1/13/15- Good Morning Livingston welcomed in the New Year by taking a look into 2015âs economic forecast. Robert Dye, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist with Comerica Bank, shared his predictions at the yearly event. Dye says the United States is currently in the midst of an economic cycle, which is an increase in Gross Domestic Product. Part of the cycle is a recession, followed by recovery. Historically speaking, Dye says the most recent economic cycles have been considerably longer periods of time and 2015 will bring about the half-way point of the current cycle. From 2007-2014, the Economist says the U.S. was a part of a globally coordinated monetary policy, which included the Federal Reserve, the European Central Bank, and the Bank of Japan. Exchange rates are affected by this coordination in relation to currency value. Dye tells WHMI the Reserve is pivoting away from this policy. On a local level, Dye predicts the strong dollar will hurt exports, the housing market may stall, and consumer spending could languish. The upside risks include increased defense spending, a surge in consumer and business confidence, and the lower product and gas prices that Michigan has already gotten a taste of. Dye says as the job market in Michigan begins to firm up, he expects the residents will find confidence in the upcoming yearâs national economic growth.(DK)
Economist Shares 2015 Forecast During Good Morning Livingston Economist Shares 2015 Forecast During Good Morning Livingston
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Fenton Holds Off On Revising Medical Marijuana Ordinance Fenton Holds Off On Revising Medical Marijuana Ordinance
1/14/15 - Officials are not rushing to make a decision on an ordinance they plan to set in place regarding the cultivation of medical marijuana in Fenton. A work session for Fentonâs Council was held last week to discuss the ordinance which has been revised since the Planning Commission met last summer. After council members could not come to an agreement on certain points of the proposed ordinance, they tabled it until the next Council meeting. Several council members were concerned about uncontrolled growth of the substance and would like to set standards to prevent misuse, while argued that local regulations must be careful to stay within the current law. They cited a case that went before the Michigan Supreme Court this year that affected Novi and Livoniaâs approach to the issue. Chris Patterson, acting in a temporary capacity as Fentonâs attorney, tells WHMI the council wants to look into the nearby citiesâ ordinance before moving forward. Councilman Les Bland says he is not happy in extending the current moratorium regarding medicinal marijuana, which will expire next month. He believes after many months of discussing the matter, a decision needs to be made soon. Councilwoman Patricia Lockwood says while they have to adopt something eventually, itâs a very big decision for the community. Fenton Police Chief Rick Aro also spoke to the matter and voiced concerns of people taking advantage of loopholes, but said the ordinance is the minimum Fenton can do while remaining within the confines of the law. (DK/JK)
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Sewer Repair Work Planned Friday in City of BrightonSewer Repair Work Planned Friday in City of Brighton
1/14/15 - Crews will be making a sanitary sewer repair in the City of Brighton this Friday. Crews with city's Utilities Department will be repairing a failed sanitary sewer line connection in front of 1240 Brighton Lake Road, located between Fairway Trails Drive and Northern Ridge Drive. The southbound lane of Brighton Lake Road will be closed, with flaggers on site to control traffic. The city cautions that vehicles traveling in that area of Brighton Lake Road will experience minor traffic delays. The work will begin around 7am Friday and is expected to be completed by approximately 5pm. (JM)
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Pinckney Men's Swim & Dive Team Taking Icy Plunge For A CausePinckney Men's Swim & Dive Team Taking Icy Plunge For A Cause
1/14/15 - Despite the dipping temperatures, some first timers clad in goggles and speedos will be taking the Polar Plunge at Brighton High School later this month. There are 21 students on the Pinckney Menâs Varsity Swim and Dive Team this year, ranging from freshman to seniors. The team will be taking part in the annual Michigan Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics on Saturday, January 24th. Co-captain Ross Richards tells WHMI they plan to jump in team apparel - which consists of caps, goggles and speedos. Richards tells WHMI theyâre all a little bit crazy anyway considering practice starts at 5:30am, four days a week so they figured why not jump into a frozen lake in January. In all seriousness, Richards says the team wanted to take the plunge to not only do something good for the community but give back as well. One member, senior Ian Masinda, has participated with Special Olympics in the past and this will be his fourth year on the team. Richards says he reminds everyone that being an athlete is a gift and something to be proud of so they wanted to do something cool to recognize their teammate. Richards says they welcome other swim and dive teams to set up pages and take the plunge. The Pinckney Menâs Varsity Swim and Dive Team has also set up an online fundraising page through for anyone who would like to donate. A link is available below. (JM)
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Prosecutors Seek Investigation of Snake-Loving White Lake FamilyProsecutors Seek Investigation of Snake-Loving White Lake Family
1/14/15 - An investigation of a python owner is being launched after a video of his daughter playing with it went viral on the Internet. Jamie Guarino of White Lake posted a video of his then 14-month-old daughter Alyssa playing with a 13-foot-long Burmese python while he filmed it. Alyssa is now 3 and while heâs always been a reptile enthusiast, Guarino says his other 10-year-old daughter Krista pursued his hobby and passion out of her own interest. The two started a video documentary/web-series "SnakeHuntersTV" in 2011 in an effort to show the world that snakes don't have to be seen as evil monsters. White Lake Township officials said they have not received complaints about the snake but the Oakland County Prosecutorâs Office became aware of the situation due to recent media reports. It is now asking the Michigan Department of Human Services to launch an investigation into whether any child abuse or neglect is taking place. Guarino posted online that heâs been really stressed by all of the attention, but all of the positive support heâs received outweighs the bad press and negativity. He says if people take the time to watch one of the dozens of videos from their channel, they will quickly see that he is a good father who shares his passion for snakes with his kids. Alyssa is pictured with Nay-Nay, the 13-foot python Guarino has raised since birth. (JM)
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Former Superintendent Named As New Handy Twp. SupervisorFormer Superintendent Named As New Handy Twp. Supervisor
1/14/15 - With Hank Vaupel taking up office in the state legislature, the Handy Township Board has brought a veteran township official in to be its new supervisor. Former Fowlerville School Superintendent Ed Alverson was appointed to finish out Vaupelâs term on January 7th. Alverson, who served as superintendent from 2000 until 2009, began his work with the township board by serving as the clerk from 1976 to 1980. He then served as township supervisor for 12 years before leaving township government in 1992. He says in the 23 years since then, people have encouraged him to get back into township government. Alverson tells WHMI it took him some time to decide to get interested when Vaupel announced that his seat would be up for grabs. Alverson will serve out the rest of Vaupelâs term, which ends in December of 2016. He says he is still getting caught up on how the township operates and what needs to be done to handle its lingering sewer debt issue. (TD/JK)
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United Way Seeks Nominees For Annual AwardsUnited Way Seeks Nominees For Annual Awards
1/14/15 - The Livingston County United Way is asking the public to nominate people and organizations whose efforts have made a major impact over the past year. The deadline is January 24th to nominate an individual, student, or youth organization to be honored at the United Wayâs Annual Meeting and Volunteer Recognition Breakfast. There are several potential categories for nominees. The Charles W. Itsell Volunteer of the Year Award will be presented to an individual whose service to the United Way went above and beyond normal volunteerism during the past year. The Donald Epley Lifetime Community Service Award is meant for a local person who has been dedicated to volunteerism over the course of years. The United Way will also present a Young Person of Distinction Award to a local youth for outstanding service and leadership in the community, as well as the Youth Organization of the Year Award. Nominations are also being sought for the Randy Rudisill Business of the Year Award, which will be presented to a local for-profit business that shows a commitment to community. Information on how to nominate people or organizations for these awards can be found through the link below. (TD)
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International Merger Includes Acquisition Of Fowlerville PlantInternational Merger Includes Acquisition Of Fowlerville Plant
1/14/15 - A German company hoping to provide parts for the self-driving cars of the future has acquired an American auto parts manufacturer that employs about 250 people in Fowlerville. TRW Automotive Holdings Corporation is based in Livonia, but has a large plant in Fowlerville where it produces brake systems for automotive suppliers. In November, about 80% of stockholders voted in favor the companyâs acquisition by Germany-based auto parts manufacturer ZF Group for a cash purchase of $12.4 billion. According to the Detroit Free Press, ZF Group CEO Stefan Sommer says his company chose to purchase TRW so it can diversify its manufacturing capabilities to meet the future demand for self-driving vehicles. The acquisition is still ongoing, but should be completed by the end of June. Because there is very little overlap in the functions of the two companies, Sommer says there will not be any mass layoffs among TRW staff. Once the companies are combined, they will represent the worldâs second-largest auto parts producer with annual sales of more than $41 billion internationally. Photo courtesy of Google Street View. (TD)
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Howell Township Denies Fund Request After Project MisbidHowell Township Denies Fund Request After Project Misbid
1/14/15 - Howell Township will not be eating the cost on a project for a local waste water treatment plant after the original bid on it was significantly underestimated. Plant Manager Jerry Livernois came before the Howell Township Board Monday to request financial aid in finishing a project for the plantâs filters. A protective coverage structure is being built over the filters to protect them from exposure to the elements. Howell Township Clerk and Zoning Administrator Carolyn Eaton tells WHMI the structure shouldâve been built when the building was first constructed. Severn Trent Water is the company that runs the treatment plant and went out for bid on the project. The contractor that was hired for the project says he âmade an honest mistakeâ when bidding and did not anticipate how large the structure was going to be. The contractor says it was the first time they had erected something like it, as it is a fabric barn structure. Livernois says it soon became clear it was dangerous to continue with the project without the use of a mechanical lift, which has cost $3,000 to rent thus far. Because that cost wasnât included in the original bid, the contractor says they are taking a major hit on the project and have been essentially âworking for free.â The request before the board was to reimburse the company for the $3,000, along with an additional estimated $2,000 to finish the project. Eaton made a motion to approve the requested $5,000, though it did not receive any support, motions, or directives. Many of the board members voiced the opinion that as it was the contractorâs mistake for underbidding, it is not the Townshipâs responsibility to cover the cost. The Township is working to find a compromise with Severn Trent Water in the hopes of completing the project as soon as possible. (DK/JK)
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Road Millage Language Approved By Handy Twp. BoardRoad Millage Language Approved By Handy Twp. Board
1/14/15 - Language for a road millage renewal that will go before voters this spring was approved by the Handy Township Board last night. Every four years, residents in the township are asked to renew the millage that pays for road services, including the application of chloride on roads in the summer. The millage also puts a bit of money toward the improvement of gravel roads in the township. Exactly which roads will see work from that funding is determined by the board supervisor, usually around the beginning of construction season in May. The one-mill tax raises about $147,000 per year, with about $50,000 going to the annual chloride efforts. Board Secretary Laura Eisele says the remaining balance does not add up to much when trying to pay for road improvements, but the township continues making progress every year. Previous years have seen work done on Nicholson and South Fowlerville Roads. Eisele says the township is considering work on Cedar Road, or perhaps additional efforts on Nicholson. The millage renewal will go before voters on May 5th and extend the tax for another four years. (TD/JK)
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Livingston County's Lawmakers Start New Two-Year Session Livingston County's Lawmakers Start New Two-Year Session
1/15/15 - The newly elected Michigan Legislature started a two-year session in Lansing. Wednesday was a day for legislators, including the three lawmakers representing Livingston County, to take their oath and celebrate with family but also choose seats. Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Robert P. Young, Jr. administered the oath of office to Senator Joe Hune of Hamburg Township and the ceremonial oath of office to State Representatives Hank Vaupel of Handy Township and Lana Theis of Brighton Township. Theis offered her goals for the term ahead on the first day of the 2015-2016 session of the Michigan House. Theis said she's looking forward to aiming government with a better focus in the areas of finances, public infrastructure, public safety and public education.
Vaupel said his top priority is to continue to stand for the ideas and issues that are important to the constituents of Livingston County while Senator Hune commented that his commitment will be further proven through legislation and policy to get Michigan back to its economic potential. Three in every ten legislators sworn in Wednesday are new to the Republican-led Legislature. Three of the top four legislative leaders are also new because their predecessors left Lansing under term limits and pledged to set a bipartisan tone. Lawmakers will do more official business once Republican Governor Rick Snyder delivers his State of the State initiatives next week and a budget proposal in February. Pictured from left is Justice Robert Young Jr. and Theis who are joined by her two children, Jacob and Gabrielle, and husband Sam Theis. (JM)
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Competition Showcases Student Designed & Built Model Aircraft Competition Showcases Student Designed & Built Model Aircraft
1/15/15 - Model aircraft that were designed and built by students in a local aviation program will be put to the test as part of competition next week. The public is invited to attend a Model Aircraft Competition next Wednesday to learn about Howell High Schoolâs aviation program but also observe model aircraft designed and built by students in the class. The competition was created as a way to expose the class to the aviation field and get the community involved in the class while raising community awareness of the program. It will feature an academic portion and a flying portion. Four teams of students will showcase their aviation knowledge during a game show style academic challenge before competing in a model aircraft face off. For the flying portion, the class built remote controlled planes from scratch and the only thing that students could buy prebuilt was the engine. The competition will be held at Crosswinds Aviation on Grand River in Howell and a number of aviation minded individuals are expected to be present to help inspire students. More information about the Howell High Schools aviation program and the Model Aircraft Competition is available through the link below. (JM)
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Fire Destroys Unadilla Township HouseFire Destroys Unadilla Township House
1/15/15 - A Unadilla Township house was destroyed in a fire Wednesday afternoon. The rental property on West M-36, just east of Gregory, caught fire around 2pm after the owner attempted to thaw frozen pipes with an open flame, possibly a hand held torch. The man received a superficial burn and refused medical treatment. The homeâs renters were not home at the time. Unadilla firefighters were able to contain the blaze in less than an hour, but not before the structureâs roof collapsed. Howell, Hamburg and Putnam fire departments assisted at the scene. (JK)
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City Initiates Litigation To Remove 11 Unsafe Mobile HomesCity Initiates Litigation To Remove 11 Unsafe Mobile Homes
1/15/15 - The City of Howell is moving forward with litigation as the last resort to remove some unsafe structures in a manufactured housing development. The City Council met Monday night and approved a motion to authorize litigation against Howell Estates and the appropriate parties to clean-up and remove the assorted mobile homes. City Manager Shea Charles tells WHMI theyâve been trying to work with the park owners since September to get the eleven structures removed but unfortunately, they have been non-responsive. He says the structures are pretty self-evident and have become very noticeable over the last few months. Notices have been sent to the owners of Howell Estates explaining the violations and they were originally ordered to be removed from the site in early October but a 30-day extension was requested and granted. To date, the units remain on site and in the same condition. Despite granting an extended time period, Charles says the park has not complied with requests so litigation is the next step. The city attorney commented in correspondence to the city that frankly, the structures are abandoned units and Howell Estates is responsible for removing them since the homes are on real property owned by Howell Estates. (JM)
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Competency Exam Ordered For Man Accused Of Threatening FamilyCompetency Exam Ordered For Man Accused Of Threatening Family
1/15/15 - A competency exam has been ordered for a Marion Township man facing charges for fleeing police and threatening family members with a gun. Four different court cases have been filed against 22-year-old Brandon Gale. He already pleaded guilty to retail fraud in one case, and is being charged with possession of marijuana in the second. In both of those cases, Gale has been referred to a forensic center for competency testing. The third case was filed after a motorcycle chase on October 20th and includes charges of fleeing a police officer and driving an unregistered vehicle. The most recent case, filed in December, includes charges of armed robbery, assault with intent to rob while armed, and discharging a firearm, stemming from an incident in which Gale, while out on bond, allegedly threatened family members with weapons twice in one day before attempting to flee police. Gale allegedly also led police on a high-speed chase during that incident and had to be immobilized by responding Michigan State Troopers. The filing of those charges led the court to cancel Galeâs bond. (TD)
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Howell Twp. Woman Takes On DTE To Save Trees On Her LandHowell Twp. Woman Takes On DTE To Save Trees On Her Land
1/15/15 - A Howell Township woman is vowing to fight Detroit Edison in her effort to save her trees. Kathy Markovich of Fisher Road says she confronted a man who left a notice in her door Monday, and he said it was notification that a crew would be cutting down some trees on her land near a power line. The man, who works for a private subcontractor, told her that sometime in the next several days they would cut down seven of her trees, and 20-30 trees on her next-door neighborâs land. Markovich says the worker told her that DTE has the âright of easementâ to cut down trees on her property and that of her neighbors. However, she went to the courthouse in Howell and could find no record of an easement right granted for any entity going back to the 1920âs - with the exception of one for Michigan Bell Telephone Co. Markovich says she wouldnât object to some major trimming, but wonât allow them to completely remove her trees, even if she has to chain herself to a tree. Following a directive from the Michigan Public Service Commission, DTE Energy and Consumers Energy are implementing an aggressive tree trimming program to help prevent future power outages. The worker told her that DTE is doing the work to ensure there are fewer outages, and they have the authority to cut down trees whose branches are within 15 feet of a power line in either direction. Markovich replied that itâs her property and DTE has no authority to cut down her trees. She says many trees have already been cut down on the property of some nearby residents on Fisher Road, and the subcontractor failed to do any cleanup work, leaving 2-3-foot stumps and debris. DTE has said that the decision to remove a tree depends on how many customers rely on that line for power. A line that supplies a thousand customers is treated differently than one that serves ten. Markovich has contacted Howell Township Trustee Mike Tipton, who says the tree cutters also removed at least four white pines from the township hall property on Byron Road. He tells WHMI that his understanding is that the Eastern White Pine is a protected species, but utilities have the right to trim such trees. Whether they can remove them, however, as they did on the township hall property, is another matter, and he is seeking advice from the township attorney. Tipton also said the township was not notified in advance that the trees would be cut. Markovich also contacted her own attorney for advice, and was told that if the dispute should end up in court, she has a case, since DTE is ânot following the lawâ properly in the matter. Tipton says if the township waits until the next regular meeting to discuss the matter, it may be too late, since it wonât be held until February because the board now meets just once a month and the January meeting was just held. However, the subcontractor told Markovich the tree-cutting crew would âbe back in a week and, if needed, with a police escort.â (TT)
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Tour De Livingston Celebration Luncheon Planned Monday Tour De Livingston Celebration Luncheon Planned Monday
1/15/15 - A luncheon next week will celebrate the success of a local event, as well as the larger impact it will have in the Livingston County community. The Howell Rotary Clubâs 2014 Tour de Livingston raised nearly $42,000 to supports local basic needs for area families through the Livingston County United Way funded programs and initiatives. The official âbig checkâ presentation will take place at the luncheon, which will be held at noon on Monday, January 26th in the Howell Public Schools Board of Education meeting room. Howell Rotary members, sponsors and partners are invited to attend, along with any community members who would like to learn more or become involved with the Tour de Livingston. The cost for the luncheon is $10 and reservations are requested. For more information, contact the Livingston County United Way at 810-494-3000 or email jclum@lcunitedway.org. (JM)
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Putnam Township Church Expansion On TrackPutnam Township Church Expansion On Track
1/15/15 - Preliminary site plan approval was granted by the Putnam Township Planning Commission for the planned expansion of Trinity Lutheran Church last night. The church hopes to improve its siding, reposition its bell tower, add more bathroom facilities, increase the size of its foyer, and improve its youth gathering facilities as part of the expansion. A fundraising effort for the expansion is currently underway, and last night representatives from the church went before the Putnam Township planning commission seeking preliminary site plan approval. That was granted, although the township board asked the church to improve buffering on the east side of the property before submitting a final site plan for approval. One of the architects involved in the project says the church hopes the project will improve its appearance in the neighborhood. They hope to begin work on the expansion as soon as possible this spring. (TD)
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Independent Evaluation Granted In Fatal Hit & RunIndependent Evaluation Granted In Fatal Hit & Run
1/15/15 - A local woman charged in connection with a Howell Township crash that claimed the life of an unborn child will again have her mental competency tested. 34-year-old Angela Murphy-Spare of Brighton is charged with one count of Operating While Intoxicated Causing Death, a 15-year felony, and one count of Operating While Intoxicated Causing Serious Injury, a five year felony. Court records show that a court-ordered mental health evaluation determined she was competent to stand trial. However, her attorney has received permission for an independent evaluation for both competency and criminal responsibility. Police say that Murphy-Spare was driving westbound in an eastbound lane of M-59 near Durant Road in Howell Township on May 7th of last year when she struck a Saturn driven by 29-year-old Michelle Richards of Howell. Murphy-Spare was deemed the at-fault driver and initial testing indicated she had a blood-alcohol content of .12 percent. The legal limit is .08 percent. Both women suffered significant injuries as a result of the crash. Murphy-Spare was taken by Survival Flight to the University of Michigan Hospital. Richards, who was seven months pregnant at the time of the crash, was also hospitalized and ultimately lost her child. (JK)
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Judge Invalidates Recall Petitions Against School Board MembersJudge Invalidates Recall Petitions Against School Board Members
1/15/15 - A petition to recall three Howell School Board of Education members has been thrown out for the second time for its lack of factualness. Board President Mike Yenshaw and Treasurer Michael Moloney appeared for a hearing before Livingston County Circuit Court Judge Michael Hatty this afternoon. A second hearing scheduled was to take place tomorrow but Judge Hatty allowed an expedited appeal in order to attend to both hearings today and in his words âaccelerate the matterâ. Yenshaw and Moloney appealed the petition language filed against them, which was created by the Howell Recall Committee. The petition stated the recall was based on their decision to fire former Superintendent Ron Wilson and for their authorization of a $5,000 expenditure to investigate Wilsonâs mileage reimbursements. Judge Hatty ruled the petition was not valid for circulation as the language in the petition was not factual, as board members are not able to single-handedly authorize funds, therefore making the petition language misleading. Yenshaw tells WHMI he hopes to move forward now that the petition has been thrown out. Co-Chair of the Howell Recall Committee Matt Ikle says theyâre disappointed with the ruling but plan to meet and have a plan to proceed within 24 hours. If the committee were to move forward with another petition that gained enough signatures to appear on the November ballot, the second election would cost the school district $40,000. Ikle told WHMI he believes this issue holds enough importance to pursue. Should the Howell Recall Committee create a 3rd petition, it must appear before the Livingston County Election Commission again for another clarity hearing. (DK/JM)
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