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Runway Repurposed Puts Out Call For 2015 DesignersRunway Repurposed Puts Out Call For 2015 Designers

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12/4/14 - The 7th Annual Runway Repurposed fashion show is seeking out prospective designers. Runway Repurposed is a fundraiser for the Howell Opera House that combines the art of fashion design with the use of recycled clothing and materials. Residents of all ages with a talent for fashion design are encouraged to take used clothing items and turn them into new designs, which are then displayed and sold at the fashion show and silent auction. Registration for the competition will be held on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, January 5th through the 7th from 4-8pm at The Howell Opera House. That’s when contestants will select pieces of clothing they wish to use to create a new, original garment for the competition. The event itself will be held February 15th at the Crystal Gardens Banquet Center. The designer categories include Young Beginner, Beginner Student, Beginner Adult, Advanced, and the newly added Avant Garde. Organizers say many new elements have been added to the 2015 event including a $500 cash prize for the 1st place Advanced Designer. Further details are available online through the link below. (JK)

Tuba Holiday Concert Returns To Downtown Howell This WeekendTuba Holiday Concert Returns To Downtown Howell This Weekend

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12/4/14 - A free concert this weekend will celebrate the Christmas season by playing classic holiday tunes on a symphony of tubas. After two years, Merry Tuba Christmas will return to Howell on Saturday, December 6th beginning at 1:30pm. Merry Tuba Christmas is celebrated across the country. It began in 1974 as a tribute to William J. Bell, a famous tuba player who was born on Christmas Day in 1902. Tuba players from the Livingston County area and nearby universities have been invited to gather on the steps of the Howell Carnegie Library to take part in the concert, which charges no admission and is open to the public. Organizer Dale Marzewski tells WHMI he does not know how many tuba players will participate, but the downtown area is welcoming the event back to Howell. Mayor Phil Campbell has declared this Saturday Merry Tuba Christmas Day, and encourages all residents to attend the concert. Tuba, baritone, or euphonium players who want to play in this year’s Merry Tuba Christmas can contact Marzewski by calling (517) 230-6500 or by email at marzewskidl@att.net. (TD)

Electronic Cigarettes Prohibited in County Buildings & Vehicles Electronic Cigarettes Prohibited in County Buildings & Vehicles

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12/4/14 - Although growing in popularity, the use of electronic cigarettes is now prohibited under the Livingston County smoke-free buildings and vehicles policy. Citing the vapor odors and potential health consequences associated with the devices, the Livingston County Board of Commissioners approved the policy update during its meeting Monday night. A complaint from an employee prompted an examination of the county’s policy. Health Department Director Diane McCormick told the board the harmful versus harmless effects are still unknown and that there are concerns with the odors and vapors being emitted, adding there are no studies by credible industry to suggest they are not harmful. Commissioner Steve Williams voted against the policy change but said during the meeting that while he personally has no use for smoking, he’s heard the devices have been helpful in weaning some smokers from the habit. Williams told WHMI he agreed with a lot of the points McCormick made, but worried that they were anticipating health risks that haven't been proven yet. Williams says he would agree to a policy that prohibits usage in areas where a co-worker is bothered by the vapors and where there is a lot of public interaction, especially with children but doesn’t want to discourage people from making an effort to quit smoking. He added that he thinks if someone can use e-cigs in the privacy of their office as a means to wean themselves from smoking tobacco products, then they should allow that. The new amendments are slated to take effect on December 15th.(JM)

Planning Commission Approves Pinckney Chrysler Addition Planning Commission Approves Pinckney Chrysler Addition

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12/4/14 - The Village of Pinckney’s Planning Commission has approved a site plan for an addition to the Pinckney Chrysler dealership. The existing facility, located on M-36, will also receive a parking lot expansion for more asphalt and detailed landscaping. Planning Commissioner Michael Gergel says the addition and expansion will better use the property that the dealership already owns. Members from Boss Engineering, who designed the site plan, appeared before the Planning Commission to request approval before going before Village Council. The Planning Commission recommended that the Village Council approve the final site plan, as certain requirements have been met including providing a vision of parking and signage, as well as approval from the Livingston County Drain Commissioner. Gergel tells WHMI the approval process is long and involves many facets. If the Village Council offers final approval at their meeting on Monday, Boss Engineering will then immediately move forward to finalize permits for the expansion. (DK/JK)

Arguments Heard In Appeal Of Lawsuit From 1992 Hamburg MurderArguments Heard In Appeal Of Lawsuit From 1992 Hamburg Murder

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12/4/14 - Oral arguments were heard Wednesday in the appeal of a federal lawsuit filed by a former Brighton man who spent more than 15 years in prison for murder. The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in Detroit in 2012 by 47-year-old Daniel Albert Newman, who was convicted of murder in 1992 for the shooting death of Harry Chappelear in his Hamburg Township home. Newman (pictured) was accused of killing Chappelear in the course of a robbery. But in 2008 a federal appeals panel ruled that because there was no eyewitness or direct evidence that could place Newman at the murder scene, there were not sufficient grounds to sustain a conviction, and he was eventually released. The suit originally targeted Hamburg Township and two former police officials; Officer Patrick Debottis and Lt. Eric Calhoun. But the township and Debottis were removed from the lawsuit, leaving Calhoun as the sole defendant. He then appealed to the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati seeking a decision on whether or not he has qualified immunity in the case as he maintains that there was probable cause for Newman's arrest and that he acted in good faith. Oral arguments on that appeal were heard Wednesday in Cincinnati. A decision could take months. Newman's lawsuit alleges Calhoun violated his Constitutional rights when he failed to disclose evidence to the prosecutor's office, including work boots found at his home that were larger than a shoe print found at the murder scene. He also alleges that authorities ignored a failed polygraph exam of another man who was asked about his involvement in the murder. (JK)

Howell School Recall Petitions Rejected As Too VagueHowell School Recall Petitions Rejected As Too Vague

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12/4/14 - The Livingston County Elections Commission has rejected the wording of petitions to recall four members of the Howell Schools Board of Education. Elections officials said the wording on the petitions was too vague, and that in the case of Treasurer Stacey Pasini, it was based on an opinion and not fact. The petitions were filed to recall Vice President Mike Yenshaw and Trustees Mike Moloney and Deborah McCormick because of their vote to fire former Superintendent Ron Wilson on November 12th. Pasini was the lone no vote to fire Wilson, but was included in the recall effort because of her earlier vote to place Wilson on a paid, non-disciplinary leave. Organizers, led by Howell businessmen Don Cortez and Matt Ikle, can either appeal the decision to Livingston County Circuit Court or re-file updated petitions. Ikle (pictured) said they plan to meet this afternoon to discuss their options, but insisted they have no plans to drop the recall, saying that if the four targeted board members remain, they will continue to micromanage the district and they "need to stop the virus." McCormick told WHMI that she was "thankful that the commission ruled in our favor, because it was absolutely the right thing to do. I'm hoping it will put an end to this issue and we can work on healing the district rather than tearing it apart." Wilson was fired by the school board after they concluded he had inappropriately filed for $309 in mileage reimbursements and then "knowingly and falsely testified" about them afterward. Yenshaw says the board’s decision to fire Wilson came on the advice of the district’s attorney and was well within their sworn duties as board members. He adds that further attempts at a recall will only serve to harm the district. Wilson's supporters maintain the firing was made in retaliation for a harassment complaint Wilson filed against School Board President Mike Witt. That complaint was investigated by an outside law firm hired by the board, which concluded there was no merit to Wilson's accusations. The district is currently being run by Interim Superintendent Cassandra Harmon-Higgins. But she is leaving later this month for a new position in Washtenaw County. The school board on Monday will vote on a motion to hire Dr. Jeremy Hughes as their new Interim Superintendent. Hughes is a former member of the State of Michigan Board of Education. (JK)

Community Support Needed to "Stuff the Bus" This Weekend Community Support Needed to "Stuff the Bus" This Weekend

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12/5/14 - The annual Stuff the Bus event is ready to roll. The Livingston Essential Transportation Service will have a bus parked outside of the Howell Wal-Mart, where wish lists will be passed out and items collected for local non-profit agencies and families in need. L.E.T.S Operations Manager Katrina Maxwell tells WHMI the generosity of Livingston County cannot be topped as this marks her 19th year coordinating the event and every year more people get involved, more donations are received and they help more families than imagined. She says all of the donations make a big difference in the lives of so many every Christmas and it’s because of the community’s continuing generosity with cash donations, gifts and even basic pantry items. Maxwell says one of the greatest donations so far this year was hundreds of pairs of new, boxed shoes for kids, men, and women so families in need will be able to receive free shoes from local agencies. VG’s in Howell also made a first time donation of left over summer items like toys and a BBQ grill, which normally aren’t collected during the event and Maxwell says those will also make for some awesome gifts for families. Stuff the Bus will run from 11am to 6pm this Friday and Saturday at the Howell Wal-Mart. (JM)

Registration Open for Upcoming Armed Intruder Training Exercise Registration Open for Upcoming Armed Intruder Training Exercise

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12/5/14 - A training exercise in Brighton later this month aims to prepare community members for a potentially deadly event that’s becoming an increasing reality. An exercise hosted by Michigan State Police from the Brighton Post will focus on proactive strategies to hopefully increase chances of survival in violent or active shooter incidents. The exercise is put on by the ALICE Training Institute, which stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter and Evacuate. The program aims to change how not only schools but hospitals, places of worship and businesses respond to armed intruder events in public places. A similar program was held at the vacant Lindbom Elementary School last summer. The two-day exercise costs $595 per person and will be held December 17th and 18th at the Brighton Police Department. It is open to anyone interested in learning how to respond to an armed intruder and will feature classroom instruction before culminating with a variety of live training scenarios. Details can be found through the link below. (JM)

City Mgr. Dana Foster Given Pay Raise by Brighton City CouncilCity Mgr. Dana Foster Given Pay Raise by Brighton City Council

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12/5/14 - The Brighton City Council voted unanimously to give City Manager Dana Foster a substantial raise at its meeting Thursday night. Council approved a 6% pay hike for Foster, bringing his annual base salary to $91,721. Mayor Jim Muzzin has said that Foster works well with his staff and is highly respected in the local community and elsewhere in Michigan. Foster tells WHMI he is gratified and humbled by the display of support from the council. Council said the increase brings Foster’s pay more in line with city managers in other communities of similar size, although he is still at the lower end of the pay scale for small cities in Michigan. Foster and other staffers absorbed a pay freeze for four years during the recent recession and, in addition, he took a 5% voluntary pay cut. The compensation package is retroactive to last July 1st, the start of the current fiscal year. The salary adjustment comes on the heels of a performance evaluation which Foster passed with flying colors. The evaluation took place in a closed session during the city goal-setting session in November. Foster serves at the pleasure of the City Council and, as such, is an at-will employee. (TT)

Recall Committee To Re-File Petitions With New LanguageRecall Committee To Re-File Petitions With New Language

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12/5/14 - After wording included on a petition seeking to recall four Howell school board members was denied, the committee behind it intends to re-file as soon as today. The Livingston County Election Commission at a hearing Thursday morning determined that the language seeking to recall the four board members for their votes that led to the firing of former Superintendent Ron Wilson was too vague. The petitions were seeking the recall of Vice President Mike Yenshaw, Treasurer Stacy Pasini and Trustees Mike Moloney and Deborah McCormick. The committee wants to recall the four because of their votes that led to Superintendent Ron Wilson being fired on November 12th. Although Pasini was the only member of the board to vote against Wilson’s firing, recall organizers say she was included because of her earlier vote to place him on a paid, non-disciplinary leave. The Howell Recall Committee consists of supporters of former superintendent Ron Wilson, including Howell businessman Don Cortez. He says the recall is going to happen; it’s just a matter of getting the vernacular correct. He says the law governing recalls changed in 2012 and it does limit the wording that can be used on petitions. Cortez added that there have been few recalls in Livingston County so it was a learning experience for everyone but they walked through it, will make some adjustments, refile the petition and move forward. For Deb McCormick, yesterday’s decision was the correct one and the recall committee’s decision to change the wording and try again doesn’t change the facts that there was abundant evidence presented to them that Wilson knowingly filed for mileage reimbursements he wasn’t entitled to and then “knowingly and falsely testified” about it afterward. (JM/JK)

Hamburg Twp. Soccer Fields Damaged; $1,000 Reward OfferedHamburg Twp. Soccer Fields Damaged; $1,000 Reward Offered

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12/5/14 - Soccer fields were damaged in Hamburg Township recently and police are hoping that tips from the public will help crack the case. The Hamburg Township Police Department is investigating two incidents of property damage at the soccer fields in Manly Bennett West Park, located off Merrill Road between M-36 and Strawberry Lake Road. The first incident, in which a vehicle was used to tear up the turf on several of the soccer fields, occurred over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend and was discovered by township workers on Monday, December 1st. Police say a second incident then occurred overnight on Tuesday and a vehicle was used to tear up the compacted aggregate parking lot - causing more than $1,000 in damage. Police say the pattern of damage in both incidents is consistent with someone using a vehicle to do “donut” maneuvers. There is no suspect or vehicle description at this time. The Hamburg Township Board of Trustees has authorized the payment of a reward in the amount of $1,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the damage. Tips can be provided anonymously. Anyone with any information regarding these incidents is asked to please contact Officer Alysha Garbacik at (810) 231-9391, ext. 459 or at agarbacik@hamburg.mi.us. Additionally, information can be texted to the Hamburg Township Police Department anonymously by texting the keyword HTPD and your message to 847411 (tip411). (JM)

Brighton Seeks $506,000 Grant for TG Fluids to Expand Brighton Seeks $506,000 Grant for TG Fluids to Expand

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12/5/14 - Things are looking good for a company with a plant in Brighton to be able to expand and bring more jobs to the community with the help of a couple of grants. Most important among them is a grant of over half-a-million dollars from the Michigan Department of Transportation. TG Fluid Systems on Advance St., a subsidiary of Toyoda Gosei North American Corp. of Troy, has plans to expand in the city of Brighton and move into the former Magna Atoma plant on Brighton Interior Drive. TG Fluid Systems is a plastic extrusion and forming manufacturer. The company has experienced significant growth due to its highly automated forming and assembly system. The Brighton City Council Thursday night approved a resolution indicating a commitment of financial support for the MDOT grant. The city has already made application for the grant, and has also received assurance of a performance-based grant of $150,000 from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Brighton Planning and Zoning Director Amy Cyphert tells WHMI the grant, if approved, will total $506,000 and go toward improvements to Brighton Interior Drive. The $12.9 million project will result in 36 new jobs for the community, along with retention of existing Brighton jobs at TG Fluids. The city will be required to contribute $127,000 as its 20% share of the MDOT grant amount. The local share can involve design, engineering and inspection work, plus a portion of the construction cost. Given approval of the grant, Cyphert expects the improvements to Brighton Interior Drive to occur by next fall. Ann Arbor Spark has offered hiring assistance after the grants are approved and has provided assistance to TG Fluids in securing incentives from the state. Brighton is one of several cities and townships in Livingston County which participate in SPARK, paying annual membership dues for its services. (TT)

DDA Holds Open House To Celebrate New HeadquartersDDA Holds Open House To Celebrate New Headquarters

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12/5/14 - The ribbon was cut on the Howell Downtown Development Authority’s new headquarters on Clinton Street last night. Renovations on the building were completed recently, and last night’s open house celebrated the opening of the new location. The building, which is nearly 100 years old, has an upstairs residential apartment that is currently on the market with a monthly rent of $1,350 per month. Director Cathleen Edgerly says moving to the new location will allow the DDA to stop paying rent on a building and instead start generating revenue through its location. In addition to celebrating the new headquarters, the DDA used the event last night to celebrate the ten years the City of Howell has been a Michigan Main Street Community. The designation recognizes the effort put forward by communities for the sake of historic preservation, and only 15 communities in the state have earned the title. Edgerly says it entitles Howell to a number of free benefits from the state, including volunteer training, conferences, design services, and fund development. She credits the hard work of volunteers for the city gaining and retaining the prestigious title. (TD)

Charges Stand Against Getaway Driver in Smash & Grab Robbery Charges Stand Against Getaway Driver in Smash & Grab Robbery

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12/5/14 - The alleged getaway driver charged in the robbery of a downtown Brighton jewelry store has unsuccessfully tried to have the most serious count against him dismissed. 19-year-old Darvon Smith of Kalamazoo, 18-year-old Elijah Henderson of Belleville and 19-year-old Devon McCloud of Warren all face armed robbery charges in Livingston County Circuit Court following the July 14th incident at Rottermond Jewelers. McCloud was the alleged getaway driver and is also charged with fleeing and eluding. During a hearing this week, his attorney sought to quash the armed robbery count, which was denied. McCloud and Henderson will appear in court for plea hearings in January, while records show Smith has a jury trial scheduled in February. Surveillance video that was released by authorities showed 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. 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. (JM)

Controversial “After School” App is Back Controversial “After School” App is Back

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12/5/14 - A controversial social media application is back up, but with a few changes. The removal of the cell phone app called After School followed officials from local districts contacting the company and voicing their concerns about it giving students a free space to anonymously bully and harass other students while viewing inappropriate content, including sexually explicit videos and photos. However, the app was back up on the site several hours after disappearing Thursday. Techcrunch.com reports that Apple’s development team contacted the developer and requested he remove the app, clean up the content and make some other changes. It’s still anonymous and appears geared toward students but is now restricted to users age 17 and older. Users can also flag offensive or inappropriate content now. The app, created by developer Ambient, claims to be a private, anonymous online message board for schools, but was in no way affiliated, endorsed or organized by districts. It’s compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices with an iOS 6.0 or later operating system. It remains free to download and has the icon of a tiger wearing yellow striped sunglasses. (JM)

New Overhead Lights To Extend Hours Of South Lyon Dog ParkNew Overhead Lights To Extend Hours Of South Lyon Dog Park

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12/6/14 - It may be getting dark earlier, but the Lyon Oaks Dog Park knows your furry friends still need to run and play. The South Lyon dog park has set up temporary lighting that will allow the running and fetching to continue even after dark. The park’s hours will be extended to 8pm Thursday through Saturday until December 27th, according to the South Lyon Herald. The new program, which is also being implemented at the Orion Oaks Dog Park in Orion Township, will help Oakland County Parks and Recreation determine whether there is sufficient demand to justify the installation of permanent lighting at the parks. (TD)

Salvation Army Hosts Fill The Truck Toy Drive Sunday Salvation Army Hosts Fill The Truck Toy Drive Sunday

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12/6/14 - A weekend toy drive aims to help bring holiday cheer to hundreds of children this season. The Salvation Army is partnering with Wal-Mart for the third annual Fill the Truck Toy Drive Sunday, December 7th from 12pm-5pm at all of the Livingston County stores in Howell, Hartland and Fowlerville. Collection bins will also be located inside all three stores through December 20th. The toy drive is part of a long-standing partnership that also includes the iconic red kettle campaign. The three local stores will be hosting The Salvation Army’s red kettles and bell ringers up until Christmas Eve December 24th. All donations made to the red kettles remain in the local community and will help the local corps provide food, clothing, shelter, energy assistance and other services to roughly 7,000 people in Livingston County this year. The Walmart Foundation also donated $1,000 to The Salvation Army of Livingston County’s Toy Shop, which will be applied to purchasing gifts and gift cards for teen aged children. Volunteer bell ringers are always needed along with donations to help the local Salvation Army reach its Christmas goal. A new option is text to give, and individuals can text Livingston to 71777 to give with their mobile device, as well as online through the link below. Those wanting to volunteer to collect toys can contact Liz Welch at 517-546-4750 ext 107; for more information contact April Dertian 517-546-4750 ext 105. Donations can also be mailed directly to P.O. Box 647, Howell MI 48844 or dropped off at 503 Lake Street, Howell. (JM)

Woman Charged in Green Oak Hit & Run Death Heads to TrialWoman Charged in Green Oak Hit & Run Death Heads to Trial

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12/6/14 - A January trial date has been scheduled for a woman who police say hit and killed a man walking in the road in Green Oak Township. 34-year-old Candice April Soerries of Northfield Township appeared in Livingston County Circuit Court for a settlement conference Friday but no plea deal was reached and her jury trial date was adjourned to January 12th. Soerries is charged with failure to stop at a personal injury accident causing serious impairment or death. Green Oak Township Police say Soerries was the driver of an SUV that hit 27-year-old Kevin Douglas Simon at the intersection of Rickett Road and Meadow Farm Drive in the early morning hours of March 30th and then drove off. Simon, who was wearing dark clothing while walking in the southbound lane in an area with no street lights, was pronounced dead at the scene. Chief Jason Pless said their investigation indicated Soerries struck Simon as she neared Meadow Farm Drive. After arriving home, she called Livingston County Central Dispatch to report that she had hit someone. Soerries could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted. She remains free on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond. (JM)

Howell Man Involved in Four Hit & Runs Before Rolling Own VehicleHowell Man Involved in Four Hit & Runs Before Rolling Own Vehicle

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12/6/14 - A local man was hospitalized after a hitting multiple cars along a stretch of Coon Lake Road in Marion Township before eventually rolling his vehicle over in the yard of someone’s home. It all happened around 3pm Friday afternoon and involved a Howell man in a black SUV. Livingston County Undersheriff Mike Murphy tells WHMI they’re investigating an injury accident that actually turned out to be five separate accidents. Deputies were dispatched to the first incident on eastbound Coon Lake Road in the area of Pingree in which the suspect rear-ended a vehicle and left the scene. Murphy says the suspect proceeded to run into three other vehicles and left the scene each time before he ultimately lost control of his vehicle. The suspect’s vehicle ended up rolling over in the yard of a home on Coon Lake Road, east of D-19. The man was ultimately transported to St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital for treatment of what are believed to be non-life threatening injuries. The report and the investigation are not yet complete but Murphy says alcohol is believed to have been a factor. (JM)

Doors Open For Third Business In Cornerston Building In FentonDoors Open For Third Business In Cornerston Building In Fenton

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12/7/14 - The Cornerstone Building in Fenton continues to come to life as the third business located there opens its doors. Sagano Japanese Bistro opened for lunch on Thursday on the first floor of the building, according to MLive.com. The Cornerstone building, located at Leroy Street and Silver Lake Road, was completed this year with the goal of becoming an anchor and destination for Fenton’s downtown area. Developers worked with the city to obtain state grant funding for the project. The first floor will be dedicated to businesses, while the top two floors are being rented out as apartments. The first business in the building, a coffee shop, opened its doors on November 26th, and a hair salon opened on Tuesday. The Sagano Bistro in the Cornerstone building is smaller than the franchise’s other locations, which the owners say is a design that could be repeated at other new locations if it proves successful. (TD)
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