A number of dignitaries from Thailand and local leaders were on hand to mark another expansion at the Thai Summit America Corporation facility in Howell today. The company is a leader in the sheet metal stamping industry and founding President Dr. Somporn Jungroongruangkit visited the Howell facility, along with other dignitaries from Thailand and local leaders. An overview of the company was provided, followed by tours of the 976,000-square-foot facility as well as the site of the expansion. The event concluded with the groundbreaking/tree planting ceremony. The project has been in the works for several months and involves an expansion to plant one at Thai Summitâs facility. A new 54,000-square-foot building is being constructed and the project also includes demolition of the existing 10,000-square-foot building on McPherson Park Drive. The company has seen significant growth over the past several years and the expansion represents its next step, which involves adding another press line. It will also be manufacturing a large number of structural parts for the new Ford F150. Vice President of Operations John Ruhman tells WHMI they should start receiving new press parts in November and hope to have the expansion up and running by February. He says theyâre here to support the community, new job creation and long term security. With the expansion at the Howell facility, the company expects the total workforce will surpass 800. City officials have pegged the companyâs total investment over the last three years is close to $110 (M) million for the Howell community. (JM)
Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks Thai Summit Expansion in HowellGroundbreaking Ceremony Marks Thai Summit Expansion in Howell
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New Government Regulations Increase School Meal PricesNew Government Regulations Increase School Meal Prices
The cost of meals at school will increase this year as government requirements have changed. School districts across the country are facing new costs due to recent changes in meal stipulations from the Federal Government. More fruits and vegetables are now required to be a part of a studentâs breakfast or lunch, which are proving to be significantly more expensive. Howell Public Schools have seen a 20% cost increase in the last two years and are expecting an additional 8% this year when the new regulations go into effect. Howellâs Board of Education approved an increase in their meal prices for the 2015-2016 school year in order to offset the rising food costs. The lunch prices have not been altered since 2008 and will go up an average of ten cents per meal. The Board of Education discussed waste management regarding the required provided food items, though there arenât any programs in place yet. Board member Deborah McCormick spoke to the potential waste of expensive food and says, âGiving it to them doesnât guarantee theyâre going to eat itâ. (DK)
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Television Program Highlights Historic Howell Opera House Tonight Television Program Highlights Historic Howell Opera House Tonight
An award-winning television show will tell the story of the past, present and future of the Howell Opera House tonight. A WTVS Detroit Public Television special segment highlighting the Howell Opera House will air at 7:30pm. The production entitled 'Taking the Stage: The Historic Howell Opera House' was produced by Matthew and Tina Brunn of Wavelength Video Productions. The Howell Opera House had long been an interest of theirs and they wanted to share the story but also show âhow art and the arts organization impacts and engages the community." The piece was shot over a four month period during the winter and spring of 2015. The Howell Opera House segment is being presented as an episode of the third season of the Emmy Award winning 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 episode will air for a half-hour, which is longer than typical Detroit Performs segments. (JM)
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Legislators Talk Roads with County CommissionersLegislators Talk Roads with County Commissioners
The Legislative Committee invited the three Livingston County state law makers to talk about road funding but only two attended. State Representatives Lana Theis and Hank Vaupel talked about proposals currently being hashed over in the House and Senate with regard to roads. The two talked about legislation that would raise taxes to support fixing roads. Neither was in favor of increasing taxes though, and Vaupel says there are ongoing negotiations in the legislature to find other ways to come up with the funds. Theis told the committee the issues with the roads began over 20 years ago and wonât be fixed overnight. She said even if the funding were available, the Michigan Department of Transportation doesnât have the infrastructure to get the work done soon. County Commission vice-chair Steve Williams says inviting the legislators was helpful. He says the commission wanted to make sure the legislators understood that they don't support forcing local units of government to pay for road maintenance and improvements. He says the county is not going to be able to bring its roads up to an acceptable level without additional funding. Williams says he appreciated having the two state representatives at the meeting, but this is the fourth time Senator Joe Hune has hasnât shown up. He says the road issue is a priority and the commission would like to see that reflected in the state representatives as well. (DS)
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Stockbridge Man Enters Plea in Golf Course Vandalism/Assault Case Stockbridge Man Enters Plea in Golf Course Vandalism/Assault Case
One of two men charged in connection with a brutal attack on a Putnam Township man who allegedly caught them vandalizing a local golf course and neighborhood has entered a plea to three felony charges. 25-year-old Reid Matthew Kaczanowski of Stockbridge entered a no contest plea Friday to charges of operating while intoxicated 3rd offense, malicious destruction of turf over $1,000 and resisting and obstructing a police officer. A no contest plea is not an admission of guilt but is treated the same during sentencing. Kaczanowski and 27-year-old Joshua Allen St. Charles of Lansing are accused of vandalizing the Timber Trace Golf Course on M-36 and attacking a man who lived in the Putnam Meadows neighborhood on June 15th. St. Charles faces a felony count of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, resisting/obstructing police and malicious destruction of property. The two were out on an alleged joyride around the golf course that caused thousands of dollars in damage while also shearing off street signs. Their truck got stuck, which is when they allegedly used a chain saw to cut down trees. Neighbors told WHMI the homeowner heard the noise and commotion so went to investigate, which is when he was attacked. The victim was found by another neighbor, who called police and found the men still trying to free the truck. They were both eventually arrested. The victim, who earlier identified St. Charles in court as his attacker, suffered multiple blows to the head - including some after he was already unconscious on the ground. The victim was hospitalized for four days with severe injuries and underwent surgeries due to facial fractures. He has three titanium plates in his face and a surgeon testified the victim also suffered a traumatic brain injury. St. Charles remains held in the Livingston County Jail while Kaczanowski is free on bond pending future court hearings. (JM)
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Brighton School Board OKs Police Liaison Contract, Conely OpposedBrighton School Board OKs Police Liaison Contract, Conely Opposed
8/25/15 - The Brighton Board of Education approved a police liaison contract with the City of Brighton for the 2015-16 year at its meeting Monday night. The officer will be based at the high school and assigned full-time to the district at a cost of $82,000. Discussion took place on whether a police dog, which the schools will have at their disposal this year â is necessary, and the ability of the officer to respond to schools that lie outside the boundaries of the city of Brighton. Superintendent Greg Gray tells WHMI that as a result of a Mutual Aid Agreement, other departments outside the city, such as the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department, would come to the scene if requested by the school or the police liaison officer. The six schools not within the city limits of Brighton include Scranton Middle School, Maltby Intermediate, and Hawkins, Hilton, Hornung and Spencer Elementary schools. Board member John Conely objected to the fact that a drug dog will be in the schools this year, saying that the drug dog has been trained to do more than just sniff out drugs. Conely says the dog would have the potential to attack a student if the liaison officer is assaulted and the dog comes to his defense on command. But Conely appeared to be a lone wolf on the issue and the police liaison contract passed on a 6-1 vote. In past years Conely has also objected to the police contract, saying the district could be served more economically by a security officer or a retired officer. Gray has responded that a police officer can make arrests, issue tickets, and perform other functions that a security officer cannot do. (TT)
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Howell Schools' Superintendent Plans For District SuccessHowell Schools' Superintendent Plans For District Success
The new superintendent for Howell Public Schools is using his leadership to strengthen the district. Superintendent Erin MacGregor is heading into the upcoming school year with a plan of action for district success. At a Board of Education meeting Monday night, he encouraged board members to think differently and challenge the status quo. MacGregor believes great leaders share a pattern and that is that they know their purpose. He is looking to create a strategic plan that will act as a map towards the districtâs goals. MacGregor tells WHMI there are different influences that can help reach their objectives. MacGregor presented a detailed entry plan that simplifies the process to plan, do then act. Board Member Michael Yenshaw is encouraged by MacGregor and says many successful organizations have used similar methods. The Superintendent is looking to implement his strategic plan early next year after receiving community suggestions. He will monitor the outcome, evaluate and revise the layout accordingly. MacGregor hopes to fully grasp the school district and its current state to understand it. He says âThere is excellence in Howellâ and he is looking for how to best serve it.(DK)
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Construction Starts on Golf Club Road; D-19 Project Nearly DoneConstruction Starts on Golf Club Road; D-19 Project Nearly Done
As one local road project wraps up, another begins. The Livingston County Road Commission reports that work on Golf Club Road from Latson Road to Grand River started this morning. The construction will take place under flagger control and delays are expected, with motorists advised to use alternate routes. Road Commission Managing Director Mike Craine tells WHMI crews will be milling off two inches of asphalt and temporarily lowering utility castings in the pavement. A new three inch surface will then be placed in two operations, the structures will be brought back up to the correct elevation and new aggregate shoulders will be placed. The final component will be painting and Craine says altogether, those operations should be completed within seven to ten days. The majority of funding for the Golf Club Road project is coming from Oceola and Genoa Townships. As always, weather adversities or changes in contractor's schedules could alter the timing of project completion. Meanwhile, the D-19 improvement project is substantially complete. Craine says there are a few things that need minor tweaking and that work is being done over the next few days but operations generally will not affect D-19 traffic. (JM)
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Brighton Township Board & County Officials Keep Lines of Communication Open Brighton Township Board & County Officials Keep Lines of Communication Open
Local governments are working with the County to improve mutual communication. The Brighton Township Board of Trustees and a handful of Livingston County Commissioners met Tuesday night to continue necessary correspondence. The two bodies have had four discussion meetings that occur on a quarterly basis to stay up to date on any relevant matters. Brighton Township Supervisor Tom Murphy says these meetings have already allowed for more open communication between county departments, specifically the Drain and Road Commission. County Commissioner Kate Lawrence says the biggest complaint she receives is in regards to roads, which is hard to address as âmoney is an objectâ. Murphy tells WHMI the County and Township are working as a team to tackle the collective issues of roads and shared services. The shared services between the County and Township that have been successful are planning assistance, EMS, dispatch, the building department and road patrol. Road patrol needs are under major analysis as there are only 35 people that patrol across the county and an average of four per day. Murphy inquired about a possible public safety millage, though he agrees in general that âroad patrol is a challengeâ. The Township and County agree the meetings have been âvery helpfulâ in addressing equal concerns and are looking forward to continuing their work together. (DK)
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Family: Man Robbed South Lyon Credit Union to Pay for Daughter's ChemoFamily: Man Robbed South Lyon Credit Union to Pay for Daughter's Chemo
It appears the man charged in a South Lyon credit union robbery had a different motive than some would suspect â his young daughter who is battling cancer. 23-year-old Brian Daniel Randolph of Wixom was arrested in connection with the August 12th robbery of the Vibe Credit Union on Pontiac Trial, south of Nine Mile Road. Randolphâs family told WXYZ Detroit the only reason he robbed the bank was to pay for his 1-year-old daughterâs chemotherapy treatments. They said Randolphâs daughter is battling a form of eye cancer and her insurance was canceled suddenly, leading him to commit the crime. Randolph is charged with one count of armed robbery and another count of bank robbery. South Lyon Police said a large portion of the money taken in the armed robbery was recovered from Randolphâs rental vehicle following his arrest. Heâs scheduled to appear in court later today for a pre-exam conference. (JM)
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Upgrades At Miller Intergenerational Center & BHS Nearing CompletionUpgrades At Miller Intergenerational Center & BHS Nearing Completion
8/25/15 - The multi-million dollar renovations of Brighton High School and the Miller Intergenerational Center in Brighton are now virtually complete. The Brighton school board heard an update at its meeting Monday night from Auch and Company on the improvements that have taken place at the high school and Miller. Trustee Bill Trombley objected to the fact that some of the problems that have taken place during construction have not been adequately addressed, adding the corrections are slow in coming. However, Superintendent Greg Gray says the projects are taking place at a frantic pace in order to coincide with the start of the school year in September. Gray tells WHMI the schools look virtually brand-new, and are something of which residents and students alike can be proud. Gray says students and parents who are in the schools for orientation and other activities have commented on the new look, and the improvements will look even more impressive after the final touches are in place. The board was told the Brighton Senior Center, which had to move to a temporary location during the renovation process, is now back in the Intergenerational Center. The renovations to Brighton High and Miller â as with the upgrades to all Brighton Area Schools - are part of the $89 million bond issue passed by voters in 2012. In addition to the renovations, repairs, and technological improvements that have taken place, the brand-new, state-of-the-art swimming pool is nearly complete. Gray says the pool will be ready in time for the start of the fall swimming season around the first of October. (TT)
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Complaints Down on Thompson Lake in Howell Complaints Down on Thompson Lake in Howell
Complaints about excessive noise and ill-mannered behavior are down the last couple of weeks at Thompson Lake in Howell. Residents had complained at the City Council meeting two weeks ago about loud noise and sometimes uncivil behavior by boaters who ply the lake, most of which is in the city limits and surrounded by homes. The western portion is bordered by a cemetery and a city park. City Manager Shea Charles told council that complaints initially increased after the last meeting but trickled down after a few days. Among ideas offered by the public to keep a lid on the noise is requiring boaters to install a noise muffling system. Such systems are now standard equipment on many of the more recent models of water craft. Livingston County Undersheriff Mike Murphy has said that the department has little money for enforcement because the state only allocates about $10,000 for enforcement by its marine division for all of the county's myriad lakes. The city is considering hiring a full-time guard at the boat launch next summer to reduce the number of violations on the lake. (TT)
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Golf Outing Monday to Benefit CASA Program That Helps Local KidsGolf Outing Monday to Benefit CASA Program That Helps Local Kids
Thereâs still time left to register for a golf outing next week that will raise funds for a local program helping abused and neglected children in the family court system. Corrigan Oil and Livingston County Undersheriff Mike Murphy have joined forces for Mondayâs outing at the Hartland Glen Golf Course and all proceeds raised will benefit the Court Appointed Special Advocates program. CASA volunteers are specially trained to serve as advocates for children from Livingston County who are in the foster care system or the family court system due to no fault of their own. Murphy says the kids tend to be neglected and abused, either physically and/or sexually and these advocates become their voice. He says the program has had a significant impact on many children thus far and this outing will help serve even more. Murphy tells WHMI 55 teams have already registered and some hole sponsorships are still available. Registration is on a first come first served basis and those who canât attend Mondayâs golf outing are being encouraged to consider a sponsorship or a donation. Registration information is available for download in the attachment. (JM)
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Man Sentenced in Severe Beating of Elderly Highland Township ManMan Sentenced in Severe Beating of Elderly Highland Township Man
The suspect in the brutal beating of an elderly Highland Township man has been sentenced to prison time. 30-year-old Mark Wisenbaugh of Flint had faced life in prison but will instead serve a minimum of 10 years and six months and a maximum of 30 years behind bars on the most serious charge of attempted murder. He was sentenced Tuesday in Oakland County Circuit Court on that count and additional charges of killing or torturing of an animal and auto theft. Wisenbaugh pleaded no contest to the charges in July and in exchange, prosecutors dropped a count of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder. Wisenbaugh must pay restitution in the amount of $3,624 and his sentence was enhanced as heâs a habitual offender. Wisenbaugh was arrested after deputies from the Oakland County Sheriff's Highland Township substation were summoned to a home on Highland Park 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 victimâs 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. (JM)
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Panel Fields Questions On Controversial Pipeline ProjectsPanel Fields Questions On Controversial Pipeline Projects
There were no officials from the pipelines at the meeting, but the Pittsfield Township Hall near Ann Arbor was filled to capacity. Most of those in attendance were opposed to the Nexus pipeline running through portions of Ann Arbor, and a few made the trip from Livingston County. A four person panel made up of people affected by pipelines talked about all of the problems surrounding the ET Rover and Nexus pipelines. Issues included acquisition negotiation, eminent domain, the loss of property value and damage to the environment. Oceola Township resident Ron Kardos was a panelist and shared his experience with both Enbridge and Vector. He has both pipelines running through his property. He says spreading the word is his way of helping. He says speaking out gives him the opportunity to follow his conscience because he's an environmentalist. He says he knows that it's going to do a tremendous amount of damage to the environment. A few people from the Putnam Township group ET Rover Go Home were on hand at the meeting to voice their concerns. Cady Johnson says her property abuts the proposed pipeline easement, and sheâs worried. She says she recently married and moved to Pinckney and now ET Rover is planning to put the pipeline adjacent her wooded property and it is going to change the scenery and the whole dynamic dramatically. "It's so quiet, it won't be that way any more." Panelists agreed the most important thing to do is keep fighting and communicating with neighbors. Johnson says she didnât know anything about the pipeline until she saw a sign beside the road and followed it to a Facebook page. A Rover Town Hall meeting is planned in Pinckney on September 14th. (DS)
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New Softball And Baseball Complex Possibly Expanding in HartlandNew Softball And Baseball Complex Possibly Expanding in Hartland
A recreational sports facility is looking to expand into Hartland Township. Turnin 2, a softball and baseball training center, already has one location in Brighton and is hoping to build a center more than three times that size in Hartland. The 64,000-square-foot indoor facility will be built on vacant land at the southwest corner of Old US-23 and Clyde Road. Four outdoor softballs fields will be adjacent to it. Owner Ron Pezzoni said the new building will have higher ceilings for fielding fly balls, a luxury the Brighton location lacks. Site planners have already made changes to the blueprints to accommodate nearby residents who had concerns about noise and outdoor lighting. The location was moved 80 feet closer to Old US-23 to preserve vegetation and plans for outdoor lighting have been eliminated. Officials for Turnin 2 will go before the Hartland Township Planning Commission tonight, where their most recently revised site plan and special land-use application will be reviewed at 7pm. The Hartland Township Hall is located at 2655 Clark Road. (MK)
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Candlelight Vigil in Fowlerville Monday to Mark International Overdose DayCandlelight Vigil in Fowlerville Monday to Mark International Overdose Day
A county-wide candlelight vigil is planned Monday in memory of those lost to soon to overdose deaths. Monday is International Overdose Awareness Day and anyone who has lost a loved one is encouraged to attend the vigil and commemorate their lives. The vigil is being organized by Mitchell's Hope - a grassroots project created by Michele Wagner of Fowlerville after the death of her son due to a heroin overdose. In addition to raising awareness and educating the public about what has become a national epidemic, Wagner hopes to make it easier for people to talk about drug abuse and seek help while reducing the stigma that comes with taking responsible action to deal with substance abuse. Mondayâs vigil will take place from 7:30-9:30pm at Fowlerville United Brethren Church, which is co-sponsoring the event. Candles will be provided and attendees can bring photos of loved ones if they choose. An event flyer is attached. (JM)
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Hamburg Elementary Sale Falls Through, Pinckney Schools AdjustHamburg Elementary Sale Falls Through, Pinckney Schools Adjust
Pinckney Community Schools have had to adjust their budget for the upcoming year as a result of failure to sell one of their elementary schools. The districtâs Board of Education recently approved the revised budget, as the original had banked on the sale of Hamburg Elementary School. Pinckney Elementary School is also for sale and Superintendent Richard Todd says the district is in the process of getting bids. He tells WHMI the schools are a slow sale due to maintenance and location. The schools are listed on the State of Michiganâs bid site and Todd says the buildings have generated interest. A pre-bid meeting will be held at the end of August for perspective buyers and bids will be due back mid-September. The goal is to have both buildings knocked down by November 30th. The district downsized its schools and staff as a result of their deficit. Part of the districtâs budget factors in its Deficit Elimination Plan which was also approved. The district is entering into its third of the five year plan which calls the schools to be out of deficit by 2018. Todd says the Michigan Department of Education is encouraged by the districtâs progress and believes their financial situation is in an upswing. (DK)
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Road Projects Headed For Completion As Construction Season Nears EndRoad Projects Headed For Completion As Construction Season Nears End
Several road projects throughout Livingston County will be beginning and wrapping up this week. The Livingston County Road Commission has their hands full with road work as the 2015 construction season draws to a close. Golf Club Road in Genoa and Oceola Township will be paved today from Grand River Avenue to Latson Road. Also in Genoa Township, a traffic light is expected to be installed at Grand Oaks Drive this fall. On Monday the 31st, a milling and paving process will begin on Grand River Avenue in Handy Township from Wallace to Nicholson Road. Over in Brighton, the pavement rehabilitation to Spencer Road is completed and is now awaiting a guardrail installation which will also occur on Monday. Looking ahead to Saturday, September 12th, Hilton Road in Brighton will be milled during the day and paved throughout the night. Pavement rehabilitation to Whitmore Lake Road from Eight Mile to Winans Lake Road is ongoing. Grating on the north bound stretch has been finished and the work will now move to the south bound portion. Road Commission Director Mike Craine says these projects, in addition to a few others, will keep them busy until Thanksgiving. (DK)
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Doubts Raised in Case of Man Who Robbed Bank to Pay For Daughter's ChemoDoubts Raised in Case of Man Who Robbed Bank to Pay For Daughter's Chemo
The story of a man who allegedly robbed a South Lyon credit union to pay for his daughterâs cancer treatments is generating lots of sympathy from the public but police say both the facts of the case and the charges stand. Police say 23-year-old Brian Randolph robbed the Vibe Credit Union on Pontiac Trail between Eight Mile and Nine Mile Roads August 12th. He appeared in court briefly Wednesday. Randolph remains lodged in the Oakland County Jail under a $500,000 bond and is facing one count of bank robbery and one count of armed robbery. Although a weapon was not displayed, police say it was implied in the note that Randolph passed to the teller. Randolph has said his 1-year-old daughter is battling a form of eye cancer and the family could no longer afford her medical treatments after her medical insurance was abruptly cancelled. Public sympathy doesnât change the facts of the case according to South Lyon Police Lieutenant Chris Sovik, who tells WHMI theyâve been flooded with calls since the story broke and as a parent, he understands wanting to do whatever you can for your child and provide the best care. However, he says itâs their position that there are other fathers with daughters afflicted with horrible diseases that donât have a way of caring for them but are not out robbing banks so theyâre going forward with prosecution. Sovik added he hopes the little girl gets the medical care she needs but there are questions about how much of the money was going to his daughterâs treatments. Sovik says a portion of the stolen cash was recovered from Randolphâs rental car at the time of his arrest - along with a Gucci bag and several other expensive, high-end items. A preliminary exam is scheduled for next Wednesday, September 2nd before Oakland County District Court Judge Travis Reeds. South Lyon Police photo. (JM)
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