A local community is among the top ten in Southeast Michigan when it comes to vehicle-deer crashes over the past five years. Wednesday marks the official start of Autumn â a time of year when car deer crashes most often occur. The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments released 2014 statistics for deer-vehicle crashes, along with five-year averages for individual communities and counties. It reports that car-deer crashes accounted for 4% of all crashes in the region in 2014, but there were no fatalities. According to the SEMCOG analysis, the 2014 regional total of 5,557 was only slightly lower than the five-year average of 5,587. Oakland and Washtenaw Counties continue to experience the highest number of car-deer crashes. Livingston County had 722 reported in 2014, while the five-year average stood at 753. Brighton Township was the only Livingston County community to make the top ten list when averaging car deer crashes over the past five years. It averaged 78, although 83 car-deer crashes were recorded in 2014. The Michigan Deer Crash Coalition says deer crashes occur most frequently during the months of October, November and December; and tend to occur on two lane roads between dusk and dawn. SEMCOG officials say the statistics should serve as a reminder for motorists to be alert behind the wheel and âdonât veer for deerâ, meaning itâs generally safer to hit the deer than run off the road or risk injuring another motorist. More information regarding car-deer crashes and safe driving tips when encountering deer are available through the link below. (JM)
Local & Regional Car-Deer Crash Data ReleasedLocal & Regional Car-Deer Crash Data Released
↧
↧
Local Market Expanding & Relocating to Genoa Township Local Market Expanding & Relocating to Genoa Township
A market focused on fresh, organic and locally-sourced food is moving to Genoa Township come spring. In addition to fresh fruit and produce, Simply Fresh Market offers a large selection of local, organic food and Michigan-made products. The new store will be located on an almost one-acre site on Grand River near Euler Road, doubling the size of the current location in Brighton Township. Owner Tony Gelardi says itâs a family business and community-orientated operation and he tries to buy from people and farmers he knows and keep dollars local. Gelardi started out selling fruits and vegetables underneath a tent in 2009 in Brighton Township. Over the years, itâs shifted into more localized food with an emphasis on farmers growing organically. Gelardi told WHMI heâs thrilled to open their flagship store in Genoa Township and his mission is not only to educate but feed busy people, very healthy food on the run. He says the new store will feature a community kitchen and prepared foods as people want convenience in todayâs busy times. Genoa Township Supervisor Gary McCririe said thereâs obviously been a lot of excitement and theyâre excited too as this new location will afford them the space needed for their business to grow. Improvements would be made to an existing building on the property and a new trellis farm stand would be constructed with outdoor sales at the front. Reclaimed lumber, farm apple trees and LED lighting are all part of the plans. Gelardi anticipates the new location will be opening in the spring of 2016. (JM)
↧
Highland Teen Arraigned On Charges After High Speed Police PursuitHighland Teen Arraigned On Charges After High Speed Police Pursuit
A Highland Township teen with a history of leading police on high speed chases is heading to trial. 17-year-old Eddie William Johnson was arraigned in Oakland County Circuit Court on charges of reckless driving and 4th degree fleeing and eluding. The Oakland County Sheriffâs Office Highland Township substation earlier told WHMI the teen had been seen and chased on a few prior situations. The most recent was July 21st when Johnson allegedly fled from a deputy who tried to pull him over for riding an unregistered motorcycle. The chase reached speeds of 100 miles per hour on M-59, with the rider crossing the grass median at least twice to lose his pursuers. The chase was called off and Johnson was eventually arrested at his home. When his identity was discovered, deputies spoke to Johnson and his parents and they were given a warning for his behavior. The Milford High School student remains free on bond and is scheduled to appear for a pre-trial hearing October 6th before Judge Colleen OâBrien. (JM)
↧
Utility Uses Picture From Howell Third-Grader In Statewide CampaignUtility Uses Picture From Howell Third-Grader In Statewide Campaign
The artistic talents of an elementary school student in Howell have been recognized by a statewide utility. Consumers Energy is using a safety-oriented drawing by third-grade student Joshua Partee of Southwest Elementary School in their 2015-16 kids safety calendar. Parteeâs drawing, which depicts several kids in line at the school and one of them reminding the one at the end to turn off the lights as he leaves the room, was chosen from nearly 1,450 submitted to be featured in the calendar. Students can enter the safety calendar coloring contest after watching a safety presentation called EmPOWERed Kids. The free electric safety presentation for third- and fourth-grade classrooms teaches students how to stay safe around electricity by staying away from downed power lines and recognizing electrical hazards. Itâs similar to a program called Respect the Flags which teaches second, third and fourth grade students how to recognize, react and report a natural gas leak. Fifteen winners and 12 honorable mentions are featured in the 15-month calendar, which are given to teachers who host safety presentations in their classrooms throughout the year. (JK)
↧
Brighton Township Discusses Development Agreement For Deerfield PreserveBrighton Township Discusses Development Agreement For Deerfield Preserve
Brighton Township is looking into a planned development agreement for a local area that was submitted nearly ten years ago. An agreement to develop the Deerfield Preserve in Brighton Township was proposed back in 2005. The land was zoned as commercial and residential and the PDA was adopted in 2007. The siteâs developers set the PDA aside in 2013 and explored selling the property. The original agreement has once again been submitted as the applicants are looking to finish what they started so many years ago. Brighton Township Manager Brian Vick brought the proposed agreement before the Board of Trustees Monday night. He informs them the discussion they had may be premature as the agreement is still at the Planning Commission level. He explains he is looking for their thoughts before it even reaches the Board. After a lengthy discussion, the Board found they took some issue with the PDA even though it has not officially reached them yet for approval. Trustee Cathy Doughty repeatedly voiced concerns that the need for sewers on all of the residential lots in the plan was being held over the Boardâs head. A major point of contention among the Trustees and Planning Commission is lot density. Many are worried the developers are trying to cram too many lots into the space. While the developers have reportedly agreed to preserve the landâs natural features, the Board is looking for a PDA that is mutually beneficial in all aspects. Vick agreed to take the suggestions to the applicants before the agreement can make its way to the Board of Trustees.(DK)
↧
↧
Fowlerville Raises Water Rates For Handy Township Users Fowlerville Raises Water Rates For Handy Township Users
The Fowlerville Village Council voted to raise water rates for Handy Township users on the system last night. The metered water rates for Handy Township users hadnât been raised since the original agreement was drafted back in 2004. The Fowlerville Village Council voted 5-1 Monday to raise water rates from $1.47 per thousand gallons to $2.90 per thousand gallons for the first year of a new four year agreement. The agreement, which ends in 2019, begins October 1st. Village Council member Jerry Bell was the lone dissenting vote, saying there are other ways to raise revenue. Bell says he voted against an increase in rates for village residents and to be consistent he voted against this increase, too. He says there are other areas the Village Council can look to for revenue. Bell says the rates may not seem significant, but they are enough that he thinks there are other sources from which the village can generate those funds. Water rates were also recently increased for village residents. Clerk Kathy Arledge says the rate increases for Handy Township users are proportional to those of the village. (DS)
↧
Suspect Eludes Police Search In PinckneySuspect Eludes Police Search In Pinckney
A suspect wanted on several warrants managed to elude police yesterday in Pinckney. Police Chief Jeff Newton says one of his officers spotted the suspect around noon on the east side of the village and recognized him as being wanted by police. When he attempted to pull the man over, he fled on foot. Newton says that several hours later, that same officer was off-duty when he spotted the suspect again in the area of Cedar Lake Road and the Lakeland Trail. Responding officers set up a perimeter in an attempt to locate him. Newton says that the University of Michigan Survival Flight was in the area and also assisted with the search, which was ultimately unsuccessful as the suspect is thought to have escaped into the Gregory State Game Area. Newton said they have his car in custody, know where he lives and he was confident the man would be brought into custody soon. While he declined to identify the man, he did say the suspect was wanted on warrants for aggravated assault on a police officer from a previous attempt to flee police as well as fraud and traffic warrants. (JK)
↧
Consumers Energy Crews Restoring Gas Service In FowlervilleConsumers Energy Crews Restoring Gas Service In Fowlerville
Gas service is being restored to homes and businesses in the Fowlerville area following a gas main leak Monday afternoon. A contractor doing work in the area of Hibbard Street near the corner of Grand River struck a 2-inch gas main, causing a leak. Consumers Energy received the initial call after 4pm Monday and as a precaution, Spokesman Brian Wheeler says they discontinued gas service to about 70 customers in the area. Wheeler tells WHMI the line has been repaired and it is safe for people to be inside of their homes or businesses, which was why gas service was disconnected as a precaution. Wheeler says technicians will be on site in the area throughout the afternoon and the intent is to get everyone restored as fast as possible. Wheeler says crews will actually go door to door when restoring gas service. He says employees will knock on the door, ask permission to enter and then re-light the main for each house. If someone isnât home, he says employees will leave information. Wheeler says they are trying to make personal contract with everyone affected in the area and anyone with questions should contact Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050. (JM)
↧
Jury Begins Deliberations In Local Murder TrialJury Begins Deliberations In Local Murder Trial
The fate of a man charged in a 2011 murder is in the hands of a local jury. Closing arguments were heard this morning as the trial of 26-year-old Anthony Sean Duke of Webberville continued in Livingston County Circuit Court. Judge Michael Hatty scheduled the jury to begin deliberations after lunch. Duke is being tried on 1st degree murder and nine other charges in the fatal shooting of 47-year-old Ronald Hauser, who was found dead in his Iosco Township home in December 2011. Investigators long speculated that Duke killed Hauser during the course of a home invasion or larceny. Hauser owned a tree trimming business and was known to keep large amounts of cash as he disliked banks. During closing arguments, Dukeâs defense attorney said there was very little evidence in the case and asked members of the jury to not make assumptions. The prosecution argued evidence in the case pointed to one person only and urged jurors to have courage to use common sense. The jury continued deliberations throughout the afternoon. It could convict Duke as charged but was also given the option to consider a lesser charge of second degree murder.(JM)
↧
↧
Howell Superintendent to Hold Listen & Learn Community MeetingsHowell Superintendent to Hold Listen & Learn Community Meetings
Two community meetings in October will allow Howellâs new superintendent an opportunity to meet and engage stakeholders while launching the strategic planning process. As Howellâs new superintendent Erin MacGregor begins his tenure, he says itâs important for him to connect with the community. MacGregorâs âListen and Learn Tour: One Howellâ aims to build relationships and trust, gain a deep understanding of Howell Public Schools, determine critical opportunities for continued success and collaboratively plan for the future. The meetings are open to all district stakeholders and will be held in the Meabon Room of the Howell Carnegie District Library. The first is Wednesday, October 14th from 6:30 - 7:30pm and the second is Tuesday, October 27th from 9 - 10am. The feedback gathered from community members, parents, students, teachers and staff members will aid the district as it begins developing an updated strategic plan. MacGregor says the strategic planning process will collaboratively capitalize on strengths, act on opportunities, and align resources to ensure students are college, career, and culture ready. More information about the process is available on the districtâs website and a stakeholder survey has been created. A link to the survey is posted below. (JM)
↧
Concerns Raised With Proposed Dissolution of SELCRA & BAS MergerConcerns Raised With Proposed Dissolution of SELCRA & BAS Merger
The Southeastern Livingston County Recreation Authority is moving toward dissolution and a possible merger with Brighton Area Schools, although not all member municipalities are on board. Member municipalities include Genoa, Green Oak and Brighton Townships, as well as the City of Brighton and all contribute financially. Despite rumors to the contrary at a recent Howell Parks and Recreation Authority meeting, SELCRA Director Derek Smith did not tender his resignation during the September 9th meeting. Those rumors were pushed along by a change in status on Smithâs Facebook page immediately following that meeting listing him as the former SELCRA director. Smith insists he has no idea how that status was changed. However, a motion was approved at that meeting to have Smith look into the Articles of Incorporation and find out what the municipalities would be liable for in the dissolution of SELCRA as an authority. Brighton Township representatives Patrick Michel and Cathy Doughty voted against the motion based on their belief in the importance of having a healthy, robust parks and recreation system for all ages, not just select groups. While updating their board Monday night, Doughty commented they were âstonewalledâ and that the other communities are no longer interested in participating while Michel expressed disappointment. They further noted that the schools intend to pursue a recreation millage and were confident it would pass. Other members of the Brighton Township board raised overall concerns about a decision being made about the future of the authority without notifying members. They expressed a desire for further information about what the potential service model would be as well as what guarantees or accountability there would be to ensure all user groups have opportunities for recreation, not just premier youth sports or club sports. The Brighton Township board agreed that it will initiate a public, joint meeting to get everything out in the open within the next 30-45 days. Smith says heâs concerned that the youth sports model is headed towards specializing everything - meaning very high prices for recreation that not everyone can afford. Smith says a lot of parents just want their kids to be happy, healthy and active without breaking the bank and the municipalities have tried to contribute to a level to make offerings affordable through SELCRA. Smith says if the merger goes through, the municipalities would likely no longer contribute to the coffers of the organization and everything would be housed through the community education slate. The proposed minutes from the SELCRA board meeting shed further light on the overall merger/dissolution discussion and may be viewed in the attachment below. (JM/JK)
↧
Missing Hamburg Man Is Located & SafeMissing Hamburg Man Is Located & Safe
A missing Hamburg Township resident, who police said had medical conditions that could "substantially" impair his ability to care for himself, has been found and is safe. Police began the search, which included helicopters, Tuesday night for the missing 56-year-old man in the area of Teahen and Bauer roads in the Brighton State Recreation Area. But officials say this morning that the man was found safe in a wooded area and was transported to the hospital for a medical evaluation. The unidentified man was described as having salt and pepper hair and was last seen wearing a white T-shirt with a footprint logo on the front of the shirt. Anyone who saw someone in that area fitting the description was asked to immediately call 911 Central Dispatch. Authorities had also asked anyone living in that area to check their property for any indication of the lost individual. (JK)
↧
Deliberations Continue In Duke Murder TrialDeliberations Continue In Duke Murder Trial
Just before noon Tuesday the prosecution rested its case in the trial of Anthony Sean Duke who is charged with 1st degree premeditated murder in the death of Ronald Hauser. Duke faces a total of 10 felony counts associated with the murder of Hauser. Assistant Prosecutor Scott Ehlfeldt told the jury that there was no one else who could have killed the 47-year old Iosco Township man found in his basement on New Yearâs Eve in 2011. In his closing statement, defense attorney Rolland Sizemore told the jury the prosecution had made many assumptions, and asked the jury to look at the facts. He says early mistakes led the investigation in the wrong direction. Among them was an assumption that Hauser's watch stopped at the time of death. Sizemore told jurors if you make that mistake early in the process you can't get it right at the end. Ehlfeldt refuted Sizemoreâs argument saying that investigators did everything by the book and that it serves no purpose to make assumptions that can't be backed up with facts because if they are wrong the real killer is still out there. He says there is a difference between an assumption and a conclusion. The jury was sent into deliberations just before 3 oâclock. At 4:45 they asked to review the evidence and Judge Michael Hatty adjourned them for the day. They return to the jury room this morning to continue deliberation on the 10 felony counts. (DS/JK)
↧
↧
Salvation Army Hosting Holiday Assistance Sign-Up Events In OctoberSalvation Army Hosting Holiday Assistance Sign-Up Events In October
Families throughout Livingston County in need of assistance this Thanksgiving and Christmas are encouraged to attend one of three sign up events in October. The Salvation Army of Livingston County is once again looking to ease financial worries for families and restore hope by providing help with food, gifts and toys during the upcoming holiday season. The Salvation Army brought hope and joy to over 900 families last Thanksgiving and Christmas and officials are asking the community to spread the word about upcoming assistance sign up events. They will be held October 15, 16th and 17th from 10am until 3pm at the Community Bible Church on Grand River in Brighton. Families are being strongly encouraged to apply for Christmas assistance during one of the October dates and should note the new location. Details for those applying and documentation requirements are available in the attachment below or by contacting the local Corps office in Howell at 517-546-4750. Meanwhile, the Salvation Army of Livingston County is also looking for volunteers and those interested in helping provide hope for the holidays should contact Coordinator Liz Welch. (JM)
↧
Ride-A-Thon Fundraiser Saturday For 4-H Therapeutic Riding Program Ride-A-Thon Fundraiser Saturday For 4-H Therapeutic Riding Program
An annual fundraiser this weekend will benefit a local program for children with disabilities. The ride-a-thon will take place throughout the Brighton State Recreation Area off Chilson Road and all proceeds raised benefit Livingston Countyâs 4-H Therapeutic Riding Program known as Grand Equestrians Program. It's a non-profit agency that provides equine-facilitated therapy free of charge to physically and mentally challenged children. Itâs founded on the principal that horseback riding is a valuable form of therapy for individuals with disabilities. Livingston County 4-H Program Coordinator Sarah McKinney tells WHMI the horseback instruction program for special needs children really helps their growth and development and they've been offering classes for several years. She says this is their largest fundraiser and it's a fun trail ride, with everyone is welcome to participate. Each rider must provide their own horse. The ride-a-thon will take place from 10:30am to 4:30pm Saturday. The fundraiser registration fee is a minimum pledge of $25 per rider, but McKinney says anything additional collected is appreciated. Lunch and door prize drawings are included. An event flyer is attached below. Photo Courtesy Livingston County 4H. (JM)
↧
Local Police Agencies Participating In DEA Drug Take-Back Event SaturdayLocal Police Agencies Participating In DEA Drug Take-Back Event Saturday
Local law enforcement agencies will be open to accept unwanted prescription drugs as part of a weekend event. The Drug Enforcement Administration is hosting another National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day this Saturday from 10am to 2pm. The Brighton Police Department on South Third Street and the Michigan State Police Brighton Post on Buno Road are among participating locations. The events are intended to help prevent misuse or damage to the environment from improper disposal of expired, unused, or unwanted prescription medication. The service is free and anonymous, allowing citizens to just drop and go. Meanwhile, police agencies across Livingston County serve as collection points by housing Big Red Barrels from the Livingston County Community Alliance. Those include the Livingston County Sheriff's Department and the Fowlerville, Pinckney, Hamburg, Green Oak and Unadilla Township Police Departments. Liquids, inhalers, patches or syringes will not be accepted during the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. A list of collection locations is available through the link below. (JM)
↧
As Appeal Heads To Supreme Court, Judge Tosses Lawsuit Involving Brighton HomesAs Appeal Heads To Supreme Court, Judge Tosses Lawsuit Involving Brighton Homes
A 2011 lawsuit against several City of Brighton officials has been dismissed from Livingston County Circuit Court, but like several others involving the owners of two aging homes, an appeal is under consideration. The homes at 116 and 122 North Street are owned by Leon and Marilyn Bonner. Brighton officials have been trying since 2009 to have them demolished as being unsafe, but have been thwarted by a myriad of lawsuits by the couple. Among those suits was one filed in 2011 against several Brighton city officials alleging they had acted with gross negligence, malice and bad faith in their dealings with the Bonners. In court yesterday, Judge Michael Hatty issued a summary judgment dismissing the lawsuit. But that in no way brings the situation to a conclusion. Thatâs because the Bonners have two other legal cases concerning the demolition of the houses, which their attorney Dennis Dubuc says will now be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. The Bonners filed suit against the City in 2009 over an ordinance that requires the demolition of unsafe homes whose value is less than the cost of repairing them. Last October, the Michigan Court of Appeals affirmed a lower court ruling that the residential homes be demolished as nuisances â marking a victory for the city. In July, the Michigan Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal. Dubuc says he plans to file an appeal within 30 days with the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case. Meanwhile, an October 8th hearing is still set in front of Judge Hatty for a motion by the city to remove the stay and enforce his earlier ruling that the houses be torn down. (JK)
↧
↧
Jury to Continue Deliberations Thursday in 2011 Murder Trial Jury to Continue Deliberations Thursday in 2011 Murder Trial
Thereâs no verdict yet in the trial of a suspect charged in the 2011 murder of an Iosco Township man. Jurors were sent home after what marked the first full day of deliberations. 26-year-old Anthony Sean Duke of Webberville is charged with 1st degree premeditated murder in the death of Ronald Hauser. The 47-year old Iosco Township man had been shot and was found in his basement on New Yearâs Eve in 2011. Duke is charged with ten felony counts in connection with Hauserâs murder. Hauser was known to carry large amounts of cash. During the course of the trial, Hauserâs girlfriend and brother testified that he would carry anywhere between $8,000 and $10,000. During the course of todayâs deliberations, the only request that jurors made was to view a Home Depot video again, which showed a transaction in which Hauser used what appeared to be a roll of cash to pay for the items. The jury will resume deliberations Thursday in Livingston County Circuit Court Judge Michael Hattyâs courtroom. (JM)
↧
Fatal Motorcycle Crash Shuts Down Grand River in Lyon TownshipFatal Motorcycle Crash Shuts Down Grand River in Lyon Township
A fatal accident involving a motorcycle and a church bus is under investigation in Lyon Township. The accident was reported on Grand River around 5:35pm Wednesday, just east of Kent Lake Road near Kensington Metropark. Preliminary investigation showed a church bus was traveling on Grand River and the motorcycle attempted to pass it. Sergeant Dale Brown with the Oakland County Sheriffâs Office says it happened at the intersection of Jeffrey Court and Grand River and the motorcycle lost control, left the roadway and struck a large landscaping boulder. Both were thrown from the motorcycle. Brown says the 47-year-old man driving the motorcycle was pronounced dead at the scene while the 44-year-old female was transported to Huron Valley Hospital in critical condition. Sergeant Brown reiterated that the church bus was not struck or involved in the crash. He said preliminary investigation showed the bus may have been turning and the motorcycle maneuvered to go around. Brown confirmed neither was wearing helmets, which is something they encourage as it could make a difference. The crash shut down Grand River between Kent Lake Road and Martindale for investigation. Photo Credit Steve Greene/TheFullMelt.com. (JM)
↧
Cancer Study To Target Tumor DNACancer Study To Target Tumor DNA
A new type of cancer treatment may offer options to patients who arenât responding to traditional methods. Saint Joseph Mercy Health Systemâs Michigan Cancer Research Consortium is participating in a genetic mutation study which identifies and targets specific DNA mutations in tumors. Researchers in the growing field are trying to determine if treatment based on the genomic make-up of the tumor rather than the location of the tumor can be effective. By basing medication on mutation and not disease site, doctors may be better enabled to target and adapt treatments to keep the cancer from growing. The drugs being used in the trial have either been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for other cancer treatments or are still being tested in other trials, but have shown some effectiveness against tumors with particular genetic alterations. Qualifying patients for the study are adults 18 years of age or older with advanced solid tumors and lymphomas that have never responded or are no longer responding to standard therapy. St. Josephâs expects to evaluate hundreds of patients over the next few months at a variety of locations across the region, including their Brighton facility. For more information including a list of current clinical trials, call 734-712-5658 or visit the link below. (MK/JK)
↧
More Pages to Explore .....