the next month, although the closing is subject to certain conditions. Vail Resorts says it plans to upgrade each ski area and CEO Rob Katz says the acquisitions are part of a new strategy to drive season pass sales and build broader customer loyalty by looking at smaller ski areas near major urban markets. (JM)
↧
↧
Family Mourns Loss Of Pinckney Man; Memorial Planned SaturdayFamily Mourns Loss Of Pinckney Man; Memorial Planned Saturday
12/6/12 - Friends and family are remembering the life of a murdered Pinckney man who will be laid to rest Friday. 34-year-old Charles Shiffman was stabbed to death after being confronted by the husband of a Rose Township woman last weekend. Shiffmanâs sister Elyse Frankford says the news was a shock and has been hitting everyone in waves and the way in which he was taken from them, she wouldn't wish on anyone. 37-year-old Ronald Lewis Kennedy was arrested and charged for Shiffmanâs murder. Family members say Shiffman had only recently re-connected with the woman, who they described as an old friend seeking help from an abusive situation. WHMI has also learned that Kennedy served prison time for a December 2007 incident in Livingston County in which he beat his wife unconscious for turning on the heat in their home. Frankford tells WHMI her brother was a generous man and itâs the familyâs hope that Kennedy will never walk free again. She says the idea he has hurt someone like that before is nauseating and hopes he spends the rest of his life behind bars. Funeral services for Shiffman are planned at 11am tomorrow at the Mowen Funeral Home in Owosso, with burial to follow at Oak Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family is seeking donations for his 5-year-old daughter Autumn Marie Shiffman. Frankford says her brother would have wanted his daughter cared for and a unified gift to minors account has been set up at the First National Bank in Howell. Shiffmanâs family also invites friends and others who knew him to a memorial service on Saturday at 1pm at the New Century Buffet in Howell. (JM)
↧
Webberville Man Sentenced on Gun ChargeWebberville Man Sentenced on Gun Charge
12/7/12 - A Webberville man who was labeled a âperson of interestâ in an unsolved Iosco Township murder was sentenced yesterday in Livingston County Circuit Court. 23-year old Anthony Sean Duke was sentenced to nine months in jail with no credit for time served after pleading guilty to a single count of possession of a weapon by a felon in March of 2011 as a 4th time habitual offender. In exchange for that plea, prosecutors agreed to dismiss four other counts of the same and five separate felony firearm charges. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department previously named Duke as a person of interest in the murder of 47-year-old Ronald Hauser, who was found shot to death in his Roberts Road home on New Yearâs Eve. Authorities discovered Duke in possession of weapons on March 30th during the course of their investigation. As a convicted felon, Duke was not allowed to possess any firearms. Authorities have not released many details about Dukeâs possible involvement with the Hauser murder, citing the open investigation. Hauser owned a tree-trimming service and police have speculated that whoever did kill him probably knew that he often carried large amounts of cash on his person and in his home. (JK)
↧
"Brighton Forward" Meeting Discusses New City Developments"Brighton Forward" Meeting Discusses New City Developments
12/7/12 - Future developments and plans for the city of Brighton were discussed at Thursday morningâs Chamber of Commerce meeting; the first in a series called âBrighton Forwardâ. Several projects are underway including Brew House Becker, a brewery being constructed inside the historic Pink Hotel. Also discussed were the Fifth Third Theater and additions to the mill pond, that will include a fireplace, movable tables and chair, band shell and stage. Other updates presented at the meeting, included changes being made to the Brighton Mall. Bed Bath and Beyond is expected to open in the spring as well as an Aldi discount grocer. Ashley Israel, developer and owner of the Brighton Mall says that the loss of Kmart and Sears, due to the economic crisis, was fortunate in the sense that it allowed for space for the new, successful stores that will be opening there soon. Israel said his company self-financed the renovations of the mall due to the tight financial market. (JK)
↧
Oceola Approves Giving Sewer System To Managing Authority
12/7/12 - After more than 20 years, the Oceola Township Board voted last night to turn the Genoa Oceola Sanitary Sewer System over to the water authority that controls it. Genoa Oceola Sewer and Water Authority Utility Director Greg Tatara tells WHMI the authority has operated the system since its creation, but the county has always been the owner since it provided its full faith and credit to finance the systemâs construction in 1988. Tatara says the plan since 1991 has been to turn the system over to the authority once the indebtedness has been paid off. The system services the Grand River, Latson, and M-59 corridors in Genoa and Oceola Townships. A resolution passed by the Oceola Township Board last night approves turning ownership of the sewer system over to the authority. Genoa Township has already approved a similar measure, and all that remains is for the Countyâs Drain District Board to approve the transfer. Tatara hopes to have the transition fully approved by the end of the month. (TD)
↧
↧
Mount Brighton Expected To Be Sold To Colorado Resort OperatorMount Brighton Expected To Be Sold To Colorado Resort Operator
12/7/12 - A Colorado resort company is expected to take over Mount Brighton in hopes of creating a world class experience for local skiers and snowboarders. Vail Resorts announced that it had entered into agreements to purchase two premier urban ski areas in the Midwest - Mount Brighton and Afton Alps in Minnesota for total cash consideration of $20 million. The company says both ski areas serve major snow sports markets in the Midwest and Mount Brighton was sought out based on its close proximity to Detroit. Vail Resorts Spokeswoman Kelly Ladyga says since so many skiers and snowboarders in Michigan already visit their other ski areas and bigger destination resorts, itâs a great opportunity because they will eventually be connected to the companyâs season pass program out West. She tells WHMI they expect to close on the acquisitions by the end of the month and the purchase will be complete but the public likely wonât see any changes until next year. Ladyga says the companyâs capital improvements and investments help drive the local economies at its other resorts, adding theyâre focused on stabilizing a year round economy by adding a lot of summer activities and will be looking to do the same at Mount Brighton. Joe Bruhn, the President and General Manager at Mt. Brighton, tells WHMI that the local staff and management will remain the same and he thinks this is a good development for both the facility and area skiers, especially because of the discounts that will be available through Vail Resorts. (JM)
↧
More Prison Time For Man Who Robbed Green Oak Township Bank More Prison Time For Man Who Robbed Green Oak Township Bank
12/7/12 - A Highland Township man has been sentenced in connection with a Green Oak Township bank robbery last June. 48-year-old Carlos Vilanova was ordered to serve between three and 25 years in prison after previously pleading guilty in Livingston County Circuit Court. Authorities say he walked into the First National Bank on M-36, handed the teller a note implying he had a weapon and demanded money. The most recent sentence handed down is expected to run concurrent with the one he is currently serving in Oakland County, after pleading guilty there to a single count of bank robbery for the July 11th robbery of the Community Choice Credit Union on Milford Road. In that case, Vilanova will serve a minimum of 18 months and a maximum of 50 years in prison but must also pay restitution in the amount of $2,545. Police said Vilanova had been living in Highland Township but working in Ann Arbor when he robbed the Milford and Green Oak banks. He also now faces bank robbery charges in Chicago, Illinois. (JM)
↧
Right To Work Legislation Creates Turmoil in LansingRight To Work Legislation Creates Turmoil in Lansing
12/7/12 - The Michigan Senate has passed right-to-work legislation, following earlier approval by the House and one local union activist says the effect will be a negative one for most working families. The bills would prohibit unions from collecting fees from nonunion workers, which opponents say would weaken organized labor's ability to bargain for good wages while supporters say it would boost jobs. A measure dealing with private-sector workers passed on a 22-16 vote Thursday after hours of impassioned debate. Four Republicans joined all 12 Democrats in opposition. Moments after it passed, the Senate passed a bill with similar provisions for government employees. Democrats walked out before the bill was approved on a 22-4 vote. Union activists repeatedly shouted protests from the gallery and cheered Democrats who denounced the measure. Among those who were in Lansing to protest the actions was Joe Carney, former head of the Livingston County Democratic Party and a long-time union member. He tells WHMI, the legislation is misleadingly called right to work, but instead should be called right to freeload. "I think it's going to have a devastating effect on the working people in the State of Michigan. I think that it opens up the doors for free-loaders into a system that helps bargain collectively for safety, health, welfare, retirement and job conditions." Carney says he doesnât believe that all workers should be in unions, but that a strong union movement strengthens good employers over bad ones. He thinks this legislation will tip that balance against workers. Governor Rick Snyder and GOP legislative leaders announced earlier Thursday they would put right-to-work on a fast track. Republicans denied opponents' claims it would weaken unions, saying it would make them more responsive to members. (Photo courtesy of Associated Press)
↧
Services Saturday For Howell Man Who Disappeared In JuneServices Saturday For Howell Man Who Disappeared In June
12/7/12 - Funeral services are planned Saturday for a Howell man who went missing in June. A decomposed body was discovered this week by a private contractor in a wooded area of Farmington Hills and the Oakland County medical examiner's office says the body was identified as 38-year-old Patrick Keough. A cause of death hasn't been determined, but authorities say it's not considered suspicious. Family members organized multiple search efforts for the married father of four, who was said to be suffering from depression and disappeared after leaving work June 14th. Novi Assistant Police Chief Jerrod Hart says the circumstances surrounding the incident made the investigation a bit more challenging. A 2pm funeral service is planned Saturday at McDonalds Funeral Home in Howell. Visitation for friends and family will take place from noon, up until the service. (JM)
↧
↧
BAHS Brings Historic Themes And Santa Claus To SchoolhouseBAHS Brings Historic Themes And Santa Claus To Schoolhouse
12/7/12 - The Brighton Area Historical Society is once again recreating a piece of the cityâs past with its Old Time Christmas Program at Lyon School. The event will take place Sunday from 1:00 to 4:00pm and showcases the schoolâs original one-room schoolhouse decorated in early 1900âs style. Various activities including tours, family photos, and craft projects will be available for children. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand to take Christmas lists and get photos with families. Historical Society President Jim Vichich says the event has advantages over larger Christmas productions in that there are generally no lines to wait through due to the small crowds and close atmosphere. The school was built in 1885 and continued to be functional until the 1950âs. It is located at 11455 Buno Road in Brighton Township. The entire Christmas event is free of charge and those who attend are welcome to bring their own cameras. Follow the link posted below to visit the Historical Societyâs website for more information. (TD)
↧
Brighton City Council Considers Splash Pad for Meijer ParkBrighton City Council Considers Splash Pad for Meijer Park
12/7/12 - The Brighton City Council Thursday night was presented with a report from City Manager Dana Foster regarding plans to reinvent and expand Meijer Park on the cityâs north side, in a joint project with the Southeastern Livingston County Recreation Authority. Fosterâs proposal grew out of the recent council retreat in which council discussed the possible addition of a splash pad at the park, which now has skateboarding as its only attraction. SELCRA Director Derek Smith tells WHMI the splash pad would be just the first phase of an envisioned three-phase âreinventionâ of Meijer Park. The construction cost would be an estimated $174,000 plus $150,000 for a water recirculation system, although Smith says he has been told those amounts can be reduced. Foster says the Downtown Development Authority may also be willing to make a $100,000 contribution toward the project, although it has committed no funds at this time. The cost of the splash pad could be included as part of a $250,000 refinancing bond issue that would be paid back over 15 years. Foster says a possible impediment to a refinancing bond issue that would include a splash pad is that it would require a 45-day period in which a citizen could initiate a petition drive to put it on the ballot. Another possible downside is if SELCRA were to default, the city would be obligated to pay the annual cost of the operation. However, Smith says his projections are that the splash pad would turn the Meijer Park operation from an $8,000 per year financial burden to a $20,000 revenue producer for the agency. Council took no action, saying they needed more time to consider the proposal.
↧
Authorities Say Church Burglaries Likely ConnectedAuthorities Say Church Burglaries Likely Connected
12/7/12 - Authorities say burglars have broken into more than 40 churches in mostly rural areas of Michigan and Ohio since August, including several locally. Police believe the burglaries, which have spanned Lenawee, Monroe, Washtenaw, Hillsdale, Livingston and Genesee counties, as well as Fulton County, Ohio, near the states' border, may have been committed by the same thieves. Most of the churches targeted didn't have security systems, and thieves got in by prying open windows and doors. They've ransacked offices, rifled through drawers and forced open safes. Officials say they've gotten away with cash, change or sometimes nothing. Among those hit by the thieves is the Family Tabernacle Church of God in Unadilla Township, which was broken into twice. In March, thieves caused thousands of dollars in damage, but only ended up with $10 in cash and guitars used during church services. Pastor Jeff Howard said the congregation sang a cappella at their services the next morning. The thieves hit the church again in October, but by that time they had installed a burglar alarm and nothing was stolen. Police believe the burglaries. Also broken into was the Fellowship Bible Church on Hartland Road, although the thief in that case left behind a receipt that police used to match up with a surveillance camera photo of the suspect at a nearby Wal-Mart. (Pictured) Anyone with information on the robberies is asked to call Crime Stoppers of Michigan at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. (JK)
↧
More Pages to Explore .....
