12/31/14 - Two suspects are being sought in connection with a gas station heist in New Hudson on Christmas Day. Detectives with the Oakland County Sheriffâs Department Lyon Township Substation are asking the public to help identify the two men who were caught on surveillance footage just after 3am on December 25th. Surveillance photos of the incident provided to WHMI show the suspects loitering outside the Kent Lake BP gas station with a sledge hammer. They eventually smashed the door and walked in with a wheeled loading cart up to the stationâs ATM. They tampered with the machine, but did not try to remove it. One of the suspects also ran behind the store counter, but did not touch or take anything. Police believe the pair got distracted by a passing fire engine with its siren on and fled the scene. They were wearing gloves and had concealed their faces. Anyone with information on the break-in is asked to call the Oakland County Sheriffâs Department. (TD/JM)
Police Seek Tips In Christmas Day Gas Station Break-InPolice Seek Tips In Christmas Day Gas Station Break-In
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Adults-Only Presentation On Drugs Set In PinckneyAdults-Only Presentation On Drugs Set In Pinckney
1/1/15 - A special presentation next month aims to educate adults about substance abuse and drug paraphernalia used by teenagers. âDrugs 101: What Parents Wants to Knowâ will take place at the Jane Tasch Performing Arts Theatre in Pinckney on February 24th. The presentation is for adults only, and provides a look at the signs, symptoms, and behaviors associated with substance abuse, as well as current trends in teenage drug use. It will include a mock bedroom which attendees can examine and attempt to identify the unusual and hard-to-spot paraphernalia scattered around it. Speakers will also discuss the best ways to talk to teens about drug use. Parents, grandparents, guardians, teachers, and anyone interested in learning to detect or prevent drug abuse in a teenager is invited to attend free of charge. Walk-ins are welcome, but those interested in attending can also register ahead of time by visiting the St. Joseph Mercy Health System website. (TD)
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Residents Invited To Burn Off Holiday Calories With A HikeResidents Invited To Burn Off Holiday Calories With A Hike
1/1/15 - The Brighton Recreation Area is one of about a dozen parks around the state and many more nation-wide that will participate in the annual First Day Hike event this weekend. The event is organized by the Department of Natural Resources. It encourages residents to take advantage of free, guided hikes through outdoor recreation areas early on in the new year. Organizers say the event should help residents stay active, connect with nature, and get to know their local parks. More than 27,000 people participated in the event nationwide on January 1st of last year, an increase of more than 20% over the previous year. MLive.com reports this yearâs event is taking place throughout the week at various locations around the state. The Brighton Recreation Area will begin its walk at noon on Saturday. Admittance to the park will require a recreation passport, which can be purchased at the entrance. Saturdayâs forecast calls for a high of 34 degrees and a slight chance of snow or sleet, so all participants should dress appropriately. (TD)
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Departing State Representative Reflects on Time in Lansing Departing State Representative Reflects on Time in Lansing
1/1/15 - One of two term limited lawmakers from Livingston County says Michigan is moving forward and feels there has been good balance struck on a number of issues. State Representative Bill Rogers says his time representing the 42nd District was both fun and interesting and his focus was always to help move the state forward. Rogers says he had the opportunity to meet different people across the state and see all of the things entrepreneurs, designers and engineers were working on and was able to make sure Michigan wasnât an impediment to helping them happen. Rogers says the most challenging aspect of his time in the Legislature was balancing home life and work because itâs an extremely demanding job. Not that heâs complaining but Rogers says itâs a reality that can take a toll without family support. The married Republican resides in Genoa Township and has four children and is also the older brother of longtime 8th District Congressman Mike Rogers. The residential home builder worked at the county level for a long time before being first elected to the Legislature in November 2008. Rogers says he truthfully never anticipated serving and admits, he stepped in a bit begrudgingly at first. Rogers says he had the good fortune of being able to sit on the Livingston County Board of Commissioners and believes all members should be well rounded and bring some kind of experience to the table because all of a sudden, youâre appointed to chair committees overseeing multi-billion dollar budgets. Some of the bigger issues Rogers noted working on were straightening out tenure issues, retirement reforms, and the Right to Work changes, saying thereâs not a state in the union that thought that would ever occur. He says the focus at the time is always just trying to get the job done until you actually step back and look at all of the different things accomplished that you were able to participate in. Even at the local level, Rogers says he can recall having the opportunity to work on the Latson Road project and changing the entrance to the countyâs East Complex. Due to term limits, the departing Rogers and 47th District State Representative Cindy Denby of Handy Township were ineligible to seek re-election. As to his next move, Rogers says heâs getting his resume together and honestly has nothing lined up. However, Denby and Rogers will be helping to administer the oath of office and swearing in of their successors; former Brighton Township Treasurer Lana Theis and former Handy Township Supervisor Hank Vaupel. The complete interview with Rogers can be heard on WHMIâs Viewpoint program Sunday morning at 8:30. (JM)
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Hartland Township Seeks Volunteers And Sponsors For WinterfestHartland Township Seeks Volunteers And Sponsors For Winterfest
1/1/15 - The first Hartland Family Winterfest will take place later this month, and officials are asking for volunteers and sponsors willing to contribute to the event. The festival is planned for January 31st at Hartland Heritage Park, located on M-59 just west of Fenton Road. The event will include outdoor activities like skating, sledding, snowman building, and a bonfire. Activities will also be held indoors at the adjacent All Saints Lutheran Church, including musical performances and a craft show. The schedule for the event is being finalized, and organizers are looking for residents willing to volunteer their time to assist or lead in the various projects. Sponsors for the event are also being sought. For more information, contact the Hartland Township Parks and Recreation Department. (TD)
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New Year Brings Price Break at the Pump for Local MotoristsNew Year Brings Price Break at the Pump for Local Motorists
1/2/15 - Drivers in Livingston County are enjoying record-low gasoline prices, with the cost per gallon lower in the region than most other areas of the country. The latest reports from AAA place gas prices statewide at about $2 per gallon, the lowest average price in the past five years. Additionally, while Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana usually have unstable gas prices that are higher than the national average, our region is currently leading the downward trend in cost. AAA Michigan Public Affairs Director Susan Hiltz tells WHMI the winter months always see a drop in demand for gasoline which, combined with the low cost of crude oil, is translating into lower gas prices. Prices are also being affected by the switch to the easier-to-produce winter blend of gasoline. Hiltz says while AAA cannot predict the future, prices are expected to continue falling into the new year. She adds that this is good news for local residents who may be facing bills from the holiday season and could use a price break on gas. (TD)
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Local Residents Advised to Start Planning for Tax Filing SeasonLocal Residents Advised to Start Planning for Tax Filing Season
1/2/15 - While many Livingston County residents are welcoming a new year and fresh start, IRS officials say a little time spent preparing for tax season in the next few days will pay off in the months ahead. The April 15th income tax filing deadline will be here before many know it, which is why experts say a little preparation now will make tax time less stressful. Luis Garcia is a spokesman with the Internal Revenue Service and says now is a good time to start getting all of your important tax related documents together and keep them in one place so theyâre easily accessible when it comes time to file and you're not scrambling to find them when the deadline is looming. Garcia says this is also the first tax season in which the Affordable Care Act figures heavily, and that will include a little extra paperwork. Garcia says individuals who purchased health insurance will want to be on the lookout for Form 1095A, which will ensure they receive the credit they need and that theyâre getting their health insurance covered properly. Garcia adds there is also a form to fill out for anyone who received an exemption to the health insurance mandate for 2014. Photo Credit Mona Shand.(JM)
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Crews Battle New Year's Day Garage Fire in City of South Lyon Crews Battle New Year's Day Garage Fire in City of South Lyon
1/2/15 - Firefighters prevented a garage fire from spreading to a home on New Year's Day. The South Lyon Fire Department was dispatched at around 5:24am Thursday for a structure fire in the 200 block of Lyon Blvd. South Lyon Fire Chief Mike Kennedy arrived to find a detached two car garage with significant fire involvement. The house was directly exposed and said to be very close to catching on fire but the quick attack and work of crews saved the house. Automatic aid on scene was provided by the Green Oak and Lyon Township fire departments. The family was able to return to their home once the fire was knocked down. The fire is believed to be un-intentional and remains under investigation by the Oakland County Sheriff's Department. (JM)
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Senator Hune Recognized for Perfect Voting Record Senator Hune Recognized for Perfect Voting Record
1/2/15 - A local senator has again achieved a perfect voting record. Senator Joe Hune of Hamburg Township had zero missed votes out of a total of 1,601 roll call votes, giving him a perfect voting record for the 97th Legislative term covering 2013 and 2014. The Republican lawmaker says itâs their duty as legislators to serve their constituency and be present for every vote, and heâll continue to strive to be present for each vote cast over the next four years. There are 38 members in the Michigan Senate and Hune is one of three to have a perfect voting record. Hune also had a perfect voting record for the Legislative term covering 2011 and 2012. (JM)
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Health Officials Say Flu Season Hits Livingston County Hard Health Officials Say Flu Season Hits Livingston County Hard
1/2/15 - Livingston County residents are being encouraged to get vaccinated this flu season as the disease spreads around the state. Dr. Don Lawrenchuk is the medical director of the Livingston County Department of Public Health. He says flu season began early and is hitting particularly hard in the county this year. There have been several times as many reported cases of influenza in Livingston during the early part of the season. This yearâs vaccine covers four different strains, but the predominant strain being seen in the population is H3N2 type A, which begins abruptly and with severe symptoms. Lawrenchuk adds that this yearâs vaccine is also suffering problems. The flu virus is undergoing what is called an antigenic shift, which means it is mutating into a slightly different disease. As a result the vaccine being provided is only a 48% match for the virus, so even those receive the vaccine are not completely immune. However, he says getting the shot is still a good idea, since it will prepare the body to fight off the real virus and reduce the severity of any illness that develops. Lawrenchuk recommends going to a doctorâs office for vaccinations, but they are also available at many pharmacies and at the Department of Public Healthâs Wednesday clinics. (TD/JM)
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Mold Mitigation Done but Restoration Continues in Howell City HallMold Mitigation Done but Restoration Continues in Howell City Hall
1/3/15 - Restoration work continues in the lower level of Howell City Hall. A water line broke in October, flooding the basement where the city council chambers are located. Despite quick actions by staff to get cleaned up, extensive water damage resulted. All of the carpet and drywall had to be removed and replaced and testing later revealed elevated levels of mold. Given the magnitude of the restoration, staff requested cost estimates for some additional work items that could enhance the appearance of the council chambers. Staff sought input from council about whether or not the additional items should be included in the restoration efforts as both quotes were approximately $10,000 over the insurance company reimbursement. City Manager Shea Charles tells WHMI the mold mitigation work has been completed. He says council ultimately directed staff to seek additional bids and work with the restoration company to see if the work could be done within what the city will be reimbursed by insurance. The quotes included restoration of any areas removed due to the recent mold mitigation efforts and things like replacing ceiling tiles, repainting the tracks that hold the tile and different types of carpet. (JM)
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New State Legislators Will Be Sworn In Locally On SundayNew State Legislators Will Be Sworn In Locally On Sunday
1/3/15 - Two township officials who are joining the Michigan legislature this year will be sworn in at a public ceremony tomorrow. Former Brighton Township Treasurer Lana Theis and former Handy Township Supervisor Hank Vaupel will attend a local swearing-in ceremony at the historic Livingston County Courthouse in downtown Howell at 1:30 Sunday afternoon. The public is invited to attend the event. The pair have already been officially sworn into their new positions, but the local ceremony is being held for friends, family, and constituents to witness the new legislators take the oath of office. Theis and Vaupel are replacing term-limited State Representatives Bill Rogers in the 42nd District and Cindy Denby in the 47th District, respectively. (TD/JM)
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Howell DDA Touts Successful Year, Prepares New Ideas For 2015Howell DDA Touts Successful Year, Prepares New Ideas For 2015
1/3/15 - After a successful 2014, staff with the Howell Main Street Downtown Development Authority have begun looking for ways to incorporate new ideas into this yearâs scheduled. The DDA has been reporting positive economic figures for the past year in the city, including more than 4,000 volunteer hours serves, $1.3 million in local business investment, and 15 new businesses joining the downtown. DDA Director Cathleen Edgerly says this is in spite of some challenges that were tackled during the year, including the departure of her predecessor, Stephanie Schlittler. The DDA also completed its strategic plan and five-year vision in 2014. Edgerly says DDA staff met over the past mont and used those documents to begin brainstorming about existing and future projects that could have a positive impact on the downtown. The DDA is now working to determine how to fit all of those projects into its plans and budgets so they can come to fruition in the next year. The DDAâs next event will be the second annual Lunar New Year celebration on February 21st. They are currently accepting registrations for the Dragon Run 5k and seeking volunteers to pitch in. Contact the Main Street DDA for more information. (TD)
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Multiple Fire Departments Fight Blaze at Hamburg Township HomeMultiple Fire Departments Fight Blaze at Hamburg Township Home
1/3/15 - The Hamburg Township Fire Department says crews battled a stubborn structure fire as the New Year rang in. The blaze destroyed a home on Margaret Drive and crews found the roof of the home fully involved when they responded around 9pm Thursday. The department says they were fighting frigid temperatures and strong winds but were fortunate thanks to the efforts of all the departments that helped on scene. Mutual aid assistance was provided by Green Oak, Putnam, Northfield and Unadilla Townships as well as the Dexter, Brighton and Howell departments. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. (JM)
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Trial Set For Wilson-HPS Suit, Yenshaw Contests Recall LanguageTrial Set For Wilson-HPS Suit, Yenshaw Contests Recall Language
1/3/15 - Details are emerging about the lawsuit filed against Howell Public Schools by former superintendent Ron Wilson. The lawsuit comes after the board of education voted to fire Wilson late last year over claims that he wrongfully sought and then lied about mileage reimbursements. Wilson and his wife Elizabeth filed suit against the district just before Christmas. In the lawsuit, Ron Wilson claims the board is guilty of one count of breach of contract, specifically accusing that he was fired without just cause resulting in a damaged reputation and the loss of more than $600,000. He also charges the board with two counts of violating the Whistleblowersâ Protection Act. Additionally, Elizabeth Wilson claims she has suffered mental anguish and loss of love, affection, and marital conjugal fellowship with her husband as a result of the boardâs actions. Discovery will terminate and a status conference on the case will be heard on June 6th, with a jury trial scheduled for December 21st. Meanwhile, three members of the Howell School Board are facing recall petitions for their part in firing Wilson. Language on the petitions has been approved, but Board Vice President Mike Yenshaw appealed that approval on Tuesday. He says reasons given by the petition language to support his recall are not factual. By law, a hearing on his appeal must be held by February 8th. (TD)
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Sewer Repairs Could Impact Traffic on Brighton Lake Road TuesdaySewer Repairs Could Impact Traffic on Brighton Lake Road Tuesday
1/4/15 - Some minor traffic delays could result from sewer line repairs in the City of Brighton on Tuesday. Employees with the cityâs Utilities Department will be repairing a failed sanitary sewer line connection on Brighton Lake Road, between Fairway Trails Drive and Northern Ridge Drive on Tuesday. The work will begin at 7am and should be completed by approximately 5pm but some minor traffic delays could be experienced during that time. The city says the work will require the southbound lane of Brighton Lake Road to be closed but flagmen will be on site to control traffic. (JM)
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Police Applaud Pinckney Bank Teller For Preventing ScamPolice Applaud Pinckney Bank Teller For Preventing Scam
1/4/15 - The actions of a Pinckney bank teller are being credited by police for saving a local World War II veteran from being scammed. The Pinckney Police Department was notified on Friday afternoon that a bank employee had some concerns about the dealings of a senior citizen. The man had entered the bank and commented about meeting with a sweepstakes official at the bank to claim a prize. A bank teller contacted police, who arrived to find the man in his car talking to the suspect on his phone. Police determined that the man had already given the suspect his account number and debit card information, and when the bank teller attempted to conduct transactions with the debit card she was unable to do so. The teller contacted the debit card company and after more than half an hour of effort was able to get the victimâs money refunded. Pinckney Police Chief Jeff Newton says her efforts prevented the veteran from being a victim of fraud. He adds that this is a common scam perpetrated against senior citizens, and that legitimate sweepstakes organizations never require prizewinners to remit a payment for taxes or fees before being presented with their winnings. (TD)
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Search For Winter Stonefly Set Later This MonthSearch For Winter Stonefly Set Later This Month
1/5/15 - The Huron River Watershed Council is looking for volunteers to help search for an elusive underwater creature. Volunteers will be in the field for a couple of hours helping experienced researchers collect the elusive Winter Stoneflies, figure out what makes streams healthy or unhealthy, and understand how river ecology works. Those taking part will meet in Ann Arbor and carpool to different stream sites and stretches of the Huron River in Livingston, Oakland, and Washtenaw Counties. The underwater creatures elude most predators by growing during the winter months, when most fish are more sluggish. They live only in good quality streams so searching for them helps researches learn about problems in the river and streams. The next Winter Stonefly search will be held Saturday, January 17th and those looking to volunteer are asked to register by January 14th. Children are welcome to attend but each one must be accompanied by an adult. Contact Jason at jfrenzel@hrwc.org for more information. (JM)
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Fenton Chamber Plans 2015 Forecast BreakfastFenton Chamber Plans 2015 Forecast Breakfast
1/5/15 - Business owners in the Fenton Regional Chamber of Commerce are invited to an event next week to hear about what is expected from the economy over the next year. The chamber will hold its annual forecast breakfast on January 13th. It will feature keynote speaker Richard Studly, president and CEO of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, who will discuss the economic forecast at the state level. Other guest speakers will be on hand to discuss expectations from local markets in the cities of Fenton and Linden, the townships of Fenton, Tyrone, and Argentine, and the village of Holly. All of them will give presentations that do their best to anticipate what sort of economic changes will impact local businesses in 2015. The event will be held at the Fenton Community and Cultural Center on Leroy Street in Fenton from 7:30 to 9:00am. Admission and breakfast are free. (TD)
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Dexter Woman Seeks To Swim The Straits Of MackinacDexter Woman Seeks To Swim The Straits Of Mackinac
1/5/15 - A 63-year-old Dexter woman is training to become the oldest person to swim the Straits of Mackinac. Julie Woods, a victim of sexual abuse and degenerative disc disease, hopes to inspire others to overcome obstacles when she achieves her goal next summer. She also wants to raise $5,000 for Gleaners Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan. The Straits of Mackinac is about 5 miles from point to point, but Woods estimates the swim will be closer to 8 miles as she follows the currents. She plans to start in St. Ignace north of the Mackinac Bridge and end near the lighthouse in Mackinaw City. Woods expects the swim to take between five and eight hours. Two kayakers plan to record video of the feat as they accompany Woods on her swim. Woods swims more than 2 miles per day. She lifts weights and is trying to gain weight to prevent hypothermia. The average summer temperature of the waterway is between 45 and 50 degrees. An official from the U.S. Coast Guard's Sault Ste. Marie office says only four people attempted to swim the straits last summer due to unusually cold temperatures caused by the harsh winter. (AP)
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