The Genoa Township Planning Commission has approved the preliminary plans for a new restaurant. A Culver's drive-thru restaurant will be built at the corner of Latson Road and Grand River Avenue. The Planning Commission approved the site plan after reviewing it with representatives from Metro Design and Build Incorporated, the company creating the building. Architects for the 3,954 square foot restaurant brought material, color samples and building concepts for the Planning Commission to visual the end product. A few problematic issues in order to adhere to ordinance requirements will need to be resolved by the company before moving forward. Additional landscaping, extra drive aisle width and reduction in portions of the building must be completed for a smooth process towards construction. Planning Commission Chair Doug Brown says the Townshipâs Board of Trustees must review and approve the site plan and environmental impact assessment next, though he is unsure when that will be. (DK)
Site Plan For Culver's In Howell ApprovedSite Plan For Culver's In Howell Approved
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Downtown Howell Infrastructure Upgrades Met With Mixed OpinionsDowntown Howell Infrastructure Upgrades Met With Mixed Opinions
Three proposals to boost parking and upgrade infrastructure in downtown Howell were discussed during Monday nightâs city council meeting, although members had mixed opinions about possibly burying overhead utility lines. There has been recurring discussion on downtown infrastructure and possible ways to rehabilitate parking in the northwest quadrant of the city. Three proposals and cost estimates were laid out during last nightâs meeting. The first would renovate parking lot #4 near Clinton Street and North Michigan Ave as well as the corresponding alley, although no parking would actually be gained. Water and sewer upgrades are already budgeted but council is considering whether the overhead utility lines should be buried. The second proposal would rehabilitate parking lot #2 located behind 204 West Grand River to add an additional 15 spaces for a total of 68, although capacity could be expanded even more if the city pursues property acquisition. The third proposal pertains to whatâs known as the depot parking lot, behind Mugg and Bopps and the DDA building. The city has already acquired a parcel at 214 North Walnut that used to be an old bank and is now said to be in a position to reconstruct the lot and provide significant capacity improvement. The combined cost of the projects is estimated between $1.1 (m) and $1.4 (m) million and how to fund them was the big concern among members. There were differing opinions when it came to burying overhead utility lines in parking lot #4 and the adjoining alley at a cost of approximately $578,000. Infrastructure upgrades and rehabilitation work are already budgeted as there is a 4-inch water line now serving what was referred to as âsome pretty intensive developmentâ. Utility lines are already buried in other parts of the city and staff said the economical time to do the work would be when itâs already torn up. Councilman Bob Ellis said he would rather put that money toward property acquisition as it seems like a lot of money for no additional parking while Councilwoman Jan Lobur agreed it was little scary to be spending that much money. Councilman Doug Heins was the most vocal opponent, saying the burial of overhead utility lines is not a critical but aesthetic issue and he felt revenue captured by the Downtown Development Authority should be put toward improving infrastructure, not city funds. Mayor Nick Proctor was conceptually in favor of the proposal and said some city investment could spur future development along a deteriorated block but requested financials and how it would impact the budget, as well as existing city debt. Those will be presented at an upcoming meeting. It was noted during the meeting that the projects would likely need to be financed through bonds given magnitude of the investment but there could be potential partnership opportunities. (JM)
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US Figure Skating National Showcase Competition Coming to BrightonUS Figure Skating National Showcase Competition Coming to Brighton
Officials say a national figure skating event usually reserved for large cities will be coming to Brighton later this month. The 2015 United States Figure Skating National Showcase Competition will be held at Kensington Ice House July 30 through August 2nd. The Ice House Skating Academy (IHSA) of Brighton and Hartland announced that it will host the event featuring talented skaters from across the entire United States and Canada. Those participating must qualify for whatâs described as a highly entertaining and competitive event that fuses artistic creativity with figure skating for singles and duets as well as small and large group ensembles. Organizers say the National Showcase event should bring close to 1,000 competitors and their families to the area, thus providing an economic boost to host communities. Since the event takes place the same weekend as the Brighton Fine Art and Acoustic Music Festival, chamber of commerce officials say it will also give visitors the opportunity to experience Brightonâs vibrant downtown. Details and ticket information are available in the attached press release and the link below. (JM)
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Recent Dog Attack Highlights Summer Safety For Local Pet OwnersRecent Dog Attack Highlights Summer Safety For Local Pet Owners
A recent incident is highlighting the need for local pet owners to be responsible year round but especially during the summertime, which tends to brings both kids and dogs outside more. Deputies with the Oakland County Sheriffâs Highland Township substation and the Highland Township Fire Department were called out to the area of Milford and Wardlow Roads on a report of an injured child. The mother of the 5-year-old boy had called 9-1-1 to report that she was attempting to transport the child to the hospital in her personal vehicle, but the bleeding was getting worse. The child was eventually transported by Star EMS to McLaren Hospital for treatment of his injuries. Meanwhile, animal control officers responded to the residence where the incident occurred and contained the responsible dog in the garage. Joanie Toole is chief of the Oakland County Animal Control Division and tells WHMI the dog is currently quarantined. She says it will be held for ten days for rabies observation and then euthanized after being voluntarily given up by the owners. Toole also took the opportunity to remind pet owners to be responsible, especially during the summer months when kids and dogs spend less time indoors. Toole says people sometimes tend to just fling open the doors to let their pets out but itâs not a good idea and you really canât take that chance. She says owners need to make sure their dog is up to date on vaccinations and licensed but also confined on their property so theyâre not running loose or running after people. For anyone who is approached by a stray dog, Toole says never run as that can incite their prey drive and make them want to chase you more so back away slowly and call for help. She also suggests putting something between you and the animal like a bicycle for protection or dropping a hat or glove, which will sometimes distract an animal long enough for someone to get away. Toole adds that if someone should be knocked down during a dog attack, itâs important to try to stay calm and protect your head, head and middle body area as much as possible or curl up in a ball. (JM)
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Fenton Schools To Name Interim Superintendent To Replace JalkanenFenton Schools To Name Interim Superintendent To Replace Jalkanen
The Fenton Area Public Schools Board of Education will choose between two candidates to serve as its interim superintendent next week. The previous superintendent, Tim Jalkanen, resigned last month with more than a year left on his contract. He will be staying with the district as a paid consultant through February. Two candidates have come forward to finish out Jalkanenâs term: Executive Director of Finance and Personnel Doug Busch, and Fenton High School Principal Mark Suchowski. MLive.com reports the school board interviewed both candidates at its meeting on Monday, but put off a decision on who to appoint until next Monday. The district is facing financial challenges, and the district will be able to offer the new interim superintendent little to no additional compensation. School Board President Drew Shapiro says both men have something to bring to the position, but believes Busch would adapt to the role quickly and be able to make the tough decisions needed. Other board members declined to take part in a straw poll on Monday. (TD)
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Local Legislator Backs Bill Banning Efforts To Coerce Women Into AbortionsLocal Legislator Backs Bill Banning Efforts To Coerce Women Into Abortions
A local state representative is throwing her support behind a bill that would make it a crime to coerce a woman into getting an abortion. Lana Theis of Brighton Township and 20 other Republican representatives have co-sponsored House Bill 4787, which was introduced on Tuesday. The bill would amend the penal code to make it a misdemeanor to pressure a woman into getting an abortion against her will, whether through violence, threats, termination of employment, or stoppage of support. I has been sent to the House Committee on Criminal Justice. Theis says this bill addresses a legitimate problem being faced by Michigan women, who may be coerced into abortions by their partners, family, or employers who feel her pregnancy inconveniences them. However, the bill has been criticized by Livingston County Democratic Party Chair Judy Daubenmeier, who says it is a solution to a problem that for the most part does not exist. She says she is not aware of large numbers of pregnant women who are pressured into abortions, and thinks the legislature should have focused its efforts instead on simply protecting pregnant women. Theis says some women do need to be protected from this kind of coercion, and the bill is not superfluous as long as it benefits those women. (TD)
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Public Invited To Make Music Friday During Milford's Community Drum Public Invited To Make Music Friday During Milford's Community Drum
The community will come together to make music out of nothing during an event Friday in Milford Central Park. Milfordâs Community Drum event is free and open to all ages from 5 to 7pm this Friday at the Central Park pavilion - regardless of musical or rhythmic talent or perhaps lack thereof. The community is being invited to hang out for a few minutes or jam out for the entire two hours. Organizers say music has a way of connecting people and this is a form where everyone can participate so theyâre excited to see the drum circle bring the community together. Commercial percussion along with anything from coffee cans, buckets, pots and pans, or handmade instruments are all welcome at the event. the public is being encouraged to bring a stool, milk crate or chair along with an instrument of some sort. Participants can play along with their own instruments or take advantage of the limited amount of drums provided on site. Additional details are available through the event link below. (JM)
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Southbound US-23 Backed Up By Construction, AccidentsSouthbound US-23 Backed Up By Construction, Accidents
Traffic on southbound US-23 was backed up into the early afternoon following an earlier accident at M-36 during the morning commute. That was followed by scheduled construction that closed a lane of the freeway, also at M-36. Then around 11:30 this morning, another accident was reported due to the backup caused by the construction. That was at Lee Road, and lengthened the backup into the interchange with I-96, which is in the midst of its own construction work. The situation was eventually resolved around 1pm. (JK)
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Free Health & Safety Fair Sunday to Showcase Air Medical FleetFree Health & Safety Fair Sunday to Showcase Air Medical Fleet
A free event Sunday in Howell will offer family fun and a chance to check out the Survival Flight and EMS fleet while helping promote safety in the air and medical industry. The University of Michigan Survival Flight, Livingston County EMS and the Michigan Association of Air Medical Providers (MAAMP) will host a Health and Safety Fair from noon to 3pm this Sunday at the Livingston County Public Safety Complex. The complex on North Tooley Road in Howell houses the crew headquarters for the University of Michigan Survival Flight and Livingston County EMS, as well as hangar space for the maize-and-blue Survival Flight helicopter and fixed-wing jet aircraft. Activities will include tours of the Survival Flight base and EMS, antique ambulances and a classic car show, free blood pressure screenings and activities for kids including face painting, balloons, a bounce house and treats. Denise Landis is the Manager of Critical Care Transport for the University of Michigan and tells WHMI air medical services provide transport for the critically ill and injured across Michigan through a mutual aid agreement. She says a three-helicopter fly-in is scheduled at 1pm, so long as none are on patient transport. There will also be photo opportunities with the U of M Storm Trooper, who sports a maize-and-blue costume. The 2015 Great American Safety Drive will coincide with the fair, which is a classic car stopping in Howell as part of a cross-country tour of air-medical companies to raise awareness and funds for training programs for air ambulance crews. (JM)
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Motorcyclist Suffers Leg Injuries After Head-On Crash in Gregory Motorcyclist Suffers Leg Injuries After Head-On Crash in Gregory
A motorcyclist was hospitalized following a head-on crash in the Gregory area this morning. The accident was reported at 10:38am at the intersection of Unadilla and Doyle Roads in Gregory. Unadilla Township Police Chief David Russell tells WHMI according to witnesses, a 2012 Honda motorcycle was traveling at a pretty high rate of speed, crossed over the center line on a curve and struck a 2015 Chevy Equinox head-on. Russell says the 27-year-old Northville man on the motorcycle had some pretty severe leg injuries and was transported by ambulance to the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor. The driver of the Equinox was identified as a 29-year-old Belleville man. Russell says he suffered some minor eye irritation from the airbag deployment but was treated and released at the scene. Russell stated that itâs a beautiful day and time of year to be out riding a motorcycle but individuals need to do so safely because it only takes a split second from either inattention or bad decisions to result in a life changing accident. Unadilla Township Police were assisted at the scene by Pinckney Police, the Putnam and Unadilla Township Fire Departments, SESA and Livingston County EMS. (JM)
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Public Discusses Proposed East-West Rail Line Through HowellPublic Discusses Proposed East-West Rail Line Through Howell
About two dozen Livingston County Residents gathered last night to hear about a proposed rail line that would run east and west, connecting Detroit to Holland. The Coast-To-Coast Rail Line would include stops in Detroit, Lansing, and Grand Rapids. The exact route of the line is still being finalized, but two out of the three proposed routes would include a stop in Howell. Unlike the WALLY system, which is properly known as the North South Commuter Rail Line, this would be a passenger rail line sporting more amenities and more comfortable seats for long journeys across Michigan. The organizations proposing the Coast-To-Coast Rail Line are holding a series of meetings in affected communities to gauge local opinions and potential ridership. Last nightâs meeting in Howell included a presentation, a question-and answer period, and group activities designed to understand how people travel and their opinions about the plan as proposed. There was no open opposition to the plan among attendees, who included several local elected officials. Michigan Environmental Council Policy Associate Elizabeth Treutel, who led the event, says the reaction has been almost completely positive everywhere the meetings are held. A total of 16 such meetings are being held around Michigan. The next one will be in Brighton on Monday, starting at 6pm, at the headquarters of the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce. (TD)
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Putnam Township To Hold Special Election To Fund Pipeline FightPutnam Township To Hold Special Election To Fund Pipeline Fight
Residents in Putnam Township will have a vote regarding the defense against the ET Rover Pipeline this fall. The Putnam Township Board of Trustees adopted a resolution at their meeting Wednesday that will place a proposal on a special November 3rd ballot asking residents for one mill to be used for legal defenses against the pipeline. The proposed pipeline would transport natural gas through several states, including Michigan, before it is sent to be sold in Canada. The current path would bring the pipeline through Putnam Township, cutting through the property of many homeowners, including that of Township Supervisor Ronald Rau. The board discussed the proposal without Rau present as a safe measure against a potential conflict of interest. Township Clerk Sally Guyon took the lead in his absence and expressed the boardâs belief that a vote is the best way to let residentâs voices be heard. A citizenâs group is holding a special meeting for the community addressing issues surrounding the proposed ET Rover Pipeline at Pathfinder Elementary in Pinckney at 6:30pm tonight. (MK)
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Local Veteran's Court Receives Donation From Women's GroupLocal Veteran's Court Receives Donation From Women's Group
The Honorable Carol Sue Reader and local attorney Neal Nielson received a check totaling $12,225 Wednesday afternoon in the courtroom of the Historic Livingston County Courthouse to help fund court programs for veterans. Judge Reader says Michigan has the highest number of veteranâs treatment courts in the country at 22, and veterans have needs that most people take for granted. She says the Veteranâs Treatment Court Foundation will raise funds to will help meet the needs of Veterans in Livingston County. Veterans in not only treatment court, but family court and drug court will benefit from the funds, but Judge Reader says the majority of the funding will be used to meet needs that the VA doesn't cover. Fundraising for the Veteranâs Treatment Court is ongoing. The 100 Women Who Care About Livingston County meets four times each year and chooses a cause to donate to. Each woman in the group pledges at least $100. Wednesdayâs check is the largest presented by the organization to date. For more information on the Veteran's Treatment Court Foundation contact Dawn Learst, Veterans Treatment Court Coordinator at (517) 540-7633, or email dlearst@livgov.com. To reach the 100 Women Who Care About Livingston County visit www.100womenlivingstoncounty.org. (DS)
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After Initial Fanfare, Recall Effort Fizzles To An EndAfter Initial Fanfare, Recall Effort Fizzles To An End
With just over two weeks remaining until a deadline to turn in petition signatures, the Howell Recall Committee has announced the effort is at an end. In a release issued Wednesday evening (which is posted below), the Committee said it was formed to âaddress the ongoing leadership issues that plaguedâ the district and would possibly âresult in large liability costs that will fall on the backs of parents and taxpayers.â The committee targeted board members for their votes to fire former superintendent Ron Wilson after they determined he received travel reimbursements he knew he was not entitled to and then lied about afterward. Three board members were not seeking re-election, 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 were ever held and committee leaders have declined to reveal how many, if any, signatures they were able to collect. The committee had until July 31st to collect roughly 4,700 signatures. The committee said that the recent resignation of Moloney, who cited a new job as his reason, had them âpause to reevaluate the Community desires.â They ended by saying they welcomed new Superintendent Erin MacGregor and planned to continue to âwatch closely that the current board will allow Mr. MacGregor to perform his jobâ and move the district forward in a positive direction. Wilson, meanwhile, remains in arbitration with the district over his firing, which he claims was unjust, resulting in a damaged reputation and the loss of more than $600,000 in earnings. Committee leaders indicated to WHMI last week that the timing of the recallâs decision on whether or not to move forward was connected to Wilsonâs legal efforts. (JK)
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Garden Party Will Raise Funds For LACASAGarden Party Will Raise Funds For LACASA
Residents can enjoy some fine wine and live music at LACASAâs annual Twilight in the Garden fundraiser this weekend. The gala will take place this Saturday, July 18th, and registration is open through Friday. It is being held at Triple Diamonds Alpaca Ranch in Howell. The event will begin at 6:00 and include wine sampling, a cigar bar, shopping, raffles, a golf chipping contest, and live music. A dozen different local restaurants have been signed on to contribute to the evening. All proceeds will go to benefit abused children and the victims of interpersonal violence through LACASAâs various local programs. Tickets are available online or at locations in Howell, Brighton, and Fenton. A link is posted below. (JK)
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Weed Harvesting Underway at Brighton Mill Pond Weed Harvesting Underway at Brighton Mill Pond
An annual event to help control weeds and maintain the health of the Brighton Mill Pond will get underway today. The City of Brightonâs contractor will be harvesting weeds and some of the lily pads, primarily through the central part of the Mill Pond. Department of Public Works Director Dave Blackmar says this is the third consecutive year of the harvesting program, which is just one of the things the city does as part of a maintenance operation to keep the water as clean as possible. Blackmar tells WHMI quite a few lakes perform harvesting and its part of an all-encompassing effort to try to control the weeds. He says aerator fountains have been reinstalled to help circulate the water and the city is also continuing with chemical weed treatments, which is done primarily for algae throughout the warm weather season. Blackmar says it usually takes two to three days to complete the harvesting operation and work should be wrapped up by Saturday morning, barring any rain delays. For the harvesting, Blackmar says a contractor utilizes a large paddle-wheel type unit that goes around and simply cuts the weeds below the water level, while picking them up at the same time. Blackmar stressed that the contractor is not actually removing any plants but rather going through and cutting them off. If you do try to remove or pull the weeds, he says it tends to disturb the sediment, which makes for a cloudy-water situation so they donât do that. After everything is collected, itâs transported to a staging location and eventually hauled off site. (JM)
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Howell School Board Will Not Narrow Field Before Interviewing CandidatesHowell School Board Will Not Narrow Field Before Interviewing Candidates
Four candidates have been identified in the search for the Howell Board of Educationâs new member. On June 22nd, Board Treasurer Mike Moloney resigned his seat on the board, citing a new job and long commute as his reasons for stepping down. The district had 30 days to fill his seat before the duty fell to the Livingston Educational Service Agency. Four candidates submitted their resumes, letters of interest, and answers to a series of questions before the deadline on Friday. They are attorney Marcus Wilcox; CPA Paul Goldman; Randall Greene, vice president of retail banking at First National Bank in Howell; and James Joshua âJJâ Lewis, manager of major giving at Detroit Public Television. All four live within district boundaries. The board agreed at its meeting Monday night that, with only four candidates to the position, it does not need to narrow down the field before bringing them before the board for public questioning at its July 20th meeting, which begins at 7pm at the administrative building on Highlander Way north of Grand River. The board will make its selection and fill the vacant seat at that same meeting. (TD)
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MichCon To Vent Near Fenton Road and M-59; Smell Of Gas LikelyMichCon To Vent Near Fenton Road and M-59; Smell Of Gas Likely
The Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority is cautioning residents that they might smell gas as a local pipeline vents its product into the air. MichCon is a natural gas pipeline managed by both DTE Energy and Consumers Energy. It will be venting that gas near the intersection of M-59 and Fenton Road today as a result of Consumers Energy flushing out a segment of pipe. The venting began at 8:30 this morning and will continue to 9:00pm. The fire authority is notifying residents that they could smell gas near that intersection, but it poses no danger to people or businesses in the area, Residents and organizations are being asked to help spread the word about the venting to curtail any concerns the public may have. (TD)
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Brighton Car Customizer & Crew To Star In Reality TV SeriesBrighton Car Customizer & Crew To Star In Reality TV Series
A Livingston County-based car customizing company that has been providing vehicles to top-name sports and music celebrities will get some celebrity of their own starting next month. Brighton-based Mobsteel will be the focus of a reality series on cable outlet NBCSN debuting August 16th. The eight-episode series will follow custom-car specialists Adam Genei, his wife Pam and their team as they restore iconic American vehicles back to life using vintage parts and Detroit steel. Adam was a guest on Mike & Jon in the Morning and said that the show only came about after finding the right production company, as some of the initial proposals that came their way just didnât ring true to their vision. Genei says they eventually went with Hoff Productions as they best understood what the Mobsteel brand stood for. The series has been shot primarily at the companyâs Brighton facility, but also at some other properties in the area, including in Detroit. The series will launch following NBCSNâs coverage of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pure Michigan 400 from Michigan International Speedway. The premiere episode of Mobsteel is expected to focus on a 1963 Lincoln Continental that the team works to restore for a Detroit-area second-generation pipefitter whoâs looking for the car of his dreams. While much of the filming has been at the companyâs Brighton location, the show itself is more focused on Detroit, where the company also owns a facility. New episodes will air Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET on NBCSN following the series premiere. Pictured is the Mobsteel cast, from left to right; Ron Coan (The Painter), Steve âSteve-Oâ Ryan (The Right Hand Man), Pam Genei, Adam Genei and Doug âWheatbreadâ Haines (The Builder). (JK)
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Howell Man Accused Of Assault With A Sword Bound Over For TrialHowell Man Accused Of Assault With A Sword Bound Over For Trial
A Howell man is facing life in prison after allegedly attacking another man with a sword. 55-year-old Michael Paul Sefton was arrested earlier this month and charged with assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, assault with a weapon, and being a fourth-time habitual offender. On Tuesday, a district court judge denied a motion by the defense to reduce Seftonâs $200,000 cash surety bond, and he was bound over to Circuit Court Judge Michael Hattyâs courtroom for trial. Seftonâs habitual offender status means the charges could land him in prison for life. Court records indicate Sefton is unemployed, and his previous convictions include failure to pay child support and possession of cocaine. (TD)
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