10/17/14 - The construction of a wastewater transmission line is well underway in Genoa Township. The project will connect the Oak Pointe Wastewater Treatment Plant with the Genoa Oceola Wastewater Treatment Plant, which is pictured. Work began in August and involves building a transmission main from the current location at Brighton Road and Oak Pointe Drive, west to Brighton Road and then north up Chilson Road until it ties into an existing force main, north of I-96. That will allow wastewater to travel from Oak Pointe to the Genoa Oceola treatment plant, where upgrades are being made to accept the flow from Oak Pointe. Genoa Township Utilities Director Greg Tatara tells WHMI what people are noticing now the force main construction, which totals roughly five miles. He says there are three crews doing boring work, although activity is being limited to the east side of Chilson Road. Oak Pointe is a groundwater discharge facility and regulated by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. High levels of sodium chloride from water softeners exceeded acceptable limits and the township evaluated multiple options to address the issue, with the current project being the most economical solution. Tatara says the bulk of the force main should be installed by November 15th. Detailed information about the project can be found through the link below. (JM)
Wastewater Plant Consolidation Project Underway in Genoa Twp.Wastewater Plant Consolidation Project Underway in Genoa Twp.
↧
↧
Howell Community Leader To Make Write-In School Board BidHowell Community Leader To Make Write-In School Board Bid
10/17/14 - A second Howell-area resident in as many days has announced their intention to enter the race as a write-in candidate for the school board. Howell Township resident Brent Earl says he has filed to run for one of the three open seats that will be on the November 4th ballot. Earl is well known in the community for his involvement in a number of projects, most notably the restoration of the Howell Opera House. In making the announcement Earl said, âI am running as a write-in candidate for Howell School Board because I am a concerned parent and taxpayer. As a proud fifth generation resident of Howell, Michigan, I am impressed by the education my children are receiving in our Howell Public Schools. Our teaching staff is one of the best in the State of Michigan. Our administration team is a high-functioning, well organized and efficiently run group that is again, one of the best in the State of Michiganâ. He has four children in the district and his wife Jennifer is a teacher at Highlander Way Middle School. He becomes the fifth write-in candidate to seek a seat on the board in addition to two others who filed in time to actually have their names on the ballot. On Thursday, Oceola Township resident Sam Gerardi said he had also filed to run. The slew of write-in candidates comes amid several weeks of turmoil in the district. A harassment complaint filed by Superintendent Ron Wilson against School Board President Mike Witt was determined to have no merit by an independent investigator hired by the board. However, Wilson remains on a paid, non-disciplinary leave unanimously approved by the board after questions arose over expense reimbursements. A report on those expenses is expected at the boardâs next meeting on October 27th. Three seats are up for grabs on the Howell board of education as incumbents Kim Witt, Mike Witt and Doug Moore are all stepping down. Candidates Gregg Gilligan and Grace Trudell will appear on the ballot while Earl will join Gerardi, Deborah Drick and Adam Hukkala as write-in candidates. Another write-in candidate, Jeanine Spencer, filed to run and then later withdrew. (JK)
↧
Nine-Month Sentence Handed Down For Child MolestorNine-Month Sentence Handed Down For Child Molestor
10/18/14 - A jail sentence has been handed down for a Wisconsin man convicted of molesting his grandchild. The 68-year-old man was found guilty on a single count of 2nd degree criminal sexual conduct involving a person under the age of 13 stemming from incidents in the summer of 2013. The defendant, who is not being named per WHMI policy to protect the victim, was sentenced this week to nine months in jail with credit for 198 days already served. He should be released in early January, and must also register as a sex offender. The defendant declined to testify during the trial. Hamburg Township Police investigated the case, and the victim has been identified as the defendantâs grandchild. (TD)
↧
Cleary University President to Retire Cleary University President to Retire
10/18/14 - Cleary University President Tom Sullivan has announced his retirement. Sullivan has led Cleary University for the past 25 years and his retirement will be effective September 30th, 2015. Sullivan says the university is moving in a very positive direction and he always said he wanted to leave Cleary stronger than when he arrived. Sullivan noted new academic programs, the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the new international student program, the transition of the Washtenaw campus, the growth of the Livingston campus and the addition of athletics as positive things occurring. Sullivan says it has not been an easy decision but thought it was time for fresh eyes and new ideas. Cleary University Board of Trustees Chairman Raymond King III says âPresident Sullivan has been the guiding force of the University since his arrivalâ. He added that leading an organization through a leadership transition is one of the most important functions any board can undertake and the search will begin immediately. (JM)
↧
Alleged Armed Robber Arraigned in Livingston CountyAlleged Armed Robber Arraigned in Livingston County
10/19/14 - The man police believe went on a string of robberies last month was arraigned last week in Howell. 37-year-old Brian Thompson McCollum of Fowlerville is charged in Livingston County with two counts of armed robbery after police say he robbed the Countryway Party Store in Iosco Township and Angeloâs Party Store near Howell on September 24th. An arraignment took place in 53rd District Court Wednesday morning, and an exam conference has been set for October 21st. McCollum is already facing trial in Ingham County for holding up the Webberville Village Drug Store earlier that same day. He was arrested by Ingham County deputies several days later, just hours after his name and a surveillance photo of his vehicle were released by authorities. (TD)
↧
↧
Pinckney Schools Gets Letter Of Intent To Purchase Hamburg ElPinckney Schools Gets Letter Of Intent To Purchase Hamburg El
10/19/14 - A company has sent in a letter of intent to purchase Hamburg Elementary from Pinckney Community Schools. The deficit district shuttered the school, along with Pinckney Elementary, to help mitigate costs and make better use of facilities as student enrollment declines. Superintendent Rick Todd says Apple Star LLC has submitted a letter of intent to purchase the building for $250,000 following talks with the district. While this is less than the district hoped to get for the facility, they are considering the offer. Todd says they have been trying to assess and convey any maintenance or environmental issues with the aging building. The company has not pinpointed exactly what they want to do with the building, but they have been considering turning it into an adult training center, such as a facility to train new realtors or provide veterans with new job skills after returning from service. Todd says the district would like to sell the building to a company that would benefit the community with that kind of service. A housing company is currently in talks with the Village of Pinckney about zoning ordinances surrounding Pinckney Elementary, and may choose to purchase the facility and potentially demolish it to make way for new developments. (TD)
↧
Local Runners Fill Top Ten In Free Press Marathon
10/20/14 - Local residents made a strong showing.in the 37th annual Detroit Marathon on Sunday, taking top spots in the marathon and half-marathon events. The annual race drew more than 27,000 people despite the near-freezing temperatures Sunday morning. In the full marathon, the top-ranked runner in the menâs category was 27-year-old Mike Anderson of Walled Lake with a time of 2:24:53. Anderson is the cross-country coach at Milford High School. Also in the top ten for the men in that race were Jesse Anderson of Fenton and Daniel Foley of Howell. Lisa Veneziano of Fenton also placed in the top ten for the women in the full marathon. In the international half-marathon, 28-year-old Susan Boyle of Brighton took the top spot among the women. Ian Boyle, also of Brighton, and Bennett Prudhomme of South Lyon placed in the top ten male runners for the US half marathon. A link to more information about the race results can be found below. (TD)
↧
Student News Team Kicks Off New Fundraising Campaign Student News Team Kicks Off New Fundraising Campaign
10/20/14 - A student news team in Howell is at it again and announcing the start of a new fundraising project. The student reporters of Highlander Way Middle Schoolâs The HAWK News have launched a new fundraising campaign that holds personal significance. Project: Find a Cure for Juvenile Diabetes seeks to raise funds to support the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in its fight to find a cure. Highlander Way technology teacher and The HAWK News adviser Carole Colburn says they have a number of students at the school who are afflicted by the disease and thatâs why they decided to make it their cause this year. The students hope to raise $4,000 by the end of the school year. The first fundraiser as part of the project will be a 5K run/walk on November 8th and all ages are invited to take part. Additionally, individuals are being sought to sponsor an edition of The Hawk News and all funds raised from sponsorships go toward Project: Find a Cure for Juvenile Diabetes. Details about the projects and related events are available in the attached press release. (JM)
↧
WWII Author Donald Burgett Talks at Howell Carnegie LibraryWWII Author Donald Burgett Talks at Howell Carnegie Library
10/20/14 - Many people lined up Sunday at the Howell Carnegie Library to get autographed copies of Donald Burgettâs four books about his wartime experiences. The long-time Howell resident, now 89, related his experiences as a paratrooper in World War II in Europe and the harrowing allied landing in which he participated at Normandy on D-Day in 1944. Still a teenager at just 19, he was a paratrooper with the 101st Air Division at the time. Although wounded three times, Burgett said he wasnât any more of a hero than tens of thousands of other U.S., British, Canadian, and other allied forces who risked their lives to defeat the Axis powers - with many of them paying the ultimate price. WHMI asked Burgett why he has written so much about the war, which many of the remaining living veterans would just as soon as forget. He says itâs because some have written inaccurate accounts of what happened, and as one who was there in the trenches, he wants to set the record straight. Burgett teared up when recounting before the approximately 30 people in attendance that he was the first American soldier to enter one of the liberated concentration camps. His voice also broke when he related looking upon the sad eyes of the children who were left orphans by the war and had nothing but the clothes on their backs. In a special ceremony this past June, Burgett was given the French Légion of Honour, the highest decoration in France and normally reserved only for citizens of that nation. Burgett is nearly done with his fifth book on the war and says that should be ready for publication sometime next year. (TT)
↧
↧
Ex-CIA Agent Concurs with Air Strikes Only Against ISISEx-CIA Agent Concurs with Air Strikes Only Against ISIS
10/20/14 - A former CIA clandestine operations officer says the Obama administrationâs response to ISIS - with no boots on the ground â is the correct approach to the latest Mideast crisis. In his talk Sunday, Jim Marcinkowski told the Community Unitarian Universalists congregation in Brighton that the situation in the Mideast is very complex because politics and religion are intertwined and many of the conflicts go back centuries. In an interview with WHMI before his talk, Marcinkowski said he agrees with the strategy of the U.S. and its allies in confining their response to the ISIS aggression in Iraq and Syria to air strikes. Marcinkowski said he does not expect an ISIS terrorist strike on U.S. soil is imminent because the organization acts more like an army than a terrorist group. He also said that itâs advantageous that other Arab states, such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates agreed to get involved in the US-led coalition. He said the Arab countries began to realize that when the newly radicalized ISIS recruits, as well as the battle-hardened, more experienced ISIS members, return to their home country they would become a major problem for those governments.
Marcinkowski is an adjunct professor at the Michigan Institute for Public Safety education and teaches online classes. He also has appeared as a former CIA operative and Mideast expert on such TV networks as CNN and Fox News. He was previously employed by the FBI and spent many years in law enforcement, including as a county prosecutor. Marcinkowski, a Democrat, ran unsuccessfully against Republican U.S. Congressman Mike Rogers of Howell in the 2006 election. He said getting involved in politics once was enough and he has no plans to run for political office in the future. (TT)
↧
Hune's Amendment Sparks Further Conflict Of Interest Criticism Hune's Amendment Sparks Further Conflict Of Interest Criticism
10/20/14 - Tesla Motors says itâs getting a âraw dealâ in Michigan and is pointing the finger at a Livingston County legislator. The California-based manufacturer of electric cars posted a blog Thursday urging voters to demand that Governor Rick Snyder veto HB5606. Tesla says it is unfairly targeted by an amendment to the bill which it blames on the Michigan Automobile Dealers Association and Republican State Senator Joe Hune. The blog points out that Hune is a beneficiary of the association's campaign and his wife works for a lobbying firm that has represented the association. The company says the legislation would "create an effective prohibition against Tesla opening a store in Michigan" and "seeks to prevent Tesla from operating a gallery in Michigan that simply provides information without conducting sales." Tesla's direct sales approach represents a threat to auto dealerships, which have supported attempts, both in the courts and legislatively, to halt Teslaâs plans. Hune says his amendment simply clarified that all companies would be treated the same as everyone else. He says it was put forth in a public forum and was voted on twice by both chambers of the Legislature. He added that nothing was hidden and no tricks were involved. But Huneâs opponent on November 4th, Democrat Shari Pollesch, disputes that characterization and points to an October 17th Op-Ed column in the Detroit Free Press by Daniel Crane, in which he says âone can only conclude that the dealersâ lobby, sneaked it in at the last minute to avoidâ¦fair and open debate on direct distribution...â The dealerâs association lobby is Governmental Consulting Services, which employs Huneâs wife Marcia. Pollesch calls it âbackdoor policymakingâ and says it represents an example where Huneâs ties to special interests trump his obligation to voters. Hune says Polleschâs attack is nothing more than trying to run his family through the mud. He says he has run an âhonorable and decent campaign without mudslinging,â but that his opponent resorts to âthrashingâ on his family members to deflect from her message of higher taxes. As for the legislation, a spokesman for Gov. Snyder, a Republican, said the governor was still reviewing the bill and was expected to release a decision on Tuesday. (JK)
↧
Local Celebrities To Serve Up Hope For Mental Illness SufferersLocal Celebrities To Serve Up Hope For Mental Illness Sufferers
10/20/14 - An event in Fowlerville this weekend will benefit a local organization that helps provide hope and opportunities to individuals with mental illness. The 4th annual Celebrity Server fundraiser will again take place at the Olden Days Café with a percentage of sales and all tips received being donated to Genesis House. The organization is dedicated to providing community-based support to Livingston County residents recovering from mental illnesses. Money gathered from fundraising is used to further their mission of helping members have more opportunities to reach their goals and live independently. The event will take place this Saturday, October 25th from 6am until 2:30pm with a variety of local celebrities taking part by serving customers in two hour shifts. Among those taking part are Sheriff Bob Bezotte, Undersheriff Mike Murphy, Fowlerville Police Chief Tom Couling, Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt and Fowlerville Schools Superintendent Wayne Roedel. Organizers say because this yearâs MSU â U of M game doesnât start until 3:30 Saturday afternoon, the Celebrity Server event is a good way to get in a full breakfast or lunch before the game and perhaps see where the loyalties of celebrity servers lie. You'll find details in the flyer below. (JK)
↧
Spooky Family Fun Planned in Pinckney Community Friday Spooky Family Fun Planned in Pinckney Community Friday
10/20/14 - Pinckneyâs annual Halloween Spooktacular will run from 6 to 8pm this Friday. Itâs hosted by the Village of Pinckney Downtown Development Authority in cooperation with numerous sponsors and volunteers. Contests, trunk or treating, a spooky forest and plenty of treats including hot apple cider and hot dogs are all offered free of charge. Village Treasurer and event co-chair Michelle Brunner tells WHMI theyâre expecting hundreds of kids and the popular event wouldnât be possible without all of the community support. The Spooky Forest is again being put together for this yearâs Spooktacular and the entrance is located about a half block down Livingston Street, east of the square. Brunner says they also have permission for parking from local churches and itâs a short walk to the downtown. A map of this yearâs Spooktacular activities and parking options is available on the Village of Pinckneyâs website and in an attachment below. (JM)
↧
↧
Best Practices in Brighton Schools Could Boost Per Pupil FundingBest Practices in Brighton Schools Could Boost Per Pupil Funding
10/20/14 - The Brighton Board of Education adopted a âBest Practicesâ resolution during its meeting last week which â if accepted by the state â will mean an extra $50 in state aid for each student. Superintendent Greg Gray tells WHMI that Brighton has qualified for Best Practices funding in each of the years itâs been offered as an incentive to school districts. If Brighton achieves best practices certification again, it would mean over $350,000 in additional revenue for the district. Among the best practices required by the state for the extra money are requiring competitive bids on non-instructional services, providing online courses or blended learning opportunities, making job performance a major factor in determining teacher and administrator pay, and having a comprehensive guidance and counseling program. (TT)
↧
Chilson Road to Close Tuesday in Hamburg Township Chilson Road to Close Tuesday in Hamburg Township
10/20/14 - A portion of Chilson Road will be closed in Hamburg Township tomorrow. The Livingston County Road Commission will be performing the work from 9am to 4pm on Tuesday. As a result, Chilson Road will be completely closed to traffic between Cowell Road and Community Drive, just north of Winans Lake Road. Alternate routes are being advised. (JM)
↧
Howell Area Motorcyclist Jailed After Police Chase Howell Area Motorcyclist Jailed After Police Chase
10/20/14 - A motorcyclist was arrested following a pursuit with police this afternoon. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department reports at approximately 1:15pm, a deputy attempted to stop a blue and white Yamaha motorcycle that was traveling westbound on Mason Road from Norton Road for equipment violations. When the deputy turned around, authorities say the motorcyclist fled â traveling through yards and cutting through fields, ran the stop sign at Burkhart Road and did a wheelie after the intersection before driving onto a farm west of Truhn Road. A perimeter was established by responding deputies, with assistance from Fowlerville Police and Michigan State Police. The 22-year-old Howell area man eventually walked out of the woods and turned himself in. He was lodged at the Livingston County Jail and charges are being sought. However, police say itâs unknown at this time why the driver ran from the deputy, as he was not believed to be under the influence of any narcotics or alcohol at this time. (JM)
↧
Informational Meeting Planned To Explain Medicare ChangesInformational Meeting Planned To Explain Medicare Changes
10/21/14 - An event later this month from the Area Agency on Aging 1-B will help explain recent changes to Medicare for those planning to sign up for 2015. The event, titled â2015 Changes to Medicare,â will be held on Monday at the Brighton District Library beginning at 5:30pm. It is free of charge and aims to inform local residents about Medicare for the open enrollment period, which began on October 15th and will continue to December 7th. A counselor from the agencyâs Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program will give an overview of Medicare, changes to benefits that will go into effect in 2015, various plans available through the program, and how those plans are and are not allowed to market themselves to patients. The information will apply to both beneficiaries and caregivers. For more information, contact the Brighton District Library. (TD)
↧
↧
Friday Marks Filing Deadline for Local Write In CandidatesFriday Marks Filing Deadline for Local Write In Candidates
10/21/14 - There are a number of candidates waging local write-in campaigns in the upcoming November 4th General Election and the deadline is nearing for any local residents perhaps still pondering a possible run. In order to file as a write-in candidate, individuals must file a Declaration of Intent form through the Livingston County Clerkâs Office. Elections Supervisor Joan Runyan tells WHMI the write in deadline is this Friday, October 24th for anyone wishing to file as a write-in candidate. Although a write-in candidates name will not appear on the ballot, it hasnât deterred local individuals from filing to run in the Pinckney and Howell school districts. The largest slate of write-in candidates is in the Howell Board of Education race and comes amid several weeks of turmoil in the district. Three incumbents are stepping down and only candidates Gregg Gilligan and Grace Trudell will appear on the ballot. Write-in candidates so far include Howell Township resident Brent Earl, former school board president Deborah Drick, Oceola Township resident Sam Gerardi and 2013 Howell High School graduate Adam Hukkala. Another write-in candidate, Jeanine Spencer, filed to run and then later withdrew. A link to more information about all of the local races and candidates is available below. (JM)
↧
Southwest Instructor Howell Schools Teacher Of The YearSouthwest Instructor Howell Schools Teacher Of The Year
10/21/14 - Dozens of students, teachers, and administrators from around Howell Public Schools gathered at Southwest Elementary yesterday to honor Amy Bell, the 2014-2015 Teacher of the Year. Bell, a third grade teacher at Southwest, did not know about the honor in advance and was lured to the schoolâs media center after school on the pretense of an emergency meeting. She says she knew it was actually a teacher of the year presentation when she saw the balloons and cake, but even as Acting Superintendent Cassandra Harmon-Higgins (at left in picture) listed off the qualities of the new teacher of the year, Bell did not suspect it was her. In addition to her friends and colleagues, organizers of the ceremony brought in Bellâs husband, had her mother drive in from more than four hours away, and brought in an administrator who had worked with Bell during her 13 years with Howell Public Schools. Bell was chosen from among this yearâs nominees by a committee of about 30 people, including teachers, parents, and students. Harmon-Higgins says Bell was the runaway favorite this year due to her constant efforts to go above and beyond to inspire her students, incorporate technology, and keep parents informed. (TD)
↧
Livingston County Has A Plan In Case Of Ebola VirusLivingston County Has A Plan In Case Of Ebola Virus
10/21/14 - The Ebola virus has not made an appearance near Livingston County, but if it does enter the local area the county government, its departments, and local health care providers have a plan in place to deal with it. Board of Commissioners Chair Carol Griffith says the board has been in contact with the Department of Public Health, EMS, Livingston County Central Dispatch, and St. Joseph Mercy Hospital since the beginning of the Ebola outbreak. She says they have reviewed potential action to take and ensure local readiness in the event that a suspected Ebola case be identified in the county. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been in contact with each of those departments and partners, letting them know what action to take in the event of an emergency and keeping them abreast of the latest developments at the federal level. The Livingston County Department of Public Health updates its emergency preparedness plan frequently. In September, before Ebola had reached the U.S., the department had sent its emergency preparedness coordinator to a medical countermeasure preparedness course in Alabama. There she learned about receiving and distributing medications from the Strategic National Stockpile. (TD)
↧
More Pages to Explore .....
