8/26/14 - The latest on the sale of Lindbom Elementary School from Brighton Area Schools to American Classical Academies remains unchanged. The Academy has signed a $1.45 million dollar deal for the purchase of the empty school with plans to turn it into a charter school. There is a 150 day due diligence period and Brighton Area Schools Superintendent Greg Gray says the charter school is looking to banks to possibly finance the deal. Officials with American Classical Academies say they have already received applications for students to attend the school. Gray says if the agreement does not pan out, there has been another offer. A developer interested in the building has made an offer of $1.46 million to turn Lindbom Elementary into a senior assisted living center. (DK)
Charter School Working To Finance Lindbom Elementary DealCharter School Working To Finance Lindbom Elementary Deal
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Vandalism Discovered on Lakeland Trail; Pinckney Police Seek TipsVandalism Discovered on Lakeland Trail; Pinckney Police Seek Tips
8/26/14 - The Pinckney Police Department says it could use some help identifying those responsible for vandalism on the Lakeland Trail this past weekend. Vandals used pink and black spray paint on parts of the trail between North Howell and Pearl Streets on Saturday night. Photos have been posted to the Pinckney Police Departmentâs Facebook page showing images and swear words that were spray painted on the paved portion of the trail, as well as benches and signs. Police ask that the community try to keep the trail clean for everyone and encourage those with information regarding the person or persons involved in the crime to come forward. The department can be reached at 734-878-3700 and says tips can be offered anonymously. (JM)
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Councilman's FOIA Request Denied; Draws Ire of DeveloperCouncilman's FOIA Request Denied; Draws Ire of Developer
8/26/14 - Debate over changes to the City of Howellâs Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) policy and what one member felt were burdensome fees led to some lively discussion during Monday nightâs council meeting. Council voted to end a contract for building services from Livingston County in April, citing an uptick in activity. However Councilman Doug Heins (pictured) said he was made aware of additional information going on behind the scenes after the vote and alleged the real reason was âin fact driven by change in building use and code interpretation conflict between the County Building Department and a remodeling project within the cityâ ârevealed to be the Heart of Howell. Heins later filed a FOIA request seeking email communications on the topic. After being charged per city policy, Heins proposed a resolution to lower the costs, claiming he was charged excessive fees which stand in the way of transparency. It did not pass. Heins said while he found nothing amiss relative to the project, his issue was whether a sitting council member should be charged the most money in the Cityâs history for a FOIA request â $179 - an amount that was later reduced. His comments led Heart of Howell developer Joe Parker to request Heins share the name of the commissioner. Heins responded that it was not germane to the motion, but Parker countered that it was to the public. However, Heins remained silent. City Manager Shea Charles said the data could have been obtained at no charge had Heins made a staff inquiry. However, if an individual chooses to use the FOIA act to gain or solicit information, then Charles says they follow policy and its irrelevant who filed the request. He commented further that calling or emailing to ask for additional documentation is reasonable but a FOIA request for data is a different avenue entirely that sends up personal red flags when coming from a sitting council member. While Councilman Al Schlittler said he didnât feel Heins was going after the project or Charles and the request had been worded carefully, the majority of council members stated they had no issues obtaining information and some said they felt Heins was clearly inferring he didnât trust the manager. (JM/JK)
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Southbound US-23 at M-14 Reopened After CrashSouthbound US-23 at M-14 Reopened After Crash
8/26/14 - After being closed through the night and much of the early morning due to an overturned semi and hazmat spill, southbound US-23 at M-14 reopened just before 4am. The crash took place just before 2pm Monday and closed the southbound lanes near the interchange as crews responded to investigate the crash, which also involved an SUV. They also worked to cleanup the contents of the truckâs fuel tank and liquid leaking from barrels being carried by the truck. Two people were evaluated by paramedics at the scene, but no serious injuries were reported. State Police are continuing their investigating into the cause of the crash. Photo courtesy of Bill Szumanski/WWJ (JK)
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Howell Library Offering Early Literacy Classes This FallHowell Library Offering Early Literacy Classes This Fall
8/26/14 - Local children who do not yet attend school will have the chance to take part in early literacy classes from the Howell Carnegie District Library this fall. The classes are offered weekly and run for 5 to 6 weeks apiece. They are divided by age, with specific courses offered for children 6 to 23 months old, two years old, three years old, and three to five years old. Parents or caregivers are encouraged to join their children for most of the classes, but the three-to-five-year-old class will be for children only. All of the classes will feature age-appropriate stories, songs, games, socializing, and other activities. Additionally, the library will offer a one-session parent child workshop that will provide families with information on library services, community agencies, child development, and early literacy. This class is also designed to empower parents and reduce the isolation new parents can feel. Space is limited, and parents must register ahead to time to participate in any of the classes. For more information, contact the Howell Carnegie District Library at (517) 546-0720. (TD)
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More Infrastructure Work Wednesday in City of BrightonMore Infrastructure Work Wednesday in City of Brighton
8/26/14 - Work crews have been busy around the City of Brighton lately and tomorrow will be no different. Utilities Department personnel will be replacing a portion of the sanitary sewer line in front of 731 East Main Street on Wednesday morning beginning at 7am, in the area near the BECC building. Itâs anticipated that the work will be completed at approximately 5pm. City officials say it will require a traffic shift in the area and vehicles traveling both west and east bound will experience minor traffic delays during that time. (JM)
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County Planners to Assist Conway Twp. in Anti-Fracking OrdinanceCounty Planners to Assist Conway Twp. in Anti-Fracking Ordinance
8/26/14 - Livingston County will be helping Conway Township incorporate suggestions from an anti-fracking organization into its ordinances and master plan. Fracking, short for hydraulic fracturing, is a process by which water, sand, and a variety of chemicals are injected deep underground at high pressure to break apart rocks that contain oil and natural gas, which can then be harvested. The slurry used in the process is left underground rather than removed, and critics of fracking say it poses untold risks to the environment and the health of local people. For Love of Water, or FLOW, is an organization based in Traverse City that works with municipalities to suggest changes to local ordinances and regulations with the aim of making fracking easier to regulate and protecting residents from negative health effects. Conway Township began working with FLOW after a fracking operation began within its borders last year (pictured), and officials now have a number of suggestions they would like to put into action. Monday night, the county's Public Safety and Infrastructure & Development Committee approved a request from Conway Township for assistance in that process. County planners will now help make sure the changes to the ordinances and master plan in Conway work together in the way officials would like. Township Secretary Cindy Dickerson says this also helps set the stage for other local municipalities to work with FLOW and protect their residents as well. (TD/JK)
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8 Mile Road Work Starts Today8 Mile Road Work Starts Today
8/26/14 - Drivers in the southern Green Oak Township will have to dodge some orange barrels over the next ten days. The Washtenaw County Road Commission will be closing lanes along 8 Mile Road from Rushton Road to Spencer while crews work to improve drainage in preparation for limestone resurfacing set to take place next month. Starting today and lasting through Thursday, September 4th, traffic will be restricted under flag control between 9am and 4pm. While access for residents and deliveries will be maintained, delays are possible. Road commission officials ask motorists to be especially mindful of construction equipment and personnel and reduce speeds accordingly to help maintain the safety of road crews. (JK)
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Drivers Injured, One Airlifted After Crash at Kensington & Buno Rds.Drivers Injured, One Airlifted After Crash at Kensington & Buno Rds.
8/26/14 - A Brighton Township intersection was closed for three hours today after an accident involving a Jeep and a mini-van. The crash happened just after 10:30am at Kensington and Buno Roads. Michigan State Police at the Brighton Post are investigating. They say a black Mazda mini-van was traveling southbound on Kensington Road when a blue Jeep Journey that was westbound on Buno Road pulled into the intersection. The two vehicles collided and police say the driver of the mini-van, a 54-year-old Commerce Township man, was ejected and seriously injured. He was taken by Survival Flight to the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor. The driver of the Jeep, a 60-year-old Milford woman, received minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to U of M. Brighton Area Fire Department Chief Mike OâBrian says that intersection has always been problematic because of the truck traffic that uses Buno Road, which has a gravel surface. He says the southbound Kensington Road traffic that approaches Buno usually comes over the hill there at a high rate of speed and often cannot stop in time for the slower moving trucks that are either crossing over or turning onto Kensington Road. Picture submitted by Mike O'Brian. (JK/JM)
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Overturned Truck Hauling Chemicals Cleaned Up On US-23Overturned Truck Hauling Chemicals Cleaned Up On US-23
8/26/14 - Livingston County crews assisted with cleanup after a semi-truck carrying barrels of chemicals turned over and was hit by another vehicle on southbound US-23 near M-14 yesterday. The truck was carrying 80 barrels of silicon-based chemicals used as cleaners or in personal care products. According to MLive.com, the chemicals are relatively nontoxic, but did pose a fire hazard. Three of the barrels were broken in the crash and spilled about half of their contents. Officials said the chemicals were contained to the trailer of the truck, but that diesel fuel did spill out onto the roadway. State and local crews worked yesterday to clean up the site and remove the remaining chemicals - which was said to be a painstaking, dangerous, and labor-intensive process. The freeway was reopened at about 4am Tuesday. Drivers in the area are reminded that roadways exposed to diesel fuel are more likely to be slick during subsequent rainstorms. Photo courtesy of Bill Szumanski/WWJ. (TD)
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Storms Bring High Winds & Heavy Downpours Storms Bring High Winds & Heavy Downpours
8/26/14 - The line of storms that moved through did some damage in Livingston County. All of Severe Thunderstorm Warnings issued by the National Weather Service had expired for the WHMI listening area as of 5:30pm. The storms brought heavy rain, lighting, thunder and gusty winds of 60-70 mph. Thatâs why the severe weather sirens were activated locally, which is protocol as they do not just warn of tornadoes anymore. There are reports of trees down and scattered power outages. Traffic signals are also out and should be treated as four way stops, notably along the Grand River area between Hughes Road in Genoa Township and Cross Street in the City of Brighton. (JM)
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Wife of Home Invasion Suspect Arraigned in CaseWife of Home Invasion Suspect Arraigned in Case
8/27/14 - While one of the three suspects charged in an armed home invasion in Oceola Township has been bound over for trial in Circuit Court, the wife of another suspect has been arraigned in the case. 18-year-old Cody DeBruyn of Grand Rapids is facing 26 counts, including home invasion, unlawful imprisonment, armed robbery, and weapons charges. He was bound over to circuit court on August 21st, and his case has been consolidated with that of co-defendant Richard Quam, who was bound over in July. Meanwhile, 27-year-old Rebecca Morrell, the wife of suspect Richard Johnny-Wayne Morrell, was arraigned yesterday on one count of 1st degree home invasion, one count of armed robbery, and six counts of unlawful imprisonment. Police say she was with the suspects when they drove to a local home on June 10th and stormed it 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. DeBruyn allegedly told police they robbed the home for money to start a business, that they drove in Rebecca Morrellâs car, and that her children were in the vehicle during the attack. (TD)
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Health Department: Immunizations Are Not Just For KidsHealth Department: Immunizations Are Not Just For Kids
8/27/14 - The Livingston County Department of Public Health is reminding residents that the need for vaccines does not end when you become an adult. August is Immunization Awareness Month in part because children are headed back to school and public schools require vaccinations among their students. However, the health department has issued a press release stating that thousands of American adults become ill or die every year from vaccine-preventable diseases. While many adults are familiar with getting an annual influenza shot, many do not know that depending on factors such as age, lifestyle, travel, and previous vaccinations, more immunizations may be necessary. Diseases such as hepatitis A and B, shingles, whooping cough, and certain bacterial infections can be prevented by vaccines, as well as some cancers including cervical and liver cancer. The Health Department also reminds residents that vaccinations protect not only them, but other people in the community who may be susceptible to infection such as babies and those with weakened immune systems. The health department offers all immunizations that may be required through adulthood, and has tools on its website to help residents find other locations where vaccinations are available. A link to that information is posted below. (TD)
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Howell Firefighter Passes Away Tuesday After Cancer BattleHowell Firefighter Passes Away Tuesday After Cancer Battle
8/27/14 - Funeral services have been announced for a Howell firefighter being remembered for his love of community and helping others, the outdoors and auto racing. 57-year-old Clare Sanow of Howell passed away at his home Tuesday after battling cancer. He was employed as a robot technician for 25 years and a member of the Howell Area Fire Department for 19 years. He worked with fire safety teams at multiple race tracks and was also a member of the arson investigation and dive teams for Livingston County. Sanow volunteered and traveled to New York shortly after 9-11 terrorist attacks to support the fire fighters there and was an active member of the Howell Jaycees for many years. Funeral arrangements are being handled by MacDonaldâs Funeral Home in Howell where visitation will take place on Thursday from 2-8pm. Funeral services will follow on Friday at 11am. In lieu of flowers, donations are being encouraged in Sanowâs honor to Team Jameson or the Howell Area Fire Department. (JM)
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Howell Student to Receive Award for Helping Fellow StudentsHowell Student to Receive Award for Helping Fellow Students
8/27/14 - A local elementary school student who led a project to make sure none of his peers went without a hot lunch is being recognized for his positive work to make a difference in the lives of kids in the community. Last year, 8-year-old Cayden Taipalus began raising money and putting it into the lunch accounts of students who receive reduced-cost meals at Challenger Elementary in Howell. Caydenâs mom, Amber Peters, was recently contacted by Elmerâs Products Inc. and notified that he would be receiving the 2014 Elmer Award. In cooperation with the Kids in Need Foundation, the award is presented to teachers and students who demonstrate exemplary qualities such as empathy and leadership and work to make the world a better place through meaningful community service. Peters tells WHMI a very large package full of Elmerâs products and school supplies was mailed to Cayden, which he received last weekend. She says a company representative is expected to arrive in town Friday morning for an 11am event at Challenger, where Cayden will be presented with an award and a donation will also be made to his school. The project got started when one of Cayden's friends couldn't get a full lunch at the school. In those situations, the district provides students with an alternate lunch option, usually a cheese sandwich and a juice box. Cayden began collecting cans, asking for donations from friends and family, and even took his campaign to Facebook to ask the community for support. More than $35,000 was raised and Cayden was also publicly honored by the Howell Board of Education. Peters says Cayden is pretty excited about the award and theyâve been contacted recently by various media outlets including the Rachel Ray Show and Kids National Geographic. She says theyâre hoping the exposure will bolster fundraising efforts so they can help more kids start off on the right foot for another school year. (JM)
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Howell Council Extends Medical Marijuana MoratoriumHowell Council Extends Medical Marijuana Moratorium
8/27/14 - Howell City Council has voted to extend its existing moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries pending action at the state level. HB 4271 includes language that would allow local communities to regulate or ban dispensaries and has bi-partisan support. A moratorium was enacted in Howell approximately six months ago and since then, the planning commission has been working on ordinance language that would regulate provisioning centers or dispensaries, grow operations and home occupations. However, feedback was being sought from council before any recommendation was brought forward and public opinions offered highly differed. Attorney Denise Policella felt it would be worthwhile to draft an ordinance and have a public hearing, saying regardless of whether the City decides to regulate provisioning centers; municipalities are not able to ban medical marijuana, patient-caregiver activity or cultivation. One resident said he wasnât against medical marijuana or distribution centers and recognized the need but questioned whether it was necessary in the Howell community since so many are in close proximity. Those against dispensaries talked about the potential impact on youth with rising use and changing perceptions and attitudes. Others felt regulation in an open, licensed manner would be best for those who are truly sick and suffering, as access is limited and for some the only options are back alleys and black markets. Howell Mayor Phil Campbell tells WHMI the city didnât take any definite stance on whether it was going to allow provisioning centers and basically decided to put off discussions until legislation comes out of Lansing. Council enacted the moratorium in March in response to case law and a couple of inquiries. Members didnât offer any indication as to which way they were leaning on the matter before voting to extend the moratorium until November 10th. (JM)
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Outages Remain Following Tuesday's Storm FrontOutages Remain Following Tuesday's Storm Front
8/27/14 - Following a severe line of storms that moved across the area yesterday, approximately 90,000 DTE Energy customers remain without electric service, several hundred of them in Livingston County. Due to the high winds and lightning that were part of the storm, including wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour, Livingston County has approximately 1,000 customers without service, as of a 4pm update from DTE. The majority of those are in the Brighton area, with restoration estimates either late tonight or late Thursday. Other outage areas are in Putnam Township and in Handy Township, east of Fowlerville. The hardest hit area in the region is Wayne County, with 80,000 customers still without power, while 30,000 Oakland County homes and businesses are also without service. DTE says crews are working 16-hour shifts around the clock to restore service. Approximately 125 additional crews from across the Midwest are expected to arrive today to assist in the restoration effort. (JK)
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Tyrone Man Bound Over On Charges Stemming From Texts To MinorTyrone Man Bound Over On Charges Stemming From Texts To Minor
8/27/14 - A Tyrone Township man accused of sending inappropriately explicit messages to a 13-year-old girl has been bound over to circuit court. 44-year-old Glenn Eric Catlin is charged with accosting a child for immoral purposes and using computers or the Internet to communicate with others to commit a crime. He was bound over to Livingston County Circuit Court on Tuesday, and his case will be overseen by Judge Michael Hatty. Police allege Catlin sent sexually explicit text messages to a local girl expressing his desires on June 11th. A trial date has not yet been set. (TD)
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St. Joe's Cancer Screening Gets National AccoladeSt. Joe's Cancer Screening Gets National Accolade
8/27/14 - A national cancer organization has recognized screening centers in the St. Joseph Mercy health System, including those in Brighton and Chelsea, for the quality of their care. The Lung Cancer Alliance has named the St. Joeâs Cancer Program as a Screening Center of Excellence. The designation is meant to recognize the ongoing commitment to responsible lung cancer screening that is carried out safely and responsibly. St. Joeâs was recognized for following national and international best practices for controlling screening quality, radiation dosage, and diagnostic procedures, and for its experienced staff. In a press release, LCA President and CEO Laurie Ambrose said St. Joseph Mercyâs responsible lung cancer screening practices will lead to advancement in research and the saving of many lives. St. Joeâs is only the third program in Michigan to receive the designation. (TD)
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Local Teen Novelist To Premier New Short Film In Howell This FallLocal Teen Novelist To Premier New Short Film In Howell This Fall
8/27/14 - A teenager from Howell is taking the first steps toward a life of storytelling with a novel in local stores and a short film set to premier this fall at the Howell Theater. Daniel Oswalt, a 19-year-old graduate of Howell High School, is planning to study film in Grand Rapids at the Compass College of Cinematic Arts. During his senior year, he wrote âThe Water Travelers,â a novel about a civilization on another world that can visit Earth through water with a plot revolving around a love story and a prophesy of doom. Oswalt originally planned to create a film based on the premise, but a friend convinced him to write a book instead. He enjoyed the process, and has since self-published âThe Water Travelersâ under the pen name Daniel Waltz. The book can be purchased at Blue Frog Books in Howell, local coffee shops, and online at the websites of Amazon and Barnes & Noble. In addition, Oswalt is the CEO of his own film company, Daniel Waltz Films. He has wrapped up production on a short film entitled âMailboxes,â which is a comedy-drama focused on the lives of senior citizens in a nursing home. It was shot at Independence Village of Brighton Valley and the McPherson Mansion in Howell. Oswalt is planning for the first screening to take place at the historic Howell Theater near the end of November. He is also working on a documentary entitled âThe Commission,â which focuses on modern Christianity and the importance of doing good in the world. For more information, follow the link posted below. (TD)
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