An open house event will introduce high school students to a program and careers in firefighting. The Howell Public Schools Fire Academy is believed to be the first of its kind in the state and students can earn the same state certification needed to become a full or part time firefighter. Parents, students and community members are invited to learn more about the fire academy, examine careers in firefighting, and speak with past and current academy cadets during an open house on Sunday. Juniors and seniors from any high school in Livingston County are now eligible to apply for the coming school year. The firefighterâs lab is located in the southwest corner of the Howell High School 10-12 building and attendees are encouraged to enter the school from the west entrance off Highlander Way. Applications will be available at the open house Sunday. (JM)
Students From All Districts Invited To Howell Fire Acdemy Open HouseStudents From All Districts Invited To Howell Fire Acdemy Open House
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New US Congressman To Address April Good Morning LivingstonNew US Congressman To Address April Good Morning Livingston
The monthly Howell Area Chamber of Commerce breakfast gathering later this month will feature Congressman Mike Bishop. Bishop is in his first term in Congress after succeeding Mike Rogers, who stepped down to pursue opportunities in talk radio and national security consulting. Bishop, who recently moved the 8th District offices from Lansing to Brighton, will be the featured speaker at the April Good Morning Livingston program, set for Monday, April 20th from 11:30am to 1pm at Crystal Gardens in Genoa Township. The cost to attend Good Morning Livingston is $20 for chamber members in advance, $25 at the door, and $30 for non-members. Details are online at Howell.org (JK)
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Howell City Council Approves Utility Rate Studies Howell City Council Approves Utility Rate Studies
In-depth utility rate studies will be conducted in the City of Howell. While there have been annual updates, the last time a complete financial plan was prepared was in 2011. The Howell City Council approved a proposal during a recent meeting to complete water and sewer financial plans at a cost not to exceed $9,000. Council approved a contract with Utility Financial Solutions to update the water and sewer rates, which will be a comprehensive analysis. City Manager Shea Charles tells WHMI itâs something thatâs done every five years to make sure theyâre keeping up with things such as system revenues, expenses and cash flow. Since 2006, the city has been instituting incremental increases to bring rates in line with the actual cost of service. A memo states the last rate increase was one of the smallest in recent years and the financial plan should affirm the city is on track. (JM)
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LACASA Hosting Documentary & Discussion Panels On Campus RapeLACASA Hosting Documentary & Discussion Panels On Campus Rape
A documentary will be presented next week in Howell about sexual assaults on U.S. college campuses, major institutional cover-ups, and the brutal toll on victims and their families. LACASA Center is presenting âThe Hunting Groundâ next Friday, April 17th at 7pm at the Historic Howell Theater as part of National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. âThe Hunting Groundâ opened at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. Itâs Co-Editor and Associate Producer, Douglas Bush, who is a Michigan native, will discuss making the film and field questions from the audience afterward. Then the following week, on Thursday, April 23rd, there will be a University Panel Discussion in the Livingston County EMS Headquarters on Tooley Road in Howell. Representatives from Michiganâs major universities will address sexual assault response measures on local campuses and answer questions from the audience. That event is free and open to the public. Nicole Matthews-Creech, LACASAâs Community Education Director, said they are honored to host the Livingston County premier of âThe Hunting Ground,â which she described as âa powerful film that dares to expose sexual assault cover-ups at top universities.â Tickets to the documentary film premiere are $8 for adults and $7 for students and seniors. The theater is donating $1 from the sale of each ticket to help sexual assault victims at LACASA. âThe Hunting Groundâ will run throughout next weekend at the theater in Downtown Howell. (JK)
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Fire Departments Lift Burn Bans As Grass Fires Become Less LikelyFire Departments Lift Burn Bans As Grass Fires Become Less Likely
Local fire authorities are lifting their ban on open burning as dangerous conditions subside. Several fire departments around Livingston County instituted burn bans in March and April, citing high winds and dry conditions that could lead to uncontrolled grass fires. However, as of Saturday morning, the Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority has lifted its ban on open burning for Hartland, Tyrone, and Deerfield Townships. The Howell Area Fire Authority lifted its burn ban on Sunday morning. Residents are still required to follow local ordinances regarding safe burning procedures. Residents who are unsure about their open burn status can contact their local fire departments. (TD)
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Fowlerville Police Department Considering Vehicle UpgradeFowlerville Police Department Considering Vehicle Upgrade
There could be a new model of vehicle patrolling the streets of Fowlerville as the police department considers an upgrade. The Fowlerville Police Department currently uses the Ford Taurus, and one of those vehicles is scheduled to retire this summer with about 130,000 miles traveled. Police Chief Tom Couling told the Fowlerville Village Council last week that rather than just buy a new Taurus to replace it for about $24,000, he is considering upgrading the next vehicle to a Ford Utility Interceptor for an extra $1,700. The vehicle has already been budgeted for in the fiscal year that begins on July 1st, so the new vehicle will be purchased sometime around then. Couling says the Utility is a larger vehicle that provides officers with better visibility while on patrol. Additionally, he says it will better accommodate larger officers, and the back area where detainees are transported will be an upgrade over the cramped back seat of the Taurus as well. The council approved a resolution that allows Couling to continue with the purchase, and granted him discretion in choosing which model to buy. The new vehicle is budgeted in the fiscal year beginning on July 1st, so it will be purchased sometime after that. (TD)
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Officials Remind Residents To Be Prepared For Severe WeatherOfficials Remind Residents To Be Prepared For Severe Weather
Sunday marked the start of Severe Weather Awareness Week in Michigan. In addition to damaging wind events last year, two hail storms accounted for roughly $100 (m) million in damages. Additionally, flooding in the metro region ended up being Michiganâs worst natural disaster as far as monetary costs with $1.8 (B) billion in damage. 4 to 6 inches of rain fell within a three hour window and overwhelmed the system, flooding streets and affecting more than 75,000 homes and businesses. Severe weather season tends to peak in June and July, although tornado season can start a little earlier according to Warning Coordination Meteorologist Rich Pollman with the National Weather Service office in White Lake Township. He tells WHMI you can basically expect a chance of severe weather once spring arrives and the weather warms up. Pollman advises getting a preparedness plan in place and review it before the season hits so that everyone in a home or business knows what to do if a tornado or severe thunderstorm watch is issued. He says there will typically be around 20 minutes lead time for severe thunderstorms, 12 to 15 minutes for a tornado and usually around 30 minutes to an hour for flood events. Pollman says itâs also important be aware of the weather conditions because they change quickly and if a warning is issued, youâll be able to act quickly and get everyone to a place of safety. A statewide tornado drill is planned on Thursday, April 16th around 2pm. Pollman says itâs part of coordinated efforts to make a more public push for everyone to practice severe weather and tornado safety plans or at least get them ready. (JM)
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Canine Veterans Day Planned At Lyon Township MemorialCanine Veterans Day Planned At Lyon Township Memorial
On Saturday, the Michigan War Dog Memorial in Lyon Township will hold a special gathering in honor of Canine Veterans Days. The memorial, located on Milford Road just south of 11 Mile Road, is one of only a few places in the country where police and military canines can get proper ceremonial burials following their lives of service. Organizers from the memorial in 2011 sent a proclamation to the state government establishing a day in spring as Canine Veterans Day, and although the governorâs approval was only good for a year they are currently working to turn the observance into an annual event. This yearâs gathering will include canines from the Oakland County Sheriffâs Office, the Michigan State Police, Michigan Search and Rescue, and the Department of Homeland Security. There will also be representatives from Pets for Vets, which trains therapy dogs for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. Following the gathering at 11am on Saturday, the memorial will hold ceremonies and burials for two military dogs, one from the US Navy and the other from the US Air Force. The public is invited to both events. (TD)
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Developer Drops Lawsuit Seeking Access To Woodland Lake ParcelDeveloper Drops Lawsuit Seeking Access To Woodland Lake Parcel
A local developer has dropped his lawsuit against a Brighton Township homeownerâs association. Dan Boss filed suit against the Woodland Lake Shore Homeowners Association over his plan to use Woodland Shore Drive as an access route to a proposed group of single-family homes he wanted to build on property he owns along Woodland Lake. The association says the road and a bridge it crosses over are privately owned. But earlier this month, Livingston County Circuit Judge Michael Hatty agreed to a voluntary dismissal of the lawsuit and ordered Boss to reimburse the homeowners association $5,500 for attorney fees. Jim Sarna, the president of the Woodland Lake Shore Homeowners Association, called the lawsuit âfrivolous,â and said that it was filed even though Brighton Townshipâs attorney said Boss âhad no legal instrument to use the roadâ while the township's fire chief and engineering consultant stated that it had serious public safety concerns. Boss says he plans to start over and seek access through a different route. (JK)
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Concert & Dinner Will Mark Anniversary Of The Civil War's EndConcert & Dinner Will Mark Anniversary Of The Civil War's End
With Tuesdayâs observance of the 150th anniversary since the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and the events surrounding the end of the Civil War, a local organization is planning a concert and dinner next month to mark that time in history. The Livingston County Concert Band will be holding a Civil War Sesquicentennial event concert and dinner on Saturday, May 2nd at Parker Middle School in Howell. Band director Dale Marzewski says it began as a concert that would mark the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War, and quickly became much more than that. The concert will be preceded by a catered dinner featuring White House menu items from the 1860âs. Tickets for the dinner are $35 each. Attendees are encouraged to come in period clothing and will be joined by actors Fred and Bonnie Priebe playing the role of Abraham and Mary Lincoln. The concert follows at 7pm and is free of charge. Marzewski says it will feature a mix of songs that were both about the Civil War and were popular during that era. Youâll find more information through the link posted below. You can hear the full interview with Marzewski by Clicking Here (JK)
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Spencer Ramp Closure Delayed Until WednesdaySpencer Ramp Closure Delayed Until Wednesday
It will be a couple of days before a planned closure of a freeway on-ramp takes place. The Michigan Department of Transportation had been set to close the eastbound I-96 on-ramp at Spencer Road in Brighton Township today. But officials now say that has been delayed until Wednesday, April 15th. No reason for the delay was given. However, a detour will be posted once the ramp does close, which is expected to remain closed for the remainder of the construction season. There will be also daytime single lane closures on I-96 and US-23, and nighttime double lane closures on I-96 during construction, which will build express lanes for traffic passing through the interchange while improving ramp safety for local traffic. There will also be one lane maintained on Old US-23 at I-96 with a flagging operation during the project. (JK)
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Pipeline Company Suing Landowners For Survey AccessPipeline Company Suing Landowners For Survey Access
A company behind a proposed natural gas pipeline through Livingston County has sued landowners to gain access to their property for surveys. John DeVries, a lawyer for Rover Pipeline LLC, says 17 lawsuits have been filed in Washtenaw, Lenawee and Livingston counties. Of those 17, eleven of the lawsuits were filed in Washtenaw County Trial Court. ET Rover says the lawsuits are a reluctant action taken by the company so crews can conduct civil and environmental surveys. Copies of letters to property owners dated March 19 and included in the recent court filings inform owners of the wish to enter the land. Among the property owners who have agreed to allow the surveys are the Post 46 Hunting and Fishing Club on Dexter Town-Hall Road in Pinckney, where officials said that the decision was based on the likelihood of paying large legal fees to try and stop the surveys. The pipeline is currently planned to start in West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Ohio and end in Ontario on its way through Michigan. Originally, the pipeline was set to run through nine southeast Michigan counties. But then in February, Rover announced a contract with Vector Pipelines that only called for the pipeline to go through Lenawee and Washtenaw counties, before crossing into Livingston County, where it would hook into the Vector line southeast of Fowlerville. (JK)
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Livingston County Republican Party Supports "No" Vote on Proposal 1Livingston County Republican Party Supports "No" Vote on Proposal 1
Itâs a major issue in the state and county Republicans are coming out. The Livingston County Republican Partyâs executive committee met recently and passed a unanimous resolution supporting a "no" vote for Michiganâs roads-related Proposal 1 that will appear on the May 5th election ballot. Local party chairman Dan Wholihan tells WHMI the bottom line is that itâs horrible policy. He says "we support limited government and fiscal responsibility, and this proposal provides neither as it raises taxes and spends much of our money on matters besides roads. None of the sales tax increase goes towards roads." Wholihan says most of the money in the state budget is already earmarked, which is why he feels the transportation budget hasnât increased as much as most revenues and one reason why roads are in bad shape today. He says lawmakers should analyze whatâs needed and whatâs not and then transfer some of the earmarked money toward roads. Wholihan added the Legislaturesâ need to stop worrying about Lansing turf wars and start attacking some of this, without repeatedly going to the wallets of taxpayers to ask for more money. If Michigan's ballot proposal for improved roads passes, the tax hike would average $545 per household in 2016 â or $45 a month according to Associated Press calculations. A report says exactly how much more taxes people pay would depend on incomes, fuel prices and what they buy, how much they drive and the type and age of their car. Meanwhile, backers of Proposal 1 say the higher taxes would lower vehicle repairs caused by poor roads. (JM)
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BHS State Champ Wrestlers Honored at Meeting BHS State Champ Wrestlers Honored at Meeting
4/14/15 - The Brighton High School wrestling team recently distinguished itself by capturing the Division One state high school wrestling championship. The team was honored at Monday nightâs Brighton Board of Education meeting as one of the districtâs âShining Starsâ. High School Athletic Director John Thompson told the board that team members not only have distinguished themselves athletically, but academically, with a cumulative 3.4 Grade Point Average, making them Academic All-State as well. Thompson tells WHMI the Bulldog wrestling coach, Tony Greathouse â a former wrestling star at Michigan State University â has been an excellent role model and inspiration to the team. It was the first time in the schoolsâ history that that Brighton has earned the state Division One wrestling title and the first time Brighton has sent 10 individual team members to state division one competition. (TT)
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Tactical Care Course Registration Ends TomorrowTactical Care Course Registration Ends Tomorrow
Tomorrow is the last day to sign up for a life-saving course in Howell designed for battlefield medics. The Tactical Combat Casualty Care training is offered by the National Association of EMTâs. It is advertised as a way to learn evidence-based techniques for saving lives on the battlefield. The intensive two-day course will take place on Saturday and Sunday, and with a cost of $325 per person it is mainly marketed toward emergency service professionals who will use the provided skills in the line of duty. The course is now being mandated for certain emergency responders in Genesee County. Those who complete the course will receive a certification card, combat application tourniquet, and TCCC manual. For more information or to RSVP, email Jrobson@universalems.net. (TD)
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Howell In Search Of Broker For Howell/Highland PropertyHowell In Search Of Broker For Howell/Highland Property
The Howell Highland property is once again on the market and the city is in search of a broker to sell it.
Staff for the city of Howell will be issuing a Request for Proposals on Tuesday for broker services in the hopes of finally selling the parcel that has been in limbo for years. The 210-acre property is located between Lucy Road and South Michigan Avenue. The city bought it last year for $2 million dollars as part of a settlement with the propertyâs developers who were attempting to sue the city after a âloop-roadâ project failed to win federal approval. The parcel has been listed at $5 million dollars with room for negotiation and property use subject to city approval. A developer in touch with the city about the land recently withdrew from potentially buying it, as the party as announced they are âno longer interestedâ. Though it is unknown why the developer withdrew, the city is putting the property back on the market and is looking to retain a broker to sell it. Taxes are not being collected on the land, causing a financial drain on the city and City Council is hoping the sale of the property will reimburse the funds that were used to originally purchase it. (DK)
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Man Accused Of Murder Seeks To Have Post-Arrest Confession SuppressedMan Accused Of Murder Seeks To Have Post-Arrest Confession Suppressed
A judge has set a motion hearing to consider the admissibility of statements made by Whitmore Lake man who police allege murdered his sister-in-law. 25-year-old Nicholas Allen Foerster is charged with 1st degree, premeditated murder in the strangulation death of his sister-in-law, 23-year-old Rachelle Lynn Wood. She was found dead in the bathtub of her Green Oak Township apartment on June 16th of last year. Foerster allegedly confessed to choking the victim for a period of at least seven minutes, knowing that it would cause death. On April 2nd, the defense entered a motion to have statements made by Foerster suppressed. The motion claims that Foerster asked to speak to an attorney but was not allowed to do so, denying him his 5th Amendment rights, and that the statements were âthe product of many hours of police badgering.â The prosecution has denied both of these claims. A hearing to consider the defenseâs motion has been scheduled for June 26th. If convicted, Foerster faces life in prison without parole. He remains held without bond in the Livingston County Jail. (TD)
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Brighton School Board Looking Into Bond Issue Billing DisputeBrighton School Board Looking Into Bond Issue Billing Dispute
Brighton Area Schools officials will schedule a meeting with one of the main contractors in the $89 million bond issue to hopefully resolve a problem over additional billing which could cost the district an extra $150,000. Stantec, formerly known as SHW Group, is doing the architectural work for the bond issue and recently sent the district a big bill for additional architectural work on the Brighton High School auto shop project. According to Supt. Greg Gray, the original project was just for some ceiling tile in the auto shop, but the scope of the project was expanded when the district was able to save money on other aspects of the bond issue. Stantecâs position is that a larger project meant more work; thus the additional billing. Although the bill totals a pretty substantial amount of money, Gray tells WHMI it is spread out over a period of years, since the 2012 bond issue is being completed incrementally, in phases. Board trustee Bill Trombley said at the meeting that the burden of proof is on Stantec to make its case that the district owes more money, based on the binding contract the Brighton Area Schools signed with the company. Gray says he and Board President Jay Krause will set up a meeting with Stantec officials in the near future in an attempt to resolve the situation amicably. Gray says the district has always had a good working relationship with Stantec, or SHW, and he doesnât see any problem in reaching an accord.(TT)
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Plans For New Panera Bread In Genoa Township Nearing Approval Plans For New Panera Bread In Genoa Township Nearing Approval
A redevelopment project at the corner of Grand River and Latson Road in Genoa Township is inching closer to the construction phase. The parcel where the now-closed Benniganâs sits is being redeveloped and a Panera Bread with a drive-thru is now being proposed as a freestanding restaurant for the first phase. The Genoa Township Planning Commission held a productive discussion regarding proposed site plans for the project being petitioned by RG Properties during Monday nightâs meeting. Some felt the configurations and access points were a mess and had safety concerns so changes were made to improve traffic flow and alleviate congestion as the other half of the lot is a future phase slated to house a drive thru restaurant. While not confirmed, petitioners commented during the meeting that site plans for a Culverâs would be coming forward. Commission chairman Doug Brown tells WHMI it has taken a little while for the petitioner to put the final touches on plans but thinks theyâre close, at least with the first phase and the changes came together nicely, noting they have a lot of talented people on the township side that provide input to petitioners. Brown said everyone made a good contribution and he was happy to see it, adding the old Benniganâs wasnât the best looking and this new building will be a nice addition to the local area. Commissioners ultimately voted to table any final recommendations so that the discussed changes can be reflected in site plans and a complete package can be presented to the township board, which would grant final approval. Developers will be back before the planning commission April 27th. Meanwhile, approvals were previously granted for a Red Olive restaurant at the site of the old Prairie House, which will be demolished. Access to the interior road for that project fall under an agreement for the larger development, which is still in the process of being finalized and must undergo legal review. Once that happens, construction will begin. (JM)
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Hearing Set for Student Charged After Threatening to Shoot Up Milford High SchoolHearing Set for Student Charged After Threatening to Shoot Up Milford High School
A 14-year-old from Highland Township who threatened a shooting at his high school is expected to find out next month whether he'll stay in juvenile detention. The boy pleaded no contest last week to a false report of an act of terrorism. A disposition hearing is May 12. He's being prosecuted as a juvenile in Oakland County Probate Court. Another student told police the teen said "he was going to shoot up" Milford High School, comparing his plans to the 1999 Columbine High School massacre in Colorado. The teen, who is said to have a fascination with Nazi history, is alleged to have sent text messages using the persona of "Adolph Hitler." He also reportedly told police he sent the text because he was depressed over a recent break up with a girlfriend. Investigators say authorities removed nine firearms from his home, only some of which were locked up. The teen, who is being held in Children's Village without bond, could be sent home under supervision, but it's possible he could remain in confinement until the age of 19. The boy's lawyer Deanna Kelley says he's "a good kid" who has "never been in any type of trouble at school or otherwise." (JK)
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