Brighton Township will be looking at solutions to its sewer debt service. During a regular work session last week the Board of Trustees heard from its consultant Ken Palka about 10 possible options to pay down the debt. The options ranged from reducing the rate from $80.50 per quarter and keeping the growth the same, to keeping the rate the same and not growing the system. Township Supervisor Tom Murphy says the growth rate is based on adding 10 residential equivalent users or REUs per year, but in reality already this year the township has added nearly 70 REUs. He says he doesnât want to see rates increase. He doesn't think it is a good idea to pay down the debt on the backs of the users, and says the better scenario is to pay the debt down slowly, adding as many users as possible. Murphy also says he thinks the board needs to look at having the newer users pick up some of the costs that the older users have borne over the life of the sewer system. The Utilities Committee has recommended that no changes be made. (DS/JK)
Brighton Township Looks at Sewer OptionsBrighton Township Looks at Sewer Options
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Appeals Court Upholds Dismissal of Case Involving Wrongful Death Claim Appeals Court Upholds Dismissal of Case Involving Wrongful Death Claim
The Michigan Court of Appeals has upheld dismissal of a lawsuit filed in connection with a fatal motorcycle accident near Fowlerville that claimed the life of an East Lansing man. 20-year-old Carl Albert Stamm IV was killed during the early morning hours of May 17th, 2011 after crashing his motorcycle into Fowlerville Police officer Fred Millerâs patrol car. The crash had followed a high speed chase on westbound I-96 that began when Stamm failed to pull over for speeding. Video recordings from patrol cars revealed that Stamm was traveling at approximately 126 mph when he crashed and the officer was later cleared of any criminal liability following an investigation. Stamm had been drinking the night before at a friendâs home and Mary Stamm went on to file a wrongful death lawsuit alleging social host liability against the three defendants; Erik King and his parents, Robert and LeAnne King. The trial court found no evidence that the defendants furnished Stamm with alcohol or Kingâs parents had knowingly allowed Stamm to possess or consume alcohol in their home the night of May 16th, 2011. Thus the case was dismissed, prompting the appeal. In an unpublished opinion, the Michigan Appeals Court affirmed the trial courtâs grant of summary disposition and dismissal of the case. It states the plaintiffâs assumption that Stamm consumed some of Erik Kingâs beers was âspeculative and insufficientâ to create a genuine issue of material fact. It further noted the record did not support the contention that Stamm must have consumed some of Erikâs alcohol in order to have the post-mortem BAC he possessed. In summary, the justices commented no evidence exists that Robert or LeAnne King had actual knowledge Stamm was drinking in their basement on the night prior to his death or that Erik had control over his parentsâ home so as to render him culpable. (JM)
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SELCRA To Meet With Member Municipalities To Discuss DissolutionSELCRA To Meet With Member Municipalities To Discuss Dissolution
The Southeast Livingston County Recreational Authority has voted to hold a meeting with their partners over the future of the organization. SELCRA operates many youth sports programs and community events in Brighton, but has recently come under threat by private organizations. Their board passed two motions at their monthly meeting Wednesday night. The first was to ask the Brighton Area Schools Board of Education if they would consider integrating functions that SELCRA has been providing into their own jurisdiction. Some SELCRA board members expressed doubts that organization would continue to exist if Brighton Schools did in fact take over. The second motion was to a call a meeting of the four municipalities that support SELCRA to a meeting to discuss more options. The municipalities that partner with SELCRA are Genoa, Green Oak, and Brighton Townships, along with the City of Brighton. At the meeting, the possibilities on the table for discussion are assimilation with the school district, a millage, or a re-budgeting of funds. SELCRA Director Derek Smith told WHMI that even though there was debate in the room on how to solve the problem, everyoneâs hearts were in the same place. SELCRA is currently running on a $220,000 yearly budget. Director Derek Smith told WHMI that many recreation organizations in similarly sized cities operate with a multimillion dollar budget. One board member estimated that if the townships each passed a quarter of a mill for support, that it would generate between $500,000 to $700,000. Many board members felt their townships would not vote in favor, however. The next meeting for SELCRA and the municipalities is scheduled for Wednesday, November 11th.(MK)
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Mr. B's Purchased By Diamonds Steak & Seafood; Set To Reopen Next WeekMr. B's Purchased By Diamonds Steak & Seafood; Set To Reopen Next Week
One well-known Howell restaurant will be taking over another. Diamonds Steak and Seafood Owner and Chef Adam Merkel announced Wednesday the purchase of Mr. Bâs Rustic Tavern, saying the public can expect an all new made-from-scratch menu, excellent service, and an updated look. Current plans call for the restaurant to re-open for business next Thursday, October 22nd. He added that all Mr. B's employees will keep their jobs. Howell Area Chamber of Commerce President Pat Convery tells WHMI they knew Mr. Bâs was for sale and she was thrilled to hear it was expanding its presence in downtown and couldnât be more pleased Merkel purchased it for a second location. That sentiment was echoed by Howellâs Downtown Development Authority Director Cathleen Edgerly, who is also looking forward to seeing what new developments take place in the space. She told WHMI as a community âthey never like seeing an established business go, especially one that has been a big supporter of the downtown and community overall participating in so many Howell events and activities.â Craig Myrand has been hired as executive chef of Mr. Bâs. Heâs worked at restaurants across metro Detroit and was most recently the executive chef of Billâs Restaurant in Bloomfield Hills. Diamonds will remain open where Sous Chef Stephanie Bentley has been promoted to the executive chef position. Mr. Bâs is now in the midst of a makeover, with remodeling work taking place over the next week. (JM/JK)
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Construction Project at I-96 & US-23 in Brighton Entering Next StageConstruction Project at I-96 & US-23 in Brighton Entering Next Stage
Freeway ramp and double lane closures will greet motorists in the Brighton area tonight as a large improvement project enters the next stage. The Michigan Department of Transportation has scheduled an overnight, double lane closure on eastbound I-96 at US-23 from 9pm to 5am. In addition, the ramp from southbound US-23 to eastbound I-96 will be closed and traffic detoured to Grand River. M-DOT says the closures are needed so that crews can shift eastbound traffic to the new lanes of the freeway. The switch to stage two of the project is said to be four weeks ahead of schedule. After the switch, M-DOT says there will be two lanes of eastbound I-96traffic maintained on the new express lanes and one lane maintained on the existing roadway. The existing lanes of I-96 will then become collector-distributor lanes as a means of increasing safety and mobility at the interchange, particularly for ramp traffic. Meanwhile, the switch for westbound I-96 traffic to the new lanes has yet to be determined but M-DOT says it could occur Sunday or Monday. The staging plan for the project is available in the attachment below. (JM)
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South Lyon Woman Charged in Fatal Crash In Court Next Month South Lyon Woman Charged in Fatal Crash In Court Next Month
A woman involved in a fatal T-bone crash in Lyon Township that killed her mother and involved alcohol will appear in court early next month. 50-year-old Janet McGahey of South Lyon is charged with operating while intoxicated causing death in 52-1 District Court in Novi. Deputies with the Oakland County Sheriffâs Office Lyon Township Substation responded to the September 14th crash on Milford Road at 11 Mile. McGahey was traveling westbound on 11 Mile Road in a Ford Taurus and had stopped at the stop sign at Milford Road. Police reported that she had become distracted while talking on her cell phone and pulled out in front of a Fed-Ex truck. The two vehicles collided, with the truck broadsiding the passenger side door of the Taurus. McGaheyâs mother, 89-year-old Betty Whitfield of Lyon Township, was a passenger in the Taurus and pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Fed Ex truck, a 58-year-old Redford Township man, was not injured. Both Milford Road and 11 Mile Road were shut down for more than four hours during the evening commute. McGahey was initially hospitalized for her injuries and remains free on bond pending a November 4th exam. She must attend AA meetings three times per week among other conditions and court records note that any bond violation will result in an immediate bench warrant being issued. (JM)
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Brighton Schools Organizing Bus Group To 'Rosie The Riveter' World Record AttemptBrighton Schools Organizing Bus Group To 'Rosie The Riveter' World Record Attempt
An iconic symbol of World War II was "Rosie the Riveter", a woman wearing coveralls, with her sleeves rolled up, signifying the thousands of American women who worked in factories manufacturing the war machinery needed by the Allies to win the war. A group of female Brighton High School students, and other girls and women, will be bussed to the former Willow Run Bomber Plant on Saturday, Oct. 24th, to attempt to set a new record in the Rosie the Riveter Guinness World Record Event. The Willow Run plant churned out B -24 Liberator bombers at the rate of one per hour at its peak in 1944. The Yankee Air Museum, which occupies a portion of the former bomber plant, wants to draw over 1,100 women dressed as Rosie the Riveter together to break the world record set this year in California with 1,084 "Rosie the Riveter" look-alikes. That broke the previous record of 776, established in 2013 by the SaveTheBomberPlant.org group from Michigan for the "largest gathering of people dressed as Rosie the Riveter." This year will mark the first time that Brighton has participated in the event. Brighton Schools' Assistant Superintendent of Instruction Laura Surrey tells WHMI they're very excited about going to Willow Run and re-creating Rosie the Riveter for a good cause. Surrey says the school district is opening up participation to all women in the area. A Guinness World Records representative will be present to ensure that all the proper procedures are followed. Surrey says there will also be some surviving original Rosie the Riveters from the World War II era present. The bus, or busses if enough people sign up, will leave the BECC building parking lot at East Main and Church at 9:45 a.m. on the 24th and will return about 4 p.m. or so. Surrey says high school-age children do not need to be accompanied by an adult, but younger students must have a parent or guardian present. Although people can register at the event itself, they are advised to register online in advance. There is no charge for registration or participation. Those planning to go are asked to call Surrey's office at 810-299-4010 by the end of the day on Thursday, Oct. 22nd. Anyone planning on attending as Rosie the riveter should go to the website below and follow the instructions, because the rules about the Rosie the Riveter attire that will be acceptable are very precise. People can also contact Surrey for more information at surreyl@brightonk-12.com. Although there is no admission, the Yankee Air Museum is accepting donations online and the proceeds will go to the organization's efforts to open exhibits and programs at the museum. (TT)
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Howell City Council Approves Parking Lot Maintenance & Crack Sealing Program Howell City Council Approves Parking Lot Maintenance & Crack Sealing Program
Streets and municipal parking lots throughout the City of Howell will be getting some extra care before the really cold weather hits. The Howell City Council met Monday night and accepted proposals for the 2015 parking lot maintenance program as well as the 2015 crack sealing program. It was noted that the approved bidder for the latter was ready to go and that the work would be getting underway this week. Howell City Manager Shea Charles told WHMI it's part of the routine maintenance for streets and parking lots to extend the life of the pavement. He says it helps to prevent rapid degradation and keeps moisture out, adding it's a small investment to extend the life of the road by several years. Meanwhile, Charles also provided an update to council on a new type of treatment designed to help extend the surface life of roads. The asphalt preservation treatment product called Reclamite has been shown to rejuvenate and prolong the life of pavement for years. The product has been applied to three different segments of road and Charles told members it will be monitored to see if it indeed works as promised over the next few years. (JM)
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Howell Schools Holds Community Meeting Towards Strategic PlanHowell Schools Holds Community Meeting Towards Strategic Plan
A community meeting last night drew input to help give Howell Public School administration ideas for its strategic plan. A meeting at the Howell Carnegie District Library brought out only a handful of people, but added to the input school administration received Monday night. Howell Schools Superintendent Erin MacGregor says even though the turnout was low those who made it had much to say about pride in the district, its future, barriers to improvement and its priorities. The district is looking for stakeholder input to help formulate the districtâs strategic plan, which includes the goals and visions going forward for the next three years. Though they were from various backgrounds, the priorities the eight people pointed to were similar. Most thought the district should focus on class size, redistricting and technology. Local parent Holly Lamb says she appreciates the opportunity to participate. She says it was great to have the opportunity to hear what other members of the community thought, and include her input. She also says she thinks more people should participate. Lamb suggests community members who haven't done so yet, should take the on-line survey offered by the school district, and says she believes the district sincerely cares what the community members have to say. There will be another opportunity for community input on October 27th from 9 to 10 am at the Howell Carnegie Library in the Meabon Room. There is also a survey available on the districtâs website. MacGregor says the district hopes to have the strategic plan ready for adoption by the Board of Trustees by December. It will be implemented then in January. (DS)
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David Reader Reappointed As County's Chief JudgeDavid Reader Reappointed As County's Chief Judge
Livingston Countyâs Chief Judge has been reappointed to that position. The Michigan Supreme Court on Wednesday announced appointments of chief judges for circuit, probate, district and municipal courts statewide as part of an effort to improve efficiency and service at the state's trial courts. Among those listed was Circuit Court Judge David Reader. His is actually a re-appointment for the position he has held since 2009 overseeing the 44th Circuit, 53rd District and Livingston County Probate courts. Reader says he oversees about 105 employees with a 12 million dollar budget. In the past, each circuit, probate, and district court had its own chief judge and related bureaucracy. Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Robert Young Jr. says that multi-court chief judges "are better positioned to make the difficult decisions needed to help streamline court processes." The appointments are for a two-year term starting Jan. 1. (JK)
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Motorists Advised Of Changes & Closures For Fenton Streetscape Work Motorists Advised Of Changes & Closures For Fenton Streetscape Work
The City of Fenton is advising motorists of some recent changes with the ongoing Streetscape project. City Administration was notified Thursday morning that the contractor had independently decided to convert North LeRoy Street to only northbound traffic between Silver Lake Road and Second Street while construction is completed in that area. The City says itâs expected that will last for approximately two weeks. Additionally beginning at 7am this Saturday, North LeRoy Street between Silver Lake Road and Second Street will be closed. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, northbound traffic will reopen later that afternoon. The City suggests anyone wanting to avoid the construction area should use Adelaide Street and North Road as a detour. City Administration apologizes for the late communication. The city further apologized for the late communication and says it will continue to provide proper notification to the public about road closures and openings, as relayed from the contractor. Assistant City Manager Michael Burns commented they understand itâs been a long project and ask for the publicâs continued patience as they advance toward the completion of the construction season. (JM)
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Veterans Treatment Court Seeks Volunteer Mentors Veterans Treatment Court Seeks Volunteer Mentors
Volunteer mentors are still being sought as part of a specialized court program for veterans who find themselves caught up in the legal system. There are roughly 12,000 veterans in Livingston County, some of whom have found themselves facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The Livingston County Veterans Treatment Court is a second chance for those who have served their nation but have run afoul of the law. An integral part is mentor volunteers, who provide guidance and support when needed. A new veteran mentoring pamphlet has been created to better educate prospective volunteers about the program. The treatment court is designed to be a collaborative problem solving effort that assists veterans post-sentencing who have misdemeanor or felony charges. Veterans in the court system have served in conflicts from Vietnam to Afghanistan, and the mentors serve as a liaison between them and the court program throughout the rehabilitation process. Male or female veterans including retirees, who are willing to donate a small amount of time, are still needed to serve as mentors and new materials have been created for anyone considering volunteering. The pamphlet is available at WHMI.com. Anyone interested in more information should contact Livingston County Veterans Services in Howell. (JM/JK)
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Howell Nature Center Out Of Its Gourd Over Massive PumpkinsHowell Nature Center Out Of Its Gourd Over Massive Pumpkins
Two massive gourds are being used to benefit a local wildlife rehabilitation organization. Mark Clementz of Holly caused quite a stir at the Howell Nature Center on Thursday afternoon when he delivered a 1,177-pound pumpkin. The gourd, which won the "BEST Looking Pumpkin" award at the Fair Oaks Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off, is on display during the nature centerâs regular hours. But as big as that pumpkin was, Clementz had an even bigger one in tow, which he plans to raffle off to benefit one of the nature centerâs programs. Clementz is visiting farmer's markets and other favorite fall hangouts, selling chances to win a 1,317-pound pumpkin. Proceeds of the raffle will benefit the Spirit of Alexandria's campership program at the center, which has given hundreds of children the opportunity to go to overnight camp at no charge to their families. Tickets to win the grand prize pumpkin and six of "her" seeds are 3 for $5 or 15 for $20, and Clementz has agreed to deliver the giant gourd within a 100 mile radius of Holly. Second and third prizes include seeds from Mark's prize-winning pumpkins, which sell for $50 each, as well as pumpkin-growing supplies. Mark will also award "Don't You Grow No Ugly Pumpkin" t-shirts. The winners will be drawn on October 26th. (JK)
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After Grueling Training, Four Howell High School Graduates Are MarinesAfter Grueling Training, Four Howell High School Graduates Are Marines
Four young men who all graduated from Howell High School will be celebrating a milestone of a different kind today. Nick Radke, Kody Warshefski, Lucas Davis and Alex Lofgren left for boot camp in July and have spent the past three months basically isolated from the outside world, with no communication except letters that are screened. They graduate during a ceremony today on Parris Island in South Carolina and only get a ten day leave before heading off for basic training. Ironically, all four men ended up in Platoon 1081 with Charlie Company, although none signed up together. They recently completed the âCrucibleâ after three months of training, which started around 2am Monday and lasted 54 hours. In that time, the men walked 48 miles carrying 45 pounds of gear, performed challenges at 36 stations and completed 29 problem solving exercises. Only 6 to 8 hours of sleep is permitted during the entire time. After the intense endeavor, they marched back to Parris Island and received pins so theyâre officially Marines before the graduation. After that, the men get to go on a ten day leave - something Sandee Lofgren has been anxiously awaiting as Alex is her only son - but she works at Howell High School so knows all four men. Lofgren told WHMI itâs extremely bittersweet because her heart is filled with pride but her eyes are filled with tears so sheâs taking each step at a time, adding itâs been a tough three months with no communication. She left earlier this week for South Carolina in order to arrive on time Thursday, which was family day. Lofgren says she only got a few hours to see her son but canât leave the base. She said the only things her son requested that she bring were Taco Bell and pizza, and he didnât care if it was cold or old. Lofgren plans to make the most of the time with her son over the next ten days. After that, the four Marines move on to basic training and all four have chosen to go into the infantry, where theyâll learn combat and fighting techniques. Pictured left to right are Lofgren, Davis, Warfsheski and Radke. (JM)
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New Cleary University President Meets With CommunityNew Cleary University President Meets With Community
The new president of Cleary University has plans to grow the student population and engage the business community. A reception was held last night in the Johnson Center to give local business leaders and community members a chance to meet the new president of Cleary, Jayson Boyers. The 43-year-old took over leadership of the business school on October 1st on the retirement of Thomas Sullivan. Boyersâ says part of his last job was to bring value to the business community in the form of talent. He did that by increasing the student population at Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont. His plan is to do the same here at Cleary University, and itâs a challenge Boyers looks forward to. He tells WHMI it is more than a business school. He says he believes that Cleary is going to be part of creating a talent pool that wants to create value in the community that will open businesses. They will also be skilled labor and attract new businesses. He says he thinks Cleary is successful because they will be known as a university that their graduates create create value. Boyers says he sees the university continuing to grow over the next decade, providing more online education and creating a global presence. He wants to see the university and other post-secondary schools in Michigan step up and create a plan to bring people back into the state, which will in turn contribute to the economic success of not only Livingston County, but the state. Boyers gave a brief address, saying he is determined that the university make a difference in the community, but he says he knows he canât do it alone. Boyers says he looks forward to meeting and working with the parents, students and businesses in the community. (DS)
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Community Kick-Off Event Planned At Pinckney Football Game Next FridayCommunity Kick-Off Event Planned At Pinckney Football Game Next Friday
A community kick-off event next Friday aims to shine a light on the work of a student group and coalition. The Pinckney Coalition and the It Stops With Students group are hosting a community kick-off event at the Pinckney Pirates final home varsity football game on Friday, October 23rd at 7pm. The groups work to raise awareness about healthy choices to reduce youth substance abuse while promoting non-using attitudes and behaviors in the community. Fridayâs kick-off is designed to serve as a fun way to kick off the new school year, spread the word about The Pinckney Coalitionâs work and celebrate the youth involved in It Stops With Students. Coalition Coordinator Amy Johnston says about 50 youth consistently attend lunchtime meetings and work on school-wide prevention campaigns., adding sheâs proud of the youth because it takes a lot of confidence to take a stand on these issues.
Youth in the student group promote non-using social norms and support the âMOST Teenâs Donât Use Campaignâ which will run in all Livingston County middle and high schools to increase awareness that most teens donât use alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and prescription drugs. The community kick-off event will include games and fun with freebies in the Coalitionâs new color, neon green, which was picked by youth last year. (JM)
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Brighton Receives More Than Half-Million Dollars For Stormwater ImprovementsBrighton Receives More Than Half-Million Dollars For Stormwater Improvements
The City of Brighton has been informed by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality that it has received a Stormwater, Asset Management and Wastewater grant totaling $524,880 for sanitary sewer and stormwater management. The acronym for the program is âSAWâ, and the local match for the grant amounts to $58,320. City Manager Dana Foster describes for WHMI what the grant will allow the city to do, in order to maintain and improve its sewer and stormwater system. Foster says the grant program will allow the city to obtain much more detailed information about the physical assets associated with the cityâs sanitary sewer and stormwater lines. It will also enable future staffs and city councils to improve overall planning pertaining to the sewer and stormwater system. Thatâs especially true in regard to the replacement of sewer and stormwater lines, equipment purchases for the wastewater treatment plant and development of funding plans to finance the replacements. (TT)
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City of Brighton Gets an "A" on its Audit Report CardCity of Brighton Gets an "A" on its Audit Report Card
The City of Brighton has once again received high marks in its annual audit. Representatives from Plante & Moran gave the results of the 2014-15 audit at the City Council meeting Thursday night, praising the cityâs director of finance, Kelly Hanna, and her staff for their work in keeping the cityâs finances in order. In addition to receiving a âcleanâ audit for the last 28 years in a row, it was brought out that the city has received the âCertificate of Excellenceâ for six years in a row from the state for its financial accounting and reporting. A very small percentage of Michigan municipalities receive the excellence award. The city was commended for getting the number of unresolved Michigan Tax Tribunal appeals of property taxes down from $32 million in 2012 to $1.3 million in the 2014-15 fiscal year. The auditors also praised the city for maintaining a fund balance of between 15% and 20%, with the cityâs undesignated fund balance being 16% for the 2014-15 fiscal year. Auditors also said an increase in revenue of $337,000 was a positive factor, with $265,000 of that coming from building permit revenue, indicating the city is growing, with more development coming in. The city also experienced an 8% increase in its state equalized valuation in 2015 and a 1.8% increase in the taxable value of commercial and residential property. (TT)
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Spartan Fans Reclaim Title During VINA Tailgate FundraiserSpartan Fans Reclaim Title During VINA Tailgate Fundraiser
The 7th annual VINA Dental Clinic tailgate party was held at Mt. Brighton Thursday night, as Michigan State fans tipped the scales of victory in their favor. Spartan fans raised the most money for the Brighton-based clinic that provides dental services to low-income and uninsured residents. The win gives MSU a 4-3 edge in the series, which was won last year by Wolverine fans. And while the victory was sweet for Spartan fans, Chelsea Holladay, President of the VINA Board of Directors, says the real win is for those in need as the money helps to maintain their facility and wide range of services. Since it opened in 2008, the VINA Dental Clinic has treated more than 2,000 patients, typically treating up to 20 new patients a month. The tailgate party, which was a sell-out, is expected to deliver at least $50,000 to help support VINAâs work in the community. (JK)
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New Attorney Appointed For Man Charged in Hamburg Police Sergeant's Death New Attorney Appointed For Man Charged in Hamburg Police Sergeant's Death
A local man charged in connection with a crash that killed a Hamburg Township Police sergeant finally has a new representation after several no-shows from his old attorney.
54-year-old Steven Mark Kelty of Oceola Township is charged in connection with the crash that killed Sergeant Jim Sanderson, a 20-year veteran of the Hamburg Police Department. He had originally hired Bloomfield Hills Attorney David Gorosh, who has been MIA since August and failed to appear for several court proceedings. Court records show that Gorosh has been officially dismissed and defense attorney Heather Nalley will now be representing Kelty. Given the recent changes in legal representation, a pre-trial hearing that was scheduled today in Livingston County Circuit Court has been adjourned to November 20th. Kelty is charged with driving on a suspended license causing death and operating a motor vehicle with the presence of a schedule one substance causing death, in this case marijuana. He is also charged as a third time habitual offender for prior operating while intoxicated convictions that occurred in 2002 and 1995. If convicted, Kelty faces up to 30 years in prison. (JM)
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