A local womanâs desire to feed others will continue on even after she has passed. 94 year-old Betty Jane Rossiter was a staple among her community. Better known as âAunt Bettyâ, she owned Aunt Bettyâs Restaurant in Pinckney, which is known for its all-American food and a âstep back in timeâ atmosphere. She passed away in July but will leave behind a legacy that continues to serve. Pinckney Community Schools were surprised to discover that a fund through the Aunt Betty Foundation donated $5600 to the schoolâs breakfast and lunch program. The money will be used to support students who cannot afford their meals. Pinckney Schools Superintendent, Richard Todd, says Aunt Betty loved the community and the schools are often at the center of it. He tells WHMI her impact is a huge part of the areaâs ideals. The obituary for Aunt Betty requested donations for Pinckney Public Schools instead of flowers. The funds will be available for low-income students this year and administration is being made aware of it so that no child will go without. Todd says of the generous woman and her gift, âBless her heartâ. (DK)
Donation Made To Pinckney Schools On Behalf Of Beloved Restaraunt Owner Donation Made To Pinckney Schools On Behalf Of Beloved Restaraunt Owner
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Foster To Leave Brighton City Manager's PostFoster To Leave Brighton City Manager's Post
Brighton City Manager Dana Foster announced at Thursday nightâs City Council meeting that he is resigning, effective in 120 days, or Dec. 18. Foster said he would be leaving to pursue a position outside local government, declining to elaborate further on what his new position will be. Foster has been the city manager in Brighton for over 24 years. Foster thanked the city councils he has worked for, both present and past, but most of all, he says he appreciates the excellent staffs he has been associated with throughout the years. Mayor Jim Muzzin tells WHMI that he and the rest of council will be sorry to see Foster go because he has meant so much to the city over the past 24-plus years. Council accepted Fosterâs resignation âwith regretâ and quickly passed a motion to ask the Michigan Municipal League to prepare a proposal for the search process that will result in a new city manager. Foster says the MML, which represents cities, counties and townships at the state level, could perform the search itself or recommend search firms to conduct the search for the city. Council also directed Foster to request that an MML representative appear at the next council meeting in two weeks and go through the replacement process. Muzzin emphasized that Foster's resignation is in no way related to his annual performance evaluation, which took place two weeks ago, and that his decision to leave was something Foster had been thinking about for several months. Foster says that he and his family have have grown to love the city of Brighton and will continue to live in the city after his departure as city manager. (TT)
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Yearly Backpacks For Kids Project Serves Over 1,000 In NeedYearly Backpacks For Kids Project Serves Over 1,000 In Need
Children throughout the community received brand new back to school supplies at a yearly event that helps families in need. On Thursday, the 14th annual Backpacks For Kids project supplied over 1,000 students in Livingston County with a new backpack filled with school supplies. The event strives to outfit children with the necessities for school that can sometimes be expensive in order to alleviate the burden on families who are struggling financially. Great Start Livingston coordinator Robin Schutz tells WHMI the project continues to grow each year, thanks to community donors. Hundreds of families lined up outside of the Livingston Educational Service Agency to receive the childrenâs new backpack of choice. Schutz says over 1200 backpacks were stuffed with supplies during the United Way Day of Caring this week thanks to the efforts of around 50 volunteers. After the distribution, any leftover backpacks and supplies will be donated to the local school districts and community partners. Families are able to reach out and collect a backpack from there or LESA. (DK)
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Judge Orders McLain & Attorney To Pay $7,000 In FeesJudge Orders McLain & Attorney To Pay $7,000 In Fees
Ex-Detroit Tigers pitcher Denny McLain and his attorney have been ordered by a Livingston County judge to pay $7,000 in attorney fees in a breach-of-contract case. Judge Theresa Brennan on Thursday said lawyer Barry Powers "was trying to intimidate and harass" Joe Dobson, who sued McLain for unpaid wages. She ordered Powers and McClain to pay for the additional attorney fees. A jury in July ruled against McLain, who Dobson said owed him just over $1,900 for a sales job. McLain said Dobson, who assisted him with marketing and sales at trade shows, interfered with his business relationships. McLain countersued seeking more than $25,000, but that was previously dismissed by Brennan. Powers says Brennan holds a grudge against him for earlier asking her to recuse herself from the case. McLain won the 1968 American League Most Valuable Player and Cy Young awards after winning 31 games and leading Detroit to the World Series. (AP)
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Howell Parents Ready To Turn Over Annual Swim Meet Held In Daughter's MemoryHowell Parents Ready To Turn Over Annual Swim Meet Held In Daughter's Memory
The parents of a beloved Howell swimmer say they are stepping back from organizing an annual swim meet in her memory. The 10th annual Kenzie Klassic will be held Saturday at Parker Middle School. The competition is named in honor of Mackenzie Watts, who was just 15 when she collapsed and died in November of 2005 after suffering a seizure on the deck of the Howell High School pool while competing in the teamâs season-ending relay event. The invitational was created by Wattsâ parents, George and Laurie, following that tragedy. But this will be their last year overseeing the event. The couple says that with heavy hearts they have decided to turn it over to the Howell Swim & Dive Team to utilize as a team fundraiser. The Wattsâ said they can always hope that they maintain the name Kenzie Klassic, but the team should always know that their âhearts are forever thankful for the love and careâ they have shown the family. The couple also said that through fundraising efforts, they were pleased to announce that after this year, the Mackenzie Watts endowment fund will have grown to a level that will financially sustain three annual scholarships and additional cardiac related services. The Kenzie Klassic will start Saturday at 9am with five teams competing; Howell, Pinckney, Jackson, Canton & Walled Lake Western. Fundraising will include a Chinese Style Auction/Raffle with a set of tickets to the MSU/U of M game and MSU/Air Force, along with a Mark Dantonio signed football, Alex & Ani Bracelets from Cooper & Binkley, and assorted gift certificates from restaurants and businesses in Howell & Brighton. Youâll find details through the link below. Pictured from left to right are George Watts, Laurie Watts, Meggan Watts and Mackenzie Watts. (JK)
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Corrigan Oil President Saddened by Loss of Longtime Employee in "Freak Accident"Corrigan Oil President Saddened by Loss of Longtime Employee in "Freak Accident"
A man who had been in critical condition following a fiery fuel tanker accident near Detroit has passed away â and some misleading reports are prompting the company president to speak out about the tragedy. Michigan State Police say a fuel tanker truck from Brighton-based Corrigan Oil hauling about 8,000 gallons of gasoline was heading southbound on I-75 when the driver lost control, causing the tanker to strike the median wall and come to rest in the northbound lanes. The driver, 53-year-old Roddy Blaine Winn, suffered serious burns and was hospitalized but it was learned today that he passed away Thursday night. Originally it had been reported the man was from Brighton, but State Police identify him as a resident of Detroit. The crash remains under investigation and Company President Mike Corrigan says they're deeply saddened by the loss. He says their thoughts and prayers go out to their driver - who had a wife and two daughters and had been with the company for over twelve years. Corrigan says they take the safety of their employees, customers and the way they run their business very seriously and it was a freak accident. Corrigan told WHMI accidents happen and theyâre in a dangerous business, noting âthereâs been some word out there of driver error and he doesnât know where these people are getting their information but itâs just not so and the accident is still under investigationâ. Corrigan says they feel bad and are just really here for the family and all of the other employees now. Meanwhile, the Michigan Department of Transportation says the northbound lanes of I-75 could be closed through the weekend for repairs. The press releases issued by Michigan State Police and Corrigan Oil are attached. M-DOT photo credit. (JM)
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Local Democrats to Host Pig Roast Benefiting Veterans' GroupsLocal Democrats to Host Pig Roast Benefiting Veterans' Groups
An upcoming pig roast event will raise funds for local Veteransâ groups. The Livingston County Democratic Party will host a pig roast and wild game buffet on September 12th in the Pineview Lodge at the Howell Nature Center. Proceeds will benefit two local groups serving veterans; Stiggyâs Dogs based in Howell Township and Women Supporting Women Veterans. Stiggyâs Dogs is a non-profit founded to honor Howell native Benjamin Castiglione, a Navy Corpsman who was killed while serving in Afghanistan in 2009. The group trains psychiatric service dogs and pairs them up with Veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome. Local Democratic party Chairwoman Judy Daubenmier says Women Serving Women Veterans helps female Veterans with financial assistance and therapy, including art therapy, who are often an overlooked group among Veterans. Daubenmier tells WHMI theyâre very excited as this is the third year theyâve had a fall event benefitting veteransâ organizations and they always have a good turnout. Daubenmier says the new location will hopefully allow attendees to be able to enjoy the outdoors and great food while helping out some organizations here in Livingston County that could really use the support. Livingston County Democrats are hoping to raise $1,000 during this event. Tickets are $30 per person or $75 for a family of two adults and two children. Doors open at noon with dinner served from 1pm to 3pm featuring the pig roast and a wild game buffet of moose, venison, pheasant and alligator. Items are currently being sought for a silent auction along with volunteers for the event, and sponsorship opportunities are also available. Space is limited and those interested in attending are encouraged to make reservations by September 5th. More information is available through the attached press release. (JM)
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Howell Historic Landmark To Be Featured On Public TV ProgramHowell Historic Landmark To Be Featured On Public TV Program
An award-winning television show next week will highlight the Howell Opera House. The Livingston Arts Council says they are proud to announce a WTVS Detroit Public Television special segment highlighting the Howell Opera House. It will air on Tuesday, August 25th at 7:30pm. The production entitled 'Taking the Stage: The Historic Howell Opera House' is hosted by Detroit Performs, a weekly arts program of Detroit Public Television highlighting artists and art institutions throughout Southeast Michigan with a focus on how the arts help give back to a community or individuals. The particular episode on the Howell Opera House was produced for Detroit Public Television by Matthew and Tina Brunn of Wavelength Video Productions. Brunn said the Howell Opera House had long been an interest of theirs and they âwanted to tell the story of the past, present, and future of the Opera House.â But they also wanted to show âhow art and the arts organization impacts and engages the community." The Howell Opera House segment is being presented as an episode of the third season of the Emmy Award winning Detroit Performs. (JK)
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Traffic Patterns Change As Part Of Fenton Streetscape Project Traffic Patterns Change As Part Of Fenton Streetscape Project
Traffic patterns will be shifting as part of the Fenton Streetscape project. At the end of construction Friday afternoon, LeRoy Street re-opened to traffic as a two-way street between Elizabeth and Ellen Streets. Ellen Street has also re-opened to two-way traffic between LeRoy and Walnut Streets. The city says traffic patterns will return to what they were prior to construction beginning in March. LeRoy Street will continue to be closed from Ellen to Caroline Street as crews are still working in that area, where water main and storm sewer was installed this past week. Crews are also grading the street in preparation for concrete to be poured next week. The City is also advising the public about a street closure next week. LeRoy Street will close between Caroline and Silver Lake Road on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday so that storm sewer and water main can be connected. (JM)
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Milford & Hamburg Township Listed Among Safest Communities In MichiganMilford & Hamburg Township Listed Among Safest Communities In Michigan
A ranking of the 50 safest communities in Michigan based on FBI crime statistics was released this week, and includes several local municipalities. SafeWise produced the list based heavily on the per-capita rates of violent and property crimes in each municipality. While the top spot went to Raisin Township, a small farming community near Tecumseh that had no violent crimes of any kind in the 12-month reporting period, the fifth-place spot went to Milford. The community of more than 16,000 people had only had 12 violent crimes and 90 property crimes in the course of a year, and moved up the list from the #6 spot last year. The highest-ranked community in Livingston County was Hamburg Township, which made it to #10. SafeWise specifically mentioned the Big Red Barrel prescription drug takeback program as one of the factors contributing to Hamburg Townshipâs record for safety. Police in both municipalities credit a close relationship with the community as a major factor in keeping their areas safe. Also making the list was South Lyon at #16, Green Oak Township at #39, and White Lake Township at #44. (TD)
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Former Lion Lineman From Hartland Charged In Washtenaw CountyFormer Lion Lineman From Hartland Charged In Washtenaw County
A Livingston County man previously convicted of kidnapping his son has now been charged with criminal sexual conduct. Hartland Township resident Mark Joseph Grabowski, a former Lions defensive lineman, was charged by Washtenaw County authorities with fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct after he allegedly rubbed himself on a female staff member at the University of Michigan Health System in Ann Arbor. He also is charged with assault and battery. A university spokeswoman said Grabowski ârubbed againstâ a female staffer in a hallway while she was talking to a co-worker on May 21st. This is not the first time Grabowski has been in legal trouble. He was convicted in 2013 of unlawful retention of a child by a parent for after he failed to return his then-11-year-old son to his mother, who had legal custody. He served 90 days in the Livingston County Jail and five years of probation. But while he was incarcerated for that incident, Grabowski became the subject of an investigation that he attempted to solicit five inmates to kill the mother of his son as well as his attorney, the Circuit Court judge and the prosecutor who handled the case. No charges were ever brought on that allegation after authorities said the legal intent to carry out the request hadnât been established. Grabowski, who is free on a $10,000 bond, is set for a preliminary exam on these latest charges September 3rd in Washtenaw County District Court.
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Protesters Rally Outside Brighton Planned Parenthood OfficeProtesters Rally Outside Brighton Planned Parenthood Office
More than 300 protesters lined up outside the Planned Parenthood offices in Genoa Township Saturday morning, demonstrating against what they say is the immoral selling of fetal tissue obtained from abortions. The group, which lined both sides of Grand River holding signs and praying, was organized by the Respect Life Ministry at St. Patrick Church in Brighton. Patricia Ellison is with the group and helped lead the protest. "They are selling...baby tissues and organs, instead of just giving them for research, they are selling it for profit. That's horrific. You don't do that. The last few videos not only showed that but they are brutally extracting some baby parts with the hearts still beating. What kind of country are we if we are letting that happen?" Ellison, and the rest of the protesters, were responding to the recent release of videos by The Center for Medical Progress, an anti-abortion group, which conducted what it calls an undercover sting of several Planned Parenthood officials discussing the transfer of fetal tissue for use in medical research. The group says the videos show the tissues are being sold for profit, which would be illegal. Planned Parenthood officials say the videos are a complete distortion of the facts. Lori Carpentier is the President & CEO of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan. "As usual, these sort of die-hard people that are against women's health misunderstand exactly what's going on and don't appreciate the level of doctoring, etcetera, that these videos showed. In fact, state after state is proving that Planned Parenthoods are not engaged in donating fetal tissue, which is the case in Michigan, or are doing it with full compliance of the law." Joining the protesters was State Representative Lana Theis, a Brighton Township Republican, who told WHMI that even if what Planned Parenthood was doing is legal, and she didnât believe it was, it was certainly immoral, calling it âheinous.â Carpentier says if people truly want less abortions, then any effort to defund Planned Parenthood would end up resulting in increased teen pregnancy and increased abortion. But for the protesters, the issue is a moral one more than it is a legal one. Organizers said abortion itself is an immoral act, and that the selling of fetal tissue, whether for medical research and whether done legally, is an abomination that must be stopped. (JK)
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Wlliamston Resident Recognized For Service To MDOTWlliamston Resident Recognized For Service To MDOT
An area resident has been recognized for her service to the stateâs transportation department. Deb Wedley of Williamston recently received the 2015 Michigan Department of Transportation Director's Award - the department's highest honor for outstanding service. MDOT established the annual award more than 20 years ago to recognize employees who exhibit leadership and exemplary public service. Wedley was honored in the administrative support category. Her official title is senior executive management assistant, but MDOT officials said she is also known as a "can-do person,""team leader," and "morale booster." Wedley's positive attitude was also noted in her support to the Region Bureau Management Team and the MDOT Office of Governmental Affairs, where she voluntarily provided staff support for several months, in addition to her primary role within MDOT. While MDOT employees nominate their peers for the Director's Award, committees comprised of workers from each category make the final recommendations to the department. (JK)
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Applicants Sought For Leadership Livingston Program Applicants Sought For Leadership Livingston Program
Those interested in becoming better leaders will soon have an opportunity through a local program. The Leadership Livingston Program has existed for over 20 years and strives to help people develop leadership skills through interactions with county, business, civic, and nonprofit leaders. The nine-month program is limited to 20 individuals from business, non-profit, government and education sectors. Applications are available for adults and youth. The deadline to apply for adults is September 11th and the deadline to apply for the youth program is August 24th. Adult tuition is $800 and youth tuition is $200. Anyone interested in helping those who cannot afford to attend the program are encouraged to make a donation towards scholarships. More information is available through the link and attachment below. (RS/JM)
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Local Health Department Offering Vaccines For Pregnant Women Local Health Department Offering Vaccines For Pregnant Women
While vaccines are sometimes controversial, there are two local health officials recommend for pregnant. The Livingston County Department of Public Health offers both the Influenza and Tdap vaccines, which are specifically recommended for pregnant women. Pregnant women are said to be at a greater risk for complications and serious illnesses due to influenza than those who are not. Medical professionals recommend the influenza vaccine for women who are pregnant during flu season or will be giving birth during flu season. It is also recommended by health professionals that women receive the Tdap vaccine during each of their pregnancies. While women can get the Tdap vaccine any time during their pregnancy, officials recommend getting it between 27 and 36 weeks gestation. Both vaccines are offered at the Livingston County Department of Public Health in Howell during walk-in clinics on Wednesdays. More information is available in the attached press release. (RS/JM)
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Eagle Scout Project Helps Preserve War Dog MemorialEagle Scout Project Helps Preserve War Dog Memorial
If you put together enough volunteers for a good cause, the job of lifting over 2,100 headstones in the War Dog Memorial Cemetery gets done. Nearly 100 Veterans, Boy Scouts and their families gathered at the corner of Milford and 11 Mile Road as part of the effort by 15-year-old Ryan Francis to earn the highest level of Boy Scouting. Francis says he approached War Dog Memorial Director Phil Weitlauf because of his love of dogs. He says his family has lived in South Lyon for years and seen the cemetery when it was overgrown. He called and asked Weitlauf what he could do to help preserve the site and was told about the plan to lift the old head stones. Francis says he thought it sounded like a good way to be really helpful. The concrete headstones had to be lifted onto a pea gravel base. Most were placed in the cemetery between 1936 and when the cemetery was abandon in the mid-1980s. Weitlauf says the cemetery then fell into disrepair. Over the past few years volunteers have cleaned up the cemetery and began restoring the War Dog Memorial. He says when Francis came to him he warned him about the scope of the project. He says he told the teen that if he took on the project he would have to complete it to get his Eagle Scout. Undaunted Francis agreed and since then the two have worked together. Weitlauf says he is happy for Francis and the work he's done. Weitlauf says last year another Eagle Scout plotted the cemetery, documenting the names and dates on each of the stones and creating a grid. He says Michiganâs War Dog Memorial is one of only two in the U.S. that inters service dogs. (DS)
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Road Upgrades Allow Brighton Company to ExpandRoad Upgrades Allow Brighton Company to Expand
The Brighton City Council has unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the mayor and city manager to sign a contract between the city and the Michigan Dept. of Transportation for improvements for Brighton Interior Drive off Challis Road. Approval of the contract came at the regular City Council meeting last week. The upgrades are in conjunction with the expansion of TG Fluid Systems and its relocation from Advance St. in Brighton into the building formerly occupied by Magna Atoma, also called Brighton Interior Systems, which closed about eight years ago. The contract involves an MDOT grant of about $500,000 for the project and includes a local match. TG Fluid Systems recently completed a $13 million retrofitting and expansion of the plant and now has around 400 employees at the facility. TG Fluid Systems manufactures vapor and fuel lines for the American Big Three, plus Toyota and Nissan. The company has experienced significant growth and registered sales of about $96 million in 2014, up from $6 million when the company was first established in 2000. The city has also received approval of a $150,000 performance-based Michigan Business Development Program grant for the project from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Ann Arbor Spark provided assistance to TG Fluids in securing the state incentives. TG Fluid Systems is a subsidiary of Japan-based Toyoda Gosei, which has about 35,000 employees in 18 countries. (TT)
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Old Topps Building Demolished in Downtown Fenton Old Topps Building Demolished in Downtown Fenton
An old eyesore in the City of Fenton was demolished Friday and will allow for the future relocation of a local business. The 225 West Caroline Street property, previously known as Topps Fruit Market and The Laundry King, was torn down Friday and the new owners are starting fresh. It was purchased by LaJoice Properties - the development arm of LaJoice Enterprises which currently owns and operates Chassé Ballroom and Latin Dance Studio on West Silver Lake Road in Fenton. The sale was announced in June. The growing dance studio opened its doors in October 2007 and will be relocating as a result of the sale. Plans for the property include a multi-floor mixed use development featuring several businesses and residential space. Officials earlier said the development will be designed with the community in mind while creating many jobs and locations for new businesses in the City of Fenton. Chasse Facebook Photo. (JM)
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2nd Annual Austin J. Nichols Memorial Golf Outing Planned Friday2nd Annual Austin J. Nichols Memorial Golf Outing Planned Friday
An upcoming outing will offer an afternoon of golf and medical science while honoring the memory of a Pinckney coupleâs son who lost his battle to brain cancer. The second annual Austin J. Nichols Memorial Golf Outing is set for Friday, August 28th at Oak Pointe Country Club in Genoa Township. 23-year-old Austin Nichols was diagnosed with a brain tumor in early 2011 but fought through radiation and chemotherapy and continued with his education. He got married in May of 2012 and not long after became a father. Despite a valiant fight, Austin lost his battle in March of 2013, but his parents Jeff and Christine Nichols of Pinckney continue to honor his memory with a golf outing that raises funds for critical, ongoing research. Jeff Nichols tells WHMI they appreciate anyone who would like to help support the cause in honor of Austin, who he says loved the game of golf. Both golfers and sponsors are still being sought for this Fridayâs outing. A link to complete information is available in the attachment below. (JM)
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I-75 Re-Opens Following Tanker Crash Involving Corrigan Oil Employee I-75 Re-Opens Following Tanker Crash Involving Corrigan Oil Employee
A stretch of Detroit-area freeway has re-opened after a fiery fuel tanker accident that resulted in the death of an employee from a locally-based company. The Michigan Department of Transportation says it completed repairs to the pavement on the northbound lanes of I-75 near the border of Lincoln Park and Melvindale. The freeway was shut down through the weekend for the repairs. Michigan State Police said the fuel tanker truck from Brighton-based Corrigan Oil was hauling about 8,000 gallons of gasoline and heading southbound on I-75 when the driver lost control - causing the tanker to strike the median wall and come to rest in the northbound lanes. The driver, 53-year-old Roddy Blaine Winn, was hospitalized after suffering serious burns and passed away last Thursday night. He had worked for the company for more than 12 years. The press release issued by Corrigan Oil is attached. M-DOT Photo. (JM)
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