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Gleaners Iron Chef Competition To Help Feed Hungry ThursdayGleaners Iron Chef Competition To Help Feed Hungry Thursday

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Culinary and mixology competitions will take place later this week with an aim to benefit the hungry of Livingston County. Gleaners 11th Annual Iron Chef Competition will take place at Bordine’s Nursery in Brighton this Thursday featuring culinary and mixology competitions. Proceeds from this event will go towards feeding hungry Livingston County residents. Chef Jamie Crozier of 2Fogs Pub in Howell will face off against Chef Eirik Kauserud of La Vita Bistro in Pinckney in the culinary competition. The mixology competition will take place for the second time, featuring last year’s winner Dani Borden of Diamonds Steak & Seafood in Howell facing off against Joe Silvestri of The Pound Bar & Grill in Brighton. Attendees will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite chef or mixology contestant as well as sample dishes and cocktails from restaurants. Local merchants, restaurants, and chefs will exhibit items in a silent auction and there will also be sports and entertainment memorabilia featured. Tickets for Iron Chef are $50 and can be purchased at Bordine’s Nursery on Grand River in Brighton, Gleaners Shared Harvest Pantry on Sterling Drive in Howell or online through the link below. (RS)

No Injuries In Brighton Condo Fire Friday NightNo Injuries In Brighton Condo Fire Friday Night

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Several condos were rendered unusable after the Brighton Area Fire Authority was called out to a fire Friday night. At about 10:30, the department was notified of a structure fire in a multi-family dwelling. Crews arrived within two minutes and began fighting the fire, which was in the ceiling and attic of the third floor condo. The fire was contained within half an hour, although firefighters stayed on the scene for about two hours. Deputy Chief Mike Evans says the fire was caused by an electric bathroom fan that malfunctioned. The Red Cross helped find temporary housing for the occupants of 13 condos that were rendered unusable by fire, smoke, or water damage. Nobody was directly injured in the fire but one civilian had to be transported to a hospital for chest pains, which Evans says may have been caused by stress from the incident. The Green Oak Fire Department. Livingston County EMS and the Disaster Assistance Response Team assisted at the scene, while the Brighton police and troopers from the Michigan State Police helped with the evacuation. (TD/JK)

Highland Township Business Destroyed By FireHighland Township Business Destroyed By Fire

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An early-morning fire completely destroyed a Highland Township business Sunday. Firefighters from nine communities, including Brighton and Hartland, fought the flames at Highland Feed & Supply on East Livingston Street. The fire was reported at about 7:30am. The building, which was built in the 1800’s, went up fast with flames engulfing the entire structure and reducing it to a pile of smoldering rubble. There were no injuries and the store’s popular resident rabbit, Champ, was reportedly rescued by a Highland Township firefighter. Officials said a lack of hydrants in the vicinity also contributed to the damage. The closest hydrant is about a half-mile south of the store. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. A nearby business owner has given the owners of Highland Feed & Supply the keys to an empty store front about half a block away. A GoFundMe page has also been set up to assist the business. You’ll find that link below. (JK)

Dispute Over Woman Leads To Downtown Brighton StabbingDispute Over Woman Leads To Downtown Brighton Stabbing

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A stabbing incident in Downtown Brighton early Sunday has left a suspect a in custody. Brighton Police Chief Tom Wightman says officers were called to the area of The Pound restaurant for a report of a stabbing at about 3am Sunday. He says three males and one female had been drinking through the evening but still hanging around downtown for almost an hour after leaving, possibly searching for where one of them had parked his car. After finding the vehicle, Wightman says one of the male subjects sitting in the back seat stabbed a male subject in the front seat five times in the back with a folding pocket knife and then cut another back seat passenger who had attempted to disarm him. The occupants of the car then dumped the intoxicated stabber into a parking lot at Washington & Hyne streets before contacting on Art Fest overnight security officer who called police. The suspect was apprehended and the two injured victims were treated and released. Chief Wightman says that while obviously alcohol was a factor in the incident, it appears to have also involved a dispute among the male occupants of the car regarding the female occupant. No other details were provided on the suspect and whether he had been charged.

Storms Leave Thousands Without PowerStorms Leave Thousands Without Power

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Storms carrying strong winds and rain pummeled Michigan Sunday, snapping trees and cutting power to thousands. More than 190,000 homes and businesses across the state are without power this morning, including about 6,000 DTE outages in Livingston County. Most of those are in Brighton and Genoa Townships, with areas in both Howell and Brighton also affected. Among the businesses that are closed is the Gleaners's Community Shared Harvest Pantry on Sterling Drive in Genoa Township. There is no estimate being provided by DTE at this point as to when restoration of power will take place. The storms began rolling across northern Michigan earlier in the day Sunday, at one point forcing the closure of the Mackinac Bridge as winds hit 65 mph. Thousands of power outages were reported in the Grand Rapids and Traverse City areas. A free outdoor movie at a Traverse City film festival was scratched. The National Weather Service warned people about dangerous swimming conditions up and down the Lake Michigan coast, with waves as high as 6 feet. Near Lake Huron, campers had to dodge falling branches at Harrisville State Park. A link to DTE's Outage Map is posted below. (JK)

County Committee Gives Green-Light To Jail Education Program RenewalCounty Committee Gives Green-Light To Jail Education Program Renewal

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The county is working to renew an educational program for the benefit of inmates in the Livingston County Jail. For years, the jail has offered professional instruction from a local teacher to help inmates get their GED’s as well as various skills, such as basic computer usage. Last week the Public Safety and Infrastructure & Development Committee approved a four-year renewal for that program. The renewal still needs final approval from the full Board of Commissioners before it becomes official. Although the annual cost is $45,000, Undersheriff Mike Murphy says the program is funded by the inmates themselves, who pay for commissary and phone services while incarcerated. The jail’s commission on those services goes into the jail’s recreation and education fund, which in turn pays for the professional instruction. The program will have a new teacher from Pinckney High School this time around. (TD)

Renovations At Howell Carnegie District Library Winding DownRenovations At Howell Carnegie District Library Winding Down

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With just a week before the fence comes down that barricaded the front of the Howell Carnegie District Library since early June, construction crews inside the building are working to finish the woodwork. A number of projects have already been completed and have patrons using them on a regular basis. Library Director Kathleen Zaenger says some areas have been open for six months. Other new areas are opening as they are cleaned up. Several areas have been updated, including a new computer work area, new furnishings in study rooms, youth rooms and archives. Zaenger says the bulk of the money was spent where patrons will never see it; in the heating and air conditioning. The new system provides a more efficient comfort control system. More than a few glitches delayed construction, Zaenger says. Most of the delays happened when crews started working on the windows and ran into problems, and also when difficulties arose with installing new heating and air conditioning in the old building. Zaenger said there were also about 20 other things that added days to the project. Though there will be a few things yet to clean up and do, Zaenger says patrons won’t notice. The work fence outside the front of the library is set to come down on Monday, August 10th, while the grand reopening will be held September 13th. Follow the construction updates through the link below. (DS/JK)

Hartland Township Board Tackling Communication IssuesHartland Township Board Tackling Communication Issues

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Hartland Township officials say last Monday’s special meeting marked the beginning of board discussions related to the vision of the township. Some members feel the township is moving toward a policy form of government and that’s not what they wanted. It was also stated that as a board, they need to come to a consensus on how they want to direct the activities of township staff. It’s expected to be an ongoing conversation for the board and concerns were expressed by some members regarding communication and Manager James Wickman. Trustee Joe Colainne stated Wickman has not been taking the time to reach out on major categories of issues that should be coming to the board. Trustee Joe Petrucci commented decisions were being made without proper board approval or even knowledge sometimes, which he found bothersome. Petrucci further commented he felt some of the board reports from department heads did not reflect their true feelings. Trustee Matt Germane stated it wasn’t about control but rather having some knowledge in advance when it comes to township-related business. Trustee Glenn Harper agreed communication is an issue but they can’t micro-manage and need to strike a balance. Supervisor Bill Fountain issued a statement saying the conversation focused on communication and how to improve the process, now that Hartland is poised for an unprecedented level of growth. Fountain says communication is the “cornerstone of any high-performing organization” and discussions surrounding improvement and best practices are critical for their continued success, noting the board has the utmost confidence in Wickman. The discussion is expected to continue during an upcoming township board retreat. (JM)

Hartland Township Man Arraigned on Charges in Stabbing Incident Hartland Township Man Arraigned on Charges in Stabbing Incident

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The suspect involved in a stabbing incident in Downtown Brighton early Sunday has been arraigned. 22-year-old Graham Stewart Janssen of Hartland Township was arraigned via video today on two counts of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder. His bond was set at $750,000 and he remains held in the Livingston County Jail. The charges follow a stabbing incident reported around 3am Sunday in the area of The Pound restaurant. Brighton Police Chief Tom Wightman said three males and one female had been drinking through the evening but still hanging around downtown for almost an hour after leaving, possibly searching for where one of them had parked his car. Janssen, who was sitting in the backseat, is alleged to have stabbed a male subject in the front seat five times in the back with a folding pocket knife and then cut another back seat passenger who had attempted to disarm him. Janssen was pushed out of the vehicle into the parking lot at Washington and Hyne Streets, where he was located by officers. Janssen was treated for his injuries at a hospital before being taken into custody. The injured victims were treated and released. Chief Wightman said the motivation, besides alcohol, seemed to involve a dispute among the male occupants of the vehicle regarding the female occupant. (JM)

Sierra Club Holding Cycling Event Along Huron Valley TrailSierra Club Holding Cycling Event Along Huron Valley Trail

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Residents are invited to join a local environmental group for a cycling event to appreciate the Huron Valley Trail and its natural beauty. The Sierra Club’s local division, the Crossroads Group, will hold the event in South Lyon on Sunday. Outings Chair John Wilson tells WHMI the wooded trail shows off the environment of the area, and with no traffic the ride will be safe and family-friendly. Wilson says the event is for people with any kind of bike, but helmets will be required for all riders to participate. Riders will have the option to take part in rides of 11 miles, 24 miles, 32 miles, or 40 miles, all of which will begin at 9am and will both finish and end at McHattie Park in South Lyon. . There is no cost to participate and no need to register. The group plans to gather for lunch at a downtown restaurant after the event. For more information, log on to the Sierra Club Crossroads Group Facebook page. (TD)

Milford Approves Bonds for Wastewater Treatment ProjectMilford Approves Bonds for Wastewater Treatment Project

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Milford’s Water Treatment System has not had any significant improvements since the late 1980s and needs maintenance. Monday night the village took steps toward securing financing for the project. The Village Council approved two separate resolutions to sell bonds. An $8 million bond will be sold in September to get the Waste Water Treatment Plant project moving. A second $3 million bond was approved for December so the council doesn’t have to come back next year, and the rates remain frozen at 2.5 percent. Village Manager Christian Wuerth says the bonds will be issued on a draw down basis so the village only borrows what it needs. He says the project is needed to update the aging system and that the plant is in need of major work to bring it into compliance with state and federal statues. It was last overhauled between 1986 and 1988 and will take another two years to get it operating as efficiently as it can. In the end the Water Treatment System will meet state codes and be able to handle more users. The project will replace the head works, filters and sludge storage buildings among other things. Throughout the construction Wuerth says the village will look for ways to cut expenses and save on the total cost. (DS)

FBI Investigating Former Livingston County LegislatorFBI Investigating Former Livingston County Legislator

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A former member of the Michigan House, whose district represented Livingston County, says federal authorities are mistaken in investigating his medical practice. Paul DeWeese of Holt had his office in Lansing searched in June by FBI agents, who removed patients' files. Then, in mid-July, his medical license was suspended. DeWeese, who hasn't been charged, used to represent the 67th District until 2002. At the time the district covered the northern tier of Livingston County, including Howell, Cohoctah, Deerfield and Tyrone townships. The FBI says in court documents it's investigating whether he essentially served as a narcotics supplier to more than 20 patients who received little to no examination. He also drew scrutiny for patients in the Upper Peninsula community of Escanaba with at least one witness saying he was writing prescriptions out of his car. DeWeese says the allegations "are either gross misunderstandings or outright falsehoods." He says he couldn't discuss them in detail, but added he's always felt he acted "in a medically appropriate way, both professionally and ethically."

Body Recovered During Search For Missing Boater on Lobdell LakeBody Recovered During Search For Missing Boater on Lobdell Lake

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Authorities have found a body during their search for a boater who tried to rescue two girls at a lake in Argentine Township. The body was found Monday on the east side of Lobdell Lake by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department dive team. Argentine Township Police Detective Doug Fulton says the family of 47-year-old Thomas Kelly has been notified. Kelly was on a boat that was pulling two young girls on a tube around 7pm Sunday when the tube flipped on Lobdell Lake. Kelly jumped into the water along with an aunt of one of the girls. Police say everyone was rescued but Kelly didn't resurface. Crews were forced to suspend the search Sunday due to the severe thunderstorms that rolled through but multiple police agencies and dive teams utilizing sonar equipment returned Monday morning. Kelly's body was found in roughly 17½ feet of water and an autopsy was planned. The identity of the body could be confirmed today. ABC 12 photo credit. (JM)

Frustration Vented On Township Board Following Church Permit DenialFrustration Vented On Township Board Following Church Permit Denial

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Dozens of families are holding their breath now that not one but apparently two schools in the Pinckney area are scrambling to find new buildings before classes start this fall. The Genoa Township Board reaffirmed its vote to deny a special land use permit petitioned by the Brighton Nazarene Church - saying it was a great use but the wrong location. The permit would have allowed Livingston Christian Schools to move from their current location in the old St. Mary’s School building to the church. It was revealed during Monday’s meeting that the denial will impact yet another school – Light of the World Academy based out of Shalom Lutheran Church. It went through a lengthy process to obtain a charter from Grand Valley State University and open as a tuition-free public school in the fall. However, the academy’s plans were contingent on Livingston Christian Schools relocating to the church. Director Kathy Moorehouse was devastated and told WHMI through tears the 145 kids enrolled won’t have a school to go to next year while staff of between 35 and 40 will most likely lose their jobs. She says they put a lot of faith into a verbal agreement and had a contract waiting to move into the building when Livingston Christian moved out so don’t have a backup plan. Moorehouse says they looked into the possibility about six months ago, worked very closely with the school and ultimately went forward with that plan instead of bringing their current building up to code. Parents were also visibly upset after the meeting. Many spoke of personal sacrifices made, saying their children thrive in the Montessori environment and would not be as successful in the typical public school setting. Both the board and planning commission have expressed concerns about the expanded use of the Brighton Nazarene Church from the beginning –notably increased traffic in a residential area. Treasurer Robin Hunt and Trustee Jim Mortenson supported granting the permit, but the majority of members were opposed saying it was inconsistent with standards. Supervisor Gary McCririe told WHMI it was controversial and emotions were running very high but elected officials are charged with making what they believe are the correct decisions. McCririe says it has not been a question of whether Livingston Christian Schools should be in Genoa Township but if they should be at the Brighton Nazarene Church. Pastor Ben Walls addressed the board last night and apologized for any mistakes made as a church - saying none were intentional and there should have been better communication with the township and neighbors. He said the school would complement their ministry to the community, adding he would never jeopardize the church’s reputation or his own by intentionally not operating under the rules as they understood them. Moorehouse says they need lots of community support since they will need to find a building within the Pinckney school district per their charter authorizer and bring it up to code in four weeks. Meanwhile, Livingston Christian Schools are also in the process of trying to secure a new location in the general Brighton area for the coming school year. Administrator Ted Nast recently told WHMI that they are vigorously pursuing other locations to house the school, but could remain in their current location if those don’t come to fruition. (JM)

Long-Time Owners of WHMI Retiring; Selling Radio StationLong-Time Owners of WHMI Retiring; Selling Radio Station

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The long-time owners of Livingston County’s only locally-based radio station are retiring. Greg and Marcia Jablonski, who have owned WHMI radio since 1989, announced Monday that they are retiring after 26 years. In doing so, the Hamburg Township couple is in the process of selling the station to Krol Communications, headed by Rod Krol of East Lansing. They expect the sale to be complete within the next three months, pending approval by the Federal Communications Commission. A purchase price was not disclosed. Krol Communications currently owns three stations; Owosso-based WRSR 103.9 FM, WJSZ 92.5 FM in Ashley and WMLM 1520 AM in St. Louis, Michigan. Both Greg and Marcia Jablonski said that while they anticipated remaining as owners for at least the next several years, once it became known to them that Krol had an interest in buying the station, they began to consider the possibility of a sale as he shares their firm commitment to community-based broadcasting with an emphasis on local news and information. They said that like them, “Rod is a local, independent Michigan broadcaster with strong values and a commitment to community.” Greg Jablonski’s relationship with WHMI is almost half a century old after he began as a contract engineer in 1969 for the former owner, Ann Bignell. He was instrumental in helping the station make a transition to FM in 1977, before he and his wife Marcia purchased it outright 12 years later. The 67-year-old Jablonski says that both he and his wife will remain Livingston County residents and that “WHMI listeners and advertisers should know that the change in ownership will not have an impact on staffing, programming and community involvement.” A complete statement from the couple is posted below. (JK)

County Approves New Deputy Medical ExaminerCounty Approves New Deputy Medical Examiner

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A new deputy medical examiner was approved for Livingston County by the Board of Commissioners last night. All of Livingston County’s forensic pathology needs are outsourced to Sparrow Hospital, where Dr. Michael Markey has been the county’s medical examiner for years. He in turn hires deputy medical examiners to help perform the investigations. Whenever a new deputy is added to the staff, the county board of commissioners has to specifically approve the appointment so the new doctor can work on local cases. Dr. Stephanie Dean received that approval unanimously last night. Her duties include working with local investigators, signing death certificates, performing autopsies, and forensic pathology. A total of four deputies currently work for the medical examiner. The contract for medical examiner services with Sparrow Hospital costs the county about $210,000 each year. That contract will be reexamined when it comes up for renewal in 2016. (TD)

Plea Entered In Brutal Beating Of Highland Township ManPlea Entered In Brutal Beating Of Highland Township Man

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The suspect in the brutal beating of an elderly Highland Township man has entered a plea in the case. 30-year-old Mark Wisenbaugh of Flint had been set to go to trial Monday in Oakland County Circuit Court on charges of attempted murder, assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, killing or torturing of an animal and auto theft. But court records show that he entered a no contest plea July 28th. In exchange, prosecutors dropped the assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder count. He also pleaded guilty to being a habitual offender. Wisenbaugh was arrested after deputies from the Oakland County Sheriff's Highland Township substation were summoned to a home in the 1500 block of Highland Park just before 7am last November 10th after a neighbor discovered the 70-year-old victim bleeding and unconscious in the home. His truck was also missing. Wisenbaugh, who had reportedly been staying in a camper on the victim’s property, was later located with the truck in Flint. The victim was hospitalized with serious head trauma. His dog was also killed in the attack. Police believe the incident followed an argument over money. Wisenbaugh remains lodged in the Oakland County Jail under a million dollar bond pending an August 25th sentencing. He faces up to life in prison. (JK)

Fenton-Area Muncipalities To Vote On Supporting Trail ProjectFenton-Area Muncipalities To Vote On Supporting Trail Project

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A resolution supporting a connective pathway project will be put to a vote next week by several local municipalities. The non-motorized path would connect three school districts within the city of Fenton, Lake Fenton and Linden. The Linden-Argentine-Fenton Trail Coalition has supposedly raised around $12,000 to help with engineer costs for the project. Bikers, runners, senior citizens and baby strollers would all be welcome on the path that has reportedly a three to five year outlook. The Trail Coalition has received a substantial amount of community support and is now looking to the districts involved for their help. Lynn Markland, manager for the City of Fenton, tells WHMI the municipalities are considering adopting a resolution that would support the trail’s creation. Councilman Les Bland says the resolution will not commit any city funds and the trail idea has been in the works for over 12 years. Bland says there is always talk about the project, but never any action and the resolution could help spur momentum. Several council members agree the project is a consistent topic among the community, though councilwoman Cheryl King believes the city should focus on a road millage first and foremost. Councilman David McDermott believes a road millage will happen before the Trail Coalition will request funding and that the resolution is strictly supportive without money involved at this time. The resolution would be used to help the Trail Coalition attain grant applications and will be put to a vote on Monday. (DK)

Construction on Hamburg Road Bridge Over Ore Creek Starts August 10thConstruction on Hamburg Road Bridge Over Ore Creek Starts August 10th

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An upcoming bridge construction project in Hamburg Township will involve road closures and likely headaches for local motorists. The project on Hamburg Road at the bridge over Ore Creek between Bauer and Maltby Roads is scheduled to start August 10th and involves preventive maintenance to preserve bridge concrete. The Livingston County Road Commission says the two-stage project will have a major traffic impact as it requires two separate closures. The first stage will involve the chip and repair of concrete, requiring a closure from August 10th to August 20th. During the second stage, crews will place epoxy overlay on the entire bridge deck and perform concrete surface coating. That phase will require a closure from September 12th to September 15th. It was noted that the road will be open in between the two stages. During the closures, the Livingston County Road Commission says there will be a full detour using Hamburg Road, Winans Lake Road, Rickett Road and Maltby Road. It says the two stages are designed to close the road only when the work needs to be performed and gain initial curing of materials that will be placed. The overall project is slated for completion October 1st and detour information is available in the attachment below. (JM)

Health Department Hosting Back-to-School Immunization Clinics Health Department Hosting Back-to-School Immunization Clinics

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Although summer is technically still in full swing, the start of another school year is looming and health officials are encouraging parents to get children vaccinated or obtain the necessary proof before the back-to-school rush. All children entering school need proof of current immunizations or a certified non-medical waiver form. Those pursuing the latter should be aware of new state rules requiring parents and guardians to receive education regarding the benefits of vaccination and the risks of disease from a county health department before obtaining the waiver form. The Livingston County Department of Public Health is offering immunization clinics for school registrants who need vaccines or written proof of immunizations. Health Promotion Coordinator Chelsea Moxlow says as of January 1st, any parent who wishes to not vaccinate their child or delay vaccines will need to schedule a waiver education appointment with their local health department. Because of the rule changes, Moxlow tells WHMI they’re trying to get as many of the children who are going to be on the waivers through appointments but stresses they are limited and should be scheduled as soon as possible. Children entering kindergarten also need a recent vision screening prior to the first day of school. Free walk-in vision screening clinics are being held on Wednesday, August 26th and Wednesday, September 2nd at the health department on Grand River near Chilson Road in Howell. Details about upcoming immunization clinics is available in the attachment below, where a link is also provided to information regarding state vaccination waivers. (JM)
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