12/21/12 - Medilodge in Howell is expanding its facilities, and a local resident went out of his way to make sure an old barn on the companyâs property survived the expansion. Medilodge is planning to build a new facility on land across the street from its facility that contained an old home and barn. The home was demolished and removed, but the barn was saved and has been completely relocated to the property of a Howell City resident on National Street. Building Official Jim Rowell tells WHMI that moving the barn required hiring a professional barn builder to disassemble and completely reassemble the building. He says he is not aware of any historical significance of the barn, but points out that very few older barns are left in the city. He added that it was very telling that the city government was willing to grant variances to allow the barn to be built in a residential area, and that the resident would go to such trouble to save it. The final inspection of the reassembled barn took place Friday. It has not been disclosed what kind of project Medilodge will undertake on the property. (TD)
Classic Barn Saved From Destruction by Howell ResidentClassic Barn Saved From Destruction by Howell Resident
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Attorney Says Nothing New in Charges Against Alleged I-96 ShooterAttorney Says Nothing New in Charges Against Alleged I-96 Shooter
12/22/12 - A lawyer for a man suspected in a shooting spree that targeted motorists along the I-96 corridor in Livingston and surrounding counties says there's nothing new in the fresh charges announced in the case. Defense Attorney Charles Groh says the charges announced Thursday against 43-year-old Raulie Casteel of Wixom are based on the same allegations made by Livingston County authorities. Groh says Casteel is scheduled to appear for an arraignment next Thursday on the seven newly filed counts, including terrorism. They came three weeks after Attorney General Bill Schuette announced he was taking over cases at the request of prosecutors in Livingston, Ingham and Shiawassee counties. Most of the shootings were reported between October 16th and October 27th and targeted cars on and near I-96, with the first reported incident in Howell Township. Photo Courtesy of WLNS. (JM)
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Truck Driver Cited After Gregory Diesel Fuel SpillTruck Driver Cited After Gregory Diesel Fuel Spill
12/23/12 - A semi truck driver has been cited for leaking fuel onto the roadway after his semi jackknifed in Gregory. According to the Unadilla Township Police Department, the truck was located on Main St. near Carr St. on Main Street in Gregory on the shoulder of the road. The driver, a 54-year-old Hanover man, was eastbound on M-106 when he attempted to make a left turn onto Holmes Road and lost control of his truck, which ended up on its side. The accident punctured a driverâs side fuel tank, resulting in several gallons of diesel fuel leaking onto the roadway. A state police motor carrier officer was dispatched to inspect the truck for safety violations. The driver was ticketed for failing to have a valid insurance certificate and leaking fuel onto the roadway. Youngâs Environmental clean-up responded to the scene and crews worked until 12:30 Saturday cleaning the fuel from the roadway. The tractor and trailer are owned by the McConnell & Scully Oil Well Co. in Homer, Michigan. (TT)
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Noted Economist Kicks Off 2013 Good Morning Livingston Series Noted Economist Kicks Off 2013 Good Morning Livingston Series
12/24/12 - In the wake of the U.S. fiscal cliff crisis, the annual Good Morning Livingston economic forecast will kick off 2013. The Howell Area Chamber of Commerce kicks off its annual series with economist Robert A. Dye, senior vice president and chief economist of Comerica Bank. Dye's forecast for the upcoming year will include state and national economic trends. The breakfast event is set for Tuesday, January 8th at Crystal Gardens in Genoa Township. For details about Good Morning Livingston, or to RSVP, contact the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce or click on the link below. (JM)
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American Legion Post 141 Again Serving Up Christmas Day DinnerAmerican Legion Post 141 Again Serving Up Christmas Day Dinner
12/24/12 - Anyone in need of a holiday meal or maybe just some company is being invited to Christmas Day dinner at the American Legion Post 141 in Howell. As it has for more than three decades, the legion will host a Christmas day dinner open to anyone in need. The event is no small feat either when considering the meal consists of more than 23 turkeys with all the trimmings. Club Manager Dale Harter tells WHMI their doors are open to the community and they start serving the free holiday meal around noon and plan to wrap up by 4pm. The Post also picks up the Meals on Wheels program on Christmas Day to ensure everyone in need gets to enjoy dinner. The Post is located at 3265 West Grand River in Howell Township, near the Spencer J. Hardy Airport. (JM)
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Rogers: Failure to Avoid "Fiscal Cliff" Tax Hikes Hard Hit For MostRogers: Failure to Avoid "Fiscal Cliff" Tax Hikes Hard Hit For Most
12/24/12 - While workers probably won't feel the full brunt of next year's proposed tax increases in their January paychecks, Congressman Mike Rogers says the impact of failing to avoid the so-called fiscal cliff will be a hard hit for most Americans. No matter what Congress does to address the year-end "fiscal cliff," it's already too late for employers to accurately withhold income taxes from January paychecks. But for Howell Republican Mike Rogers, itâs only a temporary reprieve if a deal isnât done. Social Security payroll taxes are set to increase on January 1st, so workers should immediately feel the squeeze of a 2% pay cut. But as talks drag on over how to address other year-end tax increases, the Internal Revenue Service has delayed releasing income tax withholding tables for 2013. As a result, the American Payroll Association says employers are planning to withhold income taxes at the 2012 rates, at least for the first one or two paychecks of the year. (JM)
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Snowfall Spells Numerous Accidents & Spin-Outs Christmas Eve Snowfall Spells Numerous Accidents & Spin-Outs Christmas Eve
12/24/12 - A slew of spin-outs and accidents were reported on snow-covered roads across Livingston County Christmas Eve. Emergency crews along with police and fire officials were busy dealing with various reports as snow started to fall in late afternoon. Spin outs and several accidents were reported along I-96, stretching from Fowlerville to Pleasant Valley Road. Both directions of US-23 were shut down for a time and a portion of D-19 was also closed to traffic near Coon Lake Road during the early evening hours. Salt trucks and plows are out but local officials remind motorists to slow down and use caution when traveling, buckle up and avoid alcohol. (JM)
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Traffic Island Damaged By Alleged Drunk Driver In City of Howell Traffic Island Damaged By Alleged Drunk Driver In City of Howell
12/25/12 - A traffic island in the City of Howell has been damaged yet again. City Council met recently and discussed the latest damage to the traffic island in front of The Shark Club on Michigan Avenue/D-19 near I-96. It was reported that a very intoxicated female driver took out four trees and some lights in the island, which were just replaced not too long ago. The latest incident is the third to occur within one year related to impaired driving and Mayor Phil Campbell indicated that something other than trees might be better suited in the traffic island, such as native grasses or even decorative rocks. Most members said they preferred trees in the island being that Howell is a Tree City USA but would still be open to other options. Councilman Doug Heins again stated his belief that the islands are of poor design and should be removed altogether but others said the island helped prevent vehicles from crossing over into oncoming traffic, creating more serious accidents. The City has so far been able to avoid the cost of repairing the traffic island since the insurance companies representing past at-fault drivers have paid for the damage. Photo from Mayor Campbell's blogspot. (JM)
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MRA Says Holiday Shopping Season Extends Beyond Christmas MRA Says Holiday Shopping Season Extends Beyond Christmas
12/25/12 - Retailers across the state and in Livingston County are optimistic about the New Year and what has become an extended holiday shopping season. Some shoppers said they were being more frugal this season and spending less than in the past while others indicated they were holding out as much as possible for even bigger post-holiday sales. Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the Michigan Retailers Association Tom Scott tells WHMI an improving economy and more people working have led to increasing consumer confidence. He says the shopping season really extends out until at least the end of the year and into mid-January with a number of gift cards being redeemed over the next few weeks. As for any big ticket items, Scott says it was pretty quiet this year. He says thereâs always the typical electronics including a new I-Phone but no brand new products that appeared out of nowhere and everyone had to have. In the past, the convenient gift card has sometimes been seen as impersonal but Scott says that perception is quickly changing and itâs grown in popularity over the years, helping to drive both traffic and spending for retailers. He says anyone looking to make returns or redeem gift cards should expect crowds and come prepared. Scott also encourages local residents to make a point of using gift cards or gift certificates in the next few months before they expire or get lost in the shuffle. (JM)
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Fenton DDA Faces Challenges For Conrnerstone ProjectFenton DDA Faces Challenges For Conrnerstone Project
12/26/12 - The Cornerstone Project in Fenton is off to a rocky start, but officials say progress is being made. The Cornerstone Project is a planned four-story commercial and residential development at the corner of North Leroy Street and Silver Lake Road. MLive.com reports that last week, the Fenton Downtown Development Authority approved a three-month extension to its contract with realtor Jerry Mansour, whom DDA Director Mike Burns says is vital to the projectâs success. Mansour says the project has been complicated and could still be scrapped, but he adds that every obstacle so far has been overcome and the odds of cancellation are remote. Despite the delays, Mansour and the DDA have letter of intent for the majority of the commercial space on the first floor of the building. Finding buyers for the loft-style apartments on the upper three floors has been more difficult. Additional features being considered for the building include a parking structure, decks for the apartments, and a courtyard. Pictured are Fenton officials at Cornerstone project announcement. (TD)
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Hamburg Honors Police Officers' Exceptional Work in 2011-2012Hamburg Honors Police Officers' Exceptional Work in 2011-2012
12/26/12 - Hamburg Police Chief Richard Duffany resumed an annual tradition this month by honoring several of his officers for their performance in the past year before the Hamburg Township Board. A total of nine officers were honored for their work in four separate cases where Duffany says they went above and beyond the call of duty. He says this is done every year, but this time around the awards go back as far as 16 months to make up for time lost as Duffany assumed command of the department last year. Those awarded will receive pins for their uniforms commemorating the achievement and the bragging rights that go with them. Three of the officers were recognized for tracking down the perpetrators of a breaking and entering of the Pinckney Bus Garage in August of 2011. Other incidents involved an officer interrupting a drug transaction to find a drug dealer wanted by federal agents, another officer whose lengthy investigation led to the arrest and charging of a suspected child abuser, and officers chasing down and arresting suspects in a breaking and entering of a restaurant. Duffany told the board Hamburg has an exceptional police department and he is privileged to be its chief. (TD)
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Graves' Bill Getting Veterans Back to Work Faster Signed Into LawGraves' Bill Getting Veterans Back to Work Faster Signed Into Law
12/26/12 - Legislation sponsored by an area lawmaker making it easier for military police veterans to get civilian security jobs has been signed into law. Governor Rick Snyder's office says he's signed a bill sponsored by Republican State Representative Joe Graves of Argentine Township that lets veterans' experienced as military police count toward licensing requirements as private security guards. Voters originally elected Joe Graves to fill a vacant State Representative seat after Paul Scott was recalled from office. Graves says heâs very proud of everything accomplished during his first 10-months in office and look forward to continuing to work on improving jobs and public safety within communities next term. The Michigan Legislature recently finished its post-election "lame duck" session, and the newly elected Legislature takes office in January. (JM)
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Crews Busy On Christmas; Winter Weather Advisory in Effect TodayCrews Busy On Christmas; Winter Weather Advisory in Effect Today
12/26/12 - Periods of snow and blowing winds could result in some hazardous post-holiday travel conditions. The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory that goes into effect at 4pm today, lasting through 7am Thursday. Snow is expected to develop late this afternoon, with light to moderate snowfall continuing throughout the evening hours, eventually tapering off after midnight. Total accumulation for Livingston County is pegged between 2 and 4 inches. However, brisk winds are expected to cause blowing and drifting of snow, leading to slippery roads and limited visibility. More snowfall than expected on Christmas Eve led to numerous accidents and spin-outs on local roads and area freeways, including incident pictured at left. Then in South Lyon, The Oakland County Sheriff's office says a head-on crash killed three people and injured a fourth while forcing the closure of 8 Mile Road. Local motorists are advised to use caution when traveling later today and tonight. Stay tuned to WHMI 93-5FM for complete weather and traffic information. (JM)
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Names Of Three Women Killed In Fatal South Lyon Crash Released Names Of Three Women Killed In Fatal South Lyon Crash Released
12/26/12 - Authorities are releasing more information about a head-on crash in South Lyon that resulted in three fatalities and serious injuries to another. Deputies with the Oakland County Sheriff Departmentâs Lyon Township substation responded to the crash at approximately 3:30pm Tuesday on 8 Mile Road, west of Currie Road. 8 Mile was shut down while authorities investigated. Police say a 31-year old Livonia resident driving a 2004 Ford Taurus westbound on 8 Mile Road near Currie Road crossed the centerline and struck a 2007 Honda Civic head-on in the eastbound lane that was driven by 68-year-old Mary Hammon. She was pronounced dead at the scene along with her two passengers, identified as 71-year-old Jackie Hammon and 66-year-old Judith Shedell. All three lived in Salem Township. The driver of the Ford was transported to St. Joseph Hospital in Ann Arbor, where authorities say she was last listed in stable condition. Authorities say alcohol is not a factor and everyone was wearing a seatbelt, with the exception of the rear passenger in the Honda. The crash remains under investigation. (JM)
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Suspected I-96 Shooter To Be Arraigned Thursday On New Charges Suspected I-96 Shooter To Be Arraigned Thursday On New Charges
12/26/12 - A Wixom man suspected in a shooting spree that targeted motorists along the I-96 corridor in Livingston and surrounding counties will be arraigned on newly filed charges tomorrow. 43-year-old Raulie Casteel of Wixom is scheduled for arraignment Thursday on the seven newly filed counts, including terrorism in 53rd District Court in Howell. The charges are based on the same allegations made by local authorities and were filed nearly three weeks after Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette announced he was taking over cases at the request of prosecutors in Livingston, Ingham and Shiawassee Counties. Most of the shootings were reported between October 16th and October 27th and targeted cars on and near I-96, with the first reported incident in Howell Township. (JM)
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Snowfall Leads to Messy Road Conditions In Livingston County Snowfall Leads to Messy Road Conditions In Livingston County
12/26/12 - Periods of snow and blowing winds care expected to result in some hazardous travel conditions for local motorists. The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory lasting through 7am Thursday. Total accumulation for Livingston County is expected to be somewhere between 2 and 4 inches, depending on where you are. However, brisk winds are expected to cause blowing and drifting of snow, leading to slippery roads and limited visibility. Livingston Weatherwatch Meteorologist Jack Boston tells WHMI he expects around three inches of accumulation across the county when everything is said and done, adding we likely dodged a bullet with the major storm heading south. Local motorists are advised to reduce speeds, give snow plows plenty of room and allow extra time when traveling. Stay tuned to WHMI 93-5FM for complete weather and traffic information. (JM)
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New Amphitheater and Restroom Approved For Milford Central ParkNew Amphitheater and Restroom Approved For Milford Central Park
12/27/12 - The Milford Village Council gave approval for the construction of a new amphitheater and public restroom facility in the municipalityâs central park. The $500,000 project was approved on December 17th. It will be funded through fundraisers and donations from the Rotary Club of Milford, the Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce, and the Milford Downtown Development Authority. It will be constructed near and in a similar style to the Pettibone Creek Powerhouse. The amphitheater will include concrete seating for about 700 people and enough open room to seat at least 2,000 more. The restrooms will service the whole park and shut down on a time-lock mechanism. Village council members praised the project for taking advantage of the natural terrain and potentially improving the quality of life for residents. (TD)
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Local Men & Women Who Can Sing, Dance & Act Sought For Musical Local Men & Women Who Can Sing, Dance & Act Sought For Musical
12/27/12 - The varied talents of Livingston County residents are being sought for a new musical production. 9 to 5: The Musical is based on the 1980 hit movie and will be presented by The Dionysus Theater in the new year and now, the local theater company is in need of local women and men who can sing and dance. Co-Owner/Artistic Director Steve DeBruyne tells WHMI a variety of voice types and ranges are being sought for paid roles but specifically women who can sing well. Even more so, he says they're in search of local men who can sing, dance and act. Auditions will be held this Friday from 6 to 9pm and then on Saturday from 2 to 6pm at Michelleâs Academy of Dance in Brighton. The musical opens February 14th and runs through March 3rd with performances in the new Hartland High School auditorium. Complete details about the upcoming auditions can be found in the link below. (JM)
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Kensington Metropark Offers Winter Fun During Holiday Break Kensington Metropark Offers Winter Fun During Holiday Break
12/27/12 - With a number of kids home on break and a fresh snowfall, Livingston County residents and families are being encouraged to get outdoors and enjoy the seasonâs quiet nature. Thereâs been a lot of activity lately at the Kensington Farm Center where a new calf and four litters of tiny piglets were born recently. It's open to the public every day and also offers horse drawn wagon rides and sleigh rides. Metroparks Spokeswoman Denise Semion tells WHMI the attraction is available daily during the Christmas break and runs through New Yearâs Day. She says nature trails are open that are popular for watching wildlife, with some trails known for friendly chickadees that will take birdseed from your hand. Sledding hills are also located at Kensington but because ice and snow conditions vary from day to day, Semion says itâs always best to check ahead for park conditions. Closer to Pinckney at Hudson Mills Metropark, nature trails and interpretive programs are ongoing and the rapids near the North Territorial Road bridge are said to be popular for photography. For more information, call Kensington Metropark at 810-227-8910 or the Nature Center at 810-227-8917. Details can also be found through the link below. (JM)
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Local Motorists Reminded: Don't Crowd The PlowLocal Motorists Reminded: Don't Crowd The Plow
12/27/12 - County Road Commission officials are reminding drivers to give snow plows plenty of room as they work through the snow and remember that they have relatively new features that could make passing them dangerous. Driving safety is especially important during long snow flurries like those experienced Wednesday, which brought about a number of spin-outs and traffic delays. Managing Director Mike Craine says the commission recommends leaving at least two car lengths, or 40 to 50 feet, in all directions between your vehicle and a working snow plow. He adds that the plows have the relatively new feature of passenger-side snow wings, which extend an extra 12 feet off the right-hand side of the plow. He tells WHMI that these wings have caused issues when drivers fail to take them into account. Craine says his department will be ready whenever winter weather strikes, with a barn full of salt and all employees trained and refreshed on protocol. (JM)
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