The city of Brighton has negotiated a new garbage collection contract with Waste Management, which will result in a zero increase in trash collection rates the first year. Patrick Greve, Waste Managementâs public sector representative, tells WHMI the contract is basically an extension of the current agreement. Department of Public Works Assistant Director Patty Thomas says the city has had a good relationship with Waste Management, which has been Brightonâs trash hauler since 1997. City Finance Director Kelly Hanna says for the first year of the new contract, which begins on July 1, the trash collection rate for city customers will remain at $14.48 per month. A 2.5% rate increase will go into effect on July 1 of 2016. (TT)
Brighton Approves New Contract With Waste ManagementBrighton Approves New Contract With Waste Management
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Howell High School Digital Arts Teacher Recognized as "Courageous Leader"Howell High School Digital Arts Teacher Recognized as "Courageous Leader"
A Howell High School teacher has been honored with the 2015 Wall Street Journal Courageous Leader Award. Digital Arts Teacher John Mozdzierz received the award during the Courageous Persuaders Awards Celebration this past Wednesday. Courageous Persuaders is a video scholarship competition in which high school students create videos warning of the dangers of underage drinking, drinking and driving, and texting and driving. Mozdzierz says he was blown away by the award and the fact that his family, co-workers and the student who nominated him were able to keep it a secret. Mozdzierz tells WHMI it was a big surprise and quite humbling because he really strives to keep his students in the limelight and highlight their successes, saying they continually impress him every year. HHS Sophomore Isaiah Brockschmidtâs creative commercial was among the top five finalists in the nationwide public service announcement contest. Mozdzierz commended Brockschmidt for making the top five, saying it was no small feat considering the hundreds of entries received. His âYou Are Smarterâ video features a teenager texting while driving. As the teenager texts, alerts pop up on the phone with the messages like âHey, put the phone down pleaseâ and âKid I warned you once alreadyâ. Brockschmidt said it was a lot of work to get the timing right and he was surprised when that effort paid off and got him a spot in the finals. (JM)
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Fowlerville Aims Event To Open Up Dialogue On Substance AbuseFowlerville Aims Event To Open Up Dialogue On Substance Abuse
A family-friendly event will be held tomorrow by a relatively-new anti-drug organization that aims to reduce the stigmas that stop people from talking about substance abuse. Mitchellâs Hope was created earlier this year by Michelle Wagner of Fowlerville following the overdose death of her son in November. She says in the past few months she has met other families that have been impacted by substance abuse, and she feels that the social pressure and preconceptions about addiction are keeping people from getting the help and information they need. Reducing that stigma is one of the goals of Mitchellâs Hope, and to that end the organization will be hosting a free family event tomorrow from noon to dusk at Fowlerville Bicentennial Park. The event is meant to be fun and inviting, with a DJ, karaoke, a silent auction, face painting, and a cake walk. It should also be educational, with local people on hand to talk to visitors about their experience with addiction or how it impacted their families. By making an informative event that is also fun, Wagner hopes to reduce the stigma that comes with taking responsible action to deal with substance abuse. There is no cost to attend, but donations are always accepted, and the goal of the event is to pay for one person to get rehabilitation treatment. For more details, follow the link below. (TD)
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Middle-Schoolers Release Salmon As Part Of DNR ProjectMiddle-Schoolers Release Salmon As Part Of DNR Project
More than 100 students from Highlander Way Middle School took a trip to the Red Cedar River this month to release salmon raised as part of a Department of Natural Resources program. Every year, the DNR ships fertilized Chinook salmon eggs to schools across the state as part of the Salmon in the Classroom project. In Howell, those eggs were delivered to Kristie Hannonâs eighth grade science class, which watched the salmon hatch and took part in caring for the fish as a way to learn about nature. The students released the fish into the Red Cedar when they were ready to survive on their own. Chinook salmon were introduced to the Great Lakes in the 1960âs so they would prey upon the invasive alewife fish. Despite typically being a saltwater fish, the salmon have thrived in the Great Lakes, and the young fish introduced by the students into tributary rivers will help keep the population healthy for anglers.
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As 25th Anniversary Approaches, Paige Renkoski's Mother Still Awaits AnswersAs 25th Anniversary Approaches, Paige Renkoski's Mother Still Awaits Answers
The case of a missing teacher remains unsolved 25 years later but itâs a mystery her mother has never stopped hoping will be solved. 30-year-old teacher Paige Renkoski disappeared on May 24th, 1990 after pulling off of I-96 near the Fowlerville exit. Her car was found running with her purse and shoes inside. The Livingston County Sheriff's Departmentâs cold-case team continues to review tips in the case both old and new, but has still made no arrests in the case nor found any trace of Renkoski. But for Paigeâs mother Ardis Renkoski the lingering questions as to what happened to her daughter have never faded. She tells WHMI that for years she helped lead a support group of parents of missing children where she heard many different stories with many different endings. "I often thought maybe I'm blessed that I don't know what happened. But then I don't think there was ever one person who said it is better not to know. It is better, they said, to know. They said the worst times they had were when they didn't know because even though it was heartbreaking and painful to know what happened, they could then put their loved one to rest and to know. That not knowing was truly the worst." Renkoski says sheâs under no illusions about her daughterâs fate and knew almost immediately that she met a bad end. But she desperately wants whatever is left of her daughter to come home. While there have been several times over the years that investigators seemed to be closer to an answer, no solid lead has materialized to pinpoint either Paigeâs location on the person or persons responsible for her disappearance. Several years ago, a tip led them to use ground penetrating radar at sites in rural Livingston County in the hope of finding her body, two different digs failed to turn up any evidence. But DNA samples have been obtained from Renskoskiâs mother and two sisters that police say will always be on file in case a future lead does lead them to her remains or a suspect. Authorities say they still believe that someone out there has some details, whether knowingly or not, that can help break the case open. They encourage anyone with information about what they may have seen that day or heard since then to contact the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department tipline at 517-546-8477 or Crimstoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. Information can be left anonymously. You can also hear the full interview with Ardis Renkoski this Sunday morning at 8:30 on WHMIâs Viewpoint. (JK)
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Howell Woman Named State Director for Ted Cruz's Presidential CampaignHowell Woman Named State Director for Ted Cruz's Presidential Campaign
A Michigan Republican Party official with local ties has been named state director for the presidential campaign of Ted Cruz. The Texas senator says Wendy Day of Howell was selected because of her influence in Michigan. He says she's "no stranger to grassroots politics at every level". The chairman of Cruz's Michigan campaign is Saul Anuzis, former chairman of the state Republican Party. Anuzis says "no one knows both the Republican Party and tea party movement better" than Day. The military wife and mother currently she serves as the Michigan Republican Party Grassroots Outreach Vice-Chair but is well known locally. Day ran on the Republican ticket in the August primary and waged a close campaign for the 47th District State Representative seat but was unsuccessful. She also previously served on the Howell Public Schools Board of Education. (JM)
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Howell Main Street DDA Recipient of New Fund Development Services Howell Main Street DDA Recipient of New Fund Development Services
The Howell Main Street Downtown Development Authority is the recipient of new fund development services offered through the Michigan Main Street Center. Director Cathleen Edgerly tells WHMI the services will kick off in June and provide the Main Street DDA with technical support and strategies to continue current efforts but also takes them another step further and help with long range planning. Howell was selected out of all the other Main Street communities to receive the service and a national consultant will be arriving in June. Edgerly says the consultant will meet with the DDA Board of Directors, as well as the outreach committee team in charge of fundraising, sponsorships and fund development. Edgerly says the services provide technical assistance in strategizing with the board, committees and entire community to come up with creative fundraising tactics, ways to diversify the budget and bring in different revenue streams to help them grow and become an even stronger downtown community. Edgerly says this ties into the strategic planning service the community went through last year and helps achieve long range goals by coming up with different revenue sources, fundraising tactics and reaching outside of the core downtown community to get everyone engaged. Edgerly says future community input sessions will be announced to help gather ideas and suggestions for the fund development process. Details can be found on the Howell DDAâs Facebook page and through the link below. (JM)
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Time In Children's Village Ordered For Boy Who Threatened Milford HighTime In Children's Village Ordered For Boy Who Threatened Milford High
The Milford High School student who made threats of violence against the school has been sentenced to several months of therapy. The now-15-year-old student was arrested in February after sending a text threatening to âshoot upâ Milford High, reportedly sending the text using the persona of âAdolph Hitler.â He also told police he sent the text because he was depressed over a recent break up with a girlfriend. He was charged with making a false report or threat of terrorism and using a computer to commit a crime. The Milford Times reports that on Thursday, an Oakland County Circuit Court probate judge ordered the boy to complete therapeutic treatment at Childrenâs Village before he could be released, which will likely take six to nine months. The boy reportedly apologized for the incident while in court. (TD)
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School Board Approves Spending Based On Latson Road Property SaleSchool Board Approves Spending Based On Latson Road Property Sale
The Howell Board of Education approved spending about $1.1 million this month from the sale of the former Latson Road Elementary property. Associate Superintendent of Business Rick Terres tells WHMI the money will cover a number of capital improvement needs identified by staff around the district for the next year, including technology, maintenance, athletics infrastructure, and transportation. The board of education approved selling the 14.5 acre parcel of land on Latson Road in March for just over $5 million. The capital improvement spending was not unanimously approved by the board. Board Treasurer Mike Moloney said the proposal had âa bunch of fatâ that could be cut. Trustee Deb McCormick suggested approving it with several reductions, including replacing four buses instead of five in the districtâs fleet. Other board members disagreed, and Board President Mike Yenshaw said this sort of discussion was the source of accusations of micromanaging by the board. The spending resolution was eventually passed as originally presented by a vote of 5-to-2, with Moloney and McCormick dissenting. (TD)
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New Development Projects Detailed During Brighton DDA Meeting New Development Projects Detailed During Brighton DDA Meeting
Projects that are either already under construction or in which construction will get underway in the near future were detailed during Tuesdayâs meeting of the Brighton Downtown Development Authority. The largest of the developments from a retail perspective is the Brighton Commercial Center, kitty-corner from the Meijer store on West Grand River, on which construction (pictured) is now underway. Brighton Planning and Zoning Director Amy Cyphert says the shopping center will have 11,000 square feet of retail space and 10,000 square feet of restaurant space. The Davis Office Center, which formerly occupied the site, was demolished last year to make way for the new development. Also under construction is an expanded Caretel Inns facility on East Grand River, which is undergoing a major expansion. When completed, the Brighton Caretel Inns will have a total of 123 rooms. Cyphert told the DDA that Fitwall is another new business coming to downtown Brighton. The Fitwall health and fitness chain was recently rated at #3 among the "Best 20 workouts in America" by Men's Journal. A new facade will be constructed for Fitwall, to be located at a former orthodontics office on West Main, next to The Artisan's Bench. And Yogurtopia, a frozen yogurt store, will be located in the former Grow Green store at 332 West Main, next to the pedestrian walkway. The business has received a $77,000 facade grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corp. to install a new exterior on the Main Street side of the building. In non-retail developments, Northridge Woods has plans for 67 new condominiums, 29 of which are already completed, or on which construction is underway. Cyphert says several smaller projects are also planned for the city of Brighton over the course of the next year or two. (TT)
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Century-Old Howell Home Destroyed by FlamesCentury-Old Howell Home Destroyed by Flames
5/24/15 - The Howell Area Fire Dept. is investigating the cause of a fire that destroyed a century-old house. Firefighters responded to the residence of Scott Strickler in the 300 block of South Walnut Saturday afternoon, and it took them 45 minutes to get the blaze under control. No one was home at the time, although a family friend had spent the night there. Strickler was up north on vacation at the time. The fire dept. hasnât determined a cause for the fire yet, although itâs believed to have been accidental. The 100-year old home was built by William McPherson - an early settler in the Howell area. No dollar damage estimate was available. (TT)
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Cold Case Team Still Active On Renkoski Disappearance 25 Years LaterCold Case Team Still Active On Renkoski Disappearance 25 Years Later
It was 25 years ago today that 30-year-old Paige Renkoski disappeared after pulling off of I-96 near the Fowlerville exit. Her car was found running with her purse and shoes inside on May 24th, 1990. The Livingston County Sheriff's Departmentâs cold-case team continues to review tips in the case both old and new, but has still made no arrests in the case nor found any trace of Renkoski. Detective Michael Frayer is leading that effort and says while the mystery is 25 years old, the case hasnât necessarily gone cold. "We've received a few tips since last year, a couple of which we're actively pursuing that are...interesting. I don't think that we're on the verge of a solution, but tips keep coming in and with the 25th anniversary the public will be a little more conscious of it. We're hopeful." Paigeâs mother, Ardis Renkoski, tells WHMI that while the uncertainty of not knowing what happened to her daughter can be painful, it is offset by the kindness shown to her from the detectives investigating the case. "Over all these years, every group of detectives from Livingston County have been so kind to me and my family and have kept in touch and we feel like they are family." Frayer says at least one of the tips theyâve followed up on in the past year came from a Cold Case Team Facebook page they set up. Youâll find a link for that below. Anyone with information about what they may have seen that day or heard since then is asked to contact the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department tip line at 517-546-8477 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. (JK)
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Blood Donors Sought During â100 Days of Summer, 100 Days of Hopeâ CampaignBlood Donors Sought During â100 Days of Summer, 100 Days of Hopeâ Campaign
Since the need for blood is constant and doesnât take a vacation, the American Red Cross is again asking eligible donors to consider giving during the summer. The summer months are a challenging time to collect enough blood and platelet donations to meet patient needs. That's because many schools that host blood drives are out of session and people are busy or vacationing so donating sometimes take a backseat to plans according to American Red Cross Spokesman Todd Kulman. He tells WHMI the â100 Days of Summer, 100 Days of Hopeâ campaign is underway and offers eligible donors more than 100 chances to give hope this summer. The â100 Days of Summer, 100 Days of Hopeâ campaign runs through September 7th. The American Red Cross encourages eligible individuals to pick one day during the campaign to donate blood or platelets and help save up to three lives. Additionally, eligible donors to give blood in honor of World Blood Donor Day on June 14th, which highlights the constant need for donors â during the summer and throughout the year. For those who donate regularly but might not be able to keep an appointment, the Red Cross asks that they try to find someone to take their place. Eligible donors are encouraged to set up an appointment to give calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or visiting www.redcrossblood.org. A link and list of local drives are available below. (JM)
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Power Restored in Village of Pinckney After OutagePower Restored in Village of Pinckney After Outage
5/25/15 - Power has been restored to all DTE customers in the Pinckney area after a power outage Monday morning. The blackout occurred at about 9 a.m. today. The number of homes and businesses without power was initially about 3,900. The power was fully restored just before noon, according to spokesman Scott Simon. He says the cause of the outage was a squirrel or other wildlife which damaged equipment. Initially, the entire village and a portion of Putnam Township were affected by the outage. (TT)
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Former South Lyon Manager Hired To Run FarmingtonFormer South Lyon Manager Hired To Run Farmington
The former South Lyon city manager has been hired by the City of Farmington. The Farmington City Council voted to hire David Murphy during a recent meeting. The Brighton resident had been serving as the interim Wayne city manager, but has resigned that post and is expected to be on the job in Farmington by next week. Murphy was formerly employed as the Brighton Township manager until he was hired for the South Lyon city manager position in 2008. He remained in that role up until October of 2013, when he was terminated in a contentious 4-3 vote of council. Murphy was among six candidates considered for the Farmington job, including Michael Burns, Fentonâs assistant city manager. Under terms of his contract, Murphy will earn a base salary of $110,000 plus benefits. (JK)
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Trial Set For Convicted Sex Offender From TyroneTrial Set For Convicted Sex Offender From Tyrone
A convicted sex offender from Tyrone Township is headed to trial on new charges for alleged incidents that occurred while out on parole. 46-year-old Timothy Andrew Pickett is currently imprisoned at the Cooper Street Correctional Facility in Jackson County after violating parole. He had been acquitted of accosting a child for immoral purposes by a local jury in June of 2013 but found guilty on the lesser charge of failing to register as a sex offender. Pickett was initially charged with trying to inappropriately touch the 14-year-old daughter of his girlfriend in January of 2012. The defense maintained the teen made up the story to keep her mother and Pickett apart, and a jury found him not guilty of accosting the girl - who is the sister of one of the alleged victims in the most recent case. Pickett served a one year and two month prison sentence before being paroled last April. He is now facing two new charges of accosting a child for immoral purposes for alleged incidents while on parole last June and July involving a 14-year-old victim and her 15-year-old friend. Pickett was living with the mother of the 14-year-old victim at the time. The victims testified during earlier hearings that the incidents involved lots of alcohol, inappropriate comments and touching when Pickett was drunk that made them feel uncomfortable. One alleges he forcibly kissed her while the other alleged Pickett drove drunk and intentionally flipped a jeep with her as a passenger. Pickettâs defense attorney has argued that the allegations do not rise to the level of accosting. If no plea deal is worked out, Pickett heads to trial June 15th in Livingston County Circuit Court. Prosecutors have filed a notice of intent to introduce evidence of other acts and listed offenses against minors during trial. That includes a 2004 conviction investigated by Taylor Police that involved sexual contact with two minor females. (JM)
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Michigan State Police Continues Seat Belt & Safety Enforcement Michigan State Police Continues Seat Belt & Safety Enforcement
Although the hectic holiday travel period is over, local and state law enforcement agencies will continue efforts to boost safety and seat belt use through the end of May. Buckling up can reduce the risk of serious injury or death by 45% and for the first time, federal safety funds are supporting extra enforcement in all 83 Michigan counties. Sergeant Michael Sura with the Michigan State Police Brighton Post tells WHMI the Click it or Ticket mobilization is more about saving lives than writing tickets, and to remind motorists of the importance of wearing seatbelts as we move into the summer months. The public misconception seems to be that enforcement zones are just ticket traps but Sura says itâs actually the opposite. He says theyâre not trying to hide or be sneaky, noting the zones are clearly marked in visible areas that have a high volume of crashes or speeding complaints. Sura says motorists need to obey speed limits in construction zones and slow down, adding youâre not getting anywhere any faster than a couple of minutes by speeding. He also noted the dangers of aggressive driving, which can lead to road rage situations that sometimes escalate quickly. The seatbelt enforcement zones will be in effect through May 31st. Sura's May 17th article about the effort is attached below. (JM)
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Hune Open To Dialogue On Lifting Auto Direct-Sale BanHune Open To Dialogue On Lifting Auto Direct-Sale Ban
The Michigan legislature is being called upon by the Federal Trade Commission to reexamine its ban on direct-to-consumer auto sales, which was strengthened last fall by a local senator. In October, a bill containing an amendment by Senator Joe Hune of Hamburg Township was signed into law by Governor Snyder. Huneâs amendment reaffirmed and strengthened a previous ban against the direct sale of vehicles to consumers in Michigan, requiring that all sales be conducted through franchised dealerships. This prompted criticism from some auto manufacturers, including California-based Tesla Motors, which has a direct-to-consumer sales model and was seeking permission to sell its vehicles to Michigan residents. Hune says Tesla was seeking special treatment, and that he was keeping the playing field level by reaffirming Michiganâs ban on direct sales. However, after being asked this month for an opinion on a new bill that would allow motorcycle-like vehicles called âautocyclesâ to be sold directly to Michigan consumers, the FTC said the ban needs to be reexamined. In a press release, the FTC called the ban âprotectionism for independent franchised dealersâ and a âdetriment to Michigan car buyers,â and says lifting the ban would allow manufacturers and consumers to âreengage in the normal competitive process that prevails in most other industries.â Hune said he would be open to discussing a repeal of the direct-to-consumer sales ban, so long as it results in all auto manufacturers being treated equally. (TD)
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Hartland Parade Draws Thousands To 80th Memorial Day CelebrationHartland Parade Draws Thousands To 80th Memorial Day Celebration
The threat of rain and gusty wind didnât keep faithful parade goers from attending this yearâs parade through the Village of Hartland. The parade, which lasted 40- minutes, was the highlight of the villageâs 80th annual celebration. Led by a color guard of veterans, the parade began at Ore Creek Middle School and made its way through downtown. Terry Driscoll of Waterford told WHMI he comes to the Hartland Parade because it is the best one heâs been to. Terry Wingblad said he has only missed two years of the Hartland parade since the 1950s when he graduated from Hartland High School. Erica Nelson tells WHMI she and her young family are starting a new family tradition with friends from Hartland. Jim Bricker and his wife have been coming to the Hartland Memorial Day Parade for the last 15 years and he tells WHMI that his favorite part of the celebration is the WWII plane flyovers. Just before the parade got underway two World War Two planes, a B-25 and a C-47 flew over. Other morning events included a pancake breakfast and special ceremonies at the Hartland Village and Parshallville Cemeteries, and 5K and 10K runs. (DS)
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Milford Teen Wins Top Girl Scout Honor For Creating Anti-Bullying Program Milford Teen Wins Top Girl Scout Honor For Creating Anti-Bullying Program
A local teenâs effort to prevent bullying has resulted in her winning one of Girl Scoutâs highest honors. Annie Leuker of Milford was one of 17 recipients of the Gold Award. The junior at Mercy High School in Farmington Hills developed an anti-bullying program for Turtle Creek Farm, a Waterford organization that provides education to children and a safe haven for abandoned animals. Leuker said the issue of childhood bullying was a great concern to her, prompting her to create a program that teaches kids how to stand up to bullies, while controlling their anger and using assertive communication as a more effective means to achieve a desired outcome. The Gold Award is presented to senior and ambassador level Girl Scouts who display exemplary service to their communities and beyond. (JK)
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