Jobs, housing, and downtown real estate are all trending positive in Handy Township according to report delivered last week. The Livingston Business Development Associates delivered their annual economic development report before the township board at its regular meeting. After seeing a decline in jobs in 2014, President of the LBDA Fred Dillingham was excited to announce a reversal of direction for 2015. Thanks to two new industrial projects in the area, a combined 75 jobs are being brought to the community. Dillingham reported that the average wage of retail and manufacturing employees has risen by $1 and $1.75 per hour, respectively. In real estate, there was concern about inflated prices on vacant properties in downtown Fowlerville bought by owners before the 2008 crash. Dillingham informed the board that the market is finally coming down to more reasonable prices and was encouraged by interest in the area by new prospective business owners. Finally, after years of decline and stagnation, new home purchasing continues to rise for the third year in a row. As of July 1st, Handy Township has had 26 new home constructions started and/or completed this year. The LBDA considers this a great success considering there were 22 constructions in all of 2014, and only 16 cumulatively between 2009 and 2012. (MK/JK)
Recent Report Indicates Upward Trends In Handy TownshipRecent Report Indicates Upward Trends In Handy Township
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Schools Would Need Up-To-Date Social Media Policies Under New BillSchools Would Need Up-To-Date Social Media Policies Under New Bill
A new bill requiring that all school districts update their social media policies has been introduced with the backing of a local representative. Hank Vaupel is part of the bipartisan support for House Bill 4791, which was introduced last Wednesday. The bill would require that every school district, intermediary school district, and public school academy create and implement a policy regulating social media interactions between school personnel and students. All five of Livingston Countyâs major school districts already have such a policy in place. Fowlerville School Board President Mike Brown says this kind of policy is good for any school district and is pleased that a bill to require it is being considered. The bill, if passed, would take effect at the beginning of the school year, but it still has a long path to take through the legislature. It has been referred to the House Committee on Education for review. (TD)
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Fireplace Pizza Oven Causes Small Fire in Marion Township Fireplace Pizza Oven Causes Small Fire in Marion Township
A Marion Township family was able to escape harm following a small fire that started in a fireplace pizza oven. The fire was reported around 11am at a home in the Cedar Lake Road and Vines Road area. The family had cooked a pizza in a fireplace oven Sunday night, which apparently smoldered throughout the night, resulting in the fire. Howell Area Fire Department Chief Andy Pless tells WHMI the family heard a crackling sound and noticed smoke around the chimney and inside of home this morning and called 911. Everyone made it out safely. Pless says the fire went up into the wall and a little bit in the attic but crews responded and were able to get the fire under control and out in about ten minutes. The Putnam Township Fire Department assisted at the scene. (JM)
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Efforts Increase To Overturn Michigan's Fireworks LawEfforts Increase To Overturn Michigan's Fireworks Law
Many Michigan residents welcome summer and holidays with bonfires and time off, but unwelcome fireworks are sparking calls for changes in state law. A petition to repeal the Michigan Fireworks Safety Act of 2011 cites issues regarding noise and disturbances to their pets as well as safety concerns. According to MLive.com, the number of fireworks injuries investigated by the state is roughly double what they were in 2011. Local residents are among those in favor of repealing the law, which made it legal to purchase fireworks previously unavailable to consumers unless they traveled to nearby states. Gary Pettyjohn of South Lyon signed an online petition at MoveOn.org, commenting that, âNeighbors setting off professional grade fireworks disturbs young children sleeping and terrifies pets, neither of which understand the cause.â The petition currently has over 20,000 signatures. Another petition signer was Lisa Wiltse of Pinckney who said while she didnât mind âsupervised fireworks,â she did have a problem with ârude idiots who keep going until 3amâ and felt residents âhave a right to (a) quiet, peaceful home.â A bill introduced by State Representative Henry Yanez, a Sterling Heights Democrat, would repeal the 2011 fireworks law, confining consumer purchases to items which donât leave the ground. But for Jeff Cunmulaj, owner of Jeffâs Fireworks in Genoa Township, a repeal would simply send people back to the old practice of traveling out of state and buying them there. He says he sympathizes with residents upset about fireworks going off until the early morning hours, but believes the current law needs to be more fully enforced as opposed to being overturned. (RS/JK)
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Brighton Teen Reports Sexual Assault After Oakland County Beach PartyBrighton Teen Reports Sexual Assault After Oakland County Beach Party
A Brighton teen says she was sexually assaulted after partying on a beach in Commerce Township last week. The Oakland County Sheriffâs Office says a deputy responded Thursday to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Brighton for a Criminal Sexual Conduct complaint. The victim said sheâd been drinking alcohol at a party the previous night on Oak Beach in Commerce Township. After saying she wanted to go to bed, the 17-year-old, who is not being named, went to a bedroom. A male subject, described only as a 19-year-old male, reportedly went with her and began taking her pants off before sexually assaulting her. He then left the residence. The teen stayed the night at the house and went home in the morning. She then went to the hospital later that afternoon, where a rape kit was completed and her clothing taken for analysis. Evidence was also collected from the residence. An investigation of the incident continues. (JK)
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Teen Confesses To Vandalism After Surveillance Photos Appear OnlineTeen Confesses To Vandalism After Surveillance Photos Appear Online
A South Lyon High School student is in some trouble with the city after getting caught on camera smashing lights in McHattie Park. Just before 1am yesterday, the South Lyon Police Department posted surveillance photos on its Facebook page showing two juvenile suspects at the park. The department says video from the camera shows the teens picking up flood lights at the park, swinging them by the cables and smashing them on the ground. The city is still waiting on an estimated cost to repair the damaged lights, which are used to illuminate nearby buildings. Less than four hours after the photos were posted, the mother of one of the suspects brought him to the police department to confess. Lieutenant Chris Sovik says she had been informed about the incident by the suspectâs older brother, who saw the Facebook post. The boy also identified the other suspect in the surveillance footage. The department says the suspects have never gotten in trouble with the law before, and only acted out of boredom. It is not clear whether the city will seek charges against the vandals, or if it will simply ask for restitution. Sovik attributes the swift resolution of the case to the power of social media, which he says can be an outstanding tool for law enforcement. (TD)
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Brighton Community Offers Input On Coast-to-Coast Rail ProposalBrighton Community Offers Input On Coast-to-Coast Rail Proposal
Around 30 people turned out for a public engagement meeting about a proposed passenger rail service Monday night, voicing both support and cost concerns. The Coast-to-Coast Passenger Rail Study is an exploratory first step toward possibly re-establishing passenger rail service linking Detroit, Lansing and Grand Rapids. The study is being managed by the Michigan Environmental Council, which is working with various federal, state and local agencies and stakeholders. Last nightâs meeting was hosted by the Michigan By Rail team at the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce but it was noted actual service, if warranted, could still be 7 to 10 years out. Those in attendance seemed open to the idea of a passenger rail service and recognized potential economic and regional benefits but also had some concerns, mostly associated with cost. Brighton Township Clerk Ann Bollin offered WHMI a cautious perspective while Adam Blocki of Brighton said his interest lies mostly in leisure travel to Detroit, Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids. He questioned where the money will come from and where it could be going instead if the demand isnât there in ten years but also brought up the potential impact of driverless cars. Other advantages offered were increased productivity, reduced stress from less driving or commuting, an alternative during times of bad weather or accidents and potential savings with vehicle maintenance costs. Attendees stressed that the service should be cost effective and reliable, but many also commented thereâs trouble funding roads now and therefore questioned how to find funding for the rail system. The non-profit Michigan Environmental Council is managing the base-level study and says not all questions have answers yet such as costs and ridership, which is what the study should better reveal. Policy Associate Liz Treutel told WHMI that has been a frustration for some but itâs really the purpose behind the meetings and a lot of positive feedback is being gained about the idea. Three preliminary routes are being proposed â two with stops in Brighton and Howell. The study will not give one definite route but rather provide the pros and cons associated with each to help determine costs and ridership estimates. Officials conducting the study said some overall themes out of the public meetings are that people want connections but also somewhat frequent and dependable service. If the rail service does become reality, it could make a big difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities. Mary Priebe of Howell serves as the Public Policy and Transportation Coordinator for the Livingston Regional Inclusive Community Coalition. She says locally, LETS has seen an increase in ridership but reduced funding so both the proposed WALLY commuter line and the Coast-to-Coast rail line could have a positive impact. From the study, a report will be developed and released in December that will offer more answers and incorporate public feedback. An online engagement tool and survey is in the works and a third round of public meetings is planned in September. More information is available in the link below. (JM)
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Marcus Wilcox Named To HPS Board of EducationMarcus Wilcox Named To HPS Board of Education
The Howell Board of Education has selected attorney Marcus Wilcox as its newest member following Mike Moloney's resignation. The decision was made following a round of introductions and questioning last night. Moloney announced that he was leaving the school board last month, citing a long commute and new job as his reasons to depart. The district had 30 days to appoint someone to complete his term, or the duty would have fallen to the Livingston Educational Service Agency. Four applicants submitted their resumes and questionnaires by the deadline, and all four were questioned by the board last night. In what was described as a close decision, Wilcox was appointed to the empty seat and sworn in as the newest school board member. A 1992 graduate of Howell High School, Wilcox owns his own law practice and is an adjunct professor at Cleary University. Wilcox has two children, aged 6 months and 30 months, and he says he wants to help the district continue to thrive so it will be ready when they reach the age for formal schooling. He adds that he had a chance to speak with the other candidates, and that he is very glad to be chosen from such qualified applicants. Moloneyâs departure also left the school board without a treasurer. Board Member Grace Trudell was voted into that position last night. (TD)
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Proposal Rejected To Move Livingston Christian School To Brighton Church Proposal Rejected To Move Livingston Christian School To Brighton Church
A local church that has been petitioning to house a private Christian school lost the battle in a failed motion vote last night. The Brighton Church of the Nazarene had hoped to be the new location for Livingston Christian Schools and have been working towards its implementation since April. Petitioner Steve Morgan, who is also a member of the church, requested an amendment to the churchâs land use permit in order to house the school. Chairman of the Genoa Township Board of Trustees, Gary McCririe entertained a motion for the permit, though it failed in a four to three vote. McCririe voted in opposition and addressed the schoolâs premature promotion of relocation. The school has already enrolled around 160 students for the upcoming year and their website indicates that the Brighton Church of the Nazarene will be the schoolâs new home. Jill Slater, Childrenâs Director at the church, spoke favorably during public comment and claims there has not been deception on the churchâs behalf in the matter. Traffic, parking and noise control were also among the concerns of several Trustees and potential reasons for opposition. A secondary request for the permit amendment cannot be filed for another year and it is unclear whether the school is able to remain at its Pinckney location. Steve Morgan declined to comment following the meeting. (DK)
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Brighton School Board OKs Contract Changes with TeachersBrighton School Board OKs Contract Changes with Teachers
The Brighton Board of Education has ratified salary and benefit reopeners in the contracts of teachers and non-central office administrators. Meeting Monday night, the board approved agreements on contract reopeners with the Brighton Education Association, which represents about 295 teachers in the district, and the Brighton Area Schools Administrators Association, which represents principals, assistant principals and department heads in the district. Superintendent of Schools Greg Gray tells WHMI the board tabled approving the contract with the Brighton Educational Support Personnel Association, or BESPA, because that group has not yet ratified its tentative agreement. BESPA involves about 100 custodial, maintenance and other hourly district employees. Gray tells WHMI the contract change for the BEA only affects teachers who are already off steps â which is the automatic pay increase they normally get from year-to-year. Those who have been with the district over 14 years â making them no longer eligible for step increases â will get a 3/4ths of 1% pay increase, if they have completed the required amount of professional development required by the contract. Teachers are currently in a 5-year contract which calls for a zero salary increase, with reopeners only in the areas of pay and benefits. (TT)
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Sandila Estates Gets Green Light From Brighton Township BoardSandila Estates Gets Green Light From Brighton Township Board
Developer Marshall Blau finally received the green light on the plans for a new site condo project at last nightâs Brighton Township Board Meeting. Blau was sued over the entrance to Sandila Estates and faced opposition from residents in a neighboring subdivision for months. He negotiated with another property owner and changed the entrance of the development from Old Plank Road to 8800 Hyne Road, before bringing the site plan back to the Brighton Township Planning Commission last week. The change to the entrance ended up gaining Blau an additional two lots, raising the number from 27 to 29. Brighton Township Supervisor Tom Murphy says clearing up the right of way issue moved the site plan forward. Blau and a couple from Hunter's Ridge settled a dispute over an out lot through which Blau was able to eliminate access to the neighboring subdivision at all. The subdivisionâs only entrance and exit now is on Hyne Road. Other changes to the site plan included a 1,500 linear foot wood chipped walkway back to a wetland area and increases to the size of the homes to be built. (DS)
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Plea Entered In Fiery Fatal Crash That Killed Milford Township WomanPlea Entered In Fiery Fatal Crash That Killed Milford Township Woman
A man who police say was intoxicated at the time of a fiery crash that claimed the life of a Milford Township woman has entered a plea. 42-year-old Goran Djordjevski of Farmington Hills pleaded no contest last week in Oakland County Circuit Court to a charge of operating while intoxicated causing death and failure to stop at the scene of an accident when at fault resulting in death. He faces up to 30 years in prison when he is sentenced August 31st. The charges were filed in connection with the accident that occurred in Commerce Township on January 26th near the intersection of Pontiac Trail and Addington Drive. Police said the victim, identified as Janet Marie Reed, was on a pizza delivery run when she was rear ended by Djordjevski. The impact caused Reedâs vehicle to overturn and catch on fire, trapping her inside. Oakland County Undersheriff Mike McCabe said at the time that Reed âdied a horrible death of smoke inhalation and thermal burnsâ and âbasically burned to death." Djordjevski walked away from the scene, but an eyewitness found him and brought him back to police. His preliminary breath test was .24%, three times the legal limit for driving. Djordjevski remains free after posting a $100,000 cash bond. (JK)
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Hartland Schools Board Secretary Announces ResignationHartland Schools Board Secretary Announces Resignation
A local school board member has announced her resignation. Citing health issues, Michelle Hutchinson announced her resignation from the Hartland Consolidated Schoolsâ Board of Education effective August 31st. Hutchinson, who is battling cancer, has served on the Hartland board since 2009 and is currently the board's secretary. District residents interested in filling her seat may submit a letter and resume to the Hartland Board of Education. Hutchinsonâs replacement will be appointed to serve through December 31st, 2016. If the appointee wishes to serve beyond that time they will have to run for election in November 2016 and, if elected, would then serve through December 2020. All applications must be received no later than Thursday, August 20th with all applicants expected to come before the Board for interviews at the August 24th regular meeting at 7:30am in the Boardroom of the Educational Support Service Center on M-59. Letters and resumes should be sent or faxed to the Hartland Consolidated Schoolsâ Board of Education, Attn: Thom Dumond, President, 9525 Highland Road, Howell, MI 48843 â Fax: 810-626-2101. (JK)
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Adelaide Street to Close at Mill Street in Fenton Wednesday Morning Adelaide Street to Close at Mill Street in Fenton Wednesday Morning
The City of Fenton is advising motorists ahead of a street closure tomorrow for a sewer main repair. Adelaide Street will be closed at Mill Street starting at 6am Wednesday. The northbound Adelaide detour will be through the construction on Leroy Street while the southbound detour will be on Fenway Drive. Assistant City Manager Michael Burns says Adelaide Street at Mill Street will be closed to through traffic for the duration of the work. He says there will be access available on either side of the construction for people who need to get to their business or homes but they will not be able to drive through the intersection. Burns says the closure setup will start around 6am so that the contractor is ready and going by 7am. He says they hope to complete the sewer main repair in two days but there are many underground utilities to work around. Once completed, the contractor will gravel the work area on Adelaide Street until contractors return for paving work. Photo City of Fenton Facebook. (JM)
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Brighton School Board Declines Hiring Of Superintendent's WifeBrighton School Board Declines Hiring Of Superintendent's Wife
The Brighton Area Schools is still looking for a director of accounting after the Board of Education rejected administrationâs recommendation for a part-time accountant on the premise that the district could be accused of nepotism. Assistant Superintendent of Finance Maria Gistinger has been in dire need of an accountant after she lost her part-time accountant, Cheryl Quinn, at the end of May. At the June 22 meeting the board discussed the problem, since auditing time was coming up and Gistinger needed a qualified person quickly in order to prepare the audit. The board gave Superintendent Greg Gray and Gistinger instructions to find a person to replace Quinn, However, the board wasnât expecting the recommendation to be Chris Gray, who is the wife of the superintendent. In response to questions about whether such a hiring would be construed as nepotism, Supt. Greg Gray told the board that in fact such a hiring would not violate state law, or district policy, regarding nepotism. Dave Chesney conducted the meeting in the absence of board President Jay Krause. Gistinger said that, given the short time frame, their directive as they saw it was to come up with a qualified person quickly and bring it back to the board. After several motions were offered, the board finally settled on a directive for administration to post the position, and after a list of qualified candidates has submitted applications to narrow the choices down and bring the board the top two-or-three candidates for consideration at one of the two meetings in August. Gistinger had told the board at the previous meeting that the person would need to have a masterâs degree in senior accounting with public school experience in accounting, and the salary would be in the neighborhood of $84,000 along with benefits. That compares with a salary of $49,000 that would have gone to Mrs. Gray for the part-time position. (TT)
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Wilcox Appointment To Be Made Official At Special MeetingWilcox Appointment To Be Made Official At Special Meeting
A special meeting of the Howell Public Schools Board of Education is being held this morning to make official the appointment of a new board member. Howell attorney Marcus Wilcox was chosen by the school board on Monday to fill the seat vacated by Mike Moloney after he resigned last month. But according to Tom Gould, the districtâs Director of Public Relations, âthe board did not take formal action to appoint Mr. Wilcox, meaning a motion was never made and voted on to appoint him.â Gould says that after tallying the board membersâ scores, announcing Mr. Wilcox as the new board member and administering the oath of office to him, the board proceeded with the rest of the agenda. The meeting this morning will correct the oversight while remaining in compliance with the law by formally appointing a new board member within 30 days of Moloneyâs resignation. Wilcox will serve out the remainder of Moloneyâs term through November of 2016.
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Mini Comic Convention Coming to Livingston County LibrariesMini Comic Convention Coming to Livingston County Libraries
Itâs a super hero summer when it comes to reading at local libraries and three have partnered to take it to the next level with an all-out nerd fest. The Howell Carnegie District Library, Brighton District Library and the Cromaine District Library in Hartland have partnered to host LIB Con - a free mini-comic convention on Thursday, August 6th focused on atmosphere with a costume contest and a variety of booths showcasing comic artists, illustrators and collectors. All three libraries have summer reading programs centered on a super hero theme so the event aims to expand on that in a fun way. Cromaineâs Youth Services Librarian Marta Jackson tells WHMI having all three libraries team up really allowed them to expand their reach, not only with the type of presenters but making it a much larger, fun event for everyone in Livingston County to enjoy. Cromaineâs Teen Services Librarian Carolyn McCullough tells WHMI kids have really been responding to the super hero theme this summer but especially boys because itâs something that grabs their interest and gets them involved. Struggling readers also sometimes gravitate toward comics and she says with Marvel being so popular and superhero movies coming out, LIB Con will offer themes appealing to fans of all ages. Published illustrators and authors will be speaking and a drawing workshop is planned, along with presentations on how to create and market your own comics. A creative corner will have comic making areas, superhero crafts and an obstacle course. In order to ensure adequate capacity for LIB Con, it will be held in the Commons at 2/42 Community Church on Grand River in Genoa Township on Thursday, August 6th from 4 to 8pm. No registration is required and attendees are encouraged to dress in costume for the event. Details can be found through the link below. (JM)
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Fenton Schools Name Interim SuperintendentFenton Schools Name Interim Superintendent
The Fenton School District has named an interim superintendent while they continue their search for a permanent one. Doug Busch was the choice made by the Fenton Area Schools Board of Education at a special meeting on July 20th. He has spent the last nine years in the district as the executive director of finance and personnel. MLive.com reports that the school board was impressed with Buschâs eagerness to take on the role, and that he is looking forward to taking a hands-on approach to the upcoming year. Due to financial challenges in the school district, Busch will be offered little to no additional compensation for his work as superintendent. There was an immediate need to fill the role as the previous superintendent, Tim Jalkanen, resigned last month with more than a year left on his contract. The Fenton School District will begin its search in February to find a permanent replacement in time for the 2016-2017 school year.(MK)
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County Settles Suit Tied To Fatal Crash Involving AmbulanceCounty Settles Suit Tied To Fatal Crash Involving Ambulance
A settlement has been reached in a case regarding a 2011 crash with a Livingston County ambulance. The crash happened in January of 2011 on M-59 near Eager Road. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department investigated and concluded 76-year-old Karl Gerardi of Howell was responsible. The department reported Gerardi was northbound on Eager Road at M-59 when he failed to yield right-of-way to a Livingston County ambulance traveling eastbound on M-59, which was transporting a patient to Pontiac. Gerardi was hospitalized in critical condition after the crash and later died. The personal representative of Gerardiâs estate sued and asserted negligence claims against the county, as well as gross negligence against the ambulance driver. The Livingston County judge initially granted summary disposition against the suit, but the Michigan Court of Appeals in January reversed that decision, saying the lower court had to examine the question of whether the ambulance driver acted with due regard for Gerardiâs safety. On July 17th, the trial date was canceled and the suit was deemed âsettledâ in Livingston County Circuit Court. No information about the agreement is provided, and Livingston County EMS and 911 Director Jeff Boyd says the details will not be released to the public. (TD)
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Private Christian School Considering Options For Fall LocationPrivate Christian School Considering Options For Fall Location
A Christian school board is discussing options for where they will be holding classes this fall. The Brighton Church of the Nazarene was denied an amendment to their land use permit on Monday that would allow them to house Livingston Christian Schools this coming year. The motion failed four votes to three by the Genoa Charter Township Board of Trustees, despite the plan having been approved by the Planning Commission. Several trustees expressed too big of concerns over traffic, noise, and parking, as well as what they perceived to be a presumption by the church that the relocation would occur. The LCS school board is holding a meeting this Monday to discuss potential solutions for the fall, and is asking parents to be patient for a few days while they work with the church. Currently the school has 160 students enrolled for their kindergarten through 12th grade classes, and it is unclear on whether they will be able to remain at the Pinckney location. (MK)
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