A road resurfacing project in Brighton will likely result in lengthy traffic delays this weekend. The road resurfacing project starts Saturday on Hilton Road between Grand River and Flint Road and should be completed Monday. However, officials caution the work could have a major traffic impact due to high volumes. The existing surface will be milled and then replaced with a three-inch overlay that the Livingston County Road Commission says will be placed in two separate operations. It was noted that the first course of asphalt will be placed immediately after the milling is completed. It will be finished before 6am on Sunday. The second course of asphalt will then be placed Sunday night beginning at 7:00 and should be completed by 6am Monday. Traffic will be maintained by flagging operations but long queues are anticipated and the road commission says alternate routes are highly recommended. (JM)
Resurfacing Project on Hilton Road in Brighton Starts SaturdayResurfacing Project on Hilton Road in Brighton Starts Saturday
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"Help Stock The Pantry" With The Salvation Army"Help Stock The Pantry" With The Salvation Army
Livingston County residents can help provide food to families in need through the local Salvation Army. Each year, The Salvation Army of Livingston County hosts a number of services including providing food from the food pantry. In 2014 The Salvation Army helped over 430 families with pantry food. As the summer season comes to an end and fall begins, The Salvation Army will need to restock their pantry soon. Before The Salvation Army uses what little money they have in their general fund, they are reaching out to the community to âHelp Stock the Pantry!â Corps Administrator and Pastor Prezza Morrison says âby asking the community to help with the non-perishable foods, we will be able to purchase much needed meat (helping to create complete meals) that we would not otherwise have the funds to do soâ. From September 14th through October 16th, collection boxes will be located at the three local Chambers of Commerce and Brighton Ford to collect canned goods preferably with pull tab tops. The boxes will be located at the Great Brighton Area, Howell and Hartland Chambers of Commerce. Donations of non-perishable foods and meat may also be dropped off at The Salvation Army Corps on Lake Street in Howell Monday through Friday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. Details are available in the link below. (DK)
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LACASA Brings Wild West Hollywood To Howell For Annual FundraiserLACASA Brings Wild West Hollywood To Howell For Annual Fundraiser
LACASA will once again be hosting their annual âDenim and Diamondsâ fundraising event in a Hollywood meets the old Wild West theme. Acrobatic horse shows, live music, line-dancing lessons, good southern cooking and bonfire fun are just a few of the attractions that will be at the yearly fundraiser. Returning for the fifth year, âDenim and Diamondsâ is set at the scenic Haggerty-Bearden Ranch in Howell and will take place Saturday, September 19th from 6 to 10 pm. âDenim and Diamondsâ is LACASAâs biggest fundraiser of the year and all donations stay local to help victims of abuse. The eventâs first live auction will take place and guests have the opportunity to win a âFabulous French Feastâ, including a limousine ride with friends to an estate location. The $100 tickets include parking, valet wagon rides, beer, wine and entertainment. They can be purchased in Brighton at Cooper and Binkley Jewelers and in Howell at Brunnerâs Restaurant, Howell Western Wear or the LACASA Center. Tickets are also available online through the link below. (DK)
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Courser Resigns, Gamrat Expelled As State Police Say They Will InvestigateCourser Resigns, Gamrat Expelled As State Police Say They Will Investigate
The two Michigan lawmakers at the center of a sex and cover-up scandal are now gone from the legislature after one resigned and the other was expelled. Republican Rep. Todd Courser submitted his resignation letter on the House floor shortly after 3am, as the deadlocked House prepared to vote for a second time on kicking him out. Courser, who was immediately escorted out by sergeants, told reporters Democrats who had deadlocked the first vote by abstaining ultimately would have joined Republicans to expel him. The Democrats had criticized the investigation as rushed and self-serving. Courser sent a phony email claiming he was caught with a male prostitute. It was an effort to make the affair with Republican Rep. Cindy Gamrat less believable if it were exposed by an anonymous blackmailer. About an hour after Courser's resignation, the House voted to expel Gamrat. The representative from West Michigan becomes just the fourth person to be kicked out of the Michigan legislature. State Representative Hank Vaupel spoke with WHMI from the House floor Thursday afternoon as the process was just beginning that led to the resignation and expulsion. The Handy Township Republican said that based on the facts and their own testimony, he didnât believe Courser or Gamrat could effectively represent their districts and that he planned to vote for expulsion. Courser and Gamrat had apologized and asked for censure, which would have allowed them to keep their jobs in restricted roles. But the political forces demanding their removal grew too great. Democrats say the issue isnât over and they still want two former staffers to testify before the committee. They are particularly interested in what House Speaker Kevin Cotter knew about the scandal and when he knew it. Meanwhile, Michigan State Police plan to investigate potential criminal wrongdoing by the two lawmakers. The agency says in a statement it "will honor the requests made by the Legislature" for an investigation. Gov. Rick Snyder says he supports the state police in opening an investigation. In a statement, he says: "This matter needs to be resolved and an investigation by MSP will provide even further clarity." Snyder says: "I hope this investigation helps bring closure to the issue." (AP/JK)
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Howell Among Nominees For National Downtown AwardHowell Among Nominees For National Downtown Award
A national awards program has taken notice on local communityâs downtown revitalization efforts. The National Main Street Center announced that downtown Howell is being honored as a semi-finalist in the Great American Main Street Award program. The announcement puts Howell in the running among 10 other downtown communities across the United States. A winner will be selected and announced at the 2016 National Main Street Conference next May in Milwaukee. Cathleen Edgerly, Director of the Howell Main Street DDA, said it was, âa tremendous honor to have reached this level,â considering the hundreds of communities across the country that apply for the awards each year, adding that the selection was, âa true testament to all of the hard work that our Main Street volunteers, businesses, and other stakeholders have contributed through the past 10 years to build Howell into great place to live, work, and visit. We could not be more pleased.â Edgerly says that each year the National Main Street Conference recognizes communities that demonstrate exemplary achievement in the process of strengthening their downtowns and commercial districts based on criteria that includes the overall strength in creating an exciting place to live, work, play and visit, commitment to historic preservation and an active involvement of both the public and private sectors. (JK)
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Lakeland Trail On Track For Completion Lakeland Trail On Track For Completion
The final leg of the Lakeland Trail will be paved this fall. Of the five contractors bidding, Reith Reilly Contracting was given the nod to do the work on the last half mile of the linear park. The Livingston County Road Commission awarded the bid for paving Thursday morning on the stretch between Hamburg Road and Hall Road. The 8-miles of asphalt and ballast trail already connect Putnam and Hamburg Townships. But there was a piece missing. The trail used by bicyclists, walkers, joggers and other non-motorized forms of transportation will be completed in the next month. Road Commission Managing Director Mike Craine says this piece closes a gap. He says when the trail was originally built in 2006 Hamburg Township couldn't obtain the right-of-way for this piece. In the meantime the trail was extended west through Putnam Township and then eastward into Hamburg Township. He says subsequently the township did get the right-of-way to this portion. The $220,000 cost of the project will come from a grant from the Natural Resources Trust Fund. Craine says projects like this give a lot of people enjoyment. He says he enjoys seeing people use the trail and it gives him a lot of satisfaction to see it done. (DS)
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ET Rover Pipeline Project Focus Of Town Hall Meeting MondayET Rover Pipeline Project Focus Of Town Hall Meeting Monday
An informational town hall event about a controversial gas pipeline project is scheduled Monday in Putnam Township. Hosted by State Representative Lana Theis, the event will feature a roundtable discussion and an opportunity to gain feedback from local landowners about the ET Rover Pipeline project. The special town hall event is being co-hosted by Congressman Mike Bishop and Senator Joe Hune of Hamburg Township. Energy Transfer and its combined affiliates are the largest pipeline company in the United States by annual volume transported. The project website states the pipeline is a critical link to make new low-cost natural gas supplies available to the Michigan and Ohio regions, which are largely dependent on out of state production to meet supply needs. The pipeline would be the first direct supply connection and gather gas from processing plants in West Virginia, eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania for delivery to a Midwest hub near Defiance, Ohio. Roughly 32% of the gas would be delivered to markets in Michigan via an interconnect near Livingston County with the existing Vector pipeline. Construction on the first portion would occur in 2016 and Rover anticipates finishing the rest of the pipeline to Michigan and beyond by June 2017. The proposed route would go through Livingston County from north to south, cutting through populated areas like Putnam Township along the way. Residents have long raised concerns about the pipeline and the impact on safety, property values and the environment. Putnam Township also officially intervened in the federal approval process for the pipeline. Mondayâs town hall meeting will allow community members to gain direct feedback from federal and state lawmakers, who will collectively address any question or concerns. It will be held from 4:30 to 5:30pm at the Putnam Township hall on M-36. (JM)
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Marion Township To Fund Repairs To Norton RoadMarion Township To Fund Repairs To Norton Road
Work will soon begin on an old road in Marion Township that has been in need of repair for some time now. Norton Road is an estimated fifteen years old and its starting to show. The road has been marked for spots that need to be fixed this year before the end of the construction season. The repairs will be preliminary work in preparation for a continued phase next summer. The Marion Township Board of Trustees is hoping to secure a contractor through the Livingston County Road Commission that can chip and seal the road next year. The goal is to extend the life of Norton Road with this process which could preserve its condition for the next eight years. Township Supervisor Bob Hanvey says while the cost of the project is still unknown, the next step is to approve the funds in order to move construction forward. He hopes the first phase of work will be done within the next few weeks. While Norton Road will not be shut down completely, traffic will be moved in one direction which may cause some delays for motorists. (DK)
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United Way Campaign Kickoff Set Next Week In HowellUnited Way Campaign Kickoff Set Next Week In Howell
The Livingston County United Way will kick off its fall fund drive at an open house at the brand-new Rex Materials Group facility in Howell next week. Rex Materials Group president David Rex has a strong link to the local United Way having previously served as the President of its Board of Directors. That association came immediately to mind when he thought about celebrating his new corporate headquarters on Brewer Road. Rex has opened the state-of-the-art facility to the Livingston County United Way for the annual campaign kickoff, set for next Thursday, September 17th from 4-7pm. Rex said that he wanted to spotlight all the good things happening in Livingston County and that during the event, âvisitors will learn about how the lives of families, children and seniors are being improved through the work of the Livingston County United Way.â Additional parking for the open house will be available at the Citizens Insurance parking lot, with shuttle services provided by L.E.T.S. RSVPs are requested to lcuw@lcunitedway.org or call 810-494-3000. (JK)
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More Sidewalk Being Constructed in Genoa TownshipMore Sidewalk Being Constructed in Genoa Township
More sidewalks will be constructed in Genoa Township this fall. The Genoa Township Board recently approved a proposal for another phase of sidewalk to be installed, which is part of continuing efforts to promote recreation and a walkable community. The project cost totals approximately $119,000. Supervisor Gary McCririe tells WHMI Genoa Township has undertaken a multi-year approach to extend sidewalks along Grand River and other major arteries within the township. The board action marks the next of those improvements that will continue the path on the north side of Grand River from Sunrise Park east to Wildwood. Thatâs basically where the Livingston County Road Commission park is located on Lake Chemung. As development has increased over the years, Genoa Township implemented the sidewalk program to connect existing sidewalks and fill in gaps but also create a usable, continuous pathway from Howell to Brighton. It was noted during the meeting all easements have been secured for the project and the three properties affected by the phase granted the township the easements at no cost. The sidewalk is tentatively scheduled to be installed during the first week of October. (JM)
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Marion Township Man Charged in Two Police Chases Reaches Plea Deal Marion Township Man Charged in Two Police Chases Reaches Plea Deal
A Marion Township man who threatened family members with a gun and fled from police has entered pleas in two criminal cases. 22-year-old Brandon Gale pleaded guilty to a reduced count of assault with intent to rob while unarmed and a lesser included offense of larceny in Livingston County Circuit Court. Two felony firearm counts were dismissed in exchange for his plea. In a separate case, Gales pleaded guilty as charged to counts of fleeing a police officer, possession of marijuana and driving an unregistered vehicle. The charges are tied to a motorcycle chase last October and an incident that followed last December when he was out on bond. Gale is alleged to have threatened family members with a gun twice in one day before leading police on a high speed chase. He was eventually immobilized by responding Michigan State Police troopers. Galeâs bond was revoked as part of the plea agreement and heâll be sentenced in both cases in October 8th. (JM)
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Neighbors Turn Near-Tragedy Into Life-Saving OpportunityNeighbors Turn Near-Tragedy Into Life-Saving Opportunity
A Howell-area neighborhood has responded to a near-tragedy by offering life-saving skills to residents. Homeowners in the Hidden Creek subdivision in Oceola Township were shocked, and then relieved, after an incident July 13th when a 6-year-old-boy was discovered at the bottom of the neighborhoodâs pool. By fortunate chance, the incident happened while 20-year-old Amber Staudt of Novi and Ellen Czajka of Walled Lake were present and had just finished teaching a swimming class. The pair, who are certified to perform CPR, jumped into action and were able to revive the boy, who has since completely recovered. But in the aftermath, neighbors came together and decided to offer free CPR training to residents who wanted to learn. Last night was the first class, with about 20 people taking part. The instructors were Jeff Robson, a firefighter/paramedic with the Howell Area Fire Authority and Geoff Ostling, a firefighter/paramedic with the Rochester Fire Department. Both are Hidden Creek residents and instructed the class through the procedure of chest compressions and rescue breathing using CPR mannequins. They also demonstrated how to dislodge a breathing obstruction from a choking infant and the proper use of an AED, or Automated External Defibrillator. All of the participants will have a chance to follow up with Robson to take a test and receive a CPR certification card.
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Fifth Annual Tribute In Brighton Remembers Fallen Heroes Of 9/11Fifth Annual Tribute In Brighton Remembers Fallen Heroes Of 9/11
The Brighton Are Fire Authority paid tribute to the fallen heroes of 9/11 Friday night with a yearly remembrance ceremony. A rendition of âAmazing Graceâ opened and closed the fifth annual tribute that honors first responders who lost their lives fourteen years ago. The ceremony was held at the 9/11 memorial in Brighton and Chiefs from local fire departments gave testimony. One such spokesperson was Fire Chief Michael OâBrian from the Brighton Area Fire Authority. Chief OâBrian tells WHMI he hopes to keep the stories of heroism alive through the generations. For the first time, the program also included a special presentation of the United States Honor Flag, which flew over Ground Zero. The flag stands as a symbol for those who gave everything to save others and travels across the country to pay tribute. The honor flag was tapped against Brightonâs 9/11 memorial in a show of respect. A bell was rung in a symbolic sequence for the fallen first responders and a wreath was placed upon the memorial. Chief OâBrian says the memorial stands as a reminder that on September 12th, 2001, American citizens awoke different then the day before, the country bonded as one and we must never forget. (DK)
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Lane Closures Next Week On Dexter Townhall Road Lane Closures Next Week On Dexter Townhall Road
Local commuters should be prepared for intermittent lane closures on a well-traveled road in Dexter Township next week. Starting Monday, the Washtenaw County Road Commission will impose lane restrictions on Dexter Townhall Road between North Territorial Road and the Livingston County line for paving operations. Traffic will be restricted under flag control operations. The road commission says access for residents and businesses will be maintained but delays are likely and motorists are advised to seek an alternate route. The improvements are expected to be completed next Tuesday, September 15, but due to weather conditions, all dates are tentative and subject to change. (JM)
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Emergency Preparedness Event Held In HowellEmergency Preparedness Event Held In Howell
Representatives from six local agencies gave presentations Friday night at the Masonic Lodge in Howell on how to be ready in case of disaster or weather emergency. The Red Cross, Do 1 Thing, 911 Dispatch, Livingston County Sheriff, Emergency Medical Services and DTE offered suggestions to be prepared in many situations. Organizer Jay Drick says the Masonic Lodge offered the event as a way to help the community. The community service project was a way to help friends, family and neighbors be prepared for the many disasters that happen in Michigan. Drick says most are weather related, however there are other disasters as well. People were drawn to the event who wanted to know more about how to be prepared for emergencies, and where to turn. Jodi Lusk and her mother Paula were interested in knowing that the community is prepared. Jodi says knowing that the leaders in the community have a plan is important. If somthing happens and she can't take care of herself, she can turn to someone in the community. Drick says Friday nightâs event was for education. The idea is to make sure people are able to be self-sufficient for the first several days after a disaster happens. He says people need to have the things on hand and the expo gave them ideas of what they would need for those emergencies. Saturday the expo extended to Challenger Elementary for a vendor fair. (DS)
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Hartland School Board Set To Fill Vacant SeatHartland School Board Set To Fill Vacant Seat
Two candidates have applied for an opening on a local school board. Two candidates applied for the open seat on the Hartland Consolidated Schoolsâ Board of Education and were interviewed during a recent meeting. Michelle Hemeyer is a parent in the district with a son at Round Elementary, where she is the PTO President. Brenda Bratt is also a parent in the district and a teacher in South Lyon. She has three children in the district at Lakes Elementary, Farms Intermediate and Hartland High School. The Board of Education is expected to select a candidate during their meeting Monday night at 6:30 p.m. in the Educational Support Service Center on M-59. The vacancy is the result of an earlier announcement made by former board secretary Michelle Hutchinson, who resigned August 31. Hutchinson, who is battling cancer, had served on the board since 2009. Hutchinsonâs replacement will be appointed to serve through December 31, 2016.
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Two Howell Seniors Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists. Two Howell Seniors Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists.
Two Howell High School seniors have been named semi-finalists for the National Merit Scholarship. Cynthia Brown and Adam Jablonski were selected as semifinalists based on their scores on the preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). The district says only 16,000 of the 1.5 million students nationwide who take the test are named semifinalists, representing less than 1% of all U.S. high school seniors, and are the highest scoring entrants in each state. Howell High School Principal Jason Schrock says itâs a huge accomplishment for both Cynthia and Adam as only the highest scoring students in the state are named semifinalists and they have a lot to be proud of. Semifinalists who wish to compete for a National Merit Scholarship must advance to the finalist round of the program and complete a detailed application and essay among other criteria. 7,400 students will be chosen to receive a scholarship and are selected based on their abilities, skills and accomplishments. (JM)
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Fenton Streetscape Project Brings Lane Closures This Week Fenton Streetscape Project Brings Lane Closures This Week
Intermittent lane closures should be expected in downtown Fenton this week as part of the ongoing Streetscape project. Last week, crews continued installing sewer and new concrete on LeRoy Street between Ellen and Caroline. Work will continue in that area and the city says motorists should be prepared for intermittent lane closures on LeRoy between Caroline Street and Silver Lake Road. Sewer will be installed in that area, concrete will be removed and new sidewalk will be poured. The City of Fenton again reminds residents and visitors to be mindful of surroundings while traveling in the construction zone. Updates on the Streetscape project are available through the link below. (JM)
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New Small Business Loan Program Launched in Livingston CountyNew Small Business Loan Program Launched in Livingston County
A new program aims to help grow small businesses, support entrepreneurs and foster job growth in Livingston County. Small businesses are said to be the leading growth area of employment and the new Livingston County Small Business Loan program is one means to support and encourage them in the community. The program is a partnership between the Livingston County Economic Development Council, First National Bank and CEED Lending, an initiative of the Great Lakes Womenâs Business Council. Loans from $5,000 up to $50,000 are available and can be used for the start-up or expansion of a business, some working capital, equipment or inventory and supplies. CEED Lending loan officer Todd VanAppledorn says the program targets existing small businesses or others that are new and just starting out. However, he says the key is that they must be for-profit and have been denied access to credit through traditional lending sources in the past. VanAppledorn tells WHMI ever since the economic downturn in 2008/2009, there have been a lot of people interested in starting their own business but one of the barriers has always been access to capital so theyâre hoping the program will help inspire individuals to take that next step. VanAppledorn says the loans work well for businesses such as retail outlets, landscaping companies or small manufacturers looking to purchase equipment. The creation of a microlending fund was among five broad strategies identified in the 2011 county-wide strategic growth plan Advantage Livingston. Details about the Livingston County Small Business Loan program are available in the attachments below. (JM)
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65th Annual Dawn Patrol Fly-In Breakfast Brings Food And Fun65th Annual Dawn Patrol Fly-In Breakfast Brings Food And Fun
The Fowlerville Rotary Club brought the community together on Sunday with planes and breakfast for their yearly Dawn Patrol. The 65th annual event fed over 1500 people with a free breakfast at the Maple Grove Airport in Fowlerville. An estimated 150 to 200 pilots flew their aircraft into the airport to enjoy the food and festivities. An accuracy game was new this year as ping pong balls were dropped from a helicopter and the closest to the target came with a $1000 prize. Capital City Sky Divers performed and the University of Michiganâs Survival Flight flew in. Military trucks and old Warbird planes were on display along with the newer aircraft. Dennis Bowdoin, manager of the Maple Grove Airport, tells WHMI the fly-in breakfast event is not only delicious and fun, but informative. Dawn Patrol began during World War II. Local pilots would search the skies looking for enemies if they feared an attack. After the patrol, a farmer would hold a big breakfast to feed all of the airmen. The Fowlerville Rotary Club already has big plans for next yearâs Dawn Patrol which will take place on the 15th anniversary of 9/11. There is a tentative agreement to have the Michigan Vietnam Veteranâs traveling memorial wall to be present. A World War II club has also been invited to do a reenactment which organizers believe will draw in even more pilots, planes and guests. Doug Burnie, chairman of the Fowlerville Dawn Patrol, says though the event is sponsored by the Rotary Club, it has grown far beyond anything they could do on their own. (DK)
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