11/27/14 - As Black Friday begins the countdown to Christmas, it also begins the countdown of The Salvation Army of Livingston Countyâs largest fund raiser. Community support and volunteers are needed to help reach this seasonâs fundraising goal of $362,000, which supports year round programs and assistance for those in need. Envoy Prezza Morrison says they hope that hearing the bells ringing will make a real impact on shoppers and boost the giving spirit to help family, friends and strangers in the community. Red Kettles are now open at all locations throughout the county and those who can afford to give are being encouraged to do so. However, Morrison says theyâre also looking for volunteers in hopes of filling all the shifts that are available when the kettles are open. Those interested in ringing a bell this season can sign up at www.registertoring.com and pick a day, time and place as an individual, family, group or organization. Donations can also be dropped off at the corps community building at 503 Lake Street in Howell or be placed in the mail. Individuals, families or organizations can also bell ring in warmth by hosting a virtual Red Kettle that will benefit the Livingston County corps. That can be done through the link below. (JK)
Black Friday Shoppers Reminded About Red Kettle CampaignBlack Friday Shoppers Reminded About Red Kettle Campaign
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Livingston United Way Recognized As Among Top In StateLivingston United Way Recognized As Among Top In State
11/28/14 - The Livingston County United Way was recognized this week as one of four top United Ways in the State of Michigan. Based on standards set by United Way Worldwide, the Livingston County United Way has consistently been ranked in the highest category over the last three years. United Way officials say that the criteria used to determine the ranking include strategic community impact, solid financials and revenue, trust and support of the local community. The values that were measured included a board of directors, staff and donors that are focused on community priorities, publicly committing to local issues, mobilizing resources, and documenting results. Nancy Rosso, Executive Director of the Livingston County United Way said they are âproud to be an integral part of the successful solution-focused work of the Livingston County Hunger Council, Livingston Promise, Great Start initiatives and Homeless Continuum of Care.â She added that âReal progress has been made in connecting local hungry people with food, at-risk children with quality preschool, and support services for local families in need.â Rosso went on to say that the way that Livingston County nonprofit organizations work together, including local businesses and churches, accounts for the progress in driving real change and that no one organization makes that happen and she recognizes that it is how they work together that moves the community forward. (JK)
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Howell & Brighton Touting Small Business SaturdayHowell & Brighton Touting Small Business Saturday
11/28/14 - As we enter another hectic holiday shopping season, those heading out are being encouraged to keep their spending in the local community where it helps all the way down the line. Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday are all upon us and the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce says shop small and shop local. Chamber President & CEO Pam McConeghy tells WHMI the importance of shopping local cannot be underestimated as it helps both the local economy and community thrive. McConeghy says typically on Black Friday people race to the malls and big box stores. Then on Cyber Monday, some small businesses may participate and benefit, but as a whole, it doesnât drive a local economy. Lisa Nelson owns Hush Intimate Apparel, a women's boutique in downtown Brighton. She says these small retailers make a big impact. "Without small businesses, downtowns go away. Without a thriving downtown, your community suffers. A thriving downtown helps the tax base and increases the values of homes." McConeghy says Small Business Saturday is a different story as it encourages holiday shoppers to patronize small and local businesses. She says Small Business Saturday has become a part of the shopping culture in downtown Brighton and the number of participating retailers has increased, resulting in an uptick in local sales since the campaign was first introduced in 2010. Howell Main Street Downtown Development Authority Director Cathleen Edgerly says they will also be taking part in Small Business Saturday with free shopping bags stuffed with downtown Howell coupons. Details are posted below. (Assistance provided by Mona Shand - Public News Service)
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Pinckney Master Plan Open House Set For MondayPinckney Master Plan Open House Set For Monday
11/28/14 - An event next week will seek to gather input from Pinckney residents on how theyâd like the communityâs future growth to proceed. The Village of Pinckney is sponsoring a Master Plan Open House on Monday to receive input from the public regarding the 2014 Village Master Plan update. Officials say the villageâs Master Plan articulates a vision for future growth and development and is a guiding document for future decision-making. They are encouraging residents to exchange ideas by outlining the goals and objectives for the villageâs activities in the coming years. The Open House will be informal and will cover growth and development in both the downtown business district and residential areas, as well parks and other recreational opportunities. The Open House will be held on Monday from 5:30-7pm in the Village Hall. (JK)
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Ladies Auxiliary Putting Together Holiday Packages for Troops Ladies Auxiliary Putting Together Holiday Packages for Troops
11/28/14 - Donations are being sought to help make the holidays a little brighter for the men and women currently serving overseas. The Ladies Auxiliary Post 4357 in Brighton will be packing boxes of goodies for the troops as they do every year. Donations of beef jerky, energy bars, flavor packets for bottled water or tea bags are some items being collected. Cards or letters of appreciation and support are being sought, along with snacks and personal care type items. Auxiliary member Sherry Gransden tells WHMI the community comes through every year and they canât do enough for these soldiers, adding it means a lot to them to receive things from home. She says it's basically items they can fit in their gear when out in the field and everything will be shipped out to the different addresses theyâve received in Afghanistan and the Iraq area. Donations can be dropped off at the American Spirit Center on Grand River in Brighton, which is open 11am until around 8pm daily. The boxes will be put together starting around 7pm on Monday, December 1st and shipped out by the end of the week but Gransden says theyâll make sure any late donations received also get sent out. Cub scouts and other volunteers help out packing the boxes but anyone in the community is welcome to lend a hand. Monetary donations are also being accepted to assist with the shipping charges and can be made out to the Ladies Auxiliary. Further details and a list of suggested donations is available in the attachment below. (JM)
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Pink Party Presents Check To St. Joe's For Cancer TreatmentPink Party Presents Check To St. Joe's For Cancer Treatment
11/28/14 - A check for the improvement of local cancer treatment options was presented to St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital by the Howell Pink Party Monday. Every year, the Pink Party takes over Howellâs downtown area for one night in June, allowing women who buy passports to take advantage of special deals at local businesses as well as attractions and services, all with the goal of increasing funding for breast cancer treatment and research in Livingston County. Pink Party Executive Director and President Diana Biermann presented a $30,000 check to officials from St. Joeâs Livingston. The money will go toward the purchase of a stereotactic breast biopsy system, a special table that allows more comfort for patients and better access for doctors during breast cancer treatment and testing. The donation will make a considerable dent in the tableâs $150,000 price tag. Hospital Executive Director Brynt Ellis tells WHMI says he is very happy to have the Pink Party as a partner in the community. The Pink Party was recently recognized with 501c3 status, making it a recognized nonprofit and donations made to it tax-deductible. (TD)
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Hartland Mom To Spend Weekends In Jail On Pot ConvictionHartland Mom To Spend Weekends In Jail On Pot Conviction
11/28/14 - A judge will allow a local mother to avoid jail time during weekdays after she admitted to selling marijuana to an undercover officer. 50-year-old Catherine-Ann Margaret Coviak of Hartland Township was sentenced this week to 18 months of probation and 30 days in jail. Circuit Court Judge Michael Hatty agreed to let Coviak serve the 30 days over the next 15 consecutive weekends to accommodate her work and daycare schedule. The mother of three pleaded guilty to three counts of possession of marijuana with intent to deliver after selling to an undercover officer last May. Police Coviak initially delivered a small amount of marijuana to the officer, who identified himself as a medical marijuana patient from northern Michigan. During a second incident, she reportedly sold the officer a pound of marijuana, which she had for her own medical purposes, for $3,000. (JK)
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Hollywood Celebrities To Light Up 31st Annual Fantasy of Lights Hollywood Celebrities To Light Up 31st Annual Fantasy of Lights
11/28/14 - Hollywood comes to Downtown Howell tonight for an annual tradition to kick off the holiday season. The 31st Annual Fantasy of Lights Parade will make its way down Grand River tonight featuring Hollywood celebrities, and Howell residents, Timothy Busfield and Melissa Gilbert as grand marshals. More than 30,000 people are expected to brave the temperatures and pack into downtown Howell tonight for the parade. Nearly 50 illuminated floats and vehicles will make up the parade, each with a minimum of 5,000 holiday lights. As had been the tradition for decades, chairs have already been deposited at favorite viewing locations along the parade route. While the parade kicks off at 7pm, events beforehand include Christmas Alley, better known as State Street, which will be filled with holiday crafts and seasonal refreshments from 4 to 8:30pm. Thatâs also where Santa will visit with children before the parade from 4 to 5:30pm. The Fantasy 5K run takes off at 6pm with the parade an hour later. At the end of the parade, Santa will light the cityâs Christmas tree together with the Grand Marshals. Complete details are online at Howell.org. (JK)
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Reward Offered In Tyrone Store Hold-UpReward Offered In Tyrone Store Hold-Up
11/29/14 - Police are offering a reward for information leading to the man who held up a Tyrone Township retailer with a knife earlier this month. The incident took place at the Runyan Lake Food Center on Hartland Road in Tyrone Township. Livingston County Sheriffâs deputies responded to the store at about 8:30pm on November 14th for a report of an armed robbery. Two employees and another customer witnessed the event and told officers that a man entered the store, produced a knife, and demanded money from the cashier. He then left with an undisclosed amount of cash, fleeing northwest on foot. He is described as a white man with a medium build, about six feet tall, in a teal tee-shirt and a blue hooded sweatshirt with white stripes on the sleeves. A $1,000 reward is being offered for information on the suspect. That information can be provided to the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. (TD)
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Fenton Library Closing For RenovationsFenton Library Closing For Renovations
11/29/14 - The Fenton-Winegarden Library will be closing for renovations. The building is in need of some modernization, with cosmetic and systemic problems throughout. The library is located at 200 East Caroline Street and will close on Monday, December 1st for the renovations, which are estimated to cost around $310,000. Fenton Assistant City Manager Michael Burns tells WHMI theyâll basically be restoring the building to make it more user friendly. The Fenton Winegarden Library will be re-carpeted and painted inside while some smaller rooms will be added. There will also be plumbing and electrical upgrades. During the renovations, any holds scheduled for pickup at the Fenton location will be sent to the Linden Library located on north Main Street. The City of Fenton owns the building but the Genesee District Library oversees operations, staffing and programming and the two are working in conjunction on the restoration project. (JM)
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Milford Mulch Fire Instigator To Be Charged For CostsMilford Mulch Fire Instigator To Be Charged For Costs
11/29/14 - Milford fire officials are planning to seek restitution after spending more than three days trying to fight a debris fire the size of a football field. The fire raged at Your Way Property Services from November 11th to the 14th, consuming a massive field of landscaping waste and wood meant for chipping. The fire is now believed to have begun as an illegal burn on an adjacent property that then spread to the debris field. Containing and fighting the fire required a massive response from several neighboring fire departments, and the Milford Township Fire Department will have to pay invoices from those departments, according to the Milford Times. Milford Fire officials are now investigating the fire and believe they may know who started it. They plan to seek restitution from the guilty parties once they are firmly identified. Your Way Property Services may have been violating site plan approval by storing so much material on-site, but the company is not being blamed for the fire. Picture courtesy of WDIV. (TD)
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Trial Is A Year Away For Hartland Discrimination LawsuitTrial Is A Year Away For Hartland Discrimination Lawsuit
11/30/14 - It will be more than a year before a blind and disabled Hartland Township man gets his lawsuit in front of a jury. 64-year-old Philip Cusumano filed a federal discrimination lawsuit in U.S District Court in Detroit against the Hartland Meadows manufactured housing community, saying he is being denied the ability to use his wheelchair on sidewalks. The lawsuit, which was filed in August, was recently set for trial in December of 2015. In the complaint, Cusumano alleges Hartland Meadows has engaged in handicap discrimination in violation of the Fair Housing Amendments Act. Cusumano suffers from numerous health issues and became legally blind after receiving a lung transplant in 2002. His kidneys failed in recent years and he began using a wheelchair in 2012. Cusumano says he relies on clear sidewalks to get around in his wheelchair, but that the already-narrow paths are often blocked by residents parking on the street and sidewalks. The complaint states that since 2013 he has been prevented from accessing his mailbox and other common areas in Hartland Meadows such as the playground and has almost been struck by oncoming traffic. The complaint, which requests Hartland Meadows enforce its own policies prohibiting parking on sidewalks, says Cusumano is entitled to damages based on his emotional distress, pain and suffering because of the defendantâs failure and refusals to grant reasonable accommodations. Lawyers for Hartland Meadows have denied the allegations and say they have always acted within the bounds of good faith for legitimate and non-discriminatory reasons. (JK)
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Brighton To Purchase New Public Works EquipmentBrighton To Purchase New Public Works Equipment
11/30/14 - The city of Brighton will be purchasing over $200,000 worth of equipment for the Department of Public Works and the city water department. At its meeting last week council approved purchase of new HVAC equipment and pump at the wastewater treatment plant and a lift station generator. City Finance Director Kelly Hanna tells WHMI the items were sorely needed. The low bid on the new equipment was $247,000, and Hanna says the items should be delivered and ready for installation after the first of the year. On another matter involving the Department of Public Works, DPW Director Dave Blackmar says that even though winter hasnât even started yet, the city has used 88 tons of road salt, and drivers and other city DPW staff have consumed 66 personal hours in doing the work of keeping the cityâs streets clean and free of snow and ice. He says in comparison, last year by this time the city had used 36 tons of road salt â less than half this yearâs amount, and staff had used half this yearâs total of personal hours working at odd hours to remove snow and ice for Brighton motorists. (TT)
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Trial Set For Highland Man On Sex Misconduct ChargesTrial Set For Highland Man On Sex Misconduct Charges
12/1/14 - A trial date has been set in Oakland County for a Highland Township man after police say he made films of himself having sex with underage girls. 37-year-old Nino Tanzini is charged with three counts of 3rd degree criminal sexual conduct in Oakland County Circuit Court. A trial there is set for February 23rd. Heâs also facing two counts of producing and possessing child pornography as well as one count of enticing a minor in U.S. District Court. Authorities say Tanzini had sexual relationships with two girls beginning when they were 14 and 16 years of age. In both cases, the girls said they started long-distance romantic relationships via email with young men, who then suggested they gain sexual experience by visiting Tanzini. The girls both say they had sexual relationships with Tanzini, who would take photos or videos of the acts. They eventually became aware that their online boyfriends were Tanzini himself, posing as younger men online. Tanziniâs wife, who has since filed for divorce, turned the contents of his external hard drive over to police, who say they found explicit photographs and videos of both girls. While no trial date is set on the federal charges, a final date for pleas in the case is scheduled for January 29th.
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Fowlerville's "Christmas In The 'Ville" To Attempt World RecordFowlerville's "Christmas In The 'Ville" To Attempt World Record
12/1/14 - More than two dozen hot air balloonists and thousands of people will flock to downtown Fowlerville this weekend for the 7th annual Christmas in the Ville. Organizers are hoping 15,000 people will make their way to Fowlerville for Christmas in the Ville this Saturday, December 6th to see 30 balloon crews taking off or firing their burners into the air for the crowds at the parade. Organizer Steve MacDermaid says balloonists will be coming from as far away as Ohio and Indiana to participate in the event, which will include an attempt to pack up to 2,000 people to stand inside a hot air balloon envelope, which would set a world record. People can participate in the attempt with a simple donation of a nonperishable food item for the local food bank. The celebration will start Saturday with a balloon launch scheduled for 8am, weather permitting, and culminate with a parade through downtown Fowlerville. In addition to the parade there will also be a scavenger hunt for kids, Santaâs workshop, treat decorating, story time in the window, real reindeer, a balloon sculptor, chili sold by the fire department and a 5k Dashing through the Snow and 1k fun walk for kids. If the weather permits, a second balloon launch will take place at 2pm. The event concludes with a parade through the downtown at 6pm, with balloon crews firing their burners into the air for the crowds and Santa on hand for the official tree lighting. More information and a complete schedule of events can be found at christmasintheville.com (Picture courtesy of Miller Media Vision)
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Brighton Twp. & County Leaders Examine EMS Dispatch ProcessBrighton Twp. & County Leaders Examine EMS Dispatch Process
12/1/14 - Leaders from Livingston County EMS and the Brighton Area Fire Authority met with the Brighton Township Board last week to explain the process by which they respond to calls. This was the second meeting of the board in the last couple of months to include County Commissioners Kate Lawrence and Gary Childs, who serve precincts in the township. The meetings, which Supervisor Tom Murphy hopes will become a regular occurrence, are meant to open the channels of communication between the township and county levels, discuss important topics, and make the townshipâs concerns known to the county. The topic last week was efficiency in ambulance responses in the township, where officials report seeing a large number of EMS and fire authority personnel responding to relatively small incidents. EMS and 911 Dispatch Director Jeff Boyd explained to officials that a new system has been implemented in the past few months to greatly reduce redundancy in emergency medical responses. He says while no system is perfect, the new system in place is very efficient and they prefer to err on the side of caution when residentsâ lives are at stake. Murphy says the next meeting between township and county officials may focus on the repair and prioritization of county roads. (TD)
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Jail Expansion Costs Shift Dollars To Debt Retirement FundJail Expansion Costs Shift Dollars To Debt Retirement Fund
12/1/14 - The Livingston County Jail expansion is moving forward, despite some changing numbers. The originally estimated costs for Phase 1 and 2 of the project have changed drastically as construction continues. The countyâs Construction Committee made an amendment to a previous resolution in light of the cost deviation. That amendment is set to be approved tonight by the full board. County Administrator Belinda Peters, who is a member of the committee, tells WHMI the budget was originally prepared in June. While the renovations are expected to cost $939,000 more than planned, the building additions will cost $1.5 million less than originally budgeted. Peters says the surplus monies will be deposited in the countyâs Debt Retirement Fund, as required by law. She says those surplus funds will free up monies from the Delinquent Tax Funds to pay for the cost of renovations to the existing jail facility. One of the most significant costs of the project is the renovation of the jailâs control pod, which will be elevated. The project managers from Clark Construction say they plan to put footings in within the next week or so and hope to have it up and framed by March. (DK/JK)
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Former Drug-User Uses Comedy To Discuss Addiction IssuesFormer Drug-User Uses Comedy To Discuss Addiction Issues
12/1/14 - A unique comedy show this weekend will help bring awareness to addiction and recovery through laughter. Comedian Mark Lundholm will be part of a community performance and craft show on Saturday, December 6th. The stand-up routine will raise funds for the St. John Providence Brighton Center for Recovery and efforts toward drug and alcohol prevention, education, recovery and extended care efforts. Scott Masi is an Outreach and Referral Specialist with the Brighton Center for Recovery. He tells WHMI that Saturdayâs show will wrap up a week full of activities featuring Lundholm as he visits both jails and high school across Detroit. Proceeds from the Saturday craft show and performance will also go to help support patients, family and friends at the Brighton Center for Recovery. Doors for Saturdayâs show in Hartland open at 6pm for a silent auction with entertainment and sports memorabilia, and to purchase various arts and crafts. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Call 810-360-5779 or visit the link below for more information. (JK)
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Heart of Howell Named 2014 Winner of "Deck the Windows" Contest Heart of Howell Named 2014 Winner of "Deck the Windows" Contest
12/1/14 - The Howell Main Street Downtown Development Authorityâs first annual Deck the Windows contest is being dubbed a success. Heart of Howell won the 2014 contest with 23% of the over 800 votes submitted. More than 30 downtown Howell businesses participated by decking their windows in holiday décor to win the publicâs vote as the best decorated storefront. Howell Main Street DDA Director Cathleen Edgerly says several downtown businesses were already well known for their holiday window displays. The contest was a new addition to Howellâs Fantasy of Lights event and was designed to increase foot traffic downtown, unify the district and highlight the beauty of downtown Howell during the holiday season. Public voting ended at noon today. Heart of Howell will be receiving $200 and the soon-to-be-coveted Golden Traveling Tree award later this week. (JM)
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Salon Owner Seeks Dismissal Of Alleged Police ConfessionSalon Owner Seeks Dismissal Of Alleged Police Confession
12/1/14 - A Hartland Township business owner who allegedly photographed a naked tanning customer is set for trial next week. A December 8th trial date is scheduled in Livingston County Circuit Court for 41-year-old Eric William Matlack of Hartland Township, although a motion hearing in the case is on the docket for Thursday. Matlack is charged with a single count of capturing/distributing an image of an unclothed person following an incident on August 9th. Matlack is the owner of Tan del Sol on M-59 and the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department says he admitted to taking a photograph of an unclothed woman who had just finished a tanning session. Matlack allegedly stood on a chair in an adjacent room to take the photo with a cellphone, when the victim saw a flash and heard a click. The hearing on Thursday will deal with a motion by Matlackâs attorney to suppress his clientâs initial conversation with a detective, as he was not read his rights. The detective said that was a casual conversation and not an official interrogation. Matlack remains free on bond but has been ordered not to enter the tanning salon and to have no contact with the victim. (JK)
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