11/9/14 - A portion Ruston Road will be closed in Northfield Township this coming week so that crews can replace a culvert. The Washtenaw County Road Commission will impose a daytime closure on Rushton Road between Six Mile Road and Seven Mile Road in Northfield Township to allow for the replacement of a cross road culvert. The work will commence at approximately 8am Tuesday. Traffic will be prohibited, with the exception of local access to properties, and alternate routes are advised. Itâs anticipated that section of roadway will be closed for only one day to complete the work. However, officials advise that all dates are tentative and subject to change due to weather conditions. (JM)
Culvert Replacement To Close Rushton Road This Week
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Chelsea City Council Supports Bill Against Compression BrakingChelsea City Council Supports Bill Against Compression Braking
11/9/14 - The City of Chelsea has passed a resolution in support of a state house bill seeking to give local governments the ability to regulate compression braking. House Bill 5730 has been introduced to the State House, but has not yet gone to committee. It would allow local governments to place limits on when truckers can use compression braking, sometimes referred to as engine braking, on state trunk highways within 200 yards of a posted 35 mile-per-hour zone. Compression braking is done when a large truck lets out the clutch but gives the engine no fuel, slowing the vehicle without stress on the brakes but often producing a lot of noise. According to the Chelsea Standard, members of the city council felt the new bill would complement a recent ordinance protecting M-52. One council member expressed concern that limiting braking options may put truckers in danger. Some states already regulate compression braking to limit the excessive noise produced. The resolution passed by the city council does not impact the passage of the bill, but merely expresses the city councilâs support of it. (TD)
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Brighton Re-Dedicates Civil War HeadstoneBrighton Re-Dedicates Civil War Headstone
11/9/14- Locals marched back into time to honor Veterans Day by rededicating a gravestone of a Civil War Lieutenant that was also a Brighton resident. The headstone, located in the old Village Cemetery next to the Mill Pond, weighs 500 pounds and has been broken for some time now. The marker of where Lt. Colonel John Gilluly was laid to rest was renovated as part of a project from the Brighton Area Historical Society. The society works June through October to restore crumbling tombstones and retain historical pieces. Community members walked in a parade down Main Street Saturday morning which ended with a ceremony in the cemetery to reveal the headstone. Jim Muzzin, Mayor for the City of Brighton, attended the event and tells WHMI Brighton is proud of its history. The commemoration was a dual effort of the Historical Society and Howellâs Sons of the Union veterans group. A Civil War band concluded the ceremony by performing in uniform with authentic instruments. The Brighton Area Historical Society has been working for the last two years on what they expect is a 10 year project to repair the headstones in the old Village Cemetery. (DK)
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Another Appeal Planned For Disputed Brighton HousesAnother Appeal Planned For Disputed Brighton Houses
11/10/14 - The appeals will continue concerning two homes in Brighton that the city has been trying to tear down for more than five years. The Michigan Court of Appeals recently rejected Leon and Marilyn Bonnerâs appeal of a ruling that the city of Brightonâs dangerous homes ordinance was applied to them in an unconstitutional manner. The Bonners sued the city back in 2009 over an ordinance which requires the demolition of unsafe homes whose value is less than the cost of repairing them. A unanimous opinion issued in October overturned a decision by the state Court of Appeals, which had ruled in December of last year that portions of the city ordinance violated due process â marking a victory for the City. Attorney Dennis Dubuc says he will appeal to the Michigan Supreme Court and was extremely shocked by the latest opinion. He says the previous opinion from the same justices completely supported the Bonners and said people had a right to repair their homes. He tells WHMI the court also conveniently neglected to address any arguments he made about state building codes that allow repairs of unsafe structures. Dubuc says the Bonners desire nothing more than to fix the homes but the ordinance has prevented them from addressing what the City calls dangerous conditions. He says the Bonners only received one letter from the City over the past 30 years and have been trying to make repairs since 2009 but the City fought every request from issuing stop work orders to having roofers forcibly removed. City Attorney Paul Burns has consistently maintained the homes are not safe and should be razed. (JK)
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Winners of Local Write-In Races Should Be Known This WeekWinners of Local Write-In Races Should Be Known This Week
11/10/14 - Election officials anticipate completion of the November General Election canvass by the end of the week. The Board of Canvassers began meeting last Wednesday, the day after the mid-term election. While many people had hoped to learn that day the winners of two local write-in campaigns, for seats on the Howell and Pinckney school boards, Livingston County Elections Supervisor Joan Runyan tells WHMI the board is about two-thirds complete with its initial review of all 99 precincts and still processing the write-in ballots, which must be tallied to make final determinations. She anticipates certification toward the end of the week. There are 79 polling locations and 20 absentee voter counting board precincts for total of 99 precincts. Runyan says all of that paperwork must be reviewed very closely and thoroughly and the board is taking the time needed to make sure nothing is missed, especially with write-in variations. (JM/JK)
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Hamburg Church Celebrates Anniversary w/ 'Mass From The Past'Hamburg Church Celebrates Anniversary w/ 'Mass From The Past'
11/10/14- A Hamburg church remembered its early beginnings this weekend by celebrating like it was 1844. Members of Saint Stephenâs Episcopal Church recognized the 170th anniversary of the building and founding of its congregation yesterday morning. Churchgoers dressed as though it were the 1800âs and attended the service that was based on a sermon given by the first priest, Reverend Algernon Hollister. Saint Stephenâs Rector John Franklin read Algernonâs words and says it was a challenge. Father Franklin says he had to ask permission to use the sermon as it is not currently approved to be used in the Episcopal Church. After receiving the Bishopâs blessing, Father Franklin pursued the task of dressing appropriately. He tells WHMI the church members exceeded his expectations. Father Franklin says though the serviceâs order was âquite a bit differentâ than what he was used to, he found the celebration was a success that wouldâve made Saint Stephenâs founders proud. (DK)
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District To Implement Lockdown If Guns Are Openly CarriedDistrict To Implement Lockdown If Guns Are Openly Carried
11/10/14 - Administrators in the Huron Valley School District say they hope to make a final determination by the end of the month in regards to their policies concerning the open carrying of firearms on district property. The issue came to a head at last weekâs board of education meeting when several dozen people, many of them not residents of the district, came with guns to advocate for the right to carry a gun on school grounds. The issue came up initially last month when School Board Vice President Jeff Long voiced concerns over a district parent with a concealed pistol license who said he intended to open carry in the schools his children attend. While both federal and state laws prohibit firearms on school property, there are exemptions for those have a concealed pistol license, but only if they keep the weapon concealed. A CPL requires a high-level background check, while open carry laws do not. In the end, Huron Valley School Board President Rebecca Walsh said the board is committed to following the law, and to providing a safe environment for the districtâs students, staff and visitors. Therefore, the district will implement its emergency plan for instances when weapons are brought into school buildings. That means, âthe building will immediately go into lockdown status, and 9-1-1 will be called so law enforcement agencies can make a determination on the status of the person with the weapon." Walsh added that, "Any visitor who brings a gun will be treated the same, and the police will be summoned.â She said that was âessential because the district has no way to know who is violating the law and who has a valid permit and fits into the exception.â Open carry advocates likened the procedure to "crying wolf," while supporters of the policy, including teachers and parents, hoped the board would continue and enforce the lockdown policy. Walsh said the district's executive committee has asked Huron Valley administration to evaluate the current emergency plan and by the end of the month suggest any steps the district can or should take to ensure the safety of students, staff and visitors. (JK)
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Hat & Scarf Auction To Benefit Women VeteransHat & Scarf Auction To Benefit Women Veterans
11/10/14 - An auction event later this week will benefit a local veteranâs support group by utilizing the cooking talents of a well-known area chef. Women Supporting Women Veterans will hold its 3rd Annual Hat and Scarf Auction Thursday at the Howell Elks Club in Genoa Township. The group, which provides assistance, education and comfort to returning military women, says this is their primary source of funds through the year. Handmade hats and scarves will be auctioned off by Livingston County Undersheriff Mike Murphy, who serves as the eventâs official auctioneer. Renee Chodkowski, better known to many as The Great Foodini, will be providing the food using the theme "It's Not Your MRE" which is military jargon for Meal Ready to Eat. Chodkowski says they polled veterans on their favorite MRE and the winner was beef stroganoff. She promises her version will be the same in name only. The cause is close to her heart as her daughter, Staff Sgt. Kelly Simon, just returned from a tour of duty in Afghanistan. Tickets for the auction are $10 for veterans; $20 for everyone else and are available online through the link below or by calling Arlene Callaghan at 810-599-6014. (JK)
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Church Marks Three Decades Of Blood Donations Church Marks Three Decades Of Blood Donations
11/10/14 - A blood drive later this week will mark 30 years of donations from a local church to the American Red Cross. The blood drive will be held at Chilson Hills Church in Genoa Township from 11:45 to 6pm on Friday. The church does four blood drives per year, and after this Fridayâs blood drive it will have been holding blood drives regularly for the past 30 years. Chilson Hills began holding blood drives in 1984 to support at parishioner who fell ill, and continued the tradition ever since. Among the organizers this year is Undersheriff Mike Murphy, who says the blood drives over the past 30 years have averaged donations of 35 units each, which adds up to about 450 gallons of blood donated over the past three decades. The goal for Fridayâs blood drive is 50 units. Those interested in donating can just walk in during the blood drive, but organizers would prefer if they go to Red Cross Blood.org and make an appointment. Murphy adds that the church prides itself on the food provided to donors afterward, including soup, sandwiches, and sweets. (TD)
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Baby Boomers Encouraged To Get Tested for Hepatitis CBaby Boomers Encouraged To Get Tested for Hepatitis C
11/11/14 - Local public health officials are encouraging baby boomers to get tested for the Hepatitis C virus. Over three million people in the United States are infected with the virus. The Livingston County Department of Public Health reports that Hepatitis C is the most common blood borne infection in the Unites States with more than 3 million people affected. There is no vaccine to protect against it and itâs been called the âsilent epidemicâ because up to 75% of people with Hepatitis C donât know theyâre infected. Hepatitis C is not spread by causal contact and testing was only recommended for people with certain risk factors up until 2012, when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention started recommending testing for everyone born from 1945 to 1965. Health officials say the good news is that getting tested for Hepatitis C involves a simple blood test and that treatments for the virus have become much more effective. More information about Hepatitis C is available in the attachment below and through the local health department. (JM)
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Burn Ban Put In Place For Hartland AreaBurn Ban Put In Place For Hartland Area
11/11/14 - This weekâs wet weather has not put a damper on fire risk levels, and the Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority announced a ban on open burning yesterday. Typically, residents can burn vegetation, untreated wood, paper, and cardboard. However, despite the light rain on Monday, the risk of uncontrolled fire is still high enough for the fire authority to ban open burning for the time being. The department says the primary factors in the ban are the dry conditions as well as wind, which can cause fire to spread from normal open burns to other areas. There is no end-date listed for the ban, and residents are encouraged to contact the fire authority at (810 ) 632-7676 before attempting any open burns to see if the ban has lifted. If there is no answer, press 1 to hear an automated update on the burn conditions in the area. (TD)
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Pinckney Police Dept. Requests Financial Aid For K-9 ProgramPinckney Police Dept. Requests Financial Aid For K-9 Program
11/11/14 - The Village of Pinckney will be fiscally aiding the K-9 program for the Pinckney Police Department with the hopes of continuing it. The K-9 unit is self-funded completely by donations at the work of part time Officer Steven Hart. Hart is also a part time Officer for the Unadilla Township Police Department. The K-9 unit is shared between both departments, but ran out of money as of October 31st. At the Village of Pinckneyâs council meeting Monday, Pinckney Police Chief Jeffrey Newton requested a budget amendment. He tells WHMI this will help Officer Hart continue the program until he is able to raise more money. The cost per month to maintain the unit is $175, and an additional $350 is due in March for liability and insurance costs. Newton says Officer Hart has been successful in selling shirts at local events, making over $2,000 last year for the program. The shared unitâs German Sheppard, Kizer, is almost 8 years old, which may be pushing it as a narcotics K-9. Newton says Officer Hart is looking for future prospects to serve the departments, but it will take time and money that is not currently very abundant. (DK)
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Howell Parks & Rec Gives Pink Party Check For Cancer CenterHowell Parks & Rec Gives Pink Party Check For Cancer Center
11/11/14 - The Howell Parks and Recreation Authority presented a check to the Howell Pink Party today that will be used to help improve equipment at a local cancer center. The $1,088 donation was raised from the entry fees paid by runners to participate in the Headless Horseman race last month. Pink Party President and Executive Director Diana Biermann tells WHMI that money will be given to the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital to purchase a stereotactic breast biopsy system, which is designed to provide as much comfort as possible for women receiving testing or treatment for breast cancer. The total cost of the table is more than $150,000. Biermann estimates that the Pink Party raised about $40,000 this year toward St. Josephâs Cancer Center. In the past the hospital has used Pink Party donations to purchase a magnetic coil for imaging, provide genetic counseling for breast cancer patients, and provide transportation and medical supplies for those who cannot afford them on their own. The hospital says it plans to continue partnering with the Pink Party to bring services at its Ann Arbor location into the Livingston County area. (TD)
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Public Calls For Wilson's Reinstatement Ahead Of Special MeetingPublic Calls For Wilson's Reinstatement Ahead Of Special Meeting
11/11/14 - Residents praised Superintendent Ron Wilson at last nightâs Howell School Board meeting ahead of a special meeting tomorrow that will decide the fate of his employment. Earlier this fall, Wilson filed complaints against Board President Mike Witt, claiming he was creating a hostile work environment. An investigation cleared Witt of the accusations, and shortly thereafter the board placed Wilson on paid, non-disciplinary leave while an investigation is conducted into about $300 in questionable claims for reimbursement. A special meeting will be held on Wednesday for the board to discuss the issue with Wilson, get answers, and possibly make a decision about whether to keep him on as superintendent. Witt adds that there is a lot of information to go through on Wednesday, and additional meetings may be required before the board can reach a decision. Last night, residents implored the board to drop the issue and reinstate Wilson, saying he has done an exemplary job in office and that the district has spent too much time and money on such a small issue. Among them was local business owner Steve Gronow, who cautioned that discipline against Wilson would result in costly litigation. While Wilson has been on leave, his duties have been given over to Director of Labor Relations Cassandra Harmon-Higgins. Witt says she has been doing an outstanding job leading the district while still fulfilling her own duties. (TD)
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Events Honor Veterans Across Livingston County TuesdayEvents Honor Veterans Across Livingston County Tuesday
11/11/14 - Events will be held to commemorate Veterans Day and honor veterans throughout Livingston County today. A veterans assembly will take place in the auditorium of Howell High School. A meet and greet coffee hour starts at 8:30am in the lobby and will be followed by the tribute assembly. Itâs being organized by students in the HHS Leadership Class including Hannah Jarvie and Ally McNeal. The HHS choir and band will perform, while the 2014 keynote speaker is HHS graduate and special guest, retired Navy Captain Kathleen Winegar Nelson. Other events around Livingston County to commemorate Veterans Day include a free pancake breakfast for veterans from 8-10am at American Legion Post 419 in Hamburg Township; an 11am tribute ceremony at the Livingston County Veterans Memorial in front of the historic courthouse in downtown Howell; a luncheon put on by the ladies auxiliary begins at 12:30pm at the American Legion Deveraux Post 141 at M-59/Grand River in Howell; and a coffee and dessert party at 2pm in the Paul Bennett Recreation Center in Howell. More details about local Veterans Day events are available in the events section on the right side of our website. (JM)
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Author Discusses Awakening To Realities Of InsomniaAuthor Discusses Awakening To Realities Of Insomnia
11/11/14 - Insomnia sufferers looking for a better nightâs sleep often grasp at the latest tips in magazines and on the Internet, but an event tomorrow night in Brighton will feature a journalist and author with practical advice on how to get some shut-eye. Lois Maharg is the author of âThe Savvy Insomniac: A Personal Journey through Science to Better Sleep,â which she wrote while dealing with her own life-long battle against sleeplessness. Maharg says because there are different kinds of insomnia, remedies helpful to some poor sleepers may be useless to others. She also doesnât necessarily believe that modern society or the prevalence of electronics can be easily pegged as the primary causes of insomnia. Maharg, who will discuss her book Wednesday at 7pm at the Brighton District Library, plans to discuss the body systems that control sleep and waking, the latest research from sleep scientists as well as traditional insomnia treatments and new therapies. (JK)
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Hamburg Twp. Police Training & Opportunities HighlightedHamburg Twp. Police Training & Opportunities Highlighted
11/11/14 - The Hamburg Township Police Department is noting the recent training and achievements of it force. Deputy Chief Dariusz Nisenbaum and Officer Steve Locke completed an intense week-long "Basic SWAT-Law Enforcement Tactical Operations for Terrorism Response" course held at the Government Training Institute in South Carolina. Both men are members of the Brighton-Hamburg Special Response Team and all costs associated with their training were paid through a Department of Homeland Security training grant. Reserve Officers Michael Steinaway and Michael Cuddington also successfully completed a 16-week long Police Reserve Officer Training Academy and received their certificates at a graduation ceremony in Livonia. And finally, Police Chief Rick Duffany and Deputy Chief Nisenbaum accepted an award on behalf of the department from the Hamburg Enhanced Recreation Organization (HERO) in recognition of the time and effort provided by the department during the annual Hamburg Family Fun Fest in June, and the Vietnam Memorial Moving Wall event held Labor Day weekend. (JM/JK)
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Howell's Annual Veteran's Day Ceremony Honors Service Members
11/11/14- The annual Veteranâs Day ceremony in front of the historic Livingston County Courthouse opened with a 21-gun salute from the Marine Corps League of Howell this morning. The ceremony is held each year in downtown Howell to honor all Veterans, living and deceased, as a reminder and show of gratitude for their service. Air National Guard ROTC high school students stood in the ceremony to show their support and a luncheon for Veterans and their families was held at the American Legion Hall afterwards. The gun salute of 3 volleys with 7 rounds each was followed by a brief history, given by Howell citizen Dave Lucas. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the conflict that would later give birth to Veteranâs Day. Lucas shares the origin of the holiday with those that gathered. Legislation was later introduced to change Armistice Day to Veteranâs Day after WWII began. Lucas closed with the hope, âMay no soldier go unloved, may no solder walk alone, and may no solider be forgottenâ. (DK)
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Safety Upgrades Explored At Intersection Near South Lyon SchoolsSafety Upgrades Explored At Intersection Near South Lyon Schools
11/12/14 - The need for safety upgrades at a busy intersection in the South Lyon area has taken on added urgency after a student was accidentally struck and injured by a school bus. Officials with the City of South Lyon, Lyon Township, the Road Commission for Oakland County as well as others from law enforcement and the school system were challenged by a local parent to walk the Pontiac Trail intersection near Nine Mile Road in the dark, early morning hours. The South Lyon Herald reports a number did and met afterward this week to discuss options to improve safety. The road commission will investigate costs for a signal and report back to the different entities, who will be gauging potential funding options. Lyon Township is also pursuing a Safe Route to School grant. In late October, a middle school student was struck by a school bus but not seriously injured and the bus driver was ticketed for failure to yield. The Herald reports that the bus driver had been on paid administrative leave but resigned Monday. Since the accident, there have been some upgrades made to the intersection at Pontiac Trail and Nine Mile Road as part of a regularly scheduled project to upgrade pedestrian signals. Tracey Hill, the parent of a middle school student, has long voiced concerns about students crossing at the intersection. She started an online petition over a year ago that seeks to have the current school crossing on Pontiac Trail upgraded to a crossing light and/or guard. A link to Hill's petition is below. (JM)
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City of Howell Asking $5 Million for Highland/Howell Property City of Howell Asking $5 Million for Highland/Howell Property
11/12/14 - A property now owned by the City of Howell will be going up for sale. The Howell City Council met Monday night and has agreed to list the Highland/Howell property at $5(m) million. City Manager Shea Charles provided an update to members and said after comparing properties and researching recent property sales in surrounding areas at Councilâs request, staff felt $5(m) million was a reasonable asking price. Charles commented that similar properties on the market have higher asking prices but are not necessarily selling or moving and staff felt this was a safe number that allows room to negotiate. The parcel in question is a 210-acre area located north of I-96 between Lucy Road and South Michigan Avenue. It was the focal point of litigation by developers who sued the city after a proposed âloop-roadâ project failed to win federal approval. Last year, the city purchased the property for $2(m) million as part of a settlement with developers. The funding for that came from a combination of bonds, inter-departmental loans and cash on hand. Taxes arenât being collected on the property and council members have been agreeable in putting it up for sale. While selling it is the ultimate goal, any future use of the property would be subject to city approval. (JM)
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