1/24/15 - The Putnam Township Board has approved a three year agreement for economic development services. The Economic Development Council was formed for the purpose of developing jobs and promoting economic development of Livingston County and local governments. It currently has a contract services agreement with Ann Arbor SPARK to provide business retention, expansion and attraction services to the county and a number of local municipalities, which contribute financially. Representatives from the EDC and SPARK made a presentation to the board during a recent meeting to provide insight on work done over the last three years and details on what they provide as resources. Supervisor Ron Rau tells WHMI itâs a good program and asset that benefits both Putnam Township residents and Livingston County. The Putnam Township Board met last week to approve the three-year agreement, and will contribute approximately $5,000 annually. The resolution passed unanimously. (JM)
Putnam Township Board Approves Economic Development ContractPutnam Township Board Approves Economic Development Contract
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Meeting Planned on Dexter & Whitmore Lake Schools AnnexationMeeting Planned on Dexter & Whitmore Lake Schools Annexation
1/24/15 - A community information session is planned next week as Dexter Community Schools continue to explore the possibility of annexing a neighboring district. Currently, there is no formal proposal to annex the Whitmore Lake Public Schools district. The Dexter Board of Education appointed an Annexation Ad Hoc Committee in December to explore the concept as well as other long term options that could be beneficial to the district and students. A letter was issued by Dexter Superintendent Chris Timmis to update those in the district about the research process, which may be viewed at WHMI.com. Timmis says the issue has aroused deep passions and asked that the community be respectful when sharing views. Some Dexter residents that want to see a community vote have organized a group titled No Annexation Without Representation and planned to meet this weekend. Meanwhile, legislation is also being explored by State Representative Gretchen Driskell that could allow voters in Dexter Community Schools the opportunity to vote on the annexation issue. Currently, the annexing school board and voters in the district being annexed vote on a proposal. A monthly community information session hosted by Dexter Community Schools will be held Wednesday, January 28th in the Mill Creek Middle School cafeteria at 7:30pm.(JM)
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Vaupel To Serve On Four State House Committees Vaupel To Serve On Four State House Committees
1/25/15 - A newly elected state representative has been given four committee assignments for the current term. State Representative Hank Vaupel has been named to four House committees, including vice chair of the House Health Policy Committee. Vaupel will also serve on the House committees on Agriculture, Families, Children and Seniors; as well as the House Committee on Insurance. House committees review all legislation that affects their issue area and make recommendations as to whether the full House should take up the bills. Committee chairs decide when bills are heard, run the committee meetings and organize informational hearings to help lawmakers and the public understand important issues. Vaupel, a Handy Township Republican, says each committee has an important impact on Michigan residents and heâll work diligently with colleagues to ensure the best policy decisions are made to continue on a positive path of recovery for the state. (JM)
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Plungers Bring In Over $27,000 For Local Special Olympics Plungers Bring In Over $27,000 For Local Special Olympics
1/25/15 - Community members and proud supporters of the Livingston County Special Olympics program were âfreezinâ for a reasonâ this weekend at an annual fundraiser. Participants of the 2015 Polar Plunge jumped into the frozen waters behind Brighton High School Saturday afternoon to raise funds for a worthy cause. At the time of the count, Plungers had raised over $27,000 and with funds continuing to roll in, it is expected the community will exceed the $30,000 mark. Michele McLeod, is not only a member of the Management Team for the Livingston County Special Olympics Program, but also a coach and a mom of one of the athletes. There are between 300 and 400 athletes just in this countyâs local program and McLeod tells WHMI the money raised will go directly to it. The Menâs Varsity Pinckney Swim and Dive Team came away as the participating group that raised the most money, having collecting almost $7,500 for the fundraiser. A parade of costumes before the jump showed off the plungers that dressed up, which led out onto the icy pond. Local fire departments, Livingston County EMS and the Michigan State Police Dive team were all waiting nearby to aid the brave souls that bared the bitter cold. McLeod says the athletes will be headed up to Traverse City in a week and a half for the Winter Olympics. She tells WHMI the real benefit to this program is watching how it helps the athletes grow. The communityâs growing donations and large turnout to cheer the athletes and plungers on caused McLeod to become emotional. She says of the support, it was âremarkableâ. (DK)
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Howell Students Advance In Entrepreneurship ContestHowell Students Advance In Entrepreneurship Contest
1/26/15 - Four Howell High School students have been named semi-finalists in a nationwide entrepreneurial contest. The four â Travis Waker, Jaimie Wilson, Matt Henton and Robert Kempisty - are entered in The Network for Teaching Entrepreneurshipâs âWorld Series of Innovationâ. The contest, sponsored by Microsoft, encourages students to think creatively and invent new products or services that address every day opportunities. Each team in the competition is required to develop a new and innovative product or service to address a market niche. The goal is to demonstrate how the product or service would impact peopleâs lives on a day-to-day basis. The students will find out next month if they have advanced to the final round of the competition. The winning group will receive a prize of $2,000 for the team and $500 for their school district. Pictured from left are: Travis Waker, Jaimie Wilson, Matt Henton and Robert Kempisty. (JK)
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Event Will Connect Residents With Free Services & InformationEvent Will Connect Residents With Free Services & Information
1/26/15 - A wide array of free services and information will be offered to residents at the 8th annual Community Connect event early next month. The program began in the early days of the recession to create a one-stop location for all of the services and programs residents might need, saving them from wasting time and money driving all over the county for those services. Last yearâs event brought in about a thousand people seeking services and was operated with the help of hundreds of volunteers. This year the event will take place at Parker Middle School on February 7th from 9am to 2pm. Event co-chair Donna Gehringer tells WHMI there is no cost or need to register for residents who want to take advantage of services from nonprofit, for-profit, and governmental organizations. This yearâs event will include housing programs including rent and utility assistance. Resume assistance and information on job training will be offered by Michigan Works, legal consultation will be available, and free health and dental screenings will be offered to as many people as possible. Attendees can even get free haircuts at the event. Child care service will also be complementary. For more information on the Community Connect event, visit the United Way website by following the link below. (TD)
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Church Planning Move To New Location In Genoa Township Church Planning Move To New Location In Genoa Township
1/26/15 - Plans for a church and coffee shop have received the go-ahead from the Genoa Township Planning Commission. The Well Church will be moving from its current location on Pless Drive and plans to construct a new worship and youth ministry facility within a multi-tenant building it owns located at the northwest corner of Grand River Avenue and Genoa Business Park Drive. The three current tenants will stay in the building and include a restaurant, mortgage company and dentist while the church will be taking over the remaining portions. The Well continues to experience growth and it was noted during the meeting that the church does not intend to expand in the new space but rather utilize it for the next few years while it looks for a more permanent home. Planning Commission Chairman Doug Brown told WHMI that The Well has consistently demonstrated its ability to be good neighbor in Genoa Township and while there were some potential issues with traffic and parking, an agreement was ultimately worked out to everyoneâs satisfaction. The church will be appointing a parking team from the congregation to facilitate safe parking. It has also arranged an agreement for additional parking with the office building to the north. Church officials will be able to start immediately on the project following the approvals as is not required to go before the township board. (JM)
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Dexter Woman Killed In Head-On CollisionDexter Woman Killed In Head-On Collision
1/26/15 - Authorities say a woman from Dexter was among two people killed in a head-on collision early Sunday morning. The Washtenaw County sheriff's department says the collision happened at around 1am Sunday in Ypsilanti Township when a vehicle driven by 21-year-old Shannise Heady veered over the road's center line, hitting an oncoming vehicle. Heady, of Hazel Crest, Illinois, was killed, as was her passenger, 23-year-old Jordan Hopkins of Dexter. Hopkins (pictured) was a senior at Eastern Michigan University majoring in psychology and was in the Honors College. Heady was a junior forward on the women's basketball team. The other driver was taken to a hospital for non-life threatening injuries. Eastern Michigan University President Susan Martin says it's a "tragic loss" and that the school is offering counseling to those seeking it. Hopkins's high school principal, William Moran of Dexter High School, told the Eastern Echo that Hopkins was very well-liked by her fellow students in Dexter. She was also a member of the Dexter women's soccer team. Heady had transferred to EMU in January 2013 from Seton Hall University, in northern New Jersey. Authorities say while drugs or alcohol do not appear to be involved, speed is being considered as a factor in the crash. (JK)
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Free Family Event Saturday to Educate & Help Beat Winter BoredomFree Family Event Saturday to Educate & Help Beat Winter Boredom
1/26/15 - A free community event this weekend aims to help parents and kids beat cabin fever while spreading awareness about a local organization with a unique mission. From The Ground On Up has organized the free indoor event to educate the community about the non-profit, which will be launching new support programs over the coming year. From The Ground On Up President/CEO Brigette Patton tells WHMI their work is about empowering individuals through equine guided learning and increased self-awareness. She says Saturdayâs event will feature different organizations and businesses as well as activities including yoga, a bounce house, face painting and arts and crafts. Healthy snacks will also be provided as the organization values a healthy mind, body and spirit. The family fun festival will be held at Cleary University from noon till 4pm this Saturday. Pre-registration is encouraged and may be done through the link below. (JM)
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Longtime Recycle Livingston Director Stepping DownLongtime Recycle Livingston Director Stepping Down
1/26/15 - A local nonâprofit organization is looking for a new leader. Linda Berch, Executive Director of Recycle Livingston, is stepping down May 1st after ten years. In a letter sent out to the community last week, Michael Pheney, President of the Recycle Livingston Board of Directors, said that Berch had worked tirelessly to deliver on their mission, playing a key role in the transformation of the organization and the expansion of services during that period. He said her dedication, contributions and smiling face will be missed. Berch has agreed to stay until a replacement is found, or until May 1, whichever comes first. Recycle Livingston is now actively searching for her replacement, preferably someone with prior management and fund-raising experience. They are also looking for a candidate with an interest in conservation and solid waste issues who has the ability to work both independently and as a team member. Initial interviews are expected to begin February 5. Application details are posted online through the link below. (JK)
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Howell Woman Sentenced For Harboring TeenHowell Woman Sentenced For Harboring Teen
1/26/15 - A sentence has been handed down for a Howell woman charged with harboring a teenage boy. 26-year-old Danielle Jo Smeal was ordered to spend one year in the Livingston County Jail for her no contest plea to harboring a runaway. At sentencing last week, 53rd District Court Judge Carol Sue Reader declined a defense request to stay the sentence pending an appeal. Smeal was charged after authorities found a 15-year-old boy in a bed in inside a barn that was owned by Smealâs family. Smeal is also reportedly being investigated for having a sexual relationship with the boy. Authorities say the relationship began when the boy's parents welcomed her into their home. They say she interfered with the boyâs progress in getting off of probation from a previous violation of a personal protection order. Prosecutors presented a Facebook posting by the boy from last May in which he described being in love with Smeal. She then responded (quote) "I know, but it's rape in the eyes of the law. LOL." Smeal is also alleged to have allowed the boy to drive her vehicle even though he doesnât have a license. That incident led to charges of fleeing police being lodged against the teen. (JK)
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Annual Homeless Count Wednesday in Livingston CountyAnnual Homeless Count Wednesday in Livingston County
1/26/15 - A census of homeless individuals within Livingston County will take place Wednesday. Itâs estimated that there are 128 homeless individuals on any given night in Livingston County. The annual Point in Time count impacts the funding and assistance that Livingston County receives to help those in need. The Homeless Continuum of Care Committee and various partners work in coordination to get the most complete count possible of individuals without a permanent or stable housing situation. Community Services Coordinator Erin Tiano with the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency says five teams will be going out to various communities including Fowlerville, Pinckney, Howell and Brighton. The annual count involves street outreach for the homeless and unsheltered individuals who might be staying in their vehicle or somewhere else. Tiano says the five teams will be out Wednesday working to identify individuals, help meet their needs and find them shelter for the night. Individuals deemed homeless in the county are being encouraged to contact the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency on Wednesday in order to get counted, along with anyone who might know of someone who is homeless. Their number is 517-546-8500. (JM)
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Medical Emergency Results in Slow Police Pursuit on I-96 Medical Emergency Results in Slow Police Pursuit on I-96
1/27/15 - What might have looked like a very slow police chase on I-96 in the Fowlerville area Monday morning turned out to be a medical emergency. The incident happened at around 11:30am on eastbound I-96 in the area of Nicholson Road. Livingston County Undersheriff Mike Murphy tells WHMI that a number of calls came in to 911 reporting a motorist who was possibly drunk and driving all over the expressway. The motorist was traveling around 40mph on I-96 and a deputy attempted to pull him over but the man continued along and wouldnât stop. Murphy says the deputy was eventually able to pin the manâs vehicle against the guardrail of the freeway and bring it to a stop. The man is believed to have suffered from a diabetic issue and was ultimately transported to a hospital. Murphy says itâs not uncommon and they deal with occasional medical issues but reminded people to be acutely aware of their personal medical needs. (JM)
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County Jail Experiences Overflow Problem During RenovationsCounty Jail Experiences Overflow Problem During Renovations
1/27/15 - The Livingston County Jail is experiencing an overflow problem of inmates while undergoing a major renovation and addition to the building. Jail officials requested funds from the Livingston County Board of Commissioners Monday night for out of county beds to house overflow male inmates. The Clinton County jail is willing to rent bed space for $28 per day to the jail, excluding medical expenses, for up to 25 inmates. Sheriff's Lt. Tom Cremonte says the jail is over-crowded 90% of the time. He says the renovation and addition, once completed, will allow the jail to house federal inmates from the U.S. Marshall Service, which they will in turn receive $81 per inmate for. The board unanimously granted the request which will allow the beds in Clinton County to be rented through 2015, or until the new jail is complete. Once the current renovations and additions are finished, Cremonte says there will be other renovations in order to maximize the capacity of the jail. (DK/JK)
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Burchfield Chosen for Vacant Brighton School Board SeatBurchfield Chosen for Vacant Brighton School Board Seat
1//27/15 - The Brighton Area Schools Board of Education has a new member. He is Andy Burchfield, who was a candidate in the fall 2014 election, in which he lost by just 64 votes. At its meeting Monday night the board had the unenviable task of interviewing 10 candidates for the seat vacated when former board president Nick Fiani resigned late last year. All 10 candidates had impressive credentials and backgrounds, some in education and others in private industry. There were originally 12 candidates, but two withdrew. The 10 final applicants offered experience in a wide variety of fields, including one with a doctorate who is also a college instructor, a business owner, a stay-at-home mom with five sons, a former school principal, a couple of attorneys, a certified public accountant and a retired teacher. Board President Jay Krause tells WHMI the board felt that since Burchfield was such a strong candidate in the last school board election he deserved a chance to serve out the remaining two years of Fianiâs term. Burchfield is currently employed as the director of emergency management at the University of Michigan. He says the most important priority of the board, in addition to setting policy for the district, is setting and approving a balanced budget and having a strong vision for the future. He adds the boardâs relationship with administration needs to be a âcollaborativeâ one. Burchfield says his experience in the areas of safety and security should be a valuable resource for the board. (TT)
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Wrong-Way Crash Injures Three, Shuts Down US-23Wrong-Way Crash Injures Three, Shuts Down US-23
1/27/15 - A wrong-way driver led to a serious multi-vehicle accident that injured three people and shut down southbound US-23 for hours last night. A 911 caller reported a male subject driving a black pickup truck erratically on southbound US-23 near Lee Road at about 5:15pm. When Green Oak Township Police attempted to pull over the truck at Whitmore Lake Road and 8 Mile, the driver, a 42-year-old Brighton man, drove away from officers onto the freeway at 8 Mile Road, traveling northbound in the southbound lanes. Deputy Green Oak Township Fire Chief Kevin Gentry tells WHMI the subject immediately crashed into a semi hauling milk and three other vehicles, which resulted in southbound US-23 being completely shut down at M-36 before 5:30pm and traffic re-directed off the freeway at Silver Lake Road. Gentry says the wrong-way driver was pinned inside of his vehicle and had to be extricated before being transported by Survival Flight to the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor. He was last listed in serious condition. The semi driver was uninjured, while the two other drivers sustained just minor injuries. Meanwhile, the semi-truck that rolled over lost 200 gallons of diesel fuel, which had to be cleaned up. Gentry says it was hauling 7,000 gallons of milk, which had to be off-loaded before it could be flipped upright and the freeway reopened. Picture courtesy of WXYZ, Channel 7, Detroit. (JM/JK)
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Two Fowlerville Schools Closed Due To Water Main BreakTwo Fowlerville Schools Closed Due To Water Main Break
- UPDATE - Both facilities will be open as usual Wednesday and the letter that was sent to parents is attached below.
1/27/15 - A water main break in the Fowlerville Community School District forced the early dismissal of students from both Smith Elementary School and the Munn Early Childhood Center. Superintendent Wayne Roedel says the break happened in front of the Munn Center this morning. Both of those facilities have closed for the day. Buses began transporting children at 10am to their homes. If a parent was not home, Roedel says those kids remained on the bus and were transported back to the district. Parents of Munn students can call 517-223-6480 for more information, while parents of Smith Elementary students can call 517-223-6005. (JK)
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Livingston County Salvation Army Works For Fundraising GoalLivingston County Salvation Army Works For Fundraising Goal
1/27/15 - The Salvation Army of Livingston County is still working to reach its Christmas campaign fundraising goal. The campaign is the armyâs largest fundraising effort each year and donations support year round programs. The local goal for the 2014 season was to raise $362,000 from November 1st through January 31st. To date, the campaign has raised $342,845.83 - 95% of the overall goal. Livingston County Corps Administrator Envoy Prezza Morrison says âthe season started out rough, with fewer kettle locations and fewer bell ringers, both of which making it very difficult to raise funds. But throughout December the community really stepped up and it is a blessing to have donors who understand the importance of helping each other out and entrusting The Salvation Army with these resources.â Donations can still be made online at www.OnlineRedKettle.org, mailed in or dropped off at the Corps located at 503 Lake Street by January 31st. Monetary donations may be brought in to: The Salvation Army 503 Lake Street Howell, MI 48843 or sent to The Salvation Army P.O. Box 647, Howell, MI 48844 or donate online at through the link below. (JM)
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Memorial Set For Dexter Woman Killed In Weekend CrashMemorial Set For Dexter Woman Killed In Weekend Crash
1/27/15 - A Dexter woman killed in a head-on collision over the weekend will be laid to rest later this week. 23-year-old Jordan Hopkins was a passenger in a car driven by her friend, 21-year-old Shanisse Heady, when it crossed the centerline in Ypsilanti Township early Sunday morning and hit another car head-on. Police say that Heady, a junior forward on EMUâs womenâs basketball team, was speeding without a seat belt when she lost control of the vehicle. Hopkins, a senior majoring in psychology, was also unbelted. Washtenaw County sheriff's spokesman Derrick Jackson says a 22-year-old Ann Arbor man driving the other vehicle was wearing a seat belt and sustained non-life threatening injuries. Hopkins, who was a graduate of Dexter High School, will be laid to rest following a memorial service Friday at 11am at the Liberty Road Chapel in Ann Arbor. Visitation will be held there on Thursday from 4-8pm. Funeral arrangements for Heady, who was from Illinois, have not been disclosed. However, both the men's and women's basketball teams plan to honor her by having her No. 23 embroidered on their jerseys. The athletic department also will request a moment of silence before the teams' basketball games this week. (JK)
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Centralized Warning Siren Activation System Nearing CompletionCentralized Warning Siren Activation System Nearing Completion
1/27/15 - A project for an all-inclusive siren system for jurisdictions across Livingston County is nearing completion. Livingston County Central Dispatch and Emergency Management requested and received funds to finish a project that would make the countyâs emergency siren system "top of the line." The emergency grant funds covered $50,000 of the comprehensive system and an additional $46,577 was approved last night by the Livingston County Board of Commissioners to cover the rest of the projectâs costs. While each municipality has ownership of their emergency or tornado sirens, Central Dispatch has been working for a few years to integrate each siren into one large warning system. Jeff Boyd, says the project is a âone-stop shopâ allowing Central Dispatch to set off the countyâs sirens to warn of impending bad weather. Jeff Boyd is the director of Livingston County Central Dispatch and EMS. He tells WHMI this is a huge step for public safety within the county. While each municipality is able to set off their own sirens singularly, Boyd says EMS has encouraged them not to, so there is a similar standard across the county. The Livingston County EMS is planning a âBad Weather Campaignâ before spring to educate residents of how the new system works and what to do in the event of an emergency. Boyd says in either April or May, siren testing will begin on the first Saturday of each month at noon. (DK/JK)
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