All residents on the Multi Lake Water and Sewer Authority have had sanitary sewer service restored after it was disrupted last month. The sewer system failed when cold weather caused some system valves to freeze, preventing the main line sewer from functioning. Crews began working around the clock since late February trying to repair the issue, and although they were able to restore service to Gregory last week residents on Patterson Lake in Putnam remained without service. The Authority announced on Friday that full service has been provided to all customers. However, anyone on the system who feels that their individual service is not functioning properly should restrict their water usage and contact the authority so a technician can be dispatched to investigate. That phone number is listed on our website. (TD)
Sewer System Fully Restored In Southern Livingston CountySewer System Fully Restored In Southern Livingston County
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Menzel Hopes Local & ISD Experience Will Stand Out In State Superintendent SelectionMenzel Hopes Local & ISD Experience Will Stand Out In State Superintendent Selection
One of three finalists for the position of State Superintendent says his experience in Livingston County helped to not only have the ambition to seek the top education job in the state, but also what he would do if he is selected. Washtenaw Intermediate School District Superintendent Scott Menzel was announced last week as a finalist for the position and will be interviewed Wednesday by the State of Michigan Board of Education. Menzel was among more than 50 candidates who applied for the position and is now one of the final three that are in the running to replace current State Superintendent Mike Flanagan, who plans to retire on July 1st. Prior to serving in Washtenaw Countyâs ISD, Menzel was the Superintendent of Livingston Countyâs ISD, the Livingston Educational Service Agency, from 2007 to 2011. Before that, he was the Superintendent of Whitmore Lake Public Schools for 5 years. Menzel tells WHMI that the combination of experiences on his resume will stand out for the state Board of Education. Menzel says one of his major concerns is the redundancies found in the stateâs educational system. As an example, he pointed to Hillsdale County where he grew up and graduated, saying there are eight different districts and an ISD serving just 6,100 students, which is less than the enrollment of Howell Public Schools. He said the state needs to provide more incentives for districts to consolidate and that the political will must be fostered to make that happen. Menzel will be interviewed Wednesday in Lansing, along with the two other finalists; Vickie Markavitch, the Superintendent of Oakland Schools in Waterford and Brian Whiston, the Dearborn Public Schools superintendent. Officials say that following those interviews, the board may possibly announce then its selection. (JK)
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Ramp & Lane Closures Planned On I-96 and US-23 In BrightonRamp & Lane Closures Planned On I-96 and US-23 In Brighton
Freeway ramp and lane closures are planned this week as part of the I-96/US-23 interchange improvement project in Brighton. The Michigan Department of Transportation is in the midst of site preparation work related to a large improvement project at the I-96/US-23 interchange in Brighton. M-DOT says the right lane on northbound US-23, just north of I-96 will be closed between 9am and 3pm starting today and lasting through Thursday. Additionally on Tuesday, the eastbound I-96 entrance ramp from Spencer Road will be closed for one day only between 9am and 2pm with detours posted. The closures are needed to haul material and remove trees from the construction site as crews are currently clearing 23 acres of trees in that area to make room for additional lanes. M-DOT Spokeswoman Kari Arend says the trees at this location do need to come down so that they can then start the roadwork itself on I-96. Arend says M-DOT will be replanting trees in the area, which will be added as part of the restoration phase once the work is complete. The overall project involves constructing new through-lanes on I-96 between the current eastbound and westbound lanes while changing the existing lanes of I-96 to improve safety for ramp traffic. New bridges will also be constructed over northbound and southbound US-23, and over Old US-23. (JM)
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Campaign To Again Target Parents That Allow Underage DrinkingCampaign To Again Target Parents That Allow Underage Drinking
With prom season approaching, the Livingston County Community Alliance is planning a kickoff event for its regular campaign against underage drinking. The Parents Who Host Lose the Most campaign is promoted by the LCCA to inform local adults about the legal ramifications of providing alcohol to minors. Each year, efforts are organized in advance of the homecoming and prom seasons, which are popular times for parents to host parties for their children. The Parents Who Host campaign will kick off with an event on April 14th at the Livingston Educational Service Agency. The event will begin with dinner at 5:30pm, followed by speakers covering the legal consequences of providing alcohol to minors and parents who will talk about how to resist the urge to host parties with alcohol. The Parents Who Host campaign will also include another round of Project Sticker Shock, in which students go to participating party stores to mark packages of alcohol with stickers describing the legal repercussions of providing alcohol to minors. The LCCA is currently working with local youth to recruit party stores to participate. More information on the campaign is available on the LCCA website. (TD)
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Howell City Council Extends Moratorium On Medical Marijuana Facilities Howell City Council Extends Moratorium On Medical Marijuana Facilities
The Howell City Council could finally address the regulation of medical marijuana facilities this spring. Council met last week and while some were ready to move on the matter, they decided to hold off since they were short quite a few members with one absent, a surprise resignation form Al Schlittler and the appointment of councilman Nick Proctor as mayor. Instead members voted 4-0 to extend the moratorium to April 30th. Both city council and the planning commission have discussed the matter at length and options for regulating the new industry. The most recent recommendation was to continue the moratorium on medical marijuana related facilities until the end of the year. It was noted that the ordinance would be re-evaluated and considered should there be any further state guidance on a regulatory framework. Staff has a number of legal concerns related to not only regulation but how potential legislation would impact new or existing operations. Some caregivers in the audience commented theyâre waiting patiently despite repeated delays and with Howell being the county seat; many municipalities are waiting for council to take action. It was noted that there is nothing in place to stop the facilities from opening and operating currently. Howell Attorney Denise Policella specializes in Medical Marijuana related law. Sheâs been a regular voice at council meetings and says a number of municipalities have been hanging on waiting for the state to act, and rightly so in some circumstances but feels itâs a cop-out for others. While itâs difficult to predict what the state will do, she says not having local ordinances in place leads to people operating businesses out of their homes and basements, which is not a tenable situation and not safe. Policella tells WHMI most municipalities could probably make an educated guess as to where they would want these types of businesses, likely industrial, agricultural or manufacturing areas, and feels they should take the proactive step of at least prepping ordinances and put some zoning in place. She feels ordinances passed in some communities that push lawful medical marijuana conduct in residential areas is not only irresponsible and misinformed but sometimes an excuse to not deal with the real issue. She says cultivation ordinances are not only timely but warranted right now that would regulate and license or permit the businesses and charge fees for inspection in areas with the appropriate utility infrastructure. Policella feels it would behoove municipalities statewide to at least put some sort of special regulated land use ordinance on the books and talk about where they would want them located. (JM)
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Online Voting Continues For Annual Local Celebrity Dance CompetitionOnline Voting Continues For Annual Local Celebrity Dance Competition
The deadline is fast approaching to purchase tickets to the annual Salute to the Stars and Celebrity Dance Competition for Livingston County Catholic Charitiesâ 30th anniversary. The event features four dance teams of local celebrities who have chosen their music and are currently working on routines to perform for the event this Saturday, March 21st at Cleary Universityâs Johnson Center; Erica Karfonta & Richard Lim (pictured), Heather & Paul Menosky, LuAnn & Andy Pless and Courtney & Fabrizio Tarara, who have chosen their music and are currently working on routines to perform. Three judges, including last yearâs winning team, will determine the overall winners for this year. Residents can go online to vote for their favorite team, with the most popular pair winning this yearâs Community Favorite award. Voting can be done at Livingston Catholic Charities.org and costs $5 per vote. Those who attend will enjoy dinner, open dancing, raffles, a cash bar, and an awards ceremony where Catholic Charities will recognize LCCC volunteer Barbara Lynch and the Pregnancy Help Clinic, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary. The cost to attend is $60 per person, or $440 for a table of eight. Tickets must be purchased by Tuesday. All proceeds will go toward substance abuse prevention programs offered to local people through LCCC. Tickets must be purchased by Tuesday. All proceeds will go toward substance abuse prevention programs offered to local people through LCCC. (JK)
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Prosecutor Proceeds With Trespassing Charge Against Brighton Charter School CriticProsecutor Proceeds With Trespassing Charge Against Brighton Charter School Critic
A misdemeanor charge filed against a Brighton man arrested after he refused to leave a meeting for a proposed charter school will move forward. The Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office filed a misdemeanor trespassing charge against Glenn Ikens, who was arrested February 28th at the former Lindbom Elementary School in Brighton. The buildingâs owner, Pasquale Battaglia, said he asked Ikens to leave based on his past criticism of both Battaglia personally and the proposed school, the Livingston Classical Academy. Ikens says he saw an online flyer for the meeting that referred to it as an open house and said âCome one, come allâ and that as a taxpayer who lives just two blocks away he wanted to know more about the curriculum of the proposed school, which as a charter school would be publicly-funded. But upon arrival, Ikens claims he was immediately told he was not welcome and was not allowed to sign in. That differs from what was told to police when they were called. A recording of the call obtained by WHMI through the Freedom of Information Act features the caller telling a dispatcher that Ikens was asked to register, but that he refused. Ikens, who is a teacher in the Dearborn school district, says despite not being allowed to sign in, he proceeded to the meeting room and quietly awaited the start of the program. Battaglia himself then approached and asked him to leave, and when Ikens refused, the police were called. A Brighton officer also asked him to leave and when Ikens again refused, he was arrested. Jay McNally, a spokesman for the proposed school, said in a statement Sunday that Ikens was asked to leave because Battaglia, âas noted in the police reportâ feared for his safety and that of the guests in attendance. McNally added that, "Mr. Ikens has attacked Mr. Battaglia personally many times in public meetings and in writing." Ikens says he has spoken passionately at previous Brighton Board of Education meetings about his opposition to the school, which he fears is trying to infuse politics and religion into education, but never has spoken out of turn nor did he have any intention to be disruptive at the February 28th gathering. McNally says such fears are unfounded and that as a charter school, LCA would, âconform to all laws regarding charter schools." Ikens says his concern is based on numerous social media statements by Battaglia, some he considers to be outright racist, as well as the fact that Battagliaâs organization, American Classical Academy, was previously known as American Christian Academy, and only changed its name when they began pursuing the idea of opening a publicly-funded charter school. The trespassing charge carries a penalty of up to 30 days in the county jail and/or a $250 fine. An arraignment date has yet to be set. You can hear the full 911 call through the link below along with the full statement by McNally. (JK)
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Chelsea Police Warn Part Of City To Boil Water Before UseChelsea Police Warn Part Of City To Boil Water Before Use
Residents in certain parts of Chelsea are being warned to boil any water from the municipal system that is intended for cooking or drinking. The Chelsea Police Department issued the warning Monday afternoon. Residents on Wilkinson Street between Wellington Street and West Middle Street were specifically identified in the warning, and are being told to boil any water that will be used in cooking or drinking. The cityâs water system lost pressure on Sunday morning due to a water main break on Wilkinson Street, which the department says became apparent due to the sudden warm weather. Affected residents may be without water intermittently for the next several days while city crews work to repair the problem. The city will perform regular tests, and the boil advisory will be lifted when two consecutive tests are clear. (TD)
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Fenton City Council Passes Resolution In Support Of Proposal 1Fenton City Council Passes Resolution In Support Of Proposal 1
Fentonâs City Council is backing a statewide proposal that will be put to a vote on May 5th. The city council unanimously agreed to a resolution in support of Proposal 1 at their Monday night meeting. Passing of the proposal would result in amending the Stateâs constitution so the sales tax would increase from 6 to 7 percent. In addition, most fuel sales would be exempt from the sales tax, although fuel taxes would increase slightly. That would mostly generate nearly $1.3 billion annually for road repairs. There would also be an elimination of registration fee discounts and an expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit. Those measures are expected to raise $200 million for the School Aid Fund and $111 million for local governments, when fully implemented. Fenton City Manager Lynn Markland tells WHMI residents need to be informed about the proposal and its effect. Fenton, much like many municipalities in Michigan, are struggling to maintain their roads and are in desperate need of funding. Markland says this was the driving point for the councilâs support of Proposal 1. Opponents of the bill say the tax raise is neither sufficient nor well thought out. However, Fenton councilman Leslie Bland says the city has âbeen trying to obtain money for roads for about 14 yearsâ, and the proposal is currently the âbest option.â (DK/JK)
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Woman Sentenced For Failing To Stop May Have To Pay Funeral CostsWoman Sentenced For Failing To Stop May Have To Pay Funeral Costs
A Northfield Township woman who pleaded no contest to failing to stop at the scene of a personal injury accident causing death might have to pay the funeral costs of the man she hit. 34-year-old Candice April Soerries was sentenced to 30 days in jail by Judge Miriam Cavanaugh following her plea. Green Oak Township Police say Soerries was the driver of an SUV that hit 27-year-old Kevin Douglas Simon at the intersection of Rickett Road and Meadow Farm Drive in the early morning hours of March 30th last year and then drove off. Simon, who was wearing dark clothing while walking in the southbound lane in an area with no street lights, was pronounced dead at the scene. Soerries only called authorities after she had arrived at home. The prosecution is now seeking to have Soerries held responsible for Simonâs funeral and burial costs, according to the South Lyon Herald, claiming that her conduct led to those costs being incurred. The defense argued that Soerries had not been found guilty of breaking the law in a way that led to Simonâs death, and had only been sentenced for failing to wait at the scene afterward. Cavanaugh is considering the arguments, and is expected to reveal her decision at a hearing on March 26th. (TD)
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County Resolution Helps Facilitate Development Of Handy Township LandCounty Resolution Helps Facilitate Development Of Handy Township Land
An agreement between the Livingston County Board of Commissioners and Handy Township has created a framework for the township to eliminate delinquent taxes and assessments on a property it is seeking to sell. The township acquired 200 acres of land in its ongoing lawsuit with a developer who pulled out of a residential development, but that property has about $4.2 million in delinquent taxes and assessments on it, presenting an obstacle to development. An agreement was passed on March 2nd, and initial talks with county commissioners indicated that it would further reduce the interest rate on debt owed by the township to the county. However, Commissioner Dave Domas has since corrected previous statements, clarifying that the agreement is designed to address the delinquent taxes and assessments so the land can be sold and developed. Handy has the energy company Green Grid ready to purchase the property, and Domas says once that sale goes through the township will put the $3 million sale price of the land toward those delinquent taxes. The county will then provide $1.2 million from a $2 million fund set up years ago to assist townships in dire financial straits, which should cover the difference. The agreement names December 24th as the deadline for the township to provide its side of the deal. Domas says this arrangement is a win for all parties involved, ensuring financial stability in the township and allowing the property to re-enter the tax roll. (TD)
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Tools Stolen From I-96/US-23 Construction SiteTools Stolen From I-96/US-23 Construction Site
Authorities say an excavator bucket was used to break open a storage trailer at a construction site in Livingston County to get to tools and other equipment. The sheriff's department is asking for the public's help in investigating the theft, which happened near US-23 and I-96 late March 9th or early March 10th. Hand tools and measuring equipment were taken along with gear used for welding and cutting. The department said it's looking for potential witnesses as well as anyone suspicious that someone they know recently obtained a lot of tools. The site is part of the major interchange project which will build express lanes in between the current eastbound and westbound lanes, while reconstructing the existing lanes of I-96 to improve the safety of ramp traffic. Anyone with information about the stolen tools is asked to contact Sheriffâs Detective Mark Klein at 517-540-7690, 517-546-2440 or 1-800-SPEAK-UP. (JK)
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Brighton Council OKs 1st Reading of Off-Street Parking ChangesBrighton Council OKs 1st Reading of Off-Street Parking Changes
3/17/15 - At a special meeting Monday night, the Brighton City Council Monday night approved first reading of changes to the city ordinance in regard to off-street parking in the downtown development district. City Planning and Zoning Director Amy Cyphert tells WHMI that the changes will allow such thing as special overflow parking lots to handle additional public parking needs during civic events, as well as transitional parking. Cyphert says the CSX West parking lot the Downtown Development Authority plans just west of the railroad tracks is one specific case where the changes to the parking ordinance are needed. The city has secured a lease from the CSX Railroad for the overflow parking lot and the special meeting was scheduled in part so that work could begin as soon as possible on the parking lot. The city is also in the process of making changes to downtown parking rules and their enforcement, for the benefit of store owners, their employees and their customers. More meetings on that issue will be held: One of them is set for tonight, Tuesday, March 17th at 6pm. Three meetings will be held on Wednesday, March 18th at 8:30am, 2pm and 6:30pm. All of the meetings will take place in council chambers of city hall. City Manager Dana Foster says the parking enforcement strategy sessions and the off-street parking ordinance changes are unrelated issues, although they both tie in to the general problem of insufficient parking in the downtown area. The City Council is expected to approve second reading of the ordinance at its meeting Thursday, with the ordinance amendments set to go into effect on April 1. (TT)
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Federal And State Sources Fund Purchase Of Two New LETS BusesFederal And State Sources Fund Purchase Of Two New LETS Buses
The County Commission has approved the purchase of two new buses for the Livingston Essential Transportation Service, with the federal and state governments picking up the tab. The purchase order was approved at the commissionâs regular meeting last night. The two new buses will be added to the growing LETS fleet. Of the $145,000 price tag for those vehicles, the Federal Transit Authority is paying 80% and the Michigan Department of Transportation is paying 20%, leaving the county with a local matching cost of only $126. One of the two new buses is fueled by gasoline, while the other is powered by propane. LETS already has two propane buses and a refueling station for them at its garage. Commissioner Steve Williams says the buses have proven themselves to be easier to maintain since propane is a cleaner-burning fuel than gasoline. He adds that the county has a steady source of propane to use in its buses. Commissioner Dennis Dolan adds that LETS is renovating its facility, adding space and increasing capacity. (TD)
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County To Hold Informational Meeting On Proposal 1 TomorrowCounty To Hold Informational Meeting On Proposal 1 Tomorrow
Officials from all over southeastern Michigan will speak at an informational meeting tomorrow on the changes to Michiganâs tax structure proposed on the May 5th ballot. Proposal 1 would increase the state sales tax from 6% to 7%, raise the fuel tax, make fuel exempt from sales tax, and change how the School Aid Fund is managed. The goal of the changes is to provide an extra $1.3 billion per year for road and bridge repair. The Livingston County Board of Commissioners has passed two resolutions in previous sessions calling for the state government to take action to address Michiganâs deteriorating roads. While the commission cannot legally support or oppose any specific ballot item, it can endeavor to educate the public on the issues ahead of the May ballot. The county board is organizing tomorrowâs informational meeting, which will include speakers from the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments as well as Livingston County Road Commission Managing Director Mike Craine. They will talk about the changes being proposed by Proposal 1 so those who attend can be informed on May 5th. The meeting will take place at the Jack LaBelle Public Safety Complex, located on Tooley Road near the Spencer J. Hardy Airport, beginning at 6:30pm. (TD)
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Deerfield Township Couple Arraigned On Child Abuse ChargesDeerfield Township Couple Arraigned On Child Abuse Charges
A Deerfield Township couple was arraigned this morning on felony child abuse charges. Police had requested the charges against the couple following accusations their 16-year-old adopted son was mentally and emotionally abused in part by being isolated in a basement. Prosecutor William Vailliencourt issued a complaint for second degree child abuse against Eric and Angela Corcoran, who were arraigned this morning by Magistrate Jerry Sherwood. He set a $500,000 cash or surety bond. Court documents filed in juvenile court say the 43-year-olds isolated the boy in the basement of the family's Bennett Lake Road home. They say protective services workers were told the boy only could get access to the main living area of the home from other family members. Documents say the boy also was forced to urinate and defecate in a camper toilet. The boy has since been placed in foster care. (JK)
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Community Talk Aims To Improve Opportunities For Individuals w/ DisabilitiesCommunity Talk Aims To Improve Opportunities For Individuals w/ Disabilities
The registration deadline is nearing for those interested in attending a community conversation focused on improving inclusive opportunities for individuals with disabilities in Livingston County. The Livingston Educational Autism Network or LEAN and the Statewide Autism Resources & Training or START will host the community conversation from 6:30 to 8:30pm next Tuesday, March 24th at First National Bank in Howell. The concept is to bring a diverse group together to address questions and generate ideas as to what personal and community actions can be taken to increase the employment and social/recreation opportunities for youth and young adults with disabilities. Carol Pearsall, Director of Special Education for Pinckney Schools and LESA START Grant Coordinator tells WHMI the event aims to generate enthusiasm with the potential for action. Those encouraged to attend include area employers, business leaders, community members, teaching and school staff, organizations and agencies that serve youth, as well as family members of individuals with disabilities. Interested individuals are asked to register though the Livingston Educational Service Agency by this Friday, March 20th. A link is available below, along with additional information provided by Pearsall. Those with questions are asked to contact Pam Holloway via email pamholloway@livingstonesa.org. (JM)
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Rec Authority To Operate Howell City Park & Boat Launch This SummerRec Authority To Operate Howell City Park & Boat Launch This Summer
The Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority is again partnering with the city to operate the Thompson Lake beach and boat launch during the summer months. The Howell City Council recently approved the 2015 agreement that will allow the authority to manage and hire staff for the city park beach, guard booth and boat launch for the upcoming summer. City Manager Shea Charles tells WHMI itâs been a good relationship both the city and the rec authority. The City of Howell, as well as Oceola, Marion and Genoa Townships make up the authority, which offers two free annual passes to each resident of these municipalities. It was noted that stickers for the upcoming season were ordered well ahead of schedule this year and the authority will continue to add family friendly programming at the park during the summer months. As in the past, seasonal stickers or daily entry fees will be required for access to the park and boat launch starting on the Friday prior to Memorial Day through Labor Day. (JM)
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Handy Township Man Facing Child Pornography Charges Handy Township Man Facing Child Pornography Charges
A Handy Township man remains jailed after being busted with child pornography at a motel last week. 57-year-old David John Wennberg is charged with possession of child sexually abusive material, a four-year felony. After receiving information from the FBI, detectives with the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department executed a search warrant March 12th at the Grand Motel on Grand River in Fowlerville. An investigation is said to have produced evidence that Wennberg was in possession of child pornographic images. He was placed under arrest at the scene and lodged in the Livingston County Jail, where he remains held on a $100,000 cash or surety bond. Wennberg was also ordered to have no internet usage and police say additional charges are possible, pending lab and/or forensic testing. A probable cause conference has been scheduled in 53rd District Court March 24th. (JM)
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Hartland Board Gives Demolition Order For Blighted HouseHartland Board Gives Demolition Order For Blighted House
The Hartland Township Board gave the demolition order last night for a blighted house that has been the subject of debate for years. The property on Read Road is owned by a local man who moved to Alabama during the recession. Since his departure the building has become blighted, even though he insisted that he planned to fix it up and live there following his retirement. The township has declared the structure unsafe, and a dangerous hearing building officer told the homeowner to get it up to code. The township waited a year and a half with no results, and with the December deadline for action come and gone, the board approved the demolition order last night. Township Manager James Wickman says this action does not change the ownership of the land, and the property owner can use or sell it as normal once the building is demolished. The cost of demolition will be about $13,000 plus some oversight costs. The money spent will be carefully tracked and charged to the property owner. If he does not pay, that total will be placed as a lien on the vacant property. Hartland and other municipalities have ordinances against blighted buildings because they are considered attractive nuisances, posing a threat to curious children and a refuge for criminal activity and problematic animals. Work on the demolition will be completed sometime in the next two months. (TD)
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