Latson Road was closed for less than an hour today following a rollover crash involving a postal carrier. Brighton Fire Chief Mike OâBrian tells WHMI the collision took place after 3:00pm south of the I-96 interchange. A black SUV traveling northbound rear-ended a postal delivery truck, also northbound, and rolled over several times before coming to a stop. The postal worker was shaken up but not significantly injured. She was released at the scene. The driver of the SUV was taken by ambulance to the University of Michigan Hospital for treatment. OâBrian says she was conscious when crews arrived, and her injuries are not life-threatening. There were no passengers in either vehicle. The accident closed a short stretch of Latson between Crooked Lake Road and I-96, but that area was cleaned up and reopened to traffic by 4:15. OâBrian says this accident illustrates why it is important to slow down and carefully pass postal carriers as they go about their business. The crash is under investigation but was among multiple accidents reported this afternoon. A three-car crash in the City of Brighton at Grand River and Church Street resulted in delays while another accident on northbound US-23 near Lee and Silver Lake Roads led to back-ups. Additionally, southbound US-23 at Willis Road near Milan was shut down after a fatal crash involving a semi around 12:30pm. Traffic backups stretched for miles and US-23 re-opened around 5:15pm. (TD/JM)
Collision Between SUV and Postal Truck Closes Latson South of 96Collision Between SUV and Postal Truck Closes Latson South of 96
↧
↧
Milford Police Report More Vandalism at Old Iverson's Lumber BuildingMilford Police Report More Vandalism at Old Iverson's Lumber Building
Another incident of vandalism has been reported at a former lumber building in Milford. A malicious destruction of property incident was reported at the old Iversonâs Lumber Company property on Huron Street over the 4th of July holiday period. The business relocated to Milford Road in Highland Township but the building is still up for sale. Milford Police Chief Tom Lindberg tells WHMI the department has had five calls to that property within the last 14 months, which is currently unoccupied. During the July incident, windows were broken, the door was damaged and spray paint was used to deface the inside. Another breaking and entering report was taken in May of 2014 in which two females went inside a loading dock door to look around and were detained by officers. Lindberg says there was no damage and the owners did not prosecute. Three other complaints involved suspicious circumstances from various kids being in the area but Lindberg says there was little other damage done for those. (JM)
↧
Citizens Raise Concerns After Shooting of Rare, White Deer at KensingtonCitizens Raise Concerns After Shooting of Rare, White Deer at Kensington
News that a rare, white deer had been killed as part of a population control program at Kensington Metropark is not sitting well with some citizens. The white, white-tailed buck was shot through brush on a snowy night in February with bad weather conditions as part of the deer population control program. Huron-Clinton Metroparks officials have said there was nothing illegal about the incident and protocol was followed by the team of sharpshooters, who are all trained and certified. Albino and piebald deer are not protected species in Michigan. The Department of Natural Resources says itâs a recessive trait often associated with birth defects, weakness and poor eyesight. Although the parks had full authority to remove the deer, it held sentimental value for some. Wildlife photographers and others who regularly visit the park became upset after learning of the death, leading them to criticize and question the process as well as current policies. A group of concerned citizens is expected to address the Huron-Clinton Metroparks Board of Commissioners when it meets at 10:30am today at the Indian Springs Metropark Environmental Discovery Center in White Lake. Photo Credit: Marquette Magazine. (JM)
↧
Howell's Concerts At The Courthouse Set For 17th SeasonHowell's Concerts At The Courthouse Set For 17th Season
Another free summer concert series kicks off Friday in Downtown Howell. Concerts at the Courthouse is a family-oriented, pet-friendly outdoor musical series located on the courthouse lawn in downtown Howell. A variety of musical styles will be featured every Friday night at 7pm through August 28th. This Friday will bring the swing sounds of the Rhythm Society Orchestra, a 15-piece ensemble. The 2015 summer schedule will also feature The Beatles and Jimmy Buffett tribute bands, classic rock, blues, country and Motown sounds. The free summer series is hosted by the Livingston Arts Council and the Howell Opera House. (JK)
↧
No Additional Jail Time For Man Arrested While Naked & High On AcidNo Additional Jail Time For Man Arrested While Naked & High On Acid
A local man who was arrested while high on acid has been sentenced under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act after pleading guilty to several misdemeanors. 20-year-old Cory William Biltz was arrested May 9th in the Pine Creek Ridge subdivision after police received several calls of a man running naked through the neighborhood, as well as going in and out of vehicles and garages. On Wednesday he was sentenced to six months of probation and five days of community service. He was also given two days in the county jail, time which he has already served. Biltz was visiting friends in the neighborhood and a search of a backpack he left at their home turned up suspected drugs. He later pleaded guilty to attempted resisting police, indecent exposure, illegal entry, and two counts of possession of an illegal substance. Because of his age he was eligible for the youthful trainee status, which will leave him with a clean record if he successfully completes his sentence. (JK)
↧
↧
Nature Center Breaks Ground on Treehouse ProjectNature Center Breaks Ground on Treehouse Project
It has taken three years of planning, but Alexandriaâs Treehouse at the Howell Conference & Nature Center is finally happening. At a groundbreaking held Thursday morning inside Alexandriaâs Nature Scape, the project officially got underway to build the 20 foot by 16 foot treehouse. Over 65 yellow pine telephone poles are set for delivery early next week. Overall the treehouse will take about six to eight weeks to complete. Alexandriaâs Nature Scape was named for Alexandria Bennett, a little girl who had a love for nature and generous spirit. The treehouse design addition is credited to her grandfather, Jim Bartel who started out with another idea. His original idea was to tie a tree house to existing trees in the forest, but architects warned him that permits would be a problem. Then the issue became finding the right kind of poles that would be safe for children and the environment, Bartel says. Funding for the Nature Scape and the tree house addition are provided through the Spirit of Alexandria Foundation. Alexandriaâs parents Leah and Craig set up the foundation as a legacy to their daughter after her death in 2006. The annual Spirit of Alexandria Open will be held at the Wyndgate Course in Rochester Hills on Tuesday, July 28th. For more on Alexandriaâs Nature Scape visit www.spiritofalexandria.org. (DS)
↧
Road Commission Receives Federal Aid To Move Forward On ProjectsRoad Commission Receives Federal Aid To Move Forward On Projects
The Livingston County Road Commission is moving forward with two road projects that have been delayed while waiting on federal funding. The closing out of one law and implementation of another led to discrepancies of money that had been allocated for local level projects. Road Commission Director Mike Craine says once the lack of funding was realized, communication with the Michigan Department of Transportation and federal leaders was necessary to procure it once again. He says the process added weeks to the work that had already been pushed far out into the construction season, but eventually an agreement was made on funding. Craine tells WHMI the Road Commission approved contracts with MDOT today for pavement rehabilitation projects. Joints on Grand River Avenue in Handy Township will be filled with asphalt to smooth out as well as strengthen the road. Craine says construction impact-wise; the work will be relatively painless. However, the repairs to Whitmore Lake Road in Green Oak Township will entail quite a bit more work. The road will be reinforced and replaced with new asphalt, with the work possibly split between construction seasons. Bids for both projects will be received tomorrow and the process is expected to begin in early August. Once a low bidder is chosen, a vetting process will be next to ensure that the proposed bids are appropriate. Craine believes the flow of federal dollars in Michigan and keeping track of what each dollar is secured for resulted in the lost and found again funds. He says perseverance was necessary however as the Road Commission would not have been able to move forward on the projects without federal funding at all. (DK)
↧
Downed Power Lines Repaired on McClements Road & Service Restored Downed Power Lines Repaired on McClements Road & Service Restored
Power has been restored to customers in Brighton Township after a work vehicle accidentally caught some power lines this morning. A spokeswoman for DTE Energy told WHMI an estimated 60 residential customers were affected but service has since been restored. A contractor was performing grading work for the Livingston County Road Commission as part of a limestone resurfacing project. The driver was unaware the truck had caught some wires while pulling away from the area, which caused a utility pole to break and resulted in downed power lines on McClements Road near Hunter Road at around 7:45am. DTE crews arrived and shut off power before securing the scene. No injuries resulted but a portion of McClements Road was closed to traffic while crews replaced the pole and wires this afternoon. (JM)
↧
Brighton Family Shares Backyard Shangri-La For LACASA Garden TourBrighton Family Shares Backyard Shangri-La For LACASA Garden Tour
The horticulture of Livingston County will be on display during LACASAâs 17th annual Garden Tour Weekend. Each year, the tour exhibits about a dozen local gardens in Fowlerville, Brighton, and Howell ranging from small to sprawling in a variety of different styles. This yearâs tour will include city, rural, and suburban gardens to allow participants to see different plants and aesthetics they can implement on their own property. One of the more unique gardens on display belongs to Sarah and Jeff Thomas of Brighton, pictured here with their children, Rebecca and Alex. Featuring a two-level patio garden, the Thomas' backyard also includes a vegetable garden, a variety of birdhouses, paved walkways and a butterfly house, all of it featured into a standard size subdivision backyard. The gardens are also centered around an in-ground swimming pool, meaning that practically every inch of the backyard is immaculately landscaped. The two-day event begins on Saturday and will include the Stargazer Scavenger Hunt, which will give clues to guide participants to hidden objects in each garden. Tickets cost $15 in advance or $20 at any of the locations, with all proceeds going to LACASA. Special Events Director Christine Masters says 97¢ of every dollar goes to the organizationâs services, including caring for local survivors of domestic abuse, child abuse, and sexual assault. She says most organizations can only put about 37¢ of each dollar toward services. LACASA will also host its annual food and wine tasting event, Twilight in the Garden, next Saturday. More information on both events can be found through the link below. (TD)
↧
↧
Three-Year Contract Approved For Milford Police OfficersThree-Year Contract Approved For Milford Police Officers
The Milford Village Council has negotiated a new three year contract with the local police and 911 dispatch union. The council unanimously approved of the agreement in hopes of keeping Milford competitive with other forces across the state. Education incentives were added that will give officers with a college education a $400-$750 yearly bonus depending on the level of their degree. The Milford Times reports that officers will receive a 1.75% pay increase effective July 1st, followed by 2% increases each of the next two years. Other highlights include increases in life insurance benefits and shift premiums on holidays. Retiree health care benefits were reduced with the new contract in hopes of easing long term costs to the village. For dispatchers, Milford is losing three of their five on staff when Oakland County takes over operations in October. The new contract will award those that stay until that time a payment of all their accrued sick leave, as well as severance pay. Overall, the new contract affects 17 employees. (MK)
↧
Despite City Charter, Deadline For Fenton Candidates Quickly ApproachingDespite City Charter, Deadline For Fenton Candidates Quickly Approaching
Those seeking to hold public office in the City of Fenton are being reminded that, despite what is written in the city charter, the deadline to file for the election is less than two weeks away. Three seats on the city council and the office of the mayor will be up for election on November 3rd. The city charter says candidates must file with the city at least seven weeks in advance, which would place the deadline on Monday, September 28th. However, Clerk Renee Wilson says the charter is out-of-date, and Michigan law requires much earlier registration. The city is reminding residents that the real deadline to file for the election is Tuesday, July 21st by 4:00pm. A prospective office holder must file an affidavit of candidacy as well as a petition signed by at least 50 registered voters to become a candidate. The cityâs ordinance has been updated to reflect the new rules, but Wilson says changing the city charter would require a vote of the people and so far has not been done. She says so far only one person, an incumbent office holder, has filed for the election. (TD)
↧
Lyon Township Bank Robber Still Sought By Oakland SheriffLyon Township Bank Robber Still Sought By Oakland Sheriff
The publicâs help is being sought in identifying the man who robbed a Lyon Township bank last week. On Thursday, July 2nd at about 4:40pm, a man walked into a Flagstar Bank with a bag, which he gave to the teller along with a note demanding all of the money in both drawers. He took more than $6,000 in cash and fled through the front door. The Oakland County Sheriffâs Department responded with a K-9 unit from the Novi Police. They tracked the robber to the far side of the parking lot, where he is believed to have gotten into a vehicle and fled the scene. Sheriff Michael Bouchard tells WHMI they are now searching for the suspect, described as a thin white male, about 25 years old, with a scraggly beard, dark fedora hat, and tattoos on his right wrist. Surveillance footage is not available at this time. If anyone recognizes the description of the suspect, a reward is being offered for information leading to his arrest. Details can be reported to the Oakland County Sheriffâs Department directly, or by calling CrimeStoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. (TD)
↧
Fowlerville Couple Makes It Official, Wed Over Holiday WeekendFowlerville Couple Makes It Official, Wed Over Holiday Weekend
The 4th of July holiday has new found significance for a Fowlerville couple who celebrated their freedom to marry by saying âI do.â Local Attorney Melissa Houghton-Heinig and Tanya Heinig, a firefighter, were the first couple to receive a marriage license from the Livingston County Clerkâs Office on June 26th following a decision from the U.S. Supreme Court that legalized same-sex marriage in all 50 states. The women had already considered themselves married after holding a private ceremony in 2011. They got married officially on the 4th of July again during a barbeque that had already been planned with family and friends. Melissa tells WHMI this ceremony was different, but a good different with more of a secure and comforting feeling. Heinig says fortunately, the majority of people in their lives with differing views have been able to get past it and see the love they have for each other and how truly happy they are. She says they both also appreciate all of the public support theyâve received, including from people they donât know. After the court ruling, Melissa says she went to the Social Security office and changed her last name, as well as the name of her law office. She says after two painstakingly long hours at the Secretary of State office Wednesday, her driverâs license also now reflects the change. She says the process was as seamless as probably everybody else with congratulations and no negativity, adding that itâs such a good feeling to be recognized in your relationship by the state that you live and pay taxes in. Sheâs also now on Tanyaâs medical insurance. (JK)
↧
↧
Golf Outing Will Raise Scholarship Funds In Memory Of Fallen OfficerGolf Outing Will Raise Scholarship Funds In Memory Of Fallen Officer
An upcoming golf outing will raise money for a scholarship fund established in memory of a police officer from Livingston County who lost his life in the line of duty. The Patrick OâRourke Memorial Scholarship Fund will hold its first annual golf outing on September 18th at The Jackal golf club at Mount Brighton. Participants will get 18 holes of golf with cart, breakfast, a light lunch at the turn, a pig roast dinner, and gift bags. The cost is $75 per golfer or $300 for a team of four. Sergeant OâRourke was a West Bloomfield police officer living in Tyrone Township. On September 9th of 2012, after his shift was over, OâRourke responded to a call about someone potentially seeking to harm themselves. He was shot and killed by the very person he was trying to help. His family established the scholarship fund in his memory. His mother, Arlene OâRourke, tells WHMI they want to help young people pursuing careers in law enforcement and criminal justice. She says they do not want young people striving to protect their communities to feel discouraged from pursuing that goal. For information on how to sign up for the Patrick OâRourke Memorial Scholarship Fund Golf Outing, call Arlene at (248) 887-7348 or (248) 459-4767. She can also be reached by email at irishacres@yahoo.com. (TD)
↧
Milford Sidewalk Sales & Street Market Set Friday & Saturday Milford Sidewalk Sales & Street Market Set Friday & Saturday
A long running, open-air summer shopping event starts today in downtown Milford with new vendors and nice weather in the forecast. The Milford Sidewalk Sales and Street Market is a 50-year-old community tradition that continues to grow and evolve. Participating retailers will be set up along downtown walkways, offering special deals between 10am and 9pm both today and Saturday. The two-day event is sponsored by the Milford Business Association and Main Street will remain open to traffic. (JM)
↧
Sheriff's Department Warns of Fraud Scams Circulating, Both Old & New Sheriff's Department Warns of Fraud Scams Circulating, Both Old & New
An old fraud scam may be making the rounds through Livingston County and Southeast Michigan this summer. There have been local reports of IRS debt collection scams recently, as well some involving Internet dating sites. Livingston County Undersheriff Mike Murphy tells WHMI the public needs to be on guard for not only those types of scams, but an old one that appears to have rekindled. He says a sheriffâs detective received an odd call from someone who was prying him for information, which they believe was so the scammer could portray himself as the detective. On several different occasions over the last two years, phone calls were made to citizens of Livingston County by a male suspect who identified himself as either Major Paul Stephens or Lieutenant Ed Gable from the warrants division of the Sheriffâs Office. The police impersonator would ask for money in order to cancel a warrant so the person receiving the call would not be arrested. At times, the caller would become aggressive and demanding in an attempt to intimidate the citizen into giving him their credit card or bank information. Murphy says that just doesnât happen and at no time will a legitimate law enforcement officer contact the public by phone and demand money to clear up a warrant. If there is ever any question as to a callerâs identity, Murphy advises hanging up and contacting the jurisdiction or person the caller identified themselves as directly, so that way you know for sure who youâre talking to. Meanwhile, the department is also warning the public about Internet dating scams after a local man was recently scammed out of $20,000 on an internet dating site. In those cases, Murphy says a bogus person looking for a date will strike up a relationship with someone but say they canât meet because theyâre heading out of town for business. The scammer then contacts the victim claiming they had everything stolen and are trapped either overseas or elsewhere and need help - as in money. Above all, the department says citizens should remember to use common sense and make note of incoming phone numbers that suspects use and report that information to 911. (JM)
↧
Pinckney Meeting Planned To Inform Residents About ET RoverPinckney Meeting Planned To Inform Residents About ET Rover
A special meeting in Pinckney on Thursday will help inform residents about the issues surrounding the ET Rover Pipeline. As proposed, the pipeline will cut through several states, including Michigan, on its way to deliver natural gas to Canada. The route for the pipeline currently up for approval would have it pass directly through Livingston County, bisecting Putnam Township in the process. Local residents have voiced their concerns about the danger to the environment, property values, and themselves as a result of the pipeline, and the township government has intervened in the approval process. A meeting to be held at Pathfinder Elementary next week will include a panel discussion on what to expect from a pipeline, technical issues surrounding its construction, and the legal aspects of having it cross private property. Ron Kardos is one of the meetingâs organizers, and he tells WHMI the meeting is especially meant for those affected by ET Rover, but the issues surrounding pipeline development should be of concern to all Michigan residents. (TD)
↧
↧
Committee Mum on Signatures As Recall Deadline NearsCommittee Mum on Signatures As Recall Deadline Nears
With just three weeks remaining to turn in their petition signatures, organizers of a recall effort against several Howell school board members will not say how many signatures theyâve collected. The Howell Recall Committee targeted board members for their votes to fire former superintendent Ron Wilson. Last November, all seven board of education members agreed that Wilsonâs actions constituted âmajor misconductâ, rather than a misunderstanding. They then voted 6-1 to terminate Wilson, with member Stacy Pasini dissenting. Three board members were not seeking re-lection, so the recall committee targeted the remaining four; Mike Yenshaw, Deborah McCormick, Stacy Pasini and Mike Moloney. After the first rejection of submitted petition language, the committee removed Pasini from the recall effort. Language to recall Yenshaw, Moloney and McCormick was eventually approved on the committeeâs third attempt in February. The committee then held several public meetings to discuss strategy, with organizers indicating they planned to hold public signature gathering events including potential drive-thru locations. No such events have been held and Moloney recently resigned. The committee has until July 31st to collect roughly 4,700 signatures. However, the committee has delayed making any statements on the status of the recall effort since Moloneyâs resignation June 22nd. When questioned the following week, the committee said it couldnât meet due to lack of a quorum, despite not being a public body and thus having no legal requirement. Finally the week of July 1st, the committee stated there would be âdirection next weekâ. Despite only two of the seven board members remaining, being Yenshaw and McCormick, Recall Co-Organizer Matt Ikle told WHMI the ârecall remains in full forceâ. He declined to comment when directly asked how many signatures have been gathered to date. (JM)
↧
County Approves New Internship PolicyCounty Approves New Internship Policy
The county government has put in place a new policy to standardize the process of hiring student interns. The county has taken on interns for years, some of which have eventually become full-time employees, but on Monday the Board of Commissioners unanimously approved an official policy giving guidelines to all county departments to regulate the process. The policy covers both paid and unpaid interns, and includes students from high school through graduate school. In addition to making sure that no actual employees are displaced by student interns, it ensures that the interns are given meaningful work in their field rather than relegated to basic clerical tasks. Human Resource Coordinator Terry Lee tells WHMI a committee from various county departments spent months crafting the policy, and she believes it is a win-win for all parties. The new county internship policy is expected to be posted on the human resources website in the near future, along with all of the forms applicants must fill out to be considered. (TD)
↧
Suspect Still Sought in Pedestrian Hit & Run Suspect Still Sought in Pedestrian Hit & Run
The suspect involved in a hit and run pedestrian crash that left a man seriously injured remains at large. Deputies with the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department have been able to narrow down some of the possible makes and models of vehicles involved in the June 25th crash that occurred around 11pm on Brighton Road near Timber Bend Drive in Genoa Township. The pedestrian was said to be running westbound on the shoulder of Brighton Road when he was struck by a vehicle traveling in the same direction. He was subsequently hospitalized for his injuries and a passenger side mirror was found at the scene without the housing. The color of the vehicle is still unknown but a part number on the mirror helped determine possible years, makes and models of vehicles. However, the department says without further assistance from the public or unless the suspect comes forward, the investigation could be at a standstill. The possible makes and models of vehicles include:
1992-1994 GMC Jimmy or Chevrolet Blazer
1988-1999 GMC/Chevrolet Pickup 1500
1988-2000 GMC/Chevrolet Pickup 2500
1988-2000 GMC/Chevrolet Pickup 3500
1992-1994 Chevrolet Suburban 1500/2500
1997-1999 Chevrolet Suburban 1500/2500
1995-1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
1992-1999 GMC Yukon
Anyone with information is asked to contact Deputy Brad Neff at the Livingston County Sheriffâs Office or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK UP. (JM)
↧
More Pages to Explore .....
