An event this weekend will aim to provide top-notch salon services to area residents who normally could not afford them. Jen Rice is the creator behind the Inner Light Traveling Salon, which will be holding a free event this Sunday at the Heart of the Shepherd Church in Howell from 1-5pm. Rice says her idea to create a portable beauty salon came from an experience many years ago providing such treatments to women staying at the LACASA domestic violence shelter and then more recently from The Torch mobile food truck that provides free meals to those in need. Rice says in addition to providing a full range of salon services, she and the other volunteer stylists also hope to provide a sense of self-worth and empowerment to those in need. Rice hopes to be able to take the mobile salon to churches, homeless shelters, special needs group homes and low income housing units providing one on one personal attention and a chance for everyone to feel valued. Rice says most of the 80 available appointments for Sunday are already booked, but she hopes to fill out the schedule. Additional details can be found on her website, a link for which is posted below. (JK)
Local Stylist Creates Traveling Salon For Less FortunateLocal Stylist Creates Traveling Salon For Less Fortunate
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Motorcycle Crash Kills Putnam Township ManMotorcycle Crash Kills Putnam Township Man
A Livingston County motorcyclist is dead following a crash last night on Hamburg Road. Hamburg Township Police say they were dispatched, along with the Hamburg Township Fire Department and Livingston County EMS, at about 11:30 Wednesday night on a report of an injury accident involving a motorcycle on Hamburg Road north of M-36. Upon arrival, the motorcycle and its operator, a 44-year old Putnam Township man, were located off the roadway near Hamburg Road and Kilkenny Drive. It appears the motorcycle struck a tree after leaving the roadway. The operator was subsequently pronounced deceased at the scene by medical personnel. Accident reconstruction investigators from the Hamburg Township Police Department and the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department are currently investigating the crash. But a preliminary investigation indicates that alcohol was likely a contributing factor in the crash. Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to please contact Sgt. Tony Wallace at (810) 231-9391, ext. 458 or email him at: twallace@hamburg.mi.us (JK)
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Action On Site Plan For Waldenwoods Improvements Tabled Action On Site Plan For Waldenwoods Improvements Tabled
The Waldenwoods Resort is caught in a battle of adhering to Hartland Townshipâs zoning ordinances, putting the property ownerâs vision for the area on hold. The long history of Waldenwoods does not include a Development Agreement or Master Plan which is needed in an area that has been zoned as Planned Development. Because the resort has been zoned as such, the propertyâs owner and President, Brian Crouse, is having difficulties making improvements to Waldenwoods while remaining within the guidelines for that zoning category. Crouse appeared before Hartland Townshipâs Planning Commission with a request to approve his site plan for the resort, asking that a variance to the ordinance be made in his case. In his layout Crouse included plans to expand a driveway in the resort, along with the creation of a concrete pad, parking area and additional driveways. Planning Director for the Commission, David Campbell, says the Township would be âputting itself in a difficult positionâ by making the exception. He tells WHMI he recommended that the site plan only be partially approved. Crouse had made several environmental violations when attempting previous maintenance to the resort, though he claims it was due to lack of knowledge. He admitted before the Planning Commission that he regretted not understanding the process at the time. On the request for approval was a retroactive item that included filling a storm water management pond which was among the improvements Crouse had conducted that were in violation. The Planning Commission was recommended to approve it, as long as Crouse rectified the violations and met state standards. Four of the seven Planning Commission members were present and a motion to approve part of Crouseâs plan failed in a tie vote. Chairperson Larry Fox was adamant about his vote against Crouse and says he already has huge concerns for the publicâs safety at the resort as it is. The resort often hosts wedding receptions and Fox says there is concern for guests who have been drinking and those walking in the dark parking lots. He also noted his worries for the difficulty of hundreds of people that attend the resortâs events trying to leave in an emergency situation. Crouse has requested that further action to his site plan be tabled and a motion for his request was unanimously approved. (DK)
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Teacher Accused Of Inappropriate Relationship With Former StudentTeacher Accused Of Inappropriate Relationship With Former Student
Huron Valley Schools families have been advised that a Muir Middle School teacher has been placed on leave following allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a former student. According to the email sent out by Superintendent Jim Baker, the Muir teacher has been placed on indefinite administrative leave while the district works with local authorities to investigate the allegations. The student involved is a recent high school graduate, and the district was quick to point out that no current students are involved in the matter. In addition to law enforcement agencies, the matter has been brought to the attention of Child Protective Services. Whether the relationship actually took place has not yet been confirmed, and the district has not identified the teacher named in the allegations. (TD)
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Closures Planned Along Golf Club For Drain Replacements Next WeekClosures Planned Along Golf Club For Drain Replacements Next Week
Drain replacements will completely close certain portions of Golf Club Road in Genoa Township for three days next week. On Monday, crews will be replacing a drain that crosses under Golf Club, which will involve excavating and backfilling a trench across the road. That work will close Golf Club between Monte Carlo and Earl Lake Roads from 8am to 3pm, depending on weather. Then, on Tuesday and Wednesday, Golf Club will be closed between Eager and Latson Roads during the day while crews replace another three drains that cross the road. On Tuesday that portion of Golf Club will be closed from 8am to 4:30pm, while on Wednesday it will be closed from 8am to 3pm. Signs will be placed on all three days advertising alternate routes. (TD)
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Oceola Man Bound Over In Fatal Crash CaseOceola Man Bound Over In Fatal Crash Case
A local man has been bound over on charges in connection with a crash that killed a Hamburg Township Police sergeant. Steven Mark Kelty of Oceola Township is charged with driving while license suspended causing death and operating a motor vehicle with the presence of a schedule one substance causing death, in this case marijuana. He was bound over for trial in Circuit Court Judge Miriam Cavanaughâs courtroom yesterday. Sergeant Jim Sanderson, a 20-year veteran of the Hamburg Township Police Department, was off-duty but headed to a police memorial event when the motorcycle crash occurred at the intersection of Latson Road and Figurski Drive in Genoa Township on September 26th. A previous request was made by Keltyâs attorney to have his $1 million bond reduced to $100,000 with a 10% cash alternative, but the judge denied that request. Kelty is also charged as a third time habitual offender for prior operating while intoxicated convictions that happened in 2002 and 1995. If convicted on the current charges, he faces up to 30 years in prison. (TD)
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Consumers Energy Says Contractor Is At Fault For Broken Gas MainConsumers Energy Says Contractor Is At Fault For Broken Gas Main
Consumers Energy is defending its record-keeping following a gas main leak in downtown Brighton, saying the contractor that hit the line should have been more cautious. A construction crew struck a six-inch Consumers gas main Wednesday at around 3:40pm, causing a major gas leak that closed down a large section of the city for almost six hours. According to Fire Chief Mike OâBrian, the contractor blamed the leak on inaccurate records, claiming the gas main was supposed to be four feet down but was in reality less than two feet below the surface. Debra Dodd, a spokesperson for Consumers Energy, says this is not the case. She says Consumers does not indicate the depth of buried lines because a number of factors, including erosion and human activity, can change that depth over time. She tells WHMI the contractor is to blame because, even though they did call in to report the digging operation, they did not follow state law which requires them to use hand tools to expose the buried line so it can be avoided by power tools. She says if they had followed that precautionary step, the main likely would not have been damaged. It is still not clear how much the repairs to the line will cost and who is going to pay for the work. (TD)
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Testimony Underway In Trial Of Former Hamburg ManTestimony Underway In Trial Of Former Hamburg Man
The trial of a former Livingston County man charged in the death of an Ingham County sheriffâs deputy got underway Thursday. Opening statements took place Thursday in the case against John Kelsey of Stockbridge. The former resident of Hamburg Township is charged with fleeing or eluding police causing death and driving on a suspended license causing death. Prosecutors say that by the end of the trial, jurors will have enough information to return a guilty verdict. But Kelseyâs lawyer, Brian Morley, argued that there is no evidence his client was driving the SUV involved in the chase and that dashboard cameras from one of the pursuing vehicles never got close enough to see the driver, while the vehicle itself has never been located. Prosecutors say an SUV matching that of the vehicle being chased, a white 2003 GMC Denali, was registered to Kelseyâs father. Its location is unknown and has never been reported missing. The chase that ended in Deputy Grant Whitakerâs death began December 7th when an officer in an unmarked sheriff's car began chasing the SUV after it drove by at a high rate of speed. Deputy Whitaker took over as lead pursuer in his marked vehicle, but lost control and crashed near Stockbridge. Kelsey was arrested five days after police released surveillance photos of the suspected SUV. (JK)
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Residents Warned To Be On The Lookout For Ticks This SummerResidents Warned To Be On The Lookout For Ticks This Summer
Local residents are beginning to enjoy some warmer weather, and the Livingston County Department of Public Health is reminding them to be on the lookout for ticks. The blood-sucking parasites live in tall grass and wooded areas, and will latch onto passing mammals to feed during the warmer months. In the process it can spread diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease. Luckily, DPH Director Dr. Don Lawrenchuk says it usually takes between 24 and 48 hours for a tick to transmit the disease to a host. He says tick-borne diseases typically have similar symptoms, including headache, fever, and a rash that appears in the days following exposure. Anyone experiencing symptoms should visit their doctor as soon as possible to be treated with antibiotics. Lawrenchuk says pets should also be checked for ticks after they have been in likely habitats for the pest, since dogs and cats are susceptible to the same diseases and can bring the ticks indoors to infect humans. To remove a tick, grab it with tweezers as close to the skin as possible and pull it away with a steady motion. The bitten area should be washed with antiseptic as soon as possible. The Department of Public Health provides more information on ticks and the diseases they carry on its website. A link is provided below. (TD)
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New Partnership Supports Beautification Efforts in Downtown Howell New Partnership Supports Beautification Efforts in Downtown Howell
Downtown Howell will be looking even more beautiful and bright this summer and fall thanks to a new grant from a local foundation. The Kellogg Family Foundation is sponsoring downtown beautification efforts as part of a new partnership with the Howell Main Street Downtown Development Authority. The foundation has a philosophy of supporting local programs and volunteerism and the new partnership will support the DDA Design Committee year-round beautification efforts to enhance the downtown environment. That includes flowerpots placed throughout the entire downtown district, as well as seasonal décor like the cornstalks and mums in the fall. DDA Director Cathleen Edgerly tells WHMI the beautification efforts made possible through the grant will enhance the entire downtown Howell experience, creating an inviting and attractive atmosphere for locals and visitors through the attractive décor and flowers. (JM)
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Moody's Affirms BAS Rating, Removes Negative Outlook From DistrictMoody's Affirms BAS Rating, Removes Negative Outlook From District
One of the major bond rating firms in America has reaffirmed its Baa3 rating for Brighton Area Schools and removed the negative outlook from its assessment of the district. Moody's Investors Service says this reflects Brightonâs weak but improving financial situation, and suggests that the district should reduce its fixed costs in coming years. Superintendent Greg Gray was happy to see that the firm removed its negative outlook for Brighton. He says the district is slowly improving its financial situation and is now on steady ground. He adds that the better assessment from Moodyâs should help get the district better rates when it sells bonds, which will save taxpayers money. The district has been working to eliminate its legacy deficit for years, and the budget year beginning in July is expected to have a $3.2 million budget surplus and leave the district with a $4.5 million fund balance. (TD)
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Howell High Construction Students Will Show Off Recently-Completed HomeHowell High Construction Students Will Show Off Recently-Completed Home
An open house scheduled for next week will showcase a new home built by students of the Howell High School construction trades program. The 2,000-square-foot home is located on Francis Road, about half a mile south of I-96, and has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an attached garage. The students built it over the past 10 months with the help of professional builders, plumbers, and electricians who served as their mentors. An open house on Saturday, June 6th will allow the public to tour the home and see what the program has accomplished. The house will be later be sold by the district, and the proceeds reinvested in the construction trades program. The district says last year the program had 100% job placement for its students, who also earned articulated college credits with local community colleges while learning practical, real-world skills. (TD)
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Hamburg Road Bridge Set For Upgrade This SummerHamburg Road Bridge Set For Upgrade This Summer
The Hamburg Road Bridge is among the Livingston County Road Commissionâs preventive maintenance projects this summer.
Managing Director Mike Craine says the large bridge located just outside of Brighton in Hamburg Township was built in 2004 and this is an opportune time to repair any small concrete problems and then seal the entire deck so that water and salt donât get into the deck or structural steel. Craine says there will be some traffic interruptions associated with the work, which will require a detour. He says once a contractor is selected in early June, then project schedule will be announced. (JK)
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Prosecution Witness In Kelsey Trial Jailed Prior To TestimonyProsecution Witness In Kelsey Trial Jailed Prior To Testimony
A former Livingston County man charged in the death of an Ingham County sheriffâs deputy heard testimony from neighbors and acquaintances Friday. Several witnesses took the stand in the case against John Kelsey of Stockbridge, testifying that the vehicle police say led them on a high-speed chase that ended in a deputyâs death was identical to one Kelsey drove and that they never saw the SUV after the incident. The former resident of Hamburg Township is charged with fleeing or eluding police causing death and driving on a suspended license causing death. Prosecutors say an SUV matching that of the vehicle being chased, a white 2003 GMC Denali, was registered to Kelseyâs father. Its location is unknown and has never been reported missing. The chase that ended in Deputy Grant Whitakerâs death began December 7th when an officer in an unmarked sheriff's car began chasing the SUV after it drove by at a high rate of speed. Deputy Whitaker took over as lead pursuer in his marked vehicle, but lost control and crashed near Stockbridge. Also in court Friday, but after the jury had left the courtroom, a friend of Kelseyâs was order held on a $100,000 bond after prosecutors said they intended to call him as a witness next week, but feared he planned to try and avoid that. A tape of a conversation the friend had with police was previously played in which he said Kelsey had called him the night of the crash and said he was being chased by police. Prosecutors indicated that he had since deleted the data from his cell phone and had changed his initial story. (JK)
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White Lake Police Department Announces Its Annual Open HouseWhite Lake Police Department Announces Its Annual Open House
An afternoon of family-friendly events is set for the annual White Lake Police Department open house. This yearâs event will be held on Fatherâs Day, June 21st, from noon to 3pm. People will have the chance to enjoy hot dogs and beverages while participating in many activities. Kids can test their arms with both radar baseball pitching and an officer dunk tank, and a rock wall will be available for climbing. Station tours will take place throughout the day, and Childrenâs ID kits along with information on the D.A.R.E program will also be available. The open house will taking place at the police department, located at 7525 Highland Road, in White Lake. (MK)
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Plans Halted On Site Plan For Oceola Truck Repair BusinessPlans Halted On Site Plan For Oceola Truck Repair Business
After some discussion about what had yet to be completed, the Oceola Township Planning Commission on Thursday agreed to table approval of a site plan for Truck-Tech for a second time. Steve Phillips, owner of the truck refurbishing and collision repair company said he needs to either move into a new location or buy his current building by December 31st, and time is of the essence, but the board said there were a lot of items not addressed yet. Township Planner Sally Hodges read through a letter she submitted to the board listing items needed before the site plan could be approved. The list included approved fire department and drain permits, and recorded easement and maintenance agreements with other property owners. The board also wanted to see color renderings of the site plan, and physical color samples as well as more changes to landscaping. Architect David LeClair agreed to have changes made to the site plan and bring everything back to the board on June 11th. He said he plans to ask for a special meeting of the Township Board to approve the site plan so construction can begin. Neither LeClair nor Phillips would comment on the boardâs decision. (DS)
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South Lyon Community Schools Superintendent Retiring in JuneSouth Lyon Community Schools Superintendent Retiring in June
The superintendent of South Lyon Community Schools is retiring after 20 years in the top spot, but even longer with the district. Superintendent Bill Pearson will retire on June 30th and says heâs very fortunate to be involved with a district that has been supportive over the years, noting heâs also had really good relationships with all of the different school boards and staff heâs worked with. Pearson tells WHMI youâre only as great as the board behind you and when you hire good people, as he thinks heâs done, it benefits both the community and the district. Heâs been with the district for 24 years - four as assistant superintendent and the last twenty as superintendent â which Pearson acknowledged is a lot greater than the average when it comes to a typical superintendentâs stay. Pearson also noted all of the improvements made in the district and support during his tenure. He says the administrators, staff, community and parents have always been very supportive and it just seems as if the time has gone by very quickly when youâre talking about 20 years as superintendent. Last spring, the South Lyon Board of Education hired the districtâs Deputy Superintendent Melissa Baker to replace Pearson so sheâll be moving across the hall into his office. Pearson says Baker has been ready and willing to step into the new role and heâs confident sheâll do a great job. He says Baker has been around for a while so is already familiar with the different components of the district and how it functions, adding both the community and staff are excited about her taking over. Baker will also oversee a large number of improvements in the district that will be taking place over the next couple years, which are made possible through a voter approved $64 (m) million bond. (JM)
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Presentation Will Highlight Effort To Recover & Restore B-25Presentation Will Highlight Effort To Recover & Restore B-25
Residents are invited to a presentation this week showcasing the recovery of a World WarII-era bomber that may find a permanent home at a local airport. The nonprofit Warbirds of Glory Museum has been working for years to restore a B-25 bomber that was repurposed into a civilian plane after the war and crash-landed into a sandbar in Alaska in 1969. The plane, called Sandbar Mitchell, is now being restored, and the museum plans to tell the story of that undertaking at a presentation scheduled for this week. That presentation will give the background of the museum and show a half-hour documentary on the recovery effort that was filmed as part of an upcoming television series. Attendees will also hear about young people who have worked on the project and how it has helped them professionally and personally. The presentation on the history of the plane will be free to attend, but donations will be accepted to help complete the restoration of the bomber and make the museum a reality. The goal is to have the plane airworthy in the next decade to it can fly to patriotic events around the country. The presentation will take place at 7pm on Thursday at the Brighton Center for the Performing Arts. For more information, follow the link below. (TD)
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Day Of Caring Gearing Up For 14th YearDay Of Caring Gearing Up For 14th Year
The largest single-day volunteerism event in Livingston County is set for later this summer. The 14th annual Day of Caring will be held on Wednesday, August 19th, as officials with the Livingston County United Way encourage everyone from high school students to retirees to volunteer for community assistance projects, which include sprucing up area parks and recreational facilities, painting, minor general repairs at senior citizens homes, visits with area shut-ins and cleaning up and improving area playgrounds. Over the years the community service âblitzâ has grown substantially over the years, logging over 1,000 volunteer shifts at 110 different work sites. And as they have in the past, Citizens Insurance is offering challenge grants to encourage local youth to volunteer for the Day of Caring. Groups who participate have the opportunity to receive a grant of up to $1,000. In addition to recruiting volunteers, the Day of Caring committee is also looking for work sites for this yearâs event, including area nonprofit organizations, church facilities, and/or individuals needing assistance, where volunteers can lend their time and skills. Youâll find complete details at the United Wayâs website a link for which is posted below. (JK)
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Salon Services Offered At Free Event SundaySalon Services Offered At Free Event Sunday
Inner Light Traveling Salon, featuring some 15 volunteer hair care professionals and a massage therapist, offered services free of charge Sunday at Heart of the Shepherd Church in Howell. Offering free hair care in a traveling salon has been a career-long dream for Inner Light founder Jen Rice, who said for some people a $15 hair cut isnât in the budget. During the inaugural event, she said the goal is to be able to eventually purchase an RV type vehicle to travel throughout Southeast Michigan serving anywhere there are people in need, especially shelters, churches, and special needs homes. She has already had positive responses from family and other industry professionals including many salons offering services. Rice said she hopes to have the RV in the next 18 months, and in the meantime will hold other events like Sundayâs. She said she is grateful to her husband, her five kids and the volunteers who gave their Sunday to the cause. Everyone involved gave their time to be able to put a smile on the face of someone else on Sunday afternoon, Rice said, and that was worth more than a paycheck. The next free hair care event is set for LACASA on June 29th. (DS)
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