Residents doing business with people they meet online can feel a little safer about the process by taking advantage of a service offered by local police. Every single police department in Livingston County, including the Sheriffâs Department and Michigan State Police Brighton Post, can be used as a neutral meeting place for conducting transactions arranged online. Brighton Police Chief Tom Wightman says the announcement was not prompted by any specific incident, but rather was a response to the frequent news stories from around the country involving Craigslist deals that resulted in injury or fraud. He tells WHMI every station has its own amenities and hours, so residents can figure out which one works best for them. The Brighton station has video and audio surveillance both in the lobby and on the front pad outside the door. Wightman says residents should be wary of any online business partner who refuses to do business at a police station. (TD)
Local Police Agencies Provide Safe Venues for Online Type TransactionsLocal Police Agencies Provide Safe Venues for Online Type Transactions
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Old Eyesore Demolished in City of Fenton Old Eyesore Demolished in City of Fenton
Only rubble remains from an old eyesore in the City of Fenton that will eventually become the site of a new redevelopment project. SkyPoint Ventures LLC acquired multiple properties in downtown Fenton in recent months, including the former Action Auto/Fenton Collision site. Demolition work on the old building and property at 102 West Silver Lake Road took place last week, where crews also removed underground gasoline storage tanks. A Milford-based company handled the recycling of materials from the site, which has been described as an eyesore for years. Exact plans for the site have yet to be announced. City officials have commented that theyâre excited about the continued investment and redevelopment of the downtown. Other parcels acquired by SkyPoint Ventures include 132 North Leroy Street and the Fenton Bean Company building that sits on a half-acre lot at 234 North Leroy Street. It has history dating back to 1865 when the grain elevator was built. Both of those properties are also in close proximity to the Cornerstone development project.(JM)
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Jury Trial of Howell Doctor on Hold Pending Appeal Jury Trial of Howell Doctor on Hold Pending Appeal
The jury trial of a Howell-based orthopedic surgeon convicted in a separate case of writing prescriptions for controlled substances without a license is on hold pending appeal. Dr. Michael Holda is charged with seven counts of delivery of a controlled substance and one count of possession of marijuana. His jury trial was supposed to get underway in Livingston County Circuit Court today. However, Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt tells WHMI the case was reassigned to a different judge for trial and there were some last minutes changes in rulings by the court regarding the admissibility of other acts of evidence. Vailliencourt says the case has been stayed pending the filing of an appeal by his office with the Court of Appeals, adding a jury was not picked and no testimony was taken. Holda turned in his license following a raid on Livingston County Orthopedics in May of 2013 by the Drug Enforcement Administration. DEA agents, who were acting as patients, testified Holda prescribed pain medications and other drugs, including Xanax, beyond what would have been medically necessary. Holda insisted that he wrote the prescriptions in good faith and properly questioned them about their symptoms. Meanwhile in a separate case, a local jury earlier found Holda guilty on two counts of manufacturing prescription forms for which he served 30 days in the Livingston County Jail. (JM)
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Taste of Brighton's Dunk Tank To Benefit Area Veterans FoundationTaste of Brighton's Dunk Tank To Benefit Area Veterans Foundation
A part of this weekendâs Taste of Brighton celebration will feature a chance for the public to dunk local notables while raising money for area veterans. While the Taste of Brighton is in its third year, new to the event is a dunk tank featuring some well-known personalities in Livingston County, including Undersheriff Mike Murphy, Brighton School Board Trustees John Conley and Jay Krause, George Moses, owner of the Marketeer, Brighton City Councilman Kris Tobbe, Pamela McConeghy, President & CEO of the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce and several others. Proceeds raised by the dunk tank, which is sponsored by Bradford Financial Advisors, will benefit the Livingston County Veterans Treatment Foundation. The nonprofit foundation helps to support the operation of the countyâs Veterans Court and other specialty courts. The Veteransâ Court program is funded by state grants and since the local program began after the 2015 fiscal year grant application deadline, the program has limited funds to help with the participants involved. The funds go for treatment that may not be covered by Veterans Affairs benefits, as well as classes, assistance with housing and transportation. The Taste of Brighton will take place this Friday, July 10 and Saturday, July 11 on Main Street, with the dunk tank operating from 1-9:30 on Friday and then 10am to 9:30pm on Saturday. Youâll find details about the weekendâs activities through the link below. (JK)
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Genoa Residents Seek Township Help For Repair Of Grand Oaks DriveGenoa Residents Seek Township Help For Repair Of Grand Oaks Drive
A Genoa Township road that is in notoriously bad condition may have a chance at repair. Local property owners have expressed concern over Grand Oaks Drive and are seeking help from the township. Genoa Charter Township has received inquiries regarding property taxes and whether they are able to be used for the roadâs maintenance. As Grand Oaks Drive is a public road, it falls under the responsibility of the Livingston County Road Commission. The Township Board has agreed to contribute $200,000 to the $940,000 improvement project. The Road Commission will front $50,000 and the remainder will come from special property tax assessments that will be paid back to the township over a period of five years. Township Manager Michael Archinal tells WHMI the roadâs rehabilitation is necessary as the area continues to develop. Petition letters that are needed to move the project forward will be sent out to property owners and 51% of letters in agreement must be filed. Archinal is expecting support and is hoping to begin and conclude the project by the end of this yearâs construction season. Another similar maintenance endeavor is in the works for the roads located in the Sunrise Park and Newberry-Wise subdivision. Residents within the district are seeking repair but would be responsible for paying back the annual assessment cost as it is private property. An informational meeting discussing the project will be held at Genoa Township Hall on Thursday at 6:30 pm. (DK)
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New Director Named For Livingston County Animal ControlNew Director Named For Livingston County Animal Control
The second new director in the past seven months has been named for Livingston County Animal Control. Andy Seltz was hired for the position last night at a meeting of the Livingston County Board of Commissioners. The opening was advertised beginning in May, when previous director Jon Westendorf resigned without giving an official reason. Westendorf was hired at the beginning of December to replace Debbie Oberle, who retired from the position. Commissioner Steve Williams says many applications were received for the opening this time around, and when the board interviewed its top three choices it was clear that Seltz was the number one candidate. Seltz tells WHMI he held a similar position in Ingham County before coming to Livingston, but made the transition from Ingham to Livingston after less than a year because he felt it was a better fit for him both personally and professionally. He will start work with the department sometime in the next couple of weeks. (TD)
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Howell Teen With Rare Condition Hopes To Spread Smile To OthersHowell Teen With Rare Condition Hopes To Spread Smile To Others
A Howell teen battling a rare medical condition isnât letting a recent setback stop him from trying to help others fighting the same battle. 13-year-old David Deaton was born with a cleft palate and hearing impaired, requiring a series of surgeries that started when he was just three months old. Deaton recently told his mom he wanted to hold a charity garage sale to raise money and awareness for other kids born with a cleft palate. But before the event could take place, someone stole items meant for the sale as well as 14 handmade signs to advertise the event. While the theft was reported to police, his mother, Heather Deaton, says the theft isnât stopping Davidâs desire to help others. Theyâve started a website; Davidssmile.net, which explains his situation and seeks funds to help with the cost of his surgeries, but also to help others with the condition. Heather Deaton says they are also encouraging the community to support Davidâs upcoming birthday next month, which will likely be spent in the hospital. Sheâs hoping people will mail him birthday cards to show their support. Deaton says she hopes to keep the birthday card collection a secret from David until his birthday and will videotape his reaction and post it online. Cards can be mailed to; Davids Smile, 100 Orndorf #611, Brighton, MI 48116. (JK)
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Big Red Barrel Returning To Hartland For Drug Take-Back EventBig Red Barrel Returning To Hartland For Drug Take-Back Event
The Big Red Barrel will be appearing in Hartland this weekend for another prescription drug take-back event. The Big Red Barrel is stationed at every law enforcement department in Livingston County and serves as a way for residents to dispose of prescription medicine in a safe and environmentally-friendly way. The Livingston County Community Alliance says prescription drugs, especially painkillers, are used by young people to experiment with substance abuse and can lead to street drugs like heroin. By disposing of the drugs, it hopes to curb this trend. The alliance has partnered with Walgreens to offer drug take-back events throughout the summer, allowing residents to access the Big Red Barrel without having to go to a police station. The next such event will take place at the Hartland Walgreens location this Saturday from 11am to 2pm. Volunteers and a police officer will be on hand to oversee the disposal. So far more than 50 Big Red Barrels have been delivered to law enforcement agencies across the state, and they have collected 3,656.5 pounds of prescription medications. (TD)
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Salvation Army of Livingston County Launches Christmas in July Campaign Salvation Army of Livingston County Launches Christmas in July Campaign
The Salvation Army of Livingston County is working to remind the community that need knows no season through a Christmas in July fundraising and awareness campaign. As individuals and families throughout Livingston County continue to struggle with energy assistance, homelessness and numerous other issues throughout the summer months, officials say it's important to keep the spirit of Christmas alive and lend a helping hand. The Salvation Army provides emergency food, clothes and housing as well as summer camp, spiritual programming and nursing home visits among others. The overall goal is to work with individuals and families to help guide them toward becoming financially stable, while also providing hope and encouragement. With warmer weather here, people sometimes think there is less of a need for shelter and other essential needs throughout Livingston County but Corps Development Director April Dertian says they stay busy all summer long helping struggling individuals and families. Dertian tells WHMI special programming is planned throughout the month of July and theyâve set an $8,000 goal for the month of July to help support programs and services. As part of the Salvation Armyâs Christmas in July campaign, counter top red kettles will be placed throughout the county and numerous businesses will be selling Red Shield pin-ups. Additionally, The Salvation Army and partners will be hosting special Christmas in July events at various locations, including a city wide scavenger hunt in downtown Howell on July 29th. In addition to volunteers and donations, sites hosts are also being sought. Complete details are in the attached press release and link below. (JM)
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Senator Introduces Bill To Eliminate Insurer Restrictions On Parts VendorsSenator Introduces Bill To Eliminate Insurer Restrictions On Parts Vendors
A new bill introduced by a local senator would make sure automotive repair shops can buy parts from any whatever vendor they choose. Senate Bill 430 would amend the 1956 insurance code spelled out in Public Act 218 by including a paragraph that says insurance companies cannot tell repair shops which vendors may sell them auto parts. It was introduced last week by Senator Joe Hune of Hamburg Township, who chairs the Senate Insurance Committee. He says he was approached by members of the Automotive Service Association, which has since put out a press release praising the bill. The association says insurance mandates on vendors has had adverse effects on repair shops and consumers, and that eliminating those mandates will foster competition in the auto parts market. Hune emphasized that this bill will not impact which parts may be used for repairs, only who can supply those parts. Senate Bill 430 has been sent to Huneâs Senate Insurance Committee for consideration. (TD)
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Four Apply To Fill Vacant School Board SeatFour Apply To Fill Vacant School Board Seat
The process to replace a Howell School Board member who resigned his seat is moving forward. The Howell Public Schools Board of Education says it has received four letters of interest from individuals seeking to fill the vacant Board of Education seat. The vacancy was created after former Treasurer Michael Moloney announced his resignation following a June 22nd meeting of the Board of Education. Moloney cited a new job and long commute as his reasons for stepping down. The four individuals who submitted letters of interest by last Fridayâs deadline are Paul H. Goldman, Randall W. Greene, James (J.J.) Lewis and Marcus D. Wilcox. Each individual must now complete a set of qualifying questions and return them to the district by 3pm this Friday, July 10th. The Board of Education will discuss the field of candidates during its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, July 13th. Selected candidates will then be interviewed during a special Board of Education meeting scheduled for Monday, July 20th at 7pm at which time it is expected a selection will be made. That person will then serve the remainder of Moloneyâs term through November of 2016. In accordance with state law, the Board of Education has 30 calendar days to fill the vacancy. If the vacancy is not filled within 30 days, the Livingston Educational Service Agency would then be required to fill the seat. (JK)
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Howell Nature Center Is Breaking Ground On New TreehouseHowell Nature Center Is Breaking Ground On New Treehouse
The Howell Nature Center is breaking ground on a new tree house this Thursday. The project is the latest joint venture between the nature center and the non-profit Spirit of Alexandria Foundation which has also launched a traveling hands-on Nature Bus and built a play area on the grounds. Plans for the structure include a 20 by 16 foot treehouse and three satellite platforms connected by three different types of bridges; a suspension, a stay support, and a trestle. A fundraising golf event for the construction of the treehouse is scheduled for July 28th at the Wyndgate Eastwynd Course in Rochester Hills. Donors will have the opportunity to sponsor individual deck boards, entire decks, and connecting bridges in the structure. The groundbreaking for construction takes place at 10am Thursday in Alexandriaâs Nature Scape at the Howell Nature Center. (MK)
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Misleading Advertisements & IRS Scams Reported LocallyMisleading Advertisements & IRS Scams Reported Locally
IRS scams and some misleading advertisements being sent to Fowlerville residents are serving as a reminder for community members to be alert. A notice posted on the Village of Fowlerville Facebook page advises that it is not affiliated with the company mentioned in letters that some residents have been receiving. The letters are in regard to water service lines and advertise that insurance protection is available for eligible Fowlerville homeowners. A small section at the bottom of the letter advises that the company is separate from the individualâs local utility or community. A copy of the letter is attached. Meanwhile, there have also been local reports of IRS scams circulating, in which callers and/or letters are threatening prison or jail time if the potential victim doesnât pay up. Local authorities remind citizens to protect themselves against fraud and identify theft and never give out personal or financial information if theyâre unsure of the source. Potential victims are encouraged to file a complaint with the Michigan Attorney Generalâs Consumer Protection Division. (JM)
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Thai Summit Expanding in City of Howell Thai Summit Expanding in City of Howell
The Howell City Council has granted an existing corporation a tax break that will aid in its expansion. Council approved an application for an Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption Certificate for Thai Summit America Corporation based on a $12.5 (m) million real property investment. The action came during a June meeting and followed a public hearing. The project has been in the works for several months and involves an expansion to plant one of Thai Summitâs facility. The tax abatement was granted for 12 years based on a real property investment of $12.5 (m) million for a 54,000-square-foot new building. The company is said to have been on a significant growth path over the past several years and the expansion represents their next step. City Manager Shea Charles tells WHMI the companyâs total investment over the last three years is close to $110 (M) million for the Howell community. He says Thai Summit is currently investing approximately $50 to $55 (m) million in expanding plant one, which is the larger of the two, and will be adding another press line onto it. The city has a historic policy in place that grades applications based on jobs and investment as well as other factors. Based on the grading done, the project qualified for a twelve-year request and there will be some potential revenue growth for the city. (JM)
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Man Wanted For Soliciting Prostitution A No-Show, Sought By PoliceMan Wanted For Soliciting Prostitution A No-Show, Sought By Police
Police are seeking a Fowlerville man who failed to show up for his arraignment on solicitation charges. 53-year-old Mark T. Ostrowski is facing two counts of accosting or soliciting prostitution in 53rd District Court. The offenses allegedly occurred on May 10th. Ostrowski is accused of approaching two former female employees of his ice cream shop and inviting them by word or gesture to engage in prostitution. He was scheduled for an arraignment on July 2nd, but never showed up for the proceeding. Police are now searching for Ostrowski, and a bench warrant for his arrest will be issued. (TD)
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Teacher Contract Approved By Fowlerville Board of EducationTeacher Contract Approved By Fowlerville Board of Education
A teachersâ union contract was approved by the Fowlerville Community Schools Board of Education last night. The Fowlerville Education Association represents about 150 teachers. The district and the union have been in negotiations for the past couple of months, and now both groups have ratified the contract. The two-year agreement would once again provide pay step increases for teachers and give those at the top step a 2.25% increase. It will also provide experience steps for those who qualified for them but did not receive them in previous years. Superintendent Wayne Roedel says there is not a lot of money on the table, but there is some, and the district wants to recognize and reward the teachers who work hard to educate their students. He says the teaching staff has gone through several years of freezes and cuts, and the new contract will be a win-win for them and the district. The two-year contract will cover about 150 teachers throughout the district. The union also ratified the contract on June 30th, so all that is left to do is get the signatures on the document. There were disagreements in December between teachers and administrators regarding steps and teacher pay. (TD)
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New Youth Orchestra Tuning Up For Auditions Next WeekNew Youth Orchestra Tuning Up For Auditions Next Week
Musically-inclined young people in Livingston County have a new opportunity to show off their talent while developing it alongside more-seasoned musicians. The Livingston Youth Orchestra is associated with the Livingston Symphony Orchestra and will be holding auditions beginning next week, with plans to start rehearsing in September. Alison Campbell has been tapped to be the first conductor of the Youth Orchestra. Campbell, who is currently an orchestra teacher in Dexter Community Schools, says this will provide a much-needed outlet for local music students. "A youth orchestra outside of school provides students an opportunity to join an orchestra, and for some of them this may be the very first orchestra or group they've ever played with. They may study music privately, one on one with a teacher, but they maybe don't have a larger ensemble to play with. This is a great opportunity for them to play as an ensemble, play with other kids outside of the ones they see at school and giving them an outlet for music they may not already have." Auditions for the LYO will take place this Monday, August 13th and then the following Monday, August 20th, at the 2/42 Church in Genoa Township. A minimum skill level is required, which Campbell says equates to mastery of Suzuki Book 2. Details on how to schedule an audition are available through the link posted below. Campbell says they plan to have the youth orchestra perform at two Livingston Symphony Orchestra concerts each year, starting with the holiday concert this December. (JK)
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MDOT Says US-23 Closures DelayedMDOT Says US-23 Closures Delayed
Overnight freeway and ramp closures planned this week at the US-23 interchange with I-96 have been pushed back a day. The Michigan Department of Transportation will be setting beams for the new 96 bridge over northbound US-23. The closures had originally been scheduled for tonight and Thursday between 11pm and 5am the following morning on northbound US-23 at I-96, the northbound US-23 ramp to westbound I-96, and the eastbound I-96 ramp to northbound US-23. But M-DOT says they are now moved to Thursday and Friday instead. Detours will be posted when the freeway and ramps are closed, which will utilize Kensington Road and westbound I-96. All of the work is weather dependent. Picture courtesy of MDOT. (JK)
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Hamburg Township Offers Support For Commuter Rail PlanHamburg Township Offers Support For Commuter Rail Plan
The Hamburg Township Board of Trustees threw their support behind the proposed north-south commuter rail line Tuesday afternoon. Although they canât commit to supporting the mass transit line financially, the Hamburg Township Board of Trustees is sending a letter supporting the concept. The letter gives an overview of the potential of Hamburg as a stop on the commuter trainâs route from Livingston County to Ann Arbor. Township Supervisor Pat Hohl says the zoning district around the village would support a semi-non automobile community if the train comes through. He believes the train will come eventually, and Hamburg is ready when the time comes. He says the village has the zoning in place to support a system that provides for commuters who want to go back and forth without an automobile. Hohl says at this point the financial impact isnât known, nor is there a potential date for completion. According to earlier reports, benefits of the rail line are increased property values, stimulation of the economy and reducing traffic. The letter from the Board of Trustees was simply to show support for the project. (DS)
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County Board Offers Official Thanks & Farewell To Former AdministratorCounty Board Offers Official Thanks & Farewell To Former Administrator
The Livingston County Board of Commissioners bid farewell to County Administrator Belinda Peters during her last official meeting Monday night. Earlier this year, Peters announced that she planned to step down and retire this summer. Her position will be taken over by Ken Hinton, while Peters plans to move to North Carolina and do some traveling. At its regular meeting Monday, the County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution thanking Peters for her 16 years of service. The board says Peters provided the leadership, initiative, and energy that got the county through the recession years. Board Chair Carol Griffith presented the resolution to Peters, who was accompanied by her two granddaughters. Griffith credited Peters with contributing to the countyâs low tax rate, balanced budget, and AAA bond rating. Peters said earlier this year that of her accomplishments, she is probably most proud of the 2015-2020 strategic plan, which lays out a road map of things to be accomplished by the county over the next five years. (TD)
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