Quantcast
Channel: WHMI 93.5 FM - Latest News Headlines
Viewing all 26053 articles
Browse latest View live

Employees Voice Concerns w/ Hamburg Township Fire ChiefEmployees Voice Concerns w/ Hamburg Township Fire Chief

0
0
8/27/14 - The leadership and actions of the Hamburg Township fire chief were called into question during Tuesday’s personnel committee meeting. Three of the department’s approximately 50 employees, all of whom are on leaves of absence, raised concerns about Chief Mark Hogrebe. Firefighter Andrew Tiefel, who suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, was the most vocal with allegations, saying Hogrebe’s behavior toward him was intimidating and claiming he ignored safety concerns in a storage area. During the meeting, a former fire marshal and former assistant chief claimed they resigned from those positions due to low morale and how the department was being run after Hogrebe took over. Hogrebe served as the fire chief for Allen Park for more than 18 years before retiring. He was sworn in as Hamburg’s new chief in late 2011 and at that time, township officials cited his experience and successful track record in naming him to replace former chief Doug Berry, who resigned for an out-of-state position. Calls for comment have been placed with Chief Hogrebe. The personnel committee will meet again Friday morning to further discuss the matter. (JM)

Moving Wall Memorial to be Escorted from Brighton to HamburgMoving Wall Memorial to be Escorted from Brighton to Hamburg

0
0
8/27/14 - The Moving Wall replica of the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. will be making its way into Hamburg Township tomorrow. The half-size replica of the famous monument lists all 58,000-plus American causalities from the war and arrived in Michigan from Louisiana today. Hamburg Enhanced Recreation Organization or H.E.R.O. Founder and President Joanna Hardesty tells WHMI they’ll be gathering around 8am in Brighton tomorrow and the wall will be escorted to Bennett Park-West in Hamburg. It will be escorted by 300 motorcycles, Red Cross trucks, U.S. Army vehicles, and local police and fire personnel. Hardesty says it's an awesome sight to see and they worked to establish a route that would allow for as much community involvement as possible. Hardesty says after they pass through Brighton and reach M-36 and Merrill Road, a helicopter that was actually flown in Vietnam will lead them through town and into the park. The Moving Wall replica will be on display through Labor Day on Monday, September 1st. It originally came to Hamburg in 2010, but left such an impact that volunteers immediately applied to have the memorial return. It will be open 24 hours and have onsite security for all four days. The complete route and schedule of events is available through the link below. (JM)

Foundation Provides Grants For Leadership Livingston ProjectsFoundation Provides Grants For Leadership Livingston Projects

0
0
8/28/14 - Grant money will help facilitate the community projects of Leadership Livingston and its youth program in the coming months. The Leadership Livingston program has been around for more than two decades, helping high-profile residents improve their leadership skills, as well as learn about the programs, services, and major players in the Livingston County area while meeting other influential individuals. Leadership Livingston Youth began last year with the goal of providing the same service to local young people. Both programs have their participants engage in a community service project, and in the past these projects were funded by the students themselves or though fundraising efforts. This year, the Community Foundation of Livingston County has provided both programs with $10,000 grants to help fund the projects. The youth program has already begun, but there is still time to sign up for the adult program. The cost is $800 per person, which includes a day-long meeting every month from September to May, supplies, food, and transportation for off-site projects. Discounts are available for people from nonprofit organizations. For more information, follow the link below. (TD)

Judge Considers Charges in Robbery of Brighton JewelerJudge Considers Charges in Robbery of Brighton Jeweler

0
0
8/28/14 - A judge is deciding the nature of the charges against two suspects in a smash and grab theft at a Brighton jewelry store, while a third defendant is heading for trial. 19-year-old Darvon Smith of Kalamazoo waived his preliminary exam on Tuesday, sending his case to trial in Livingston County Circuit Court. Smith, along with 18-year-old Elijah Henderson of Belleville and 19-year-old Devon McCloud of Warren were charged with armed robbery after the July 14th incident at Rottermond Jewelers. Surveillance video shows two men breaking the glass of a jewelry display case after several blows from a mini sledge hammer and then grabbing several high end watches. But the attorneys for McCloud and Henderson argue their clients shouldn’t face armed robbery charges, but instead counts of larceny. Judge Carol Sue Reader is taking that argument under advisement. McCloud, the alleged getaway driver, is also charged with fleeing and eluding. After fleeing the scene, police say the suspect’s vehicle turned the wrong way onto the northbound US-23 ramp to I-96. When a police officer blocked their path, Smith and Henderson fled and were later located hiding in a dumpster. All of the stolen watches were recovered. (JK)

Sierra Club Explains Risks Of Fracking & Action To TakeSierra Club Explains Risks Of Fracking & Action To Take

0
0
8/28/14 - Dozens of residents attended a talk by the Sierra Club at the Brighton Library last night focused on the impacts of fracking in Michigan. Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is a process used by the oil industry to extract oil and by breaking apart the underground rocks containing the minerals. This is most often done by cracking them with a high-pressure slurry of water, sand, and chemicals, but in some cases, like in Conway Township, it can be done using powerful acids to perforate the limestone underground. The main speaker for the event was Education Coordinator Craig Brainard, who works for the Michigan Sierra Club’s Beyond Natural Gas campaign. He explained the reasons the Sierra Club opposes fracking, including its impact on the environment, local water supplies, and the health of workers and nearby residents. Brainard encouraged residents to support political candidates identified on the Sierra Club as being willing to help ban or better regulate fracking. He says the industry and the Department of Environmental Quality have been pointing to small-scale Antrim Shale fracking to say the process is safe and reliable, but the Sierra Club is opposed to the high-volume fracking of Utica shale, which is orders of magnitude more intensive. Brainard says the Department of Environmental Quality cannot be completely trusted to regulate the oil industry, since in 2006 its mission statement was changed from protecting natural resources to promoting the industry of extracting resources. Brainard also took time during the presentation to explain the alternatives to fossil fuel energy, including advances being made in clean transportation and energy storage. (TD)

Sign Ordinance Variance May Be Only Option For Pizza MakerSign Ordinance Variance May Be Only Option For Pizza Maker

0
0
8/28/14 - The Howell City Planning Commission has told a local business owner to apply for a variance if he wants to put a portable sign for his pizza shop near the road. John Kinnunen was told earlier this year to move a handmade temporary sign placed near his business, Duke’s Pizza Plus in downtown Howell. City ordinance requires that all such signs be within 10 feet of a business’ front door, but in order to put his sign near the roadway Kinnunen would need to place it 40 feet from his door. He approached the planning commission last week, asking them to either change the ordinance or give him special permission to place his sign. Community Development Director Erin Perdu tells WHMI there are two major concerns with changing the ordinance: the planning commission does not want to see a flood of new temporary signs from other businesses, and the sandwich boards typically have small print meant for pedestrians that can be distracting to motorists. However, the planning commission was more receptive to granting Kinnunen a variance, and he was encouraged to apply for one. He says he plans to apply, and hopes the planning commission will be sympathetic to the needs of a small, local business owner. Kinnunen previously tried strapping the handmade sign to the top of his delivery vehicle in order to continue advertising while still honoring the city’s ordinance. (TD)

Emergency Agencies Pitch-In For Blood Drive BattleEmergency Agencies Pitch-In For Blood Drive Battle

0
0
8/28/14 - The inaugural ‘Honor Your Hero’ Battle of the Badges blood drive will united police, fire and EMS agencies in Livingston County in a common goal to give the gift of life. The blood drive will be held Friday, Sept. 12 from 1:30–6:45pm at the new Livingston County Public Safety Complex on Tooley Road in Howell. Residents are encouraged to help save lives by donating blood, while casting a ballot for their favorite department. The agency with the most votes at the end of the blood drive wins the challenge and bragging rights until next year. Jeff Boyd, Director for Livingston County EMS and 9-1-1 Dispatch Center, says while his agency would love to win the ‘Battle of the Badges’, the true winners will be the patients in need of blood products. Everyone who donates blood that day will receive a free Red Cross t-shirt, while supplies last, and can enter for a chance to win hourly prizes. There will also be tours of the new, state-of-the-art Livingston County Public Safety Complex. The drive is being held as part of National Preparedness Month in September, which encourages residents to understand what it means to be prepared. To schedule an appointment to donate, you can call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org, Sponsor code: LCHYH. (JK)

Brighton DDA Rejects House, Land Purchase for Parking LotBrighton DDA Rejects House, Land Purchase for Parking Lot

0
0
8/28/14 - The Brighton Downtown Development Authority Thursday voted not to proceed with the purchase of a home and related property on West Main, just west of the railroad tracks, for a new parking lot. The city has found itself with a “problem” that many communities would envy: Not enough parking spaces, particularly at the west end of downtown. More than anything, what swayed the DDA against the purchase was the impassioned pleas of nearby residents, who opposed it because it would encroach upon the residential area. The approximately 20 citizens at the meeting told the DDA that a clear delineation needs to be maintained between downtown and their residential neighborhood, and a parking lot in that location would blur the line. One of the citizens was Hugh Munce of 125 North Third Street, who says that overall, the DDA has done a good job of enhancing the downtown area. The city was prepared to offer $265,000 for the property, had the board decided to go ahead with purchase. Now that the DDA has decided to pass on it, Bob Pettengill of West Bloomfield says he is prepared to make an offer to buy the parcel, convert the rental house into a single-family home, renovate it, and live in it. DDA Director Matt Modrack tells WHMI that the DDA listened to the concerns of the neighborhood in making its unanimous decision to decline the purchase offer. Modrack says the DDA will now look at making the planned parking lot at the west side of the railroad tracks larger than originally envisioned, with up to 50 spaces, most of it paved, and with a front gate at Main Street and a fence next to the tracks. Up until now, the plan was to have about 30 spaces, with just the front portion of the parking lot paved. The CSX Railroad has offered a 6-year lease to the city for the land at $5,000 per year. (TT)

Next Phase of Grand River Construction Set For Early SeptemberNext Phase of Grand River Construction Set For Early September

0
0
8/28/14 - The second stage of construction on Grand River in the Brighton area will commence next month. Road improvements being made from Hacker Road east towards Hilton Road in Brighton are scheduled to begin September 8th. The roadwork will begin near O’Connor’s Deli and move east towards Brighton, ending near Hilton Road. Livingston County Road Commission Manager Mike Craine tells WHMI the work scheduled to be done near the on and off-ramps for I-96 will be done during non-peak hours. Because of traffic volume in that area, construction will mainly take place between 9pm and 6am. The improvements near Hacker Road will include reconstructing storm drains as well as new pipes and catch basins. The recently completed project further east down Grand River was a learning experience for the Road Commission. Craine tells WHMI a few things will be modified this time around to better the process. There have been 3 bids for the Hacker to Hilton Road project, with the low bid coming in at just under $1.4 million. Should all phases go according to plan, the Road Commission hopes to complete the project by November 15th. (DK)

1.1 Million Michiganders to Travel This Labor Day Holiday Weekend 1.1 Million Michiganders to Travel This Labor Day Holiday Weekend

0
0
8/29/14 - The last big hurrah of summer has arrived, meaning many people will be hitting the road. Although the Labor Day weekend may mean busy roads, it’s also a breath of fresh air for many Livingston County residents as they'll make up the 1.1 million people across the state with travel plans. Gas prices are rising but only slightly and still remain lower than last year according to AAA Michigan. There won’t be a huge price jump at the pump, which is good news as 1.1 million will be traveling by automobile, 43,000 by air and 79,000 by rail, bus or ship. AAA Spokeswoman Susan Hiltz tells WHMI there are three key things to keep in mind for those out on the busy roads; buckle up and obey posted speeds, drive safe and sober, and avoid using cell phones. The Labor Day holiday travel period is defined from Thursday to Monday and the Michigan Department of Transportation will also be suspending as much construction as possible. (JM)

Opening Of Hamburg's Moving Wall Memorial Envokes EmotionsOpening Of Hamburg's Moving Wall Memorial Envokes Emotions

0
0
8/29/14 - Americans killed during the Vietnam War will be remembered this weekend at a memorial in Hamburg Township. The Moving Wall is a half-sized replica of the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. and will return to Livingston County after 4 years. The wall lists American casualties from the war and is among the artifacts that takes visitors back in time. Tribute concerts, speakers and a history exhibit are all part of the recognition of those who served. Glen Veno, who is volunteering at the event, was an Air Calvary helicopter pilot during the war. He tells WHMI there is no political aim behind the exhibit, only the opportunity to learn. Veno says it has been interesting to see each generation’s response to the memorial as well as watch a mending process for some. Veno explains someone who may have ridden in the helicopter because of an injury during the war, might be reluctant to physically be near it due to the negative connotation. He says as some heal, they are able to move towards eventually once again sitting in the helicopter and even reflecting on their experience. Veno encourages community members of all ages to attend whether it is to learn, remember or revisit a crucial part of history. The Moving Wall will be open 24/7 through Monday. (DK)

Proposed Ice Rink & Splash Pad Generating Widespread SupportProposed Ice Rink & Splash Pad Generating Widespread Support

0
0
8/29/14 - Support is growing for an ice rink/splash pad project on the grounds of the historic Livingston County courthouse. Howell Downtown Development Authority officials have been out recently delivering presentations on plans for the project. The amphitheater is located on county-owned land, and the DDA went before the County Public Safety and Infrastructure & Development Committee seeking a motion granting permission or support for the project. Several residents spoke up at the meeting to voice their support for the project, and the DDA says surveys have shown overwhelming endorsement for the idea from residents and businesses. However, DDA Board President Eric Conn tells WHMI the Committee had a number of questions and concerns about the project and if it would interfere with concerts at the courthouse. He said the goal is to actually enhance that opportunity by providing better seating and easier access to make it ADA compliant. Another concern raised was making sure that whatever is done would be sympathetic or complementary to the historic courthouse and not draw attention. Conn does not expect the facility will interfere with government operations, since it will be most active after office hours and on weekends. The county committee did not recommend approval or rejection of the project, instead passing it along to the full County Board of Commissioners. The issue will likely appear on the agenda for the board’s September 2nd meeting. Meanwhile, the Howell City Council has authorized a letter of support for the project, which was needed to accompany a place-making grant application through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. DDA board secretary Courtney Tarara told members the ice rink would be 60 feet long and parallel to Grand River with the smaller splash pad inside. The historic elms would be preserved but trees with root rot would be taken out while other longstanding issues such as erosion problems and trip hazards would be addressed. (JM/TD)

Proposed New Pipeline Changes Course; Residents Speak UpProposed New Pipeline Changes Course; Residents Speak Up

0
0
8/29/14 - The new natural gas pipeline planned to run through Livingston County will not be following the expected route. That’s according to new documents submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. A meeting at the Oceola Township Hall last night discussed the future of the project and what residents can do about it. The new proposed path for the ET Rover Pipeline comes up from Washtenaw County in Putnam Township and runs north just west of Pinckney. It continues north through the county, near the borders between Marion and Iosco Townships and Howell and Handy Townships, before crossing Cohoctah Township northward into Shiawassee. An informational meeting was held in Oceola Township last night to give residents and elected officials from around the county a better idea of the approval process currently underway and what they can do to resist it. The featured speaker was Jeff Axt, a resident of Oakland County who heads up the organization Protect Our Lands And Rights, or POLAR. He explained that it is important for residents to get involved and voice any opposition to the placement of the pipeline. FERC is still taking comments on the project, which still has not gotten final approval. The photo album below includes detailed maps of the proposed path through Livingston County. A link to the FERC comment website is also posted below. When commenting, the docket number for the ET Rover Pipeline is PF14-14-000. (TD)

Father & Son Reject Plea Deal in Local Road Rage IncidentFather & Son Reject Plea Deal in Local Road Rage Incident

0
0
8/29/14 - Another plea deal has been rejected by a father and son from Hamburg Township who police say chased and assaulted a man in a road rage incident. 28-year-old Nathan Marcum who is pictured and his father, 52-year-old Daniel Marcum, both turned down plea deals from prosecutors on Thursday. Their trial was set to begin today, but has been pushed back to October 10th. The Marcums previously rejected a plea deal in late July. Both face charges of aggravated assault, while the son also faces one count of reckless driving. The charges stem from an incident June 28th that began in the vicinity of westbound Grand River and Latson Road in Genoa Township. Witnesses reported seeing a pick-up truck traveling at high speeds, weaving in and out of traffic. Police say a 56-year-old Howell man tried to get away and ran a red light before pulling into the parking lot of a business near Grand Oaks Drive. The Marcums are alleged to have cut across Grand River, exited their vehicle, and proceeded to assault the victim. They fled a short time later after being advised that police were coming. Witnesses were able to get a license plate number along with descriptions of the suspects and their vehicle, which led police to the Marcums. (JM)

Phone Survey To Learn More About Livingston Residents' HealthPhone Survey To Learn More About Livingston Residents' Health

0
0
8/29/14 - A random phone survey will take place over the next few months to help the Livingston County Department of Public Health and Michigan State University gauge the health of the county. The Health Department is partnering with MSU’s Office of Survey Research to conduct a phone survey of approximately 800 Livingston County residents. Land lines and cell phones in the county will be randomly selected to receive calls from the survey takers, who will ask to speak to a randomly-selected adult in the household. They will be asked questions about their health, any medical tests they may have had, and habits that impact their overall health. The process takes about 20 minutes. The data collected will be used to identify priority health issues for the county, develop strategies for implementation, and measure the improvement of health among local residents. Those results will be released as part of a community health improvement plan. The survey takers have all signed a pledge of confidentiality to prevent personal data about residents from being made public. Anyone with concerns or questions about the process should contact the Livingston County Department of Public Health. When a resident is contacted by interviewers from the survey, the number on caller ID will appear as either (517) 353-5404 or (517) 432-8881. It may also identify the caller as Michigan State University. (TD)

Great Foodini Will Emcee LACASA's "Denim & Diamonds"Great Foodini Will Emcee LACASA's "Denim & Diamonds"

0
0
8/29/14 - A beloved community icon is teaming up with LACASA to take part in a fundraising challenge next month that could help them earn a $50,000 grant. The domestic violence prevention agency and shelter is once again hosting Denim & Diamonds, an annual western-themed fundraising event which is set for Saturday, September 13th on the private ranch of Gwen Haggerty-Bearden and Stephen Bearden in Marion Township. But this year, the services of Renee Chodkowski, perhaps better known as The Great Foodini, will be utilized as the evening’s emcee. The self-described “foodie” is known on the national and local food-show scenes and will bring her authentic wit to the event and make surprise announcements in the effort to earn $50,000 in challenge grants. The Wheeler Family Foundation and the Ted and Jane Von Voigtlander Foundation have challenged the community to help LACASA exceed its fundraising goal for this event. Tickets for Denim and Diamonds are $100 each and include parking, valet wagon rides to event central, dinner, beer and wine, a gambling loot starter kit and an evening of entertainment. 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 through the link below. (JK)

Brighton Implements EpiPens Into School Treatment OptionsBrighton Implements EpiPens Into School Treatment Options

0
0
8/29/14- A law recently put into effect will be encouraging the continued safety and health of students in public schools. Last year, Governor Rick Snyder signed a law requiring every public school in Michigan to have epinephrine devices on hand in the event of an emergency. Epinephrine is used to treat severe allergic reactions and will be available to deliver to students through an EpiPen. The dose has the ability to potentially save a life as a severe reaction can possibly result in death should the victim not receive treatment in time. Brighton Area Schools updated their Emergency Policy at a recent board meeting which includes the implementation of the EpiPens. Superintendent Greg Gray tells WHMI two pens are required in each building as well as trained individuals who know how to properly use them. Though Gray says the school does not know every child that may need one in an emergency situation, they do try to create a list in the beginning of the year to stay ahead. (DK)

Local "Lunch Angel" Meets With Elmer's RepresentativeLocal "Lunch Angel" Meets With Elmer's Representative

0
0
8/29/14- Cayden Taipalus, also known locally as the “Lunch Angel”, is no novice to interviews. Taipalus has been in the public eye after he caught the attention of several media outlets for what began as a kind gesture. The 8-year-old Challenger Elementary School student began collecting cans to fundraise for lunch accounts that were delinquent so every student could afford a hot lunch. District policy is to provide students with delinquent accounts a cheese sandwich and a juice box, but Cayden wanted to do more. Once the accounts were paid off, he began to put extra money into the accounts as well as network via social media to continue his efforts. Friday morning, Cayden had an interview of a different kind with Dr. Melissa Hughes, a Corporate Education Advisor from Elmer’s Products Incorporated. Dr. Hughes presented the 2014 Elmer award to Cayden after hearing his motivation behind the project. Hughes tells WHMI the soon-to-be fourth grader embodies each quality the award represents. Cayden has acquired upwards of $35,000 to pay for student lunches and plans to continue doing so as the commencement of another school year is just around the corner. Hughes uses Cayden’s mantra and tells WHMI “a little thing can go a long way”. Cayden’s mother, Amber Peters, says of her son, “this really isn’t out of context for him” as he is her “big-hearted kid”. (DK/JK)

Howell & Brighton Passed Over for A2 Satellite SmartZoneHowell & Brighton Passed Over for A2 Satellite SmartZone

0
0
8/29/14 - Through no fault of their own, two local communities will not be part of a program designed to accelerate hi-tech business efforts. The cities of Brighton and Howell have been working with Ann Arbor Spark and Cleary University to become a Satellite SmartZone. Ann Arbor Spark was also working with the cities of Adrian and Tecumseh in Lenawee County. The Howell City Council had given cautious support to moving forward with the initiative, but during a recent meeting City Manager Shea Charles informed Council that Adrian and Tecumseh will be the satellite community included in the application to the state. He tells WHMI the Ann Arbor Local Development Financing Authority chose to partner with those communities for their Smart Zone extension and they wish them the best of luck. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation launched the SmartZone network in 2000 and Ann Arbor was one of the originals created. By law, the Ann Arbor SmartZone could only capture taxes to provide services for 15 years. However rules changed and in order to be eligible to extend the program for another 15 years, it needed a satellite partner. There are currently 15 SmartZones across the state and the program is designed to be an incubator to attract new manufacturing, high tech and energy-related businesses to communities. (JM)

Fenton Teen Faces Charges After Allegedly Breaking Into ATMFenton Teen Faces Charges After Allegedly Breaking Into ATM

0
0
8/30/14 - A Fenton teen is being tried as an adult after police say he broke into a local ATM. The 17-year-old was arraigned on August 22nd on charges of breaking and entering with intent to steal, safe breaking, and possession of burglar’s tools. Police responded to an alarm at an ATM building on North Leroy Street in the early hours of August 21st, according to the Tri County Times. They noticed that the door of the building was open, but did not see any damage. They locked the door and left. Then, a second report came in, this time complaining of a suspicious person running behind the building. Officers returned to the site to find someone had forcefully broken into the building. They found the teen just south of the building, and say he was wet and covered with weeds and grass. They also recovered tools and plastic trays containing money. The teen was taken into custody. A $5,000 bond was set at his arraignment, and he is due back in court on September 3rd. (TD)
Viewing all 26053 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images