A group of Hartland Township residents are not happy about the possibility of a new gas station coming to the corner of M-59 and Clark Road. Although it wasnât on the agenda and has not been passed by the planning commission, the proposed gas station and Dairy Queen has residents of Heritage Meadows Subdivision voicing opposition. Monday night nearly two dozen residents of the subdivision, which adjoins the site, gave their concerns about traffic, noise and pollution among other issues during a public comment time and again at the end of the meeting. Their complaints also included past legal issues between the township and property owners Mugg & Bopps. Citing concerns that a proposed berm wonât block out the noise, lighting and added pollution, and residents say they will continue to fight the gas station. One resident, Heidi Meisterfeld says she believes the site plan violates the townshipâs blight ordinance. Township Supervisor Bill Fountain says the Planning Commission will look at the project before the Township makes any decisions. Because it requires a special use permit, Fountain says there will be a public hearing before the Township Planning Commission makes a recommendation on the site plan. He recommends residents continue checking the Township website for public hearing dates. (DS)
Hartland Township Residents Oppose Proposed Gas StationHartland Township Residents Oppose Proposed Gas Station
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Officials Looking To Upgrade Livingston EMS & 911 Response SystemOfficials Looking To Upgrade Livingston EMS & 911 Response System
Two new capital improvement projects for Livingston County 911 and EMS will improve communications with emergency responders and the public next year. Director Jeff Boyd explained the projects at a work session of the County Board of Commissioners last night. The first and more ambitious of the two projects is an expansion of the existing emergency medical dispatch program, which categorizes 911 calls so medical responders are sure to have all of the information they need. The proposal for 2016 would be to create similar programs for fire and police responses, which is expected to take into the later part of 2016. Boyd says the proposal will cost about $225,000, which is part of the EMS 911 capital improvements budget for 2016. Also planned for that budget is a new system to alert residents of ongoing emergency situations and disperse information on what steps need to be taken. Boyd says his department plans to research emergency alert programs used by other departments and decide which would be the best fit for Livingston County. He estimates that research and implementation will cost about $75,000, and that the new system will be in place sometime late next year. (TD)
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Brighton Unanimously Approves Placing LESA Millage Request On November BallotBrighton Unanimously Approves Placing LESA Millage Request On November Ballot
The final of Livingston Countyâs five public school districts has given approval to placing a special education millage proposal on the ballot in November. On Aug. 5th, the Livingston Educational Service Agency Board of Education will vote on whether to place a special education millage question on the fall election ballot that would ask the voters to approve a levy of 1.04 mills for 10 years. Last week, the Brighton Area Schools Board of Education joined with school boards in Fowlerville, Hartland, Howell, and Pinckney to approve placing the issue on the general election ballot. According to LESA Superintendent Dan Danosky, the millage is needed because of the Headlee Amendment which requires tax rollbacks when property values rise above 5% or the inflation rate, but doesn't provide for a restoration of the millage if property values go down. So when property values in the county fell in 2008, local millages brought in fewer tax dollars to districts while the requirement for intermediate school districts to provide special education services remained. The result was fewer local tax dollars to provide the same programs as before. That's why the proposal is being called a "restoration" millage â because it would restore special education funding to its previous level of 3.31 mills. While the Brighton Board of Education unanimously approved placing the millage proposal on the November ballot, Superintendent Greg Gray tells WHMI that the board merely approved putting it on the ballot and not to either approve or disapprove of the proposal. If the LESA Board approves putting the question on the ballot and the voters approve it in November, it would generate slightly over $7 million per year in revenue, which would be plugged directly into special education programs that LESA provides for local districts, including the salaries of 155 staff members including speech therapists, social workers, school psychologists and a special education director. In addition, LESA operates and pays for programs for the most severely disabled, along with an "Early On" program for those 0-3 years old and an Early Childhood program, both for young children with special needs. LESA also reimburses local districts for a portion of the unfunded costs totaling over $4 million and would pay much more of these unfunded costs with passage of the millage, leaving more money for other programs in local districts. The deadline for submitting the proposal for inclusion on the fall ballot is Aug. 6th, the day after the LESA Board of Education meeting. (TT/JK)
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City of Fenton's Dispatch Center to Undergo Upgrades City of Fenton's Dispatch Center to Undergo Upgrades
Funding has been authorized for a technologically advanced upgrade to the City of Fentonâs Dispatch Center. Recent installment of fiber optics within the Dispatch Center will advance their system to new means of communication between citizens and emergency services. Fentonâs Dispatch Center will install the Next Generation 911 Upgrade next month, allowing dispatch to receive texts and pictures along with phone calls. The system may also receive videos as the project progresses. Lieutenant Jason Slater with the Fenton Police Department tells WHMI many are looking at this option as technology advances. The obvious attachment of an individual to their cell phone is a major catalyst in the movement. Lieutenant Slater says dispatch wants to keep pace and the modern forms of communication will allow for various ways to transmit information. Law enforcement agencies will encounter some challenges in the transition. Training telecommunicators, potentially increasing workload and the conversion of the system are necessary in adopting the program. However Next Generation 911 claims there are far more benefits including better accessing special-needs communities and improved safety for officers and the public. The Fenton City Council approved funding the $9,600 project on Monday. (DK)
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Some Hartland Township Trustees Want More Control Over ManagerSome Hartland Township Trustees Want More Control Over Manager
Ahead of it's August retreat, the Hartland Township Board of Trustees held a special meeting to discuss the way the township is run. Some members of the board donât agree with the way Township Manager James Wickman communicates with the board. Some of the trustees voiced concern over the policy government system Wickman put in place, which allows him to make decisions without as much board oversight. They also donât agree with Wickman allegedly writing his own job description and changing it from the original he signed back in 2006. Although the trustees donât have a problem with the job Wickman is doing for the township, they are concerned with the Policy Government system they say he seems to have implemented. Township Supervisor Bill Fountain says this was just the first of several meetings to talk about communication between the board and the township manager. He says it is a good idea to get the issues on the table in a timely fashion. The issues brought up were just to get discussion started and to make sure all of the trustees are on the same page. Fountain says they'll talk more and come up with solutions during the upcoming retreat. (DS)
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Motorcyclist Injured on Eastbound I-96Motorcyclist Injured on Eastbound I-96
Police say a motorcyclist was injured and unconscious after striking an object while traveling on I-96 near Pleasant Valley Road. Michigan State Police at the Brighton Post are investigating the incident, which was reported at 11:30am. Sergeant Mark Thompson says a motorcycle traveling east bound on I-96 struck a ladder in the freeway and the operator was originally unconscious at the scene. Thompson told WHMI the injured motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet and was transported to the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor in serious condition. The left two lanes of eastbound I-96 after US-23 were blocked due to the investigation and re-opened around 2:15pm. Further details have not been released. (JM)
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Brighton Recognized For 50 Years Of Community Water FluoridationBrighton Recognized For 50 Years Of Community Water Fluoridation
A local municipality is being federally recognized for its commitment to water fluoridation. The City of Brighton is among eight Michigan communities recognized by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for their contributions to oral health through community water fluoridation. Water fluoridation is the controlled addition of fluoride to a public water supply to reduce tooth decay. The City of Brighton, the City of Mason, and Plainfield Township have been recognized as part of the 2014 Community Water Fluoridation 50 Year Awards, which recognize municipalities that have maintained such a program for the last 50 years. Five other communities received awards for reaffirming their commitment to maintaining a water fluoridation program through either a public or council vote, or some other means during the year. Community water fluoridation is recognized by the CDC as one of ten great public health achievements of the 20th Century. (JM)
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Howell Art Project Returns August 12thHowell Art Project Returns August 12th
Downtown Howell will be the easel for the reboot of an art show next month. The Howell Art Project ran from 2008 until 2012 and is set to return after a three year sabbatical on August 12th. The event combines local and nationally submitted art, an auction, and a stroll through downtown. The evening will begin at the Heart of Howell building for appetizers and a chance to view many of the art pieces and auction items. Following that, attendees will take a tour through downtown for the unveiling of eight pieces in front of different businesses. The evening will wrap up at the Opera House for an awards presentation, the auction, and a reception. Howell Main Street and Downtown Development Authority Director Cathleen Edgerly believes this is the type of event that can bring a community together. The art displayed will be up for auction along with other prizes such as vacation getaways, flight lessons, and dinners. Proceeds will be going back to the artists as well as other projects the DDA has planned including next yearâs show. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 dollars at the door, and table hosting for 10 is available. You'll find details through the link below. (MK)
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Howell City Council Again Calling For Changes To State Fireworks LawHowell City Council Again Calling For Changes To State Fireworks Law
The Howell City Council is re-affirming opposition and calling for changes when it comes to Michiganâs controversial law allowing for the use and sale of consumer grade fireworks. This marks the 4th summer since the 2011 state law went into effect allowing the sale of larger fireworks that were previously banned. The City of Howell has already done everything in its legal power to restrict use of the larger fireworks but continues to field concerns and complaints. The City already has an ordinance on the books prohibiting the discharge of fireworks outside of the holidays specifically included in the law and previously sent a communication to local legislators expressing concerns and displeasure. Mayor Pro-Tem Steve Manor raised the issue during Monday nightâs meeting and council members were supportive of sending yet another letter to local legislators requesting they look at modifying, changing or repealing the law. Manor told WHMI heâs not concerned about little firecrackers but rather those with giant booms that sound like heavy artillery and cannon fire that rattle homes and windows. Manor says itâs extremely disturbing to not only senior citizens, which is who heâs been hearing from, but other adults and animals and his hope is that the legislature will take action to repeal the law. The regulation of fireworks continues to be a challenge from an enforcement standpoint for many municipalities, including the City of Howell. Officials commented often times when authorities do show up, the fireworks are already done or the witness/complainant is not willing to testify in court. It was noted during Mondayâs meeting that complaints during the 4th of July holiday period were less than in years past but remnants of fireworks were found at West Street Park and in the Thompson Lake City Beach area. It was suggested that more law enforcement attention be focused on those areas during the upcoming holidays when fireworks are permitted. Meanwhile, legislation to repeal the law has been introduced by Democratic State Representative Henry Yanez of Sterling Heights but has yet to see any movement. The noise and safety issues have led Veterans, residents and pet owners to back petition drives while others continue to raise issues with the mis-use of fireworks and point to an increasing number of injuries. Those in the fireworks industry maintain most people are using them responsibly and repealing the law would only result in shuttered businesses, lost jobs and revenue. (JM)
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Florida Man Accused Of Trying To Strangle Woman Facing New Felony ChargeFlorida Man Accused Of Trying To Strangle Woman Facing New Felony Charge
A Florida man is facing a new felony charge for allegedly interfering with a witness - the same Holly woman heâs accused of trying to strangle on New Yearâs Day. 42-year-old Billie Gene Tobler of Tampa was originally charged with unlawful imprisonment and assault by strangulation after the January 1st incident. Heâs accused of choking the woman twice while they were visiting her friend in Brighton. After they left, the victim said she eventually convinced Tobler to stop at a store so she could use the restroom, where she contacted authorities. The unlawful imprisonment charge was dismissed in February and Tobler was bound over to Livingston County Circuit Court for trial. However, Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt tells WHMI a new felony charge of interfering with a witness has been filed against Tobler. He says the new charge is based on allegations that, while in jail, the defendant contacted a witness and made statements that were intended to interfere with the appearance or testimony of a witness. Vailliencourt confirmed the witness in question was the victim but said he couldnât comment on any of the particulars. Court records show that Tobler is also charged with possession of marijuana. The case is in the process of being remanded back to 53rd District Court for a preliminary exam on the new charge. No new dates were scheduled as of Tuesday and Tobler remains held in the Livingston County Jail. (JM)
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Judge to Issue Parental Rights Decision Today for Brighton ManJudge to Issue Parental Rights Decision Today for Brighton Man
A local judge is expected to issue a decision today in a high profile case that will determine if a Brighton man convicted of 2nd degree child abuse will be able to retain his parental rights. Joshua Burns is currently serving a one year sentence in the Livingston County Jail after being convicted by a local jury after an incident that involved his now 1-year-old daughter, Naomi. Burns was found guilty based in part on the testimony of medical professionals, who said the injuries suffered by his daughter were consistent with child abuse. Burns and his wife Brenda maintain that the March 2014 incident was an accident and not abuse. Burns testified that Naomi slipped and he grabbed her face to prevent her from hitting the table. The couple says Naomiâs symptoms and injuries were also related to her very traumatic birth. Burns is now being represented by The Michigan Innocence Clinic, run by the University of Michigan Law School. A team is voluntarily representing Burns while he appeals his conviction and staff attorneys previously told WHMI Naomiâs medical history will be a major factor in proving Joshuaâs innocence. Earlier this month, Judge Miriam Cavanaugh denied a motion to release Burns on bond while his appeal is pending and cited a lack of substantiality. A Wednesday morning hearing is scheduled at the Livingston County Judicial Center in Howell and Judge Cavanaugh is expected to render a decision regarding the termination of Burns parental rights. The website below further details the Burns story and is encouraging friends, family, and supporters to attend the hearing in support of the family. (JM)
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Fowlerville Man Charged With Solicitation Rejects Plea DealFowlerville Man Charged With Solicitation Rejects Plea Deal
A Fowlerville man charged with solicitation of prostitution has turned down a plea offer from prosecutors. 53-year-old Mark T. Ostrowski rejected the deal at a pretrial hearing on Monday. He was arraigned on two counts of accosting or soliciting prostitution earlier this month after failing to show up for his original arraignment and being tracked down by Fowlerville Police. Ostrowski used to own a local ice cream shop and is accused of approaching two former employees on May 10th and inviting them by word or gesture to engage in prostitution. With the plea deal rejected, Ostrowski is scheduled for a status conference on September 9th and jury pick on September 11th. (TD)
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Huron Valley Schools Name New Deputy Superintendent Huron Valley Schools Name New Deputy Superintendent
A new deputy superintendent has been named for Huron Valley Schools. Ed Okuniewski was hired to replace Nancy Coratti. Okuniewski previously served as the deputy superintendent for LâAnse Creuse Schools in Macomb County, a district with about 11,000 students. Huron Valley Schools serves about 9,500 students. Superintendent Jim Baker liked the fact that Okuniewski had served in the same position in a district similar to Huron Valley Schools. Huron Valley interviewed three internal candidates for the position but chose Okuniewski citing his level of experience. Okuniewskiâs responsibilities will include introducing a new teacher evaluation system and ensuring district methods line up with state standards. Okuniewski will start in his new position on August 10th and be introduced to the community on August 17th during the school board meeting. (RS)
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Repair Work To Howell Parking Lots In DiscussionRepair Work To Howell Parking Lots In Discussion
Much-needed work to many of downtown Howellâs parking lots may soon be underway. The parking lots behind the Heart of Howell, 204 West Clinton, and at the depot are all being targeted for repairs or resurfacing. The Howell Main Street and Downtown Development Authority has sent a preliminary report to city council in hopes of partnering up to fix these lots. DDA President Eric Conn believes there is an opportunity to not only fix them, but also add more spaces.Conn told WHMI that the next step the board faces is considering financing options. Mayor Nick Proctor was involved with the drafting of the report and hopes that the project can be funded through bonds. The mayor told the board that he has had talks with many local business owners who are enthusiastic about the project, and that inaction is not an option. The estimated cost for repairs on the three lots is a combined $1.1 to $1.4 million. (MK)
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"Miracle Treat Day" to Benefit Local Children's Hospitals "Miracle Treat Day" to Benefit Local Children's Hospitals
Some special fundraising events are taking place across Livingston County today as part of an effort to help kids and make miracles happen. Itâs Miracle Treat Day and a portion of proceeds raised at Dairy Queen stores will be donated to Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. The Hartland, Brighton, South Lyon, Wixom, Dexter, Hamburg and Highland Township stores are all taking part. The Children's Miracle Network raises funds for children's hospitals across the United States in an effort to save and improve the lives of children. The partnership with Dairy Queen began in 1984. The company says to date; more than $100 (m) million has been raised through donations, which stay local to fund critical treatments and healthcare services, pediatric medical equipment and charitable care. A complete list of participating locations is available through the link below. (JM)
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Pinckney Woman Takes Plea Deal After Accosting Son With BreastsPinckney Woman Takes Plea Deal After Accosting Son With Breasts
A plea deal has been accepted by a Pinckney woman accused of accosting her son with her breasts. The 33-year-old woman, who is not being identified to protect the identity of the victim, was charged in May with one count each of indecent exposure, accosting a child for immoral purposes, and 2nd degree criminal sexual conduct involving a relation. Police allege that on her 33rd birthday, the woman exposed her breasts to her 14-year-old son and pulled her shirt over his head. Court documents say the experience traumatized the boy, who has since been put into protective foster care with his two younger siblings. On Wednesday, the woman pleaded guilty to lesser charges of 4th degree child abuse and disorderly obscene conduct, and will be sentenced on September 2nd. Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt says his office consulted extensively with Child Protective Services and determined that this was the best course of action for the child. The woman is also being charged with environmental neglect of her children in Livingston County Juvenile Court. She has pleaded no contest in the case, and is scheduled for a hearing in front of Judge Miriam Cavanaugh on August 10th. (TD)
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Private School Will Open This Fall, Still Looking For Brighton-Area LocationPrivate School Will Open This Fall, Still Looking For Brighton-Area Location
Despite recent setbacks, a private Christian school plans to open in one place or another come September. Livingston Christian Schools has been based out of the old St. Maryâs School building in Pinckney for the past nine years but is looking to relocate to the general Brighton area. The school serves early childhood through 12th grade and finished up the last school year with 151 students. Officials planned on leasing space from the Brighton Nazarene Church in Genoa Township this fall but the township board denied the special use permit that was necessary, citing traffic and other concerns. The Livingston Christian Schools board met Monday and Administrator Ted Nast tells WHMI the main focus of the night was trying to determine where theyâll be at in the fall and it was decided to pursue other locations - either a church or a building with enough space to house the student population. Nast says there are a few locations theyâre pursuing relatively vigorously at this point to try and find out if any are suitable for what theyâre going to need and can handle the entire campus. Nast says theyâve enjoyed their Pinckney location but the goal is to relocate to Brighton. However since they still own the old St. Maryâs School building, he says they could just as easily stay in that location. He says theyâll continue to search for a location but either way, the school will open on schedule in the fall and parents will be informed of any developments. As to their relationship with Brighton Nazarene, Nast says the church was willing to provide space for rent. He says they would have been a lessee of the church and thus had absolutely no involvement with the petition to the township. The church has the option to re-apply for the permit in one year. (JM)
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Sold Out Literary Tour Crawls Through Downtown HowellSold Out Literary Tour Crawls Through Downtown Howell
Discussions about books and art mixed with the drinks last night during the 2015 Arts, Books, & Brews Pub Crawl in Downtown Howell. The event is held each year by the Howell Carnegie District Library in conjunction with the Livingston Arts Council and the Howell Opera House. The event sold more tickets than the planned maximum this year, totaling more than 200, and spread out over seven different restaurants and pubs in the downtown area. Participants were divided into groups and sent on a circuit through the participating establishments, which provided specialty drinks and appetizers. Accompanying each group were local artists and authors, who discussed their work over drinks. One of them was Darci Hannah*, who writes historical fiction about Scotland. She tells WHMI the event is meant to be a fun way to show off the amenities and talent of the City of Howell. In all, more than two dozen artists and authors took part in the pub crawl. The owners of the participating venues said they were glad for the extra business, and the pub crawl did not put too much of an imposition on regular business. (TD)
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Investigation Complete Into Incident That Injured Green Oak Fire ChiefInvestigation Complete Into Incident That Injured Green Oak Fire Chief
No charges will be filed in connection with an incident that injured a local fire chief. Green Oak Township Fire Chief Kevin Gentry was assisting at the scene of an accident and directing traffic on northbound US-23 near the M-36/Nine Mile Road area when he was struck by a passing vehicle. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department has been investigating the circumstances surrounding the June 19th incident and determined no charges were warranted. Undersheriff Mike Murphy tells WHMI Gentry was on an active crash site and had flagged down traffic to stop while crossing northbound US-23 from east to west. Murphy says their investigation showed that one vehicle in the lane of travel had stopped but a second vehicle had not and Gentry, in his efforts to cross US-23, stepped out in front of a vehicle driven by a 66-year-old Howell man. Murphy says they sent their investigation report and conclusions to the Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office for review but also to make sure that they didnât miss anything. Murphy says the office concurred with their opinion that there would be no charges filed in this matter, on behalf of either Gentry or the Howell man. Murphy added that the incident illustrates just how fast things happen and how dangerous these scenes can be - not only for the public but first responders and public safety officials as well. Murphy says Gentry probably had a lot of things going on in his mind with the active crash scene and traffic. He says when Gentry hailed traffic to stop; the Howell man slowed way down but didnât see Gentry and ultimately struck him. The Howell man was not injured. Gentry has since returned to work but continues to heal from injuries sustained in the crash. (JM)
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Brighton Man Convicted Of Child Abuse Maintains Parental RightsBrighton Man Convicted Of Child Abuse Maintains Parental Rights
A local man convicted of child abuse in a case that involved his daughter will be allowed to maintain his parental rights. Joshua Burns of Brighton was convicted of second degree child abuse after his daughter Naomi sustained extensive injuries when he allegedly dropped her by accident. Since his conviction in March, the Department of Human Services has sought to remove his parental rights as required by law. Social workers, psychologists and family members testified on his behalf and Joshuaâs wife Brenda has remained intentional about keeping the family intact. The couple cried tears of joy as they sat beside one another and received a favorable ruling from Judge Miriam Cavanaugh in court Wednesday. Brenda tells WHMI she was emotional upon hearing the courtâs decision to not terminate Joshuaâs parental rights. Judge Cavanaugh spoke directly to Joshua and expressed her belief that he âmade a terrible mistakeâ but can be rehabilitated. Joshuaâs only words throughout the hearing were to thank Judge Cavanaugh before he exited the courtroom. The court ordered at home visits between Naomi and her Guardian Ad Litum, as well as DHS. Judge Cavanaugh required the agency to prepare a service plan for family reunification which will include safety measures, intensive therapy and possibly supervised parenting time. The outline will be presented at a dispositional hearing on September 8th at 9:00 am. In the meantime, Joshua is planning to appeal his conviction and will be represented by the Michigan Innocence Clinic. He will be released from the Livingston County Jail in January if his appeal is unsuccessful before then. Brenda Burns is working to have her name removed from the child abuse registry list and hopes to someday return to her nursing profession. Brenda says she plans to celebrate and will continue to promote the bond between Naomi and Joshua. (DK)
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