The Handy Township government has noticed something unusual about the sewer and water hookup inspections in the township since 2009: many of them never took place. At its regular board meeting last week, the board discussed the apparent lack of sewer and water inspections by the township after the beginning of the Great Recession. Supervisor Ed Alverson says there appear to be gaps in the inspection record, indicating that less than 100% of new sewer and water hookups were inspected and charged. The township board approved the creation of a $200 fee for all new sewer and water hookups. That fee will pay for the inspection as well as the work of the zoning administrator, field agents, and the township clerk, who will process the inspections. Hookups that have taken place since the gaps began appearing were still inspected by the county. Alverson says those hookups, as well as those which have already gotten land use permits for this spring, will not be retroactively charged, but all new hookups will be subject to the inspection fee. (TD)
Water And Sewer Hookup Inspection Fees Established In HandyWater And Sewer Hookup Inspection Fees Established In Handy
↧
↧
Local Realtors Hold Annual Drive To Help Gleaners Stock Up For SummerLocal Realtors Hold Annual Drive To Help Gleaners Stock Up For Summer
The public used cars, vans and trucks - even a bicycle or two - to drop off cash donations and copious quantities of food for the annual Fill the Gazebo fund-raising event held Saturday in Livingston County. Although final figures are not yet in, last year Fill the Gazebo collected 5,300 pounds of food and $11,400 in cash donations - and officials were hoping to equal or exceed that amount this year. The event is sponsored by the Livingston County Association of Realtors, in conjunction with the Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan. Fill the Gazebo this year was held at the Mill Pond in downtown Brighton, the "Four Corners" in Howell, and the Kroger Store at Chilson Commons in Hamburg Township. Association of Realtors Vice President Pam Leach tells WHMI that 100% of the proceeds stay in Livingston County for the benefit of local families and individuals who are in need of assistance. Association of Realtors President John McCloud says that although it's commonly thought there is a greater need in the wintertime, the reality is that summer is the time of greatest need, with school out and kids no longer getting school-provided, free-or-reduced-price meals. McCloud says even though the Fill the Gazebo event is over, it's not too late to make a donation.Non-perishable food items such as packaged and canned goods, as well as cash donations, ma be dropped off at any Livingston County realtor's office. People can also donate online through the link below. (TT)
↧
Readers Line Up In Brighton Saturday For Free Comic Book DayReaders Line Up In Brighton Saturday For Free Comic Book Day
Anyone who says comic books aren't worthwhile would have a tough time selling that notion to the more than a hundred people lined up Saturday morning in Brighton. Saturday marked Free Comic Book Day across the country and Nerdegeddon in Downtown Brighton took part by offering customers a chance to grab five comic books of their choice from a selection set aside for the occasion. While the giveaway didnât officially start until noon, customers were in line well before that and the clogged the store for more than an hour afterward until the giveaway stock was exhausted. Nerdegeddonâs owner is Chris Bonjour, who told WHMI that the event was a big success last year and they planned for a greater response this year, which he said had come to pass. Bonjour said that the popularity of the medium was due in large part to the fact that comic books are not just for kids. "There's real writers doing real books. Steven King does comic books now. Real legit writers are doing comic books and people are getting onto it. And it's just amazing to see the kids get into it and the adults. It's something the Dad and can share with the son and even now, female comic book readers are the fastest growing demographic in comics, so now its Moms sharing their comics with their daughters and that's awesome." First started in 2002, Free Comic Book Day is an annual promotional effort by the North American comic book industry to help bring new readers into independent comic book stores. In 2015 the number of shops participating in Free Comic Book Day increased 8% over how many participated in 2014 and the number of comic books ordered increased by 21%. (JK)
↧
Supporters Walk Sunday In Howell To Defeat ALS Supporters Walk Sunday In Howell To Defeat ALS
More than 100 people turned out Sunday to help support efforts at stopping a deadly disease. The âWalk to Defeat ALSâ took place at the Johnson Center on the Cleary University campus in Genoa Township. The walk raised money for research, but also to promote awareness of ALS, popularly known as âLou Gehrigâs Disease.â The disorder, for which there is no cure, affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing the loss of movement in the legs, arms, and eventually the heart, resulting in death. Maggie Barnowski of Howell organized the walk, which was last held in 2012, shortly before the death of her husband Don from the disease. Barnowski and her son Nick say the money raised for the ALS Association will help provide research for a cure, advocacy and patient assistance. Nick Barnowski said he was blown away by the turnout. Barnowski said the 2012 walk raised about $11,000 and they were aiming to raise a more modest $7,000 this year, but also were hoping to make the walk an annual event. (JK)
↧
Governor's "Safe Roads Yes" Bus Tour To Stop In Howell TodayGovernor's "Safe Roads Yes" Bus Tour To Stop In Howell Today
Gov. Snyder will be stopping in Howell this morning as part of the Safe Roads Yes campaign. Snyder and other Proposal 1 supporters are wrapping a road tour urging voters to approve a tax increase that would generate $1.2 billion a year more for roads. The Republican governor is expected to make stops in Lansing and Detroit today, but in between will be stopping in Howell at the Citizens Insurance Headquarters on Highlander Way, The stop is expected to take place around 11:30. The vote is Tuesday. Previous stops on the multicity bus tour have included Macomb County, Cadillac, Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. Snyder says rejecting Proposal 1 will result in more bridge closures and deteriorating roads. Critics say it would give money to special interests. Passage of the measure would allocate nearly $300 million to schools and $90 million to local governments. If the constitutional amendment passes, Michigan's 6% sales tax would increase to 7%. (AP)
↧
↧
Jury Selection Starts This Morning In Road Rage Murder TrialJury Selection Starts This Morning In Road Rage Murder Trial
The process of selecting a jury to hear the case against man accused of murdering a motorist in Livingston County last year in a case of road rage will start this morning. Derek Flemming was shot in the head last September after getting out of his vehicle to ask Martin Zale about his aggressive driving. Flemming's wife says her husband was shot when he approached Zale's pickup truck while stopped in traffic in Genoa Township at the intersection of Grand River and Chilson Road. A pool of 75 people will appear for jury selection this morning, with a second set expected to be called later in the day. Judge Miriam Cavanaugh indicated the goal would be to have the selection process wrapped up within a couple of days so that opening statements and testimony could begin by Wednesday or Thursday. Judge Cavanaugh earlier ruled that evidence from four prior incidents in which Zale was said to have engaged in aggressive driving behavior will be allowed at trial. He will be allowed to appear without handcuffs and in civilian clothing but is required to wear ankle cuffs that will be hidden from jurors. (JK)
↧
Girl Scout Troop To Tend Community GardenGirl Scout Troop To Tend Community Garden
A local troop of Girl Scout Cadettes is working on a community garden in Putnam Township to help feed residents in need. Nine cadettes from Pinckney, including Troop 41651 and one Juliet scout, got permission from the Putnam Township Board to create their garden this summer behind the township hall. The garden project will help the cadettes earn their Silver Award, which requires 50 hours of community service each for a community-based project that is sustainable and can go on after they have worked on it. They got the idea for the garden while volunteering at the local food pantry last year, which allowed them to earn their Bronze Awards. All of the produce generated by the garden will be donated to the food pantry, given to the senior center, or sold along with the flowers at a farmersâ market. The garden this year will include cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, and herbs that can be donated to the food pantry or senior center, while other things like flowers will be grown for sale at a local farmersâ market. The girl scouts plan to do all of their own gardening, as well as related tasks like woodworking, fundraising, meeting with local officials, and selling the goods at market. Right now, sponsors are being sought to help pay for materials and supplies necessary to run the produce garden. They are also looking for in-kind donations of the things they will need. For more information, call (734) 660-4639. (TD)
↧
Howell Senior Survivors Set Fundriaisng RecordHowell Senior Survivors Set Fundriaisng Record
While there was just one official winner of a week-long contest at Howell High School last week, a childrenâs charity was the real beneficiary. Howell High School raised a record-breaking $41,215 to benefit the Childrenâs Leukemia Foundation of Michigan during this yearâs Senior Survivor fundraiser. The students had set this yearâs fundraising goal at $30,000. Evan Webster was named the winner of Senior Survivor. The contest featured 14 seniors who moved into the school for one week. Upon arriving at the school, students surrendered their car keys with plans to stay until Friday. Each day, students found creative ways to collect donations and each evening participated in challenges to earn immunity. The two students with the lowest amounts raised each day were eliminated from the competition. Since beginning in 2008, Senior Survivor has raised more than $128,000 for various charities, including the Mackenzie Watts Scholarship Fund, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, C.S. Mott Childrenâs Hospital, The Connection Youth Services, ARC of Livingston, the Zac Cain Foundation and The Rainbow Connection. Students were selected for Senior Survivor based on an application video or essay. To be selected students must have had a minimum 2.0 grade-point average and no attendance issues. While at the school, the students were supervised by staff members who volunteered as chaperons.
↧
Another Lawsuit Filed In 2013 Hayride AccidentAnother Lawsuit Filed In 2013 Hayride Accident
A Milford Township hayride accident in 2013 has led to another lawsuit being filed against the city of Dearborn. The lawsuit filed by Cynthia Cialone seeks $25,000 in damages from the city. Cialone and her 11-year-old daughter were on a hayride wagon at Camp Dearborn in Milford Township when it tipped over. Cialone says she fractured three ribs and hurt her neck, and that her daughter injured her arm and shoulder. The man that drove the tractor pulling the wagon pleaded no-contest to an impaired driving charge in February 2014. He was a city of Dearborn employee. The city has asked for the lawsuit to be dismissed, saying it is immune from liability because Cialone signed a hold harmless agreement on behalf of her group. Five other lawsuits have been filed on behalf of people on the hayride. (AP)
↧
↧
Daytime Closure of Pleasant Valley Road, North of I-96 Tuesday Daytime Closure of Pleasant Valley Road, North of I-96 Tuesday
Daytime closures that will impact traffic on two roads in Brighton Township are scheduled to begin tomorrow. The first of two daytime road closures in Brighton Township starts tomorrow. The daytime closures Pleasant Valley Road and Spencer Road are needed to remove and replace culverts. Pleasant Valley Road between Larkins Road and Burgoyne Drive will be closed from 8am to 4pm Tuesday. That work should be completed Wednesday. Then on Thursday, Spencer Road between Pleasant Valley and Van Amberg Roads will be closed during the same time frame, from 8am to 4pm. The Livingston County Road Commission is advising that motorists find alternate routes during the construction and cautions that all work is dependent on the weather and contractorâs schedule. (JM)
↧
Governor Snyder Promotes Proposal 1 During Private Event in Howell Governor Snyder Promotes Proposal 1 During Private Event in Howell
Local residents will head to the polls tomorrow to vote on a hotly debated proposal that would fix roads and bridges. Proposal 1, if passed, would eliminate the current 19-cent gas tax, make fuel exempt from sales tax, and institute a higher gas tax that would result in an extra $1.3 (B) billion to fund road, bridge and transit projects across the state. To make up for the lost sales tax on fuel, the state sales tax would increase from 6% to 7%. An informal consensus today found that many local community members are either uninformed or unsupportive of the controversial bill. Gabriella Garlock of Howell tells WHMI she plans to vote against the issue. Michigan Governor Rick Snyder made a stop in Howell this morning at Citizenâs Insurance Headquarters for a private event to encourage community members to vote yes on Proposal 1, which was closed to the media. The promotional campaign features a large green bus and is part of the Governorâs âSafe Roads Yesâ multi-stop bus tour. One Howell resident commented on the WHMI Facebook page âTake the money the bus cost us and fill some pot holesâ. Others also questioned how much the bus cost taxpayers. If Proposal 1 is approved, the revenue acquired will reportedly pay down Michiganâs transportation debt, increase K-12 education funding, fix road and bridge structural problems and provide tax relief for low income citizens. (DK/JM)
↧
Judge Denies Motion By Howell Man Imprisoned For Cooking MethJudge Denies Motion By Howell Man Imprisoned For Cooking Meth
A motion to strike down the sentencing of a Howell man has been denied after he pleaded no contest to charges of operating a meth lab while living in a local hotel. 43-year-old Michael Randy Ivey was living in room 422 of the Kensington Inn when he was arrested in April of last year and charged with operating methamphetamine production operation. Meth labs, even small ones, are known for their tendency to catch fire and explode due to the chemicals involved in the drugâs production. Ivey pleaded no contest on August 25th, and in October was sentenced by Circuit Court Judge Michael Hatty to prison for the next 6 to 20 years. However, on April 3rd of this year the defense in his case made a motion to correct what they said was an invalid sentencing, as well as to hold an evidentiary hearing. That hearing was held last Thursday, when the court denied Iveyâs motion. No further court dates have been set. (TD)
↧
Prison Sentence For Romulus Man Charged With Criminal Sexual ConductPrison Sentence For Romulus Man Charged With Criminal Sexual Conduct
A Romulus man has been sentenced to prison time after being charged in Livingston County with criminal sexual conduct. 22-year-old Stanley Joseph Lewicki III was charged with two counts of 3rd degree criminal sexual conduct involving force as well as one count of larceny in a building stemming from an incident in August of 2013. In April, he pleaded guilty to the lesser included offense of assault with intent to commit sexual penetration. In exchange, prosecutors dismissed one of the CSC counts and the larceny charge. They also recommended a 21-month minimum on his sentence, which was handed down last Thursday. The judge honored that minimum, sentencing Lewicki to between 21 months and 10 years in prison, with credit for 236 days already served. Police say Lewicki met the victim online and then came to her home in the Brighton area, where they both consumed alcohol. Authorities say that he assaulted her after she became inebriated. (TD/JK)
↧
↧
Local Districts Gearing Up for Bike to School Day Wednesday Local Districts Gearing Up for Bike to School Day Wednesday
Local students are gearing up for an event Wednesday that celebrates the school commute and encourages more families to safely try out riding to school on one day each spring.
Bike to School Day is an annual event in which more than 150 schools across Michigan participate. It is part of a larger national movement for year-round safe routes to school and also emphasizes the importance of increasing physical activity for children. The Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority will again host a friendly competition among buildings in the Howell district according to Program Manager Jeff Dunham. He tells WHMI theyâre encouraging as many kids as possible to wear a helmet, get on their bikes and ride to school. Rec authority staff will then go around to the different schools and count the number of bikes piled up around the racks outside to determine which school wins the 2015 Bike to School trophy. Dunham says they try to have bikes counted no later than 8:30am Wednesday but it can vary because they have to deal with different high school and elementary start times for school. In case of any crummy weather tomorrow, Dunham says the event will be rescheduled to Wednesday, May 13th. Other area districts that have schools registered to take part in Bike to School day include Chelsea, Fenton, Pinckney and Whitmore Lake. More information about the movement is available through the link below. Northwest students from the 2012 event in Howell are pictured. (JM)
↧
Genoa Township Board Shoots Down Panera's "Boring" Building DesignGenoa Township Board Shoots Down Panera's "Boring" Building Design
Two new restaurants went before the Genoa Township Board for approval last night, but only one got the green light. The board gave its blessing to the owners of a proposed Red Olive restaurant that will be located near the southwest corner of Latson and Grand River, connected to the Walmart location in what is being described as the Livingston Commons. The board gave the restaurant a rezoning, a planned unit development agreement amendment, and final site plan approval at its meeting. However, it was less eager to give the go-ahead to the new Panera Bread restaurant planned for the former Benniganâs site. The owners plan to demolish the old restaurant and construct a new building on the corner, but several board members described the proposed structure with words like âugly,â âhorrible,â and âboring.â The representatives for the new Panera told the board that this was the design being used by the franchise, and that the planning commission felt it was acceptable, but the board declined to approve their request for approval. The board instead gave them two weeks to contact the corporate office and seek changes to the design that will make it more attractive. Project Manager Jim Blair said the outcome was surprising, especially after three public meetings with the planning commission resulted in the designâs approval. He says they will seek design changes from Paneraâs corporate office, but if none are available they will simply bring back whatever small tweaks they can to the township board. Assistant Township Manager Kelly VanMarter says this is only the second time she can remember when the township board went against the recommendation of the planning commission. The PUD agreement amendment granted to the new Red Olive restaurant is contingent on Paneraâs approval, which could delay construction. McCririe says it is not the intention of the township board to let that happen. (TD)
↧
State Road Funding Proposal & Local Issues on Today's Ballot State Road Funding Proposal & Local Issues on Today's Ballot
After months of ads from different groups touting the deplorable condition of Michigan roads, voters statewide will decide the fate of Proposal 1 while various bond and millage issues will appear on the ballot in local communities. Proposal 1 is arguably the most controversial issue on the ballot. If the constitutional amendment is approved, it would trigger a package of bills and reportedly generate roughly $1.25 (B) billion annually in new revenue for roads, along with a combined $600 million for schools, cities, mass transit and the state general fund. The state sales tax would increase from 6% to 7% while exempting fuel. In exchange, gas and diesel taxes would rise. Vehicle registration taxes would also increase. As for the local issues to be decided; a four-year road millage renewal is up in Handy Township and Northfield Township is asking voters to approve a consolidated police protection millage proposal. A $64.4 (m) million bond proposal will greet voters in South Lyon Community Schools and if approved, would allow the district to maintain current buildings and facilities, construct a new elementary school and upgrade technology equipment and infrastructure. Pinckney Community Schools is again asking the community to approve a recreation millage, which failed by 250 votes last year. The five-year, point-3-mill proposal would generate funds to offset the cost of maintaining recreation facilities including the community pool and athletic fields. Webberville Community Schools also has an operating millage renewal on the ballot. Finally, the Cromaine District Library in Hartland Township is attempting to get a $12 (m) million bond approved for renovations and upgrades after the proposal was defeated last November. Polling locations open at 7am across Livingston County and close at 8:00 tonight. Information about the state and local proposals appearing on todayâs ballot is available on the Livingston County elections webpage. A link is below. (JM)
↧
Opening Arguments Could Begin This Afternoon In Road Rage TrialOpening Arguments Could Begin This Afternoon In Road Rage Trial
Opening arguments could begin today in the trial of a Livingston County man accused of a road rage murder. Derek Flemming was shot in the head in September after getting out of his vehicle to ask Martin Zale about his aggressive driving. It occurred in Genoa Township, at the intersection of Grand River and Chilson Road. Jury selection started Monday and while opening arguments werenât supposed to begin until Wednesday at the earliest, Judge Miriam Cavanaugh indicated that depending on the pace of jury selection today, they might begin as soon as this afternoon. Flemming's wife, Amy, says Zale was cutting them off and driving aggressively. She says her husband was shot when he approached Zale's pickup truck while stopped in traffic. But defense attorney Melissa Pearce says she'll try to show that the 43-year-old Flemming was the person with a reputation for being aggressive. (JK)
↧
↧
Grant For Local School's Video Program Awaits Fenton's ApprovalGrant For Local School's Video Program Awaits Fenton's Approval
A large grant for three local schools is awaiting the approval of Fenton City Council. The Fenton Area Cable Television Consortium grant would provide Lake Fenton, Linden and Fenton Schools with funding for their Video Production classes. Estimated to total out to $190,000, the city of Fentonâs portion is just over $59,000. Other jurisdictions involved in the consortium have already approved their portion of the grant and Fenton City Council plans to vote on the issue at their meeting on May 11th. Fentonâs City Manager, Lynn Markland, tells WHMI the cost-sharing grant would enable the Video Production classes to provide services to the community. Several Fenton board members commented on the video programâs success at their council work session Monday evening. Councilman Scott Grossmeyer says many of the kids involved in the class âhave gone on to work in the industryâ. The grant money would be used for video production equipment throughout the three school districts.(DK)
↧
More Structural Issues Identified at Howell City HallMore Structural Issues Identified at Howell City Hall
Additional challenges and structural issues have been identified at Howell City Hall and the fixes arenât cheap - raising longer term questions about the future of the building. Council was already trying to figure out ways to facilitate repairs to the east wall, which is physically moving away from the building. While preparing to design those repairs, engineers with Hubbell Roth & Clark conducted an additional investigation of the building that revealed structural concerns and cracking with the north and south walls. Although not as drastic as the east wall separation, the level of effort and cost to address the new structural issues is said to be significant. Engineers were present at Monday nightâs Howell City Council meeting to field questions about the different options presented to fix the problems. Those ranged from shorter term tie-in fixes all the way up to the HRCâs recommendation of a complete rebuild. Budget constraints wonât allow for the latter and tie-in related fixes appear to be the most likely to try and stabilize the walls and gain a few more years. That cost is around $250,000. The south wall will continue to be monitored for safety and pursuing the basic fix option would allow long term plans to be developed for the building. Another inconvenience to be considered with the proposed fixes is the relocation of staff, which could also have a considerable cost. Council ultimately agreed that doing nothing is not an option and some members noted a desire to see the potential funding mechanisms for the different options. One option to fund repairs that council has already discussed is issuing capital improvement bonds, which would prevent the general fund from taking such a big hit. Members ultimately voted to defer action to the next meeting, at which time theyâll further weigh options and financing. (JM)
↧
Testimony Begins in Fatal Road Rage Trial Testimony Begins in Fatal Road Rage Trial
The attorney representing a man who fatally shot another motorist during a case of road rage says her client fired in self-defense after being punched in the jaw. Derek Flemming was shot in the head last September after getting out of his vehicle to reportedly ask 69-year-old Martin Zale of Marion Township about his aggressive driving. The incident occurred in Genoa Township, at the intersection of Grand River and Chilson Road. Jury selection started Monday and wrapped up this morning. Opening arguments followed and the jury heard testimony from several witnesses called by the prosecution. They included former co-workers and two Livonia Police officers, who testified about prior road rage incidents involving Zale. Zaleâs Defense Attorney Melissa Pearce argues that Zale fired the shot in self-defense only after being punched in the jaw by the 43-year-old Flemming, and she'll show that Flemming was the person with a reputation for being aggressive. Assistant Prosecutor Dan Rose told the jury the act was nothing short of murder and heâll present more than a dozen witnesses who will testify that they did not see Flemming punch Zale. The trial will resume tomorrow in Judge Miriam Cavanaughâs courtroom, with Flemmingâs widow Amy expected to take the stand in the morning. (JM)
↧
More Pages to Explore .....
