2/20/15 - The Livingston County Association of REALTORS was given insight into the real estate industry yesterday from one of the countryâs top economic forecasters. There are uplifting predictions for the housing market for 2015 and 2016. Dr. Lawrence Yun says with the Gross Domestic Product and job growth, realtors can expect an increase in existing home sales and normal underwriting standards. Dr. Yun is the Senior Vice President of Research and National Association of Realtors Chief Economist. Yun spoke to realtors in the community at Genoa Township Hall about the facets that are affecting real estate on a local and national level, and the process to recovery. There is a clear view between the Capital building in Washington D.C. and Yunâs office, which he says is an indication that the Realtorâs Association can âsee them and they can see us, and weâre always watchingâ. Yun tells WHMI there is a responsibility among realtors and their connection to legislation and how it affects the American people. Yun, who stayed in Detroit during his visitation, says while it is sad to see the decline in the area, the greater Detroit area was once the leader during the economic boom in the 50sâ and 60sâ. He believes there is potential revival, as there is a strong fundamental basis. Dr. Yunâs research activity resides in the National Association of REALTORSâs existing home sales statistics, affordability index, and the home buyer and sellers profile report. (DK)
Acclaimed Economist Speaks To Livingston County RealtorsAcclaimed Economist Speaks To Livingston County Realtors
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Changes to Sidewalk Dining Season Likely in Downtown Milford Changes to Sidewalk Dining Season Likely in Downtown Milford
2/20/15 - The sidewalk dining ordinance in downtown Milford is being revised to potentially loosen restrictions and spur additional business. The Milford Village Council directed Manager Christian Wuerth to put together preliminary ordinance amendments to expand the sidewalk dining season. Sidewalk dining is currently permitted between April 15th and November 1st but under the proposed changes, the season would open two weeks earlier and close two weeks later from March 30th to November 15th. The planning commission informally reviewed the concepts recently and responded favorably, commenting some business owners would likely want the March date extended even earlier. The Milford Times reports that a separate provision would allow permitted restaurants that are adjacent to vacant properties or storefronts the use of sidewalk in front of those sites. There was some concern expressed with that concept, which could be viewed as an unfair advantage for some restaurant. Additional input was being sought from the Downtown Development Authority before any proposed changes are put into ordinance form and presented to village council for consideration. (JM)
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Oceola Woman Ordered To Jail For False Internet PostingOceola Woman Ordered To Jail For False Internet Posting
2/20/15 - Jail time has been ordered for a Howell-area woman on charges stemming from messages which police say she posted unlawfully on the Internet. 39-year-old Holly Laballister of Oceola Township was sentenced to spend 30 days in the Livingston County Jail for her previous guilty plea to three counts each of unlawful posting of a message and using a computer to commit a crime, as well as being a 2nd time habitual offender. She was also ordered to serve two years of probation. Her previous offenses include receiving and concealing stolen property in 2012 and 4th degree child abuse in 2014. According to police, on three separate occasions in 2013, Laballister posted the phone number of another woman on Craiglist indicating that the woman was seeking a sexual relationship. Prosecutors say those messages were posted without the victimâs consent and led several people to harass the victim with unwanted phone calls. (JK)
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Torch Organizers Look To Make A 180 Toward Job TrainingTorch Organizers Look To Make A 180 Toward Job Training
2/20/15 - The founders behind a mobile food truck that provides assistance to area residents are hoping to expand their venture to include a location that doesnât require four wheels to make a difference. The Torch was founded in 2012 by Rhonda Callanan and Sarah Ruddle, who outfitted a food truck and soon hit the streets of the Livingston County area serving free food. But Callanan says they began to notice that in addition to food and housing, gainful employment was a big problem for many of their clients. Ruddle says that idea has since blossomed into Torch 180, an effort to train and employ people with disabilities, helping them learn transferable skills in the food service industry - including food prep, cooking, sanitation, and customer service skills they can take to other jobs, gain self confidence, and become active working members of the community. Ruddle says the plight of those with physical disabilities is one she can definitely appreciate. She suffers from an old high school basketball injury that has left her with a disabled shoulder. Despite multiple surgeries, she is currently under a doctor restriction not to use her right arm. And even though she is a U.S. Army veteran and recently earned an MBA, her job opportunities are limited. Itâs that situation she and Callanan hope can be alleviated by Torch 180. Theyâve created a new website and Facebook page and are actively seeking a business owner or area landlord who would be willing to donate a space that they could utilize. They will also be featured this Sunday morning at 8:30 on WHMIâs Viewpoint. (JK)
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Federal Agents Raid Highland Township Home & PropertyFederal Agents Raid Highland Township Home & Property
2/20/15 - A Highland Township home and property have been raided as part of a federal investigation. Michigan State Police, Homeland Security and Secret Service agents have been searching a home and property on Rowe Road. Neighbors say thereâs been a flurry of activity at the home and property since everything started Wednesday night, with police vehicles lined up and down the rural road in whatâs normally a quiet area. Authorities were back on scene today and neighbors told WHMI the search was taking place inside the home and in a large pole barn located on the property. The home is believed to be owned by Viorel and Mihaela Pricop. They own two trucking businesses that are also registered out of the address - Good Time LLC and Twin Twisters Trucking, a carrier company. An assistant special agent with Homeland Security told Fox 2 Detroit its part of a financial investigation but didnât elaborate. Photo Credit Fox 2 Detroit (JM)
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Health Department Gets Grant to Help Build Medical Reserve Corps. Health Department Gets Grant to Help Build Medical Reserve Corps.
2/21/15 - The Livingston County Department of Public Health will be receiving grant money to help bolster its emergency personnel. The Medical Reserve Corps is a group of medical and non-medical personnel who have volunteered their time to train and be ready to help the DPH in the event of a large-scale public health emergency, such as an epidemic or natural disaster. The program currently has more than 300 professionals in its ranks, and more are constantly being sought out, which requires a lot of training and equipment from the DPH. Director Dianne McCormick tells WHMI they recently applied for and received a $3,500 federal grant to help with those costs through the Department of Health and Human Services. That money will be used to pay for training and purchase equipment, such as identification and apparel, that is necessary to the operations of the corps. The grant was specifically offered to help local medical reserve corps build capacity around the country. McCormick says the department should be receiving the grant money in the next thirty days. (TD)
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Tips Still Being Sought In 2003 Green Oak Township MurderTips Still Being Sought In 2003 Green Oak Township Murder
2/21/15 - Itâs been twelve years since the discovery of a Detroit residentâs body in an abandoned farmhouse in Green Oak Township, and police say while the murder is officially considered a cold case; they continue to work for an eventual solution. 19 year old Anthony âNikkiâ Nicholas was found shot to death in the farmhouse on property between M-36 and Spicer Road on February 21st, 2003. Nicholas lived life as a woman and made a living as a female impersonator in Detroit area bars. A cold case team assembled through the sheriffâs department has taken a look at the case in the past, but it officially remains under investigation by the Green Oak Police Department. Chief Jason Pless says they last received information about the murder eight months ago, but are always ready for new tips or updates. Authorities previously indicated they believed Nicholas was murdered at the abandoned house, as opposed to being killed elsewhere and then dumped locally, but Pless says they remain open to any possibility. Anyone who may have information on the unsolved homicide is asked to call the Green Oak Police Department at 810-231-9626. Anonymous tips can also be made to CrimeStoppers at 800-SPEAK-UP. (JK)
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Another Dog Attack Reported in Northfield EstatesAnother Dog Attack Reported in Northfield Estates
2/21/15 - Thereâs been another serious dog attack in the Northfield Estates mobile home development in Whitmore Lake. It happened in the 100 block of Barker Road at around noon Friday. The 26-year-old man was apparently able to walk home after being attacked down the street from his residence but went into shock and relatives called an ambulance after seeing the injuries to his head and neck. Lieutenant Tim Greene of the Northfield Township Police Department told MLive.com that the man had gouges, and parts of him were gone and on the floor. He was transported to the University of Michigan Hospital in stable condition and the dog was to be placed in quarantine. Police are still investigating but there was said to be an argument between the victim and a man he knew down the street. There were three dogs in the manâs home and one, a terrier mix, attacked the victim outside. Meanwhile, this latest attack is at least the third to be reported at the mobile home park since last summer involving serious injuries. 44-year-old Ellen Mohan was hospitalized after a July attack in which her hands were severely injured while trying to save her dog Zoey - who was killed by two dogs; a pit bull and Rhodesian ridgeback-boxer mix. Mohan has filed a $1 million lawsuit against the owners; 26-year-old Adam Bater, his father 54-year-old Douglas Bater, Adamâs girlfriend and Northfield Estates, alleging the park was negligent and failed to enforce its own rules regarding dangerous pets. A separate half-million dollar lawsuit was also filed against the Baters by another neighbor who says the same dogs bit his young daughter and permanently scarred her. (JM)
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Comedy Show to Benefit Pinckney St. Patrick's Day Parade & FestivitiesComedy Show to Benefit Pinckney St. Patrick's Day Parade & Festivities
2/22/15 - Livingston County residents are being encouraged to get their giggle on while supporting a popular St. Patrickâs Day tradition. A comedy show and band performance are planned to support the Pinckney St. Patrickâs Day parade at CJâs lounge, adjacent to Captain Joeâs Grill in Whitmore Lake on Saturday, February 28th. Organizer Patsy Dible says the parade has been a tradition in Pinckney for more than 10 years and they love to watch it grow every year. Money raised will be used to help fund an additional Irish pipe band for the parade. Dible says theyâve been very lucky and had very generous sponsors in the past but we are hoping to be able to do more without overtaxing the downtown area businesses through incremental sponsorships. The annual St. Patrickâs Day parade steps off at noon in downtown Pinckney on Saturday, March 14th as part of the Pinckney St. Patrickâs Day festivities. Events include a morning mass at St. Mary Catholic Church, the Run for the Gold 5k run, bed races, dancers and more. Tickets to the comedy show are $20 and can be purchased in advance by contacting the box office at 734-624-5561. For more information, visit the link below. (JM)
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Hartland Chamber Honors Citizens And BusinessesHartland Chamber Honors Citizens And Businesses
2/22/15 - The Hartland Area Chamber of Commerce held a dinner recently to honor the unique people and businesses in the area. The event marked the second annual awards dinner, which had previously been held as an annual luncheon. Chamber members were encouraged to nominate local businesses and individuals for the six awards presented. Individuals who were honored included Connie Brinkerhoff, who was named the Chamber Member of the Year for her outstanding participation in 2014, and Cathy Jones from Kahuna Coffee for her efforts to serve the community. Organizations that were honored included Cleary University for its investment in building improvements, as well as Beauchamp Water Treatment and Supply, which was named the areaâs best new business. There were six awards presented in total. (TD)
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25th Annual Walk For Warmth Heats Homes & Hearts25th Annual Walk For Warmth Heats Homes & Hearts
2/22/15 - Community residents laced up their walking shoes yet again on Saturday for the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agencyâs yearly Walk for Warmth event. The Walk for Warmth fundraiser celebrated its 25th anniversary this weekend, bringing locals together to walk laps for a good cause. The indoor walk, held at the Hartland Educational Support Service Center, has drawn 4 to 600 walkers each year, with the help of around 50 volunteers. Public Relations Representative for OLHSA, Lindsey Walenga, says the Oakland County walk raised $38,000 to heat the homes of residents in need. With a goal to raise $180,000 in both counties this year for the non-profit Emergency Utility Assistance Program, Walenga expects the Livingston County walk will raise upwards of $40,000. United States Representative for Michiganâs 8th District, Mike Bishop attended the event, and tells WHMI it is important to bring awareness to a cause on a state and local level. Funds are raised for the program throughout the year, though are often needed the most in the frigid winter months. Walenga says the event is a social gathering where walkers can bond while fundraising for their fellow community members. Vendors, face painting, balloon animals, and a DJ are just a few of the amenities the walk also offers, making it enjoyable for all ages. (DK)
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Dexter Schools Officials Seek To Halt Technology TheftsDexter Schools Officials Seek To Halt Technology Thefts
2/23/15 - Officials from Dexter Community Schools and the Washtenaw County Sheriffâs Department are looking into an ongoing problem with technology disappearing from the district. In 2011 the district brought in an outside auditor to address a deficit in the amount of technology equipment in the district compared to how much should have been present. The audit was delivered the following year and, according to the Dexter Leader, confirmed that there were missing items. The district implemented internal controls to address the matter, but recently another discrepancy in technology equipment has appeared. Superintendent Chris Timmis says it now appears that an individual inside the district is responsible, and that the schools are working with the sheriffâs department to pursue the matter through the legal system. He says the former employee involved, if the allegations are true, has committed a gross violation of public trust. Details about the equipment and its value have not been released. (TD)
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PIRATE Academy Will Seek To Better Integrate FreshmanPIRATE Academy Will Seek To Better Integrate Freshman
2/20/15 - Freshman at Pinckney High School this fall will take part in a new program designed from the best parts of two current programs. Last week, the Pinckney Board of Education heard a presentation from several members of the high school staff explaining the new PIRATE Academy program. Planned for implementation in the fall, the new program combines aspects of New Tech High School, which focuses on project-based learning and the use of technology, and the schoolâs Freshman Academy, which is designed to help new students transition into the high school setting. Principal Ken Darga says high school staff saw that both programs were having a positive impact on students, and so decided to combine the best aspects of both into a unified program and provide it to all incoming freshmen. He says the new program will also incorporate community service learning opportunities. Additionally, core subjects like math, science, and English will coordinate their curricula to create a connected learning environment that Darga says will make high school less intimidating for new students. All freshman will take part in the PIRATE Academy this fall. (TD)
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Expansion Planned For Brighton Senior Living FacilityExpansion Planned For Brighton Senior Living Facility
2/23/15 - Caretel Inns will embark on a major expansion of its Brighton facility this year, with site plan approval by the Brighton City Council at Thursday nightâs meeting. Caretel Inns is a Michigan-based senior retirement facility which specializes in assisted living, Alzheimerâs and memory care, acute care and rehabilitation. The Caretel facility at 1014 East Grand River in Brighton â one of four Caretels in the state â was completed in 2005. The expansion project includes four building additions that will allow Caretel to offer single bedrooms rather than shared two-bedrooms. A two-story addition will be made to the existing public lobby to offer an entrance lobby, physical therapy space, offices, a dining room and a gymnasium. Two larger, one-story additions will be constructed on the north side of the building to provide additional assisted living space. The project also includes expansion of the sidewalk and widening of the one-way drive where the additions will be built. Also, new parking area will be constructed east of the facility, adjacent to the residential properties on Kissane. Finally, new landscaping and a 6-foot tall screen will be added to better isolate the facility and parking lot from the adjacent residential area. Cost estimates on the expansion project were not revealed. (TT)
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New Water Main Crossing to Be Installed Under I-96 in Howell New Water Main Crossing to Be Installed Under I-96 in Howell
2/23/15 - A new water main crossing will be installed later this year underneath I-96 in the City of Howell. Engineers have been investigating possible rehabilitation options for one of the Cityâs two existing water mains that run parallel to Mason Road under I-96 but one recently failed. City Manager Shea Charles tells WHMI the pipe in question was a 1950âs vintage pipe so council and staff have been reviewing different solutions. The directional drilling of a pipe under I-96 was deemed the most cost effective, which is now being permitted by the Michigan Department of Transportation. A memo states it was discovered at the end of 2014 that MDOT had allowed other municipal agencies to install utilities under state highways via the horizontal direction drilling method. Further pressing by staff led M-DOT to change its position and allow the City of Howell to install the replacement main. During its most recent meeting, City Council authorized a proposal for design and construction engineering as well as soil borings. Charles says they will be moving forward with that work and putting the project out to bid. Installation is expected to occur sometime in the late summer or early fall. (JM)
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Student Facing Charges After Threatening Shooting SpreeStudent Facing Charges After Threatening Shooting Spree
2/23/15 - A 14-year-old Milford High School student is in custody after threatening to shoot up the school âlike Columbine." The Oakland County Sheriffâs Office says the threat from the Highland Township teen came to their attention after Milford Police received a complaint about an online instant message app known as Kik. The message in question threatened that an attack would be held today similar to the infamous 1999 killing spree at Columbine High School in Colorado. Sheriff's detectives located the boy and took him to the Highland Township substation for an interview along with his parents. He was then taken to the Oakland County Children's Village detention center. A report is being filed this morning with the Oakland County Prosecutorâs Office and a hearing could be held as early as this afternoon. Police say they also discovered multiple firearms in his home, which were confiscated. (JK)
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Ice Arena Break-In Suspect Enters Plea To ChargesIce Arena Break-In Suspect Enters Plea To Charges
2/23/15 - A suspect in a string of recent break-ins at a local ice arena has entered a plea in the various cases against him. 18-year-old Kyle Robert Bradley of Howell was charged with four counts of breaking and entering and larceny in a building and two counts of malicious destruction of property less than $200. The charges were filed in relation to a series of break-ins at the Grand Oaks Ice Arena between October 28th and December 9th. In court last week, Bradley entered guilty pleas to the charges. But when he is sentenced on March 12th, he will seek to do so under the Homes Youthful Trainee Act, which will erase his record if he successfully completes probation. If HYTA status isnât granted by the judge, he can withdraw his plea and take the charges to trial. Bradley is also facing sentencing March 4th for a previous no contest plea he entered in an unrelated assault case. (JK)
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Security Cameras w/ Dressing Room Views at Howell WalmartSecurity Cameras w/ Dressing Room Views at Howell Walmart
2/23/15 - A local woman says she had a shocking and humiliating experience at the Howell Walmart store after noticing what appeared to be a security camera with a plain view inside of a dressing room. Lisa Kennedy of Fowlerville was in the handicapped fitting room at the store last Wednesday and noticed the reflection of a surveillance camera in the mirror. She says she got dressed as quickly as possible, finished her shopping and left the store. Kennedy says she thought about contacting customer service but being so distraught, figured it would be best to calm down and talk with her husband. He went to the store the next day and also discovered the camera. However, he was too tall to see it until he squatted down to Lisaâs height of 5â2â. Kennedy says her husband spoke with numerous managers and store employees, who appeared shocked by the news and assured her husband the surveillance camera would be relocated immediately. Kennedy says what she finds concerning is how long security, loss prevention and others have been able to see inside that fitting room. Kennedy says the entire ordeal makes her sick to her stomach and sheâs filed a complaint with the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department. A Walmart spokesman has since responded to the allegations and tells WHMI there have never been security cameras in dressing rooms and the dome in question has never had a camera in it. (JM)
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Student Charged After Threatening to Shoot Up Milford High SchoolStudent Charged After Threatening to Shoot Up Milford High School
2/23/15 - A 14-year-old student has been charged after making online threats to shoot up Milford High School âlike Columbine". The Highland Township teen made generalized violent threats to students and staff via the social media app âKikâ over the weekend. The student appeared before a juvenile court referee this afternoon where he was charged with making a false report or threat of terrorism. The prosecution was said to have described the ninth grade student as having interest in Nazi, Germany. He does not have any criminal history and is also an AP student. Investigators have said there were nine guns in the student's home and he had access to some of them. The student remains held at Oakland Countyâs Children Village. Meanwhile, officials with the Huron Valley Schools district said the student was to remain out of school while the criminal investigation took place. Superintendent Jim Baker said the only positive to take from the situation is that the system worked as it should. He says their students, parents, law enforcement and administrative team all acted appropriately to assure that the threats were not able to be acted upon. (JM)
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MSP Brighton Post Plans New Programs For 2015MSP Brighton Post Plans New Programs For 2015
2/24/15 - The Michigan State Police Brighton Post is celebrating its accomplishments from the past year while also planning new initiatives for 2015. The post added six new troopers and responded to a total of 9,668 calls for service in 2014, resulting in a total of 1,244 arrests. Of those arrests, 453 were of wanted fugitives and 198 were drug-related. Troopers also assisted at the sites of 3,767 traffic crashes. The post also implemented a new program in 2014 aimed at reducing the threat of distracted driving in the community. In the coming year, the Brighton Post plans to implement two new programs. The first is aimed at bringing attention to and preventing domestic violence by partnering with local victim advocacy groups. The second is aimed at helping residents protect their homes and vehicles form being victimized by breaking and entering and larceny. (TD)
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