Officials in the City of Fenton are cautioning anyone who might be coming through the downtown area about street closures that will likely be in effect until Friday.
Shiawassee and LeRoy Street will be closed for most of the week as concrete along with curb and gutter will be poured. To expedite construction, officials ask that motorists avoid driving those streets when closed. Those who plan on attending the Fenton Farmers Market, the Concert at the Park at the Community Center this Thursday or businesses in the area are asked to use the municipal parking lots at Ellen, Caroline, Walnut and Elizabeth Streets. (JM)
Street Closures in Effect Through Friday in Downtown Fenton Street Closures in Effect Through Friday in Downtown Fenton
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Sewer Rates to Increase $4 Per Quarter in Hamburg Township Sewer Rates to Increase $4 Per Quarter in Hamburg Township
Rising maintenance costs and scheduled replacements have caused the need for a sewer rate hike in Hamburg Township. At its regular meeting on Tuesday, the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to raise the quarterly charge by 2.7%, to $155.50. This $4 increase came to be as part of the annual budget approval process which requires sewer funds to be self-maintaining. Between 1997 and 2008, the townshipâs board elected to freeze rates, but was forced into a 60% hike in 2009. Township Supervisor Patrick Hohl told WHMI that the current board feels smaller, gradual increases are more financially responsible. The increase will help with the rising costs that go into maintaining a sewer system and help with the scheduled replacement of grinders. One trustee commented that he dislikes the increase as a resident, but as a board member he understands the need for it. The new rate will go into effect on July 1st. (MK)
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HPS Fire Academy Student Puts Skills To Use After Witnessing AccidentHPS Fire Academy Student Puts Skills To Use After Witnessing Accident
Two weeks after graduating from Howell High Schoolâs Fire Academy, a student was able to use her new skills at the site of a single-car accident. Howell High junior Tatum Dayney, who graduated from the academy this year, was driving along County Farm Road in Howell on Monday when she saw a car go off the road and into a ditch. She stopped, grabbed the first aid kit she kept in her car, and went to render assistance. Dayney bandaged up the driver, a recent Howell High School graduate, and was able to keep him awake and talking. She says her training was what allowed her to help keep the young man stable until an ambulance arrived. Howell High Principal Jason Schrock says he is proud of Dayneyâs actions, and considers it a testament to the training received in the program. (TD)
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Hamburg Family Fun Fest Underway; Township Cautions of Traffic IssuesHamburg Family Fun Fest Underway; Township Cautions of Traffic Issues
Hamburg Township is reminding the community that extra caution may be needed for those attending or even traveling near the Family Fun Fest this week. The 10th annual event begins today and runs through Saturday, June 20th, at Bennett Park. During this time, the speed limit on Merrill Road between M-36 and Strawberry Lake Road will be reduced to 35mph. Fireworks and laser light shows that are scheduled for 10pm on Friday and Saturday are expected to cause heavy traffic conditions and delays on Strawberry Lake Road and M-36 near Merrill. Alternate routes for travelers through that area are advised. In addition, township ordinance does not allow for pets on festival grounds, including dogs on leashes. For additional information, click on the link below. (MK)
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No Name Change Planned For Kent Lake ElementaryNo Name Change Planned For Kent Lake Elementary
Administrators will not be changing the name of Kent Lake Elementary anytime soon. A group of four former school board members came before the South Lyon Board of Education at its June 1st meeting to suggest changing the schoolâs name to William A. Pearson Elementary School. According to the South Lyon Herald, they said Pearson had a large impact on the design and construction of the school, and renaming it in his honor would be a fitting tribute to the leadership of the former superintendent. A committee was formed by the school board, which recommended approving the name change at the boardâs meeting on Monday. However, a strongly negative reaction on social media had emerged since the idea was first introduced. Critics said changing the name of Kent Lake Elementary would impact the schoolâs culture and cost money that could be better spent elsewhere. Voters approved a $64 million bond issue for the district in May. They also pointed to a new elementary building scheduled to open in 2017, and suggested naming that building after Pearson instead. By Monday, even the original proponents of the change had agreed that there were better ways to pay tribute to Pearson. The board voted unanimously against the name change. (TD)
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Livingston Amateur Radio Klub & EMS Practice for DisasterLivingston Amateur Radio Klub & EMS Practice for Disaster
An all-day event on the campus of Michigan State University had paramedics and amateur radio operators responding to an improvised explosive device containing radioactive material. Amateur radio operators volunteer their time to help set up communications equipment in specially equipped trailers. John Waters, Supervisor for Livingston County EMS, says in the event of an actual emergency, amateur radio operators respond to help with communications. Waters says there are six trailers, housed throughout an 8 county district. The CBRNE, or chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, explosive, trailers are dispatched from Livingston County are stocked with extra equipment for disaster emergencies. Each is also equipped for communications and patient tracking. While paramedics practiced triage procedures, radio operators set up and checked communications equipment to make sure the trailers are ready in case of a real emergency. Livingston Countyâs CBRNE trailer will be displayed during Balloonfest. (DS)
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Peaceful Protest For A Local Family Held In Ann ArborPeaceful Protest For A Local Family Held In Ann Arbor
A peaceful protest to bring awareness to what organizers call incomplete child abuse investigations and conflicts of interest was held this afternoon in Ann Arbor. Around 75 supporters of Joshua Burns gathered in front of the University of Michigan Hospitalâs main entrance to show support for him, his wife Brenda, and their daughter Naomi. Burns was convicted of child abuse in late March and is serving a one year sentence in Livingston County Jail. Supporters believe there is a financial conflict of interest between U of M C.S. Mott Childrenâs Hospital and the Michigan Department of Human Services which led to Burns being convicted. Brenda Burns has custody of Naomi, but Joshuaâs parental rights are still up in the air. At 3pm the protestors marched from the main hospital to the entrance of the childrenâs hospital and delivered a two page letter intended for Paul King, Executive Director of Mott. The letter detailed the Burns case and brought attention to how they believe the current system could cause parents to hesitate providing care for their children in fear of child abuse accusations. The courtâs final decision on Joshuaâs parental rights is scheduled to take place on July 29th. (MK)
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New Rules Regarding Alcohol Consumption in Milford's Central ParkNew Rules Regarding Alcohol Consumption in Milford's Central Park
The increasing consumption of alcohol in Milfordâs Central Park during the Summer Concert Series has prompted new rules during the popular event. The Milford Village Council met Monday night and adopted a resolution clarifying a long-standing policy that allows personal consumption of alcohol at Central Park concerts. The changes are effective immediately and limit the size of containers as well as the hours during which the consumption of alcohol is permitted. Containers used to transport alcohol cannot be more than 64 fluid ounces and new hours limit the time period to one hour before and 30 minutes after the event. The LaFontaine Family Amphitheater opened in May and is the new home of the weekly Summer Concert Series on Thursday nights sponsored by the Milford Township Parks & Recreation Commission. Village Manager Christian Wuerth commented during the meeting that the intent of the 2005 resolution was to allow visitors a glass of wine or a couple of beers - not for the event to evolve into a frat party referring to rumors of people having kegs or wanting to bring them. The memo presented to Council from Wuerth is attached below. AMP in Central Park Facebook Photo Credit. (JM)
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Hune-Backed Legislation Seeks To End Paid Release TimeHune-Backed Legislation Seeks To End Paid Release Time
Legislation being supported by a local lawmaker would further amend the law governing public employee unions to prevent new contracts from allowing paid release time for union officers. Senate Bills 279 and 280 would amend public acts that were changed in 2012 with the approval of Right-to-Work legislation. The new Senate legislation would prohibit public employee union contracts to be adopted or renewed if they allow for paid time off for union officials to conduct union business. It would also bar such paid time to be used toward pension calculations. These restrictions would not apply to police and fire department employee unions. State Senator Joe Hune is among more than a dozen senators sponsoring the bills, all of whom are Republicans. Supporters say the bill will prevent union officials from spiking their pensions and receiving larger pay outs from the state retirement system. Opponents say the legislation is another step trying to dilute union power in the state and take away local control. Both bills have cleared the senateâs committees on commerce and education, and on Wednesday were put before the committee of the whole for consideration. (TD/JK)
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Rain Keeps Most Pilots Grounded For Balloonfest Media NightRain Keeps Most Pilots Grounded For Balloonfest Media Night
About 75 guests gathered under the pavilion at Howell City Park to enjoy food, music and to meet some of the pilots participating in this yearâs Media Night event for the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest. After the rain stopped four of the eight balloons on hand were inflated and one launched for a short trip. Pilots of Sullair, Michigan Cat, Captain America and ReMax pulled their balloons out onto the field offloaded and filled them. Only Captain America risked launching. This year there are 44 pilots and sponsors participating in the Michigan Challenge. Balloonfest committee chairman Gary Kackstetter says this year the international champion and the national champion pilots are joining the challenge. He says among the other 44 pilots are several national champions and it is an elite group of pilots flying. Kackstetter says this yearâs event offers ongoing entertainment from June 26th to the 28th. There will be five balloon challenges, Friday fireworks, kites and the Saturday night balloon glow. (DS)
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Putnam Officials Answer Questions About Proposed Pipeline ProjectPutnam Officials Answer Questions About Proposed Pipeline Project
Almost 50 residents of Putnam Township attended a meeting last night wherein the townshipâs legal counsel answered their questions about the planned ET Rover pipeline. If approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, ET Rover will carry natural gas north through several states, including Michigan, on a path that will lead it directly through Livingston County. Putnam citizens last night cited concerns about the safety of having that much explosive gas near their homes, the environmental impact of the construction, and the economic impact the project would have on their property values. During the Q & A, they asked township attorney Mike Homier about the townshipâs actions to intercede in the pipelineâs federal approval, options for making the company reconsider its chosen route, and how they could prepare for the coming legal battle. Homier assured residents that the township was intent on opposing the pipeline, but while he did answer questions about current activities and legal options he would not discuss strategies that might be used in the courtroom. One member of the township board questioned whether they could let residents vote on whether to approve a millage to pay for legal fees associated with fighting the pipeline. Homier confirmed that there was precedent for such a measure. (TD)
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Peaceful Protest For Jailed Brighton Father Held In Ann ArborPeaceful Protest For Jailed Brighton Father Held In Ann Arbor
A peaceful protest to bring awareness to what organizers call incomplete child abuse investigations and conflicts of interest was held Wednesday afternoon in Ann Arbor. Around 75 supporters of Joshua Burns gathered in front of the University of Michigan Hospitalâs main entrance to show support for him, his wife Brenda, and their daughter Naomi. Burns was convicted of child abuse in late March and is serving a one year sentence in Livingston County Jail. Supporters believe there is a financial conflict of interest between U of M, C.S. Mott Childrenâs Hospital and the Michigan Department of Human Services which led to Burns being convicted. Brenda Burns has custody of Naomi, but Joshuaâs parental rights are still up in the air. Protestors marched from the main hospital to the entrance of the childrenâs hospital and delivered a two page letter intended for Paul King, Executive Director of Mott. The letter detailed the Burns case and brought attention to how they believe the current system could cause parents to hesitate providing care for their children in fear of child abuse accusations. Hospital officials defend the professionalism of their employees and say any money paid by the state for investigations is given to the hospital system and not to any individual doctor or employee. The courtâs final decision on Joshuaâs parental rights is scheduled to take place on July 29th. (MK/JK)
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New President Announced For St. Joe Livington & Ann Arbor HospitalsNew President Announced For St. Joe Livington & Ann Arbor Hospitals
Howellâs only hospital has a new leader. Saint Joseph Mercy Health System has announced that effective August 3rd, David T. Brooks will serve as the new president of both St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor and St. Joseph Mercy Livingston hospitals. Brooks will be succeeding Rob Casalou, who served in the position until his promotion last fall to regional president and CEO of the Saint Joseph Mercy Health System. Casalou said that Brooks has the âexperience and passionâ to carry forward their vision to implement innovative health care options, including the renovation and expansion plans for the St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital in Howell, while providing what he called âexceptional patient care in the greater Ann Arbor and Livingston County communities." Brooks was previously the president of St. John Hospital and Medical Center in Detroit and also served as a senior vice president of the St. John Providence Health Systemâs East Region. Heâs also held executive roles in health systems in Washington, Illinois, Texas and New Mexico. Brooks is currently on the Wayne State University Masters of Public Health External Advisory Committee and is a fellow with the American College of Healthcare Executives. (JK)
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Bridge Projects Could Bring Lengthy Delays For Local Commuters Bridge Projects Could Bring Lengthy Delays For Local Commuters
Work on three bridge repair projects next week could impact local commuters who travel into the Dexter and Ann Arbor areas. Starting on Tuesday, June 23rd, lane restrictions will be imposed on North Territorial Road, just east of Dexter-Pinckney Road in Dexter Township as well as on Dixboro Road, just south of Geddes Road. Also next Tuesday, Zeeb Road just south of Huron River Drive will be closed to all traffic except for emergency services and northbound warehouse deliveries. The Washtenaw County Road Commission is advising motorists that long traffic delays can be expected with all three projects and the work will take approximately four days to complete. Due to weather restrictions, all dates are tentative and subject to change. Details about all of the bridge repair projects and road closures are available in the attachments below. (JM)
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New Legislation Would Regulate & License Midwives New Legislation Would Regulate & License Midwives
A new bill to regulate and license midwives in the State of Michigan is being backed by a local lawmaker. State Representative Hank Vaupel of Handy Township, himself a veterinary doctor, is a co-sponsor of House Bill 4598, which is currently before the House Committee on Regulatory Reform. It would amend the state health code to institute procedures, regulations, fees, and organization for obstetric professionals who are not doctors, but help care for women during pregnancy and birth. Midwives who meet the requirements will be allowed to use the suffix âLM,â for âlicensed midwife.â Vaupel says that right now they are unregulated in Michigan, and that there are people selling their services as midwives without any kind of training. He says remote areas in particular, such as the far northern part of the state, are especially in need of regulation since there are fewer doctors in those areas than in other parts of the state. (TD)
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Procession Leads 9/11 Exhibit Through Howell & Brighton Procession Leads 9/11 Exhibit Through Howell & Brighton
The 9/11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibit, on loan from the city of New York and the Iraq War Eyes of Freedom â Lima Company Memorial were accompanied from Howell High School through the streets of Howell, Pinckney and Hamburg Township today. Some sixty riders from a half-dozen motorcycle clubs escorted the two semi-trailers. Police, firefighters, ambulance, and the Disaster Assistance Response Team also accompanied the groups to Bennett Park, where the exhibits will be displayed tomorrow. Hamburg Enhanced Recreation Organization or HERO President Joanna Hardesty says they have also flown in two New York City fire fighters to demonstrate the exhibits. She says the 9/11 exhibit features videos and artifacts from the tragedy. The memorials can be viewed on Friday and Saturday during the Hamburg Family Fun fest at Bennett Park, 10405 Merrill Road, between M-36 and Strawberry Lake Road in Hamburg Township.(DS)
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Howell DDA Exceeds Expectations, Sees Budget Growth Howell DDA Exceeds Expectations, Sees Budget Growth
Despite hard economic times, staff changes and a period of re-growth, the upcoming fiscal year is said to bring a positive fund balance and long term vision to the downtown Howell community. Through major local investments of both volunteer time and financial contributions, the Howell Main Street Downtown Development Authority says it has successfully out-performed the national average over the last ten years and continues to bring economic investment and job growth in to the downtown district. The all-volunteer board unanimously approved the budget for the upcoming 2015/2016 fiscal year during a recent meeting. The organizationâs fiscal success was referred to as a rare accomplishment within current times and is being attributed to a lineage of excellent treasurers, along with the hard work of volunteers to tighten budgets. Board Treasurer Kevin McCarthy says âin tough economic times when other agencies are having difficulty making ends meet, the Main Street DDA board has re-imagined itself and brought new and exciting projects into downtown Howell while remaining fiscally responsibleâ. The DDA spent over $240,000 in capital improvements last year and has designated another $50,000 in the budget for the coming fiscal year. McCarthy further noted the hard work of the Business Development and Design Committee with existing and new businesses in the DDA district, which brought in over $1.5 (m) million in private and public investments during the current budget year. (JM)
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Old Property In Downtown Fenton Gets New Life Following Recent SaleOld Property In Downtown Fenton Gets New Life Following Recent Sale
A local business will be relocating following the purchase of an old property in downtown Fenton. LaJoice Properties is owned by Michael and Ashleigh LaJoice of Fenton. They announced the recent purchase of the 225 West Caroline Street property, previously known as Topps Fruit Market and The Laundry King. Plans for the property include a multi-floor mixed use development featuring several businesses and residential space. LaJoice Properties is the development arm of LaJoice Enterprises, which currently owns and operates Chassé Ballroom and Latin Dance Studio on West Silver Lake Road in Fenton. The growing dance studio opened its doors in October 2007 and will be relocating as a result of the sale. The new Chassé will consist of multiple stories equipped with sound proof technology in order to offer ballroom dance lessons and Zumba Fitness classes simultaneously, with the LaJoice Enterprises corporate offices located on the top floor. Officials say the development will not only be designed with the community in mind but it will also create many jobs and locations for new businesses in the City of Fenton. Further details are expected to be released in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, the company is also in the process of researching multiple properties throughout the state to expand into multiple markets. (JM)
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Brighton & Howell Farmers Markets Accepting Bridge Cards Brighton & Howell Farmers Markets Accepting Bridge Cards
A new program is getting off the ground at the Howell and Brighton Farmers Markets this summer to help expand access to healthy, locally grown produce. The Howell and Brighton Farmers Markets are both well established and will be accepting bridge cards this summer to help individuals and families connect with local farmers and fresh produce. Those on supplemental nutrition assistance programs have a card that is similar to a credit card, which is called a Bridge Card in Michigan. Brighton Market Master Karen Rogers says they also accept Project Fresh coupons for senior citizens as well as the WIC program, which theyâve taken for a few years but the Bridge Cards will be new this year. Rogers tells WHMI itâs nice for people on the program to have the same access to fresh, locally grown produce. Early on in the season, Rogers says there are limited crops from local farmers but things really start to pick up in July and August with more and more produce coming in. Rogers says the markets will have centrally located machines, in Brightonâs at the Veterans Tent, where they can swipe their card to access their account and determine how much money they want to spend. That will then be changed into tokens to be used to buy produce from farmers, who will be reimbursed. The Brighton Farmers Market is open Saturdays from 8am to 1pm and anticipates accepting the cards July 11th. The Howell Farmers Market, open Sundays from 9am to 2pm, is already accepting cards. (JM)
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Busfield Greets Fans, Discusses Classic Film Busfield Greets Fans, Discusses Classic Film
Dozens of people attended a special screening of Field of Dreams yesterday and enjoyed a half-hour Q&A with one of the filmâs stars. Timothy Busfield, a Michigan native and Livingston County resident, acted in the film alongside Kevin Costner. Field of Dreams has been showing at the Historic Howell Theater throughout the week, and will continue to run through Sunday, in recognition of Fatherâs Day. Busfield agreed to do Q&Aâs with the audience last night and again on Saturday, talking about his experiences on the set and the filming process. He told attendees last night that the literal corn field used in filming was insured, and to protect it from a drought that had decimated local crops, the insurance company paid to haul in water for irrigation. Still, despite ribbing from his fellow cast members and delays caused by the 1988 writersâ strike, he says he had an amazing time producing the film. Busfield will be back for the 7pm showing of Field of Dreams on Saturday for another Q&A session. On Sunday, fathers can attend the film for free at all three showings. (TD)
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