Several aspects are being reviewed for the proposed K through 12 Livingston Christian School that would be located within the Brighton Church of the Nazarene. Petitioners for the school came before the Genoa Charter Township Planning Commission on Monday to discuss issues regarding the proposal. Steve Morgan, a longtime member of the Brighton Nazarene church and retiree from Boss Engineering, has volunteered to conduct the petition and the process to its possible approval. Morgan was required to provide a traffic study in accordance with the townshipâs ordinance, however there were several inconsistencies with his study that must be corrected before he can move forward. Doug Brown, chair of Genoaâs Planning Commission, tells WHMI there are other items that must be rectified as well. The Planning Commission made a unanimous decision to table the issue until July 13th, in hopes of having a complete package of the petition before making their recommendations. Many neighbors of the church attended the public hearing and voiced concerns about the heavy traffic influx and delays it may cause along Brighton Road. One local resident says the situation is âso dangerous as isâ, and additional traffic would add âfuel to the fireâ. Brown says a Special Use Permit will have contingencies to the buildingâs maximum capacity which will in turn control traffic. A review of the situation would be required after a three year term and Brown reminded the audience if the school wants to continue, they would have to appear before the Commission. (DK)
Genoa Planning Commission Again Tables Christian School PetitionGenoa Planning Commission Again Tables Christian School Petition
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Howell's New Superintendent Ready To Take Over On July 1Howell's New Superintendent Ready To Take Over On July 1
The new superintendent of Howell Schools signed his contract during last nightâs Board of Education meeting. The board approved the three-year contract for Erin MacGregor, who will assume the role of superintendent on July 1st. He comes to Howell from Plymouth-Canton, where he served as an assistant superintendent under Dr. Jeremy Hughes, who has since stepped in as the interim superintendent for Howell since Ron Wilson was fired late last year. MacGregorâs contract can be extended annually, and in addition to the $160,000 salary it includes a $450 monthly car allowance. He will also be allowed to apply for reimbursement for approved out-of-district travel expenses and mileage, which was a one of the major sticking points that led to Wilsonâs firing. MacGregor acknowledges that there are challenges to be faced within the district, in the community, and at the state level, but he tells WHMI he is looking forward to integrating with the district to face them. The only major new difference added to MacGregorâs contract from previous superintendents is the requirement of an annual physical, paid for by the district, to make sure he is physically capable to do the job. Hughes says that change was inspired by examining contracts in other districts. (TD)
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Howell Parks & Rec Authority to Vacate Barnard Community Center Howell Parks & Rec Authority to Vacate Barnard Community Center
While somewhat sad to leave, the director of the Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority says itâs with great promise for the future they must move on and vacate the Barnard Community Center. Director Paul Rogers formally notified the Howell City Council Monday night it has become cost prohibitive for the authority to continue to pay for utilities and maintenance so theyâll be vacating the building on or before August 1st. A comprehensive building assessment determined while the building has "good bones," a numbers of updates are needed. Rogers said the biggest issue is the building is not handicap accessible and theyâre at the point where they just canât do anything with it. It houses the popular teen center, which will be relocating most likely to the Bennett Recreation Center. Rogers said there will be some internal logistics to deal with such as moving around the senior citizen and pre-school populations. The authority will retain a dumpster at the location for use by the Page Field facilities and will also continue lawn maintenance of the main and auxiliary fields. Rogers also requested permission to place one or two cargo shipping container units near an existing recycling dumpster outside of Barnard to be able to store things for festivals closer to the downtown but noted it wasnât a big issue either way. Mayor Pro-Tem Steve Manor was leery about putting the storage containers outside as well as just abandoning the building, raising concerns about the neighborhood response and potential vandalism. Manor commented they look temporary, which he really didnât favor, and could easily become graffiti targets. Jim Ream lives across the street and echoed concerns about it becoming blight. Mayor Nick Proctor commented the news just presents council with another challenge and decision point in where to go with the Barnard Center. A review recently commissioned found the building has good bones but to rehabilitate it was estimated around $1.2 (m) million. Proctor felt if the facility was updated and brought into compliance there would likely be a ton of uses for it but they donât have that kind of money lying around so it will be something for future council discussion. City staff will be working to figure out a plan with the authority for the storage containers over the next few weeks and bring back a recommendation to council. (JM)
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Livingston County Joins Workforce ConsortiumLivingston County Joins Workforce Consortium
Livingston County administrator Belinda Peters asked the General Government and Health & Human Services Committee Monday night to approve a resolution consolidating Michigan Works! and Economic Development agencies. Livingston County would join Jackson, Lenawee, Hillsdale, Monroe, and Washtenaw Counties under The Urban Cooperation Act Agreement, which has been in the works for the last two years. Peters said the consortium is a way to make sure grant funds are put to the best use, share information and eliminate redundancies between the agencies. Peters told the committee putting together the boards and committees to run the consortium before a July deadline could benefit the region. Peters said the state is offering a $150,000 grant to the region if the consortium is in place, and the workforce team is working toward that goal. Meanwhile, the committee also agreed to hire four more full-time paramedics. EMS Director Jeff Boyd said there has been steady growth in the volume of calls over the last 15 years. He said though there is no particular pattern, other than a slightly higher population of adults over 65, call volume is higher and response times are growing longer. (DS)
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Howell's Pink Party Gearing Up For 7th Annual FundraiserHowell's Pink Party Gearing Up For 7th Annual Fundraiser
Groups of women dressed in all pink will once again take over downtown Howell for a cause later this week. The 7th annual Howell Pink Party is set for this Thursday starting at 5pm, with funds again being raised for supportive care and breast cancer research at St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital. The group has partnered up with the hospital system for the next few years to raise enough money to buy a stereotactic breast imaging device, a special imaging table that will help provide patients a more exact diagnosis. All of the women attending wear lots of pink and will be escorted around downtown Howell by men wearing tuxedos. Organizer Diana Biermann says the majority of the fundraising comes through the sale of passports, which provide a variety of benefits. The passports are on sale for $25 and can be purchased online through the link below or in-person at local businesses. They will entitle the owner to discounts at participating retail stores, food & wine tastings and massage stations among other benefits. As there has been in the past, there will again be the Queen of the Night Awards for Most Creative Pink Outfit and the popular Parade of Men. Groups purchasing eight passports or more at one time will be escorted by a tuxedo wearing, handsome James Bond-type who will be with your group to âopen doors, carry shopping bags and fetch coffee.â(JK)
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Brighton School Board Cuts Athletic Fees 50%Brighton School Board Cuts Athletic Fees 50%
The Brighton Board of Education voted unanimously Monday night to cut the fee for students to participate in athletics in half. Board member Beth Minert proposed eliminating the transportation fee for athletics but it was decided it would be too costly. Superintendent Greg Gray said it would cost up to $400,000 for the district to pay to transport the student-athletes to and from meets and games. The district is projecting a $1.5 million fund balance by the end of the fiscal year on June 30, so it should be able to handle the extra expense. In addition, itâs just for one year to see if the district can handle it from a financial standpoint. Superintendent Greg Gray tells WHMI in addition to reducing pay-to-play by 50%, 18 sports that heretofore have not been funded will be fully funded starting July 1. Gray says funding those previously unfunded sports will increase the athletic budget by an additional $110,000. Adding the 18 sports was the idea of board member Andy Burchfield, who offered it as an amendment to the motion. The sports that will be funded for the 2015-16 year include gymnastics, rugby, lacrosse, bowling, and several JV sports, such as hockey. Whether to include non-sports activities in which students are required to pay fees, such as academics and co-curriculars, was not addressed because it was felt Brighton does not have the money at this time to fund those activities. (TT)
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Jury Convicts Former Hamburg Township Man in Deputy's DeathJury Convicts Former Hamburg Township Man in Deputy's Death
A former Hamburg Township man has been convicted in the death of an Ingham County Sheriff's deputy who crashed while chasing an SUV. 34-year-old John Kelsey of Stockbridge was found guilty of 1st degree fleeing police causing death and driving on a suspended license in connection with the death of Ingham County Sheriffâs Deputy Grant Whitaker. He lost control and crashed his patrol vehicle on back roads near Stockbridge during the course of a high speed pursuit involving a white SUV early December 7th. The white SUV has never been found. The jury returned the guilty verdict after two days of deliberations. Ingham County Sheriff Gene Wrigglesworth tells WHMI words cannot express their gratitude for all involved and commended Michigan State Police investigators, the prosecutorâs office, and the men and women of the jury. While he couldnât be happier with the trial outcome, Wriggleworth says it still doesnât bring Deputy Whitaker back. In that sense, he says itâs a shallow victory because this was a huge tragedy for the Whitaker family and they lost a great public servant who was very young at just 25-years-old. Defense Attorney Brian Morley says it was a difficult case for all involved and two families are grieving. He says it was a tough trial and verdict with a lot of circumstantial evidence but very professional with everything put out on the table and testimony from a variety of different people. Morley tells WHMI while the jury examined all the evidence and worked very hard to get to where they got, heâs not sure all the dots were connected. Morley feels this was an extremely circumstantial case and heâs still not convinced anybody has shown Kelsey was driving the vehicle at the time of the alleged pursuit. No evidence of a white SUV was found at the crash scene or the area leading up to it. Prosecuting Attorney Johnathon Roth pointed to video evidence that showed Kelsey at the Dam Site Inn in Hell the night of the chase and argued Kelsey disposed of the vehicle via a mutual friend who was a metal scrapper. A white 2003 Yukon Denali XL registered to Kelseyâs father matched the suspect vehicle description but has never been located. Testimony during the trial was heard from a witness who claimed Kelsey met with a mutual friend who was a metal scrapper, although a search of the property last month failed to turn up any evidence. Kelsey faces up to 30 years in prison when sentenced July 22nd in Ingham County Circuit Court. As for any appeal, Morley says they havenât even thought that far ahead. Photo Credit WLNS. (JM)
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Lawmaker Co-Sponsors Bill That Mandates The Reporting Of Dead ChildrenLawmaker Co-Sponsors Bill That Mandates The Reporting Of Dead Children
New legislation co-sponsored by a local lawmaker would establish penalties for adults who fail to report dead or missing children. House Bill 4688 was introduced on Tuesday and has the backing of Representative Hank Vaupel from Handy Township. The bill specifies that any adult responsible for a minor under the age of 18 must immediately contact police if that minor dies, unless they die while under the care of someone else who is required to report the death or they are unable to contact police immediately. Additionally, adults caring for children under the age of 13 must immediately report them as missing if their whereabouts are not known for 48 hours. Failure to follow these rules would result in imprisonment for up to 4 years and a fine of up to $5,000. (JK)
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Police Say Intoxicated Fenton Man Nearly Drowns in Shiawassee RiverPolice Say Intoxicated Fenton Man Nearly Drowns in Shiawassee River
Authorities say an intoxicated Fenton man nearly drowned but was rescued by a fisherman who found him floating face down in a river. The North Oakland County Fire Authority responded to the area of Rhoades Lane and Grange Hall Road in Holly Township around 6pm Monday on a reported boating accident. Information received indicated a man was found floating face down in the Shiawassee River and was pulled from the water by a nearby fisherman. It was reported that the 39-year-old Fenton man was using an inflatable type of boat while traveling on the river and some-how ended up in the water. An incident report states the man was highly intoxicated and did not appear to have any injuries but he was not wearing a life jacket and no life jackets were located at the scene. The Oakland County Sheriffâs Office Marine Unit responded but the man had already been transported to Genesys Regional Medical Center due to his intoxication and was admitted for further observation. The office reports the fisherman who rescued the man and other witnesses could not be located and the Marine Unit was not able to interview the man at the hospital. The incident remains under investigation. (JM)
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Presentation Given In Howell Over Civil Asset Forfeiture Presentation Given In Howell Over Civil Asset Forfeiture
A former politician made a presentation regarding controversial laws that allow for the seizure of private property on Tuesday in Howell. The Hartland-based Gadsden Center describes itself as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that aims to educate citizens on state and federal constitutions and government. The guest speaker at their June meeting was former State Representative Tom McMillin, who discussed updates on civil asset forfeiture laws. Under these laws, it is legal for law enforcement officials to seize property or money they believe has been involved in criminal activity, even if the owner isnât charged with a crime. On June 4th, the Michigan House of Representatives put eight bills regarding forfeiture to vote, all passing by wide margins. McMillin says that the future looks bright for reform on the issue. Under current laws, seized property and money goes into the civil court system where, according to the Institute of Justice, Michigan is among the most difficult states for the owner to reclaim it. Ownership then transfers to the law enforcement agency that seized it to use as they see fit. McMillin says that the incentives to seize assets are "perverse" for law enfrorcement who have come to rely on it as a regular source of funding for their budgets. (MK/JK)
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Jail Visits Denied For Burns As Parental Rights Hearing Wraps UpJail Visits Denied For Burns As Parental Rights Hearing Wraps Up
Deposition came to a close yesterday in the parental rights hearing for a Brighton man convicted of second degree child abuse. Abuse allegations made against 38-year old Joshua Burns resulted in a conviction and one year jail sentence for the case in which his daughter was the victim. Defense attorney Elizabeth Warner, who is representing Burns' wife Brenda, argued for supervised visits between Joshua and his child while awaiting the hearingâs outcome. His attorney said despite the limited circumstances of an incarcerated visitation, âprogress is better than no progressâ and the familyâs reunification has to âstart somehow.â In Circuit Court, Judge Miriam Cavanaugh stated that the visit may not necessarily have a positive effect on Naomi and denied the request with the preference to have heard from expert witnesses before allowing the visitations. Burnsâ defense team presented their last witness, psychologist Dr. Randy Haugan, who had an overall positive outlook for Burns and his rehabilitation. Dr. Haugan performed several psychological evaluations on Burns and referred to his subject as âvalid,â âcongruent,â and a âlow risk." The psychologist says test results and time spent with Burns did not lead him to âsee any evidence of a potential relapse,â though he still insists therapy would be beneficial. When questioned by the prosecution, Dr. Haugan did admit to findings that include irritable tendencies; however he believes consequences are an important factor in preventing a repeat of the incident in the future. Judge Cavanaugh is requiring written summations from each side of their proposed opinion and will announce her decision on July 29th. Regardless of the outcome in the parental rights hearing, Brenda Burns has previously stated that she plans to stay with her husband and remain a family. (DK/JK)
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Charity Car Wash In Pinckney This SaturdayCharity Car Wash In Pinckney This Saturday
A local fire department is looking to turn its hoses on your car for charity. The Putnam Township Fire Department is holding a fund raising event this Saturday, June 13th, from 10am to 4pm. Firefighters will rinse vehicles down with the help of Ladder 51 before towel drying them. There is no charge for the car wash, but free will donations will be accepted and used towards supporting local charitable interests. The Putnam Township Fire Department is located at 3250 West M-36, in Pinckney. (MK)
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Hamburg Fun Fest Organizers Seek To Make Donut World Record AttemptHamburg Fun Fest Organizers Seek To Make Donut World Record Attempt
A world record attempt next week in Hamburg Township will have holes in it from beginning to end. The Hamburg Enhanced Recreation Organization, or HERO, is the sponsor of the annual Hamburg Family Fun Fest, set to mark its 10th year June 17th through the 20th. But organizers are hoping to make this yearâs event literally one for the record books with an attempt to lay 22,000 donuts end-to-end. Gene Doncea is the vice-chairman of HERO and says that when completed the donuts will be more than a mile in length. But to achieve that, he came up with an invention to make it possible. The V-shaped board (pictured) will be trailed behind a tractor and use gravity to funnel the donuts into a continuous line. A hose will provide a stream of compressed air as they come off of the board to ensure they are touching each other, which is a requirement for the record. The current record recognized by the Guinness World Book of Records is held by a festival event in Berlin measuring just over 1,841 feet. Doncea says if theyâre successful, they will nearly triple that length. The donuts are being donated by Meijer and will be picked up in Indiana by a local company. Once the record attempt is complete, Doncea says theyâre working with the 4H Club and a local farmer to turn them into pig food so they donât go to waste. The record attempt will take place on the soccer fields at Manly Bennett Park West starting at 8am on Friday, June 19th. Doncea expects it will take about three hours to complete the line, which is allowed to curve, as long as the donuts are all in contact with each other. (JK)
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Magna Announces New Facility In Lyon Township; 250 Jobs To Be CreatedMagna Announces New Facility In Lyon Township; 250 Jobs To Be Created
Hundreds of manufacturing jobs are expected to be created locally following the announcement of a new facility. Magna International announced plans Tuesday to construct a $56 million manufacturing facility in Lyon Township, choosing the site over competing sites in Ohio, South Carolina and Ontario. Marada Industries, a Magna International subsidiary which operates as Cosma Body Assembly Michigan, will build the 150,000 square foot facility on a 32-acre parcel of vacant land near Milford Road and Grand River Avenue in Lyon Township. The facility will supply underbody structural components to the auto industry. Officials say the investment will create 250 jobs, which will result in a $1.6 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. The township offered a property tax abatement for the project. Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson said the countyâs âtalented workforce, quality of life and attractive proximity to the auto industry were key factors in attracting Magna to the Lyon Township site,â Magna International is a Canada-based tier one auto supplier with 27 manufacturing facilities and 11 engineering, product development and sales centers in Michigan, including an automotive interior plant in Howell Township. (JK)
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Officials Warn Of Dangerous Synthetic Cannabinoid Marketed As E-CigOfficials Warn Of Dangerous Synthetic Cannabinoid Marketed As E-Cig
Local anti-drug advocates are warning of a new synthetic drug that is used in e-cigarettes and has already sent Michigan residents to the hospital. The drug is marketed as a liquid product called Darth Vapor, and is a synthetic cannabinoid designed to mimic the effects of THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Synthetic cannabinoids were outlawed in Michigan several years ago, but Darth Vapor recently turned up on shelves in the Mason County area, possibly avoiding detection by only listing harmless ingredients on its packaging. The Michigan State Police issued a warning to local substance abuse prevention organizations about the drug, hoping to get the word out about the dangers. Like other synthetic drugs, it brings on a host of side effects like agitation, loss of motor control, seizures, coma, stoppage of breathing, and heart failure. A California-based company that produces an e-cigarette liquid also called Darth Vapor has put up a notice on its website warning people that the name is being used to market a dangerous drug in Michigan. (TD)
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Lansing Man Hospitalized After Losing Consciousness on I-96 Near FowlervilleLansing Man Hospitalized After Losing Consciousness on I-96 Near Fowlerville
The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department is investigating an incident on eastbound I-96 near Fowlerville this afternoon that nearly claimed the life of a Lansing man. Sheriff Bob Bezotte tells WHMI they received a 911 call around 2pm about an accident that had happened about one mile east of the Fowlerville exit. Bezotte says the victim drove into the median and his rear bumper was torn off in the process but it really wasnât an accident and theyâre looking at either a medical condition or possible drug related incident. He says the 34-year-old Lansing man did not have a pulse at the scene and was believed dead before being transported by EMS to Sparrow Hospital. However while en route, paramedics were able to perform CPR and established a shallow heartbeat. Bezotte says the man remains unresponsive in critical condition at the hospital. Bezotte says the victimâs girlfriend was in the vehicle at the time and reported the man slumped over the wheel, lost consciousness and then drove into the median. Bezotte says the woman was not injured and no other vehicles were involved. One lane of eastbound I-96 was closed down for investigation and travel was slow through the area but Bezotte says they kept traffic moving and it re-opened around 4pm. There were also slowdowns reported on westbound I-96 due to gawker delays. (JM)
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South Lyon To Consider Allowing The Raising Of Backyard Hens South Lyon To Consider Allowing The Raising Of Backyard Hens
South Lyon City Council is considering an amendment to an ordinance that bans the raising of backyard hens. At its regular meeting last Monday, council members heard the request of a local resident who is looking to use hens to help feed her family. Mieke Giles presented her case during the public comment portion of the meeting to mixed responses from board members. Giles commented on the negative effects of processed foods versus homegrown, and addressed many concerns the community might have like smell and noise from animals. Councilman Harvey Wedell brought up that the council has denied these requests before and that he believes there are probably as many people in opposition to the amendment as there are in favor. Councilwoman Erin Kopkowski recognized a trend in eating locally- grown food, and thought that if it could be done properly, there could be cause to allow the hens. The council generally doesnât act immediately on issues brought forth during public comment, and Councilman Joe Ryzyi requested that this issue be placed on the June 22nd agenda. (MK)
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1st Annual Livingston County Air Show Set For Balloonfest Weekend1st Annual Livingston County Air Show Set For Balloonfest Weekend
There will be more than balloons in the air above Howell later this month. The first ever Livingston County Air Show will be taking place on June 27th in conjunction with the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest. This free event is being put on by Crosswinds Aviation in partnership with the Livingston County Airport with the hopes of inspiring youth into pursuing aviation while raising awareness and support for the Spencer J Hardy Airport. It will feature several warbirds like an F4U-5 fighter, T-6 Texan trainers, a BT-19, and several others. Performances will be put on by aerobatic performers Greg Koontz and Kevin Copeland. There will be a âchicken dropâ where pilots, in-air, attempt to drop rubber chickens onto a 10-by-10 target, and discovery flights available through Crosswinds. The show will take place at the Spencer J Hardy Airport at 3399 County Airport Drive, in Howell. (MK)
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Brighton Teachers' Union Gets New Leadership Brighton Teachers' Union Gets New Leadership
The president of the Brighton Education Association for the last four years is stepping down from the position - permanently. Ellen Lafferty, who has led the the Brighton Area Schoolsâ teachersâ union through some troubled times for the district and union retired as a teacher at the end of the school year on Wednesday. As a result, she did not run for a fifth consecutive year as BEA president. Lafferty tells WHMI the person chosen to succeed her at a recent BEA election is Matt Dufon, a French teacher at Brighton High School and Scranton Middle School. The other officers include three vice presidents: Barry Goode, Melissa Scherdt and Margaret Adams, and Secretary Karen Story. The BEA represents 295 teachers in the Brighton Area School District, a pre-K through 12 district of about 6,000 students. The teachers are just completing the first year of a 5-year contract which includes a zero increase in pay and benefits. However, the contract contains a wage reopener each year itâs in effect, and the BEA and administration will begin contract talks in the near future. (TT)
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Lieutenant Governor Helps Spread Word About Autistic ProfessionalsLieutenant Governor Helps Spread Word About Autistic Professionals
An event in Brighton yesterday sought to introduce a unique online marketing company to businesses in Brighton. Power to the Grid was founded by Stefan Kogler, who had worked at Oakland University helping those with autism spectrum disorders develop their creative skills. He found that even with top-quality portfolios, they were not usually making it past the interview process. His company now employs about seven autistic people at a time, letting them use their natural talents as photographers, writers, and content managers to serve about 12 client businesses around Livingston County. Yesterdayâs event sought to increase the visibility of the company, and featured Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley as its keynote speaker. The parent of an autistic child himself, Calley told attendees those on the autistic spectrum have huge untapped potential. Business partners were also on hand to let prospective clients know that the work performed by the companyâs autistic professionals is top-notch. More information on Power to the Grid and their services can be found by following the link below. (TD)
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