The City of Brighton will host its 13th annual Arbor Day celebration next week. Arbor Day is the celebration of tree, recognizing that healthy natural resources are vital to environmental quality and quality of life. Trees in backyards, neighborhoods, cities, farms and forests are said to connect individuals not only to the past but the future. During the celebration event, City staff will plant a tree and an Arbor Day proclamation will be read. Tuesdayâs ceremony is open to the public and will begin at 1:30pm at the Brighton Department of Public Works building on South Third Street. (JM)
City of Brighton To Host Tree Planting Ceremony TuesdayCity of Brighton To Host Tree Planting Ceremony Tuesday
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Brighton Woman Heading Up Panel At Statewide Broadband ConferenceBrighton Woman Heading Up Panel At Statewide Broadband Conference
A Brighton woman is headlining a panel discussion at a state conference next week on small business and the internet. Nancy Johnson is a web designer for Social Eyes on Business and will be holding a panel named âImproving the Online Presence of Michiganâs Small Businessesâ at the 2015 Michigan Broadband Conference. Johnsonâs panel will be one of twelve featured at the conference which brings together broadband and technology experts with local leaders and attendees. There they discuss the state of internet and technology and how it affects and can improve many areas of life like community and economic development, education, and healthcare. In addition to the panels, there will be keynote presentations from the chief of the FCCâs Wireline Competition Bureau, and from Jay Elliot, who is the former Senior Vice President of Apple and wrote two books, âThe Steve Jobs Way,â and âLeading Apple with Steve Jobs.â The conference is being held next Tuesday, October 20th at the Lansing Center. (MK)
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Lyon Township Fire Department Getting New Turnout Gear Lyon Township Fire Department Getting New Turnout Gear
The Lyon Township Fire Department is replacing old turnout gear thanks to a federal grant. A recent Lyon Township newsletter states the fire department was awarded $36,572 to replace current firefighting turnout gear. The grant was obtained through the Federal Emergency Management Agency and will allow the fire department to replace 24 sets of coats and pants that are over a decade old. Fire Chief Ken Van Sparrentak says the current gear is âoutdated and unsafeâ. Heâs been meeting with various vendors to try out the turnout gear but is also researching options to possibly bring the costs down, enabling the department to outfit all 32 firefighters with new gear. Itâs expected that firefighters should be outfitted with the new gear before the end of the year. (JM)
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Ramp & Lane Closures Scheduled Monday Night on I-96 at US-23Ramp & Lane Closures Scheduled Monday Night on I-96 at US-23
More ramp and lane closures will greet motorists Monday night as a large construction project nears the next stage. The Michigan Department of Transportation has scheduled a double lane overnight Monday from 9pm to 6am on westbound I-96 at US-23. The ramps from northbound US-23 to westbound I-96 and southbound US-23 to westbound I-96 will be closed and traffic detoured. The closures are needed so crews can complete the final stage change at the interchange and shift westbound traffic to the new lanes of the freeway. After the switch, there will be two lanes of westbound I-96 traffic maintained on the new express lanes and one lane maintained on the existing roadway. The existing lanes of I-96 will become collector-distributor lanes as a way to increase safety and mobility at the interchange, in particular for ramp traffic. All eastbound I-96 traffic is now in the new configuration and once the westbound work is done, the project can move into the next phase. M-DOT spokeswoman Kari Arend tells WHMI the upcoming work is ahead of schedule by approximately four weeks, which is great news and will allow the project to move into the second stage of construction. Arend says the next phase will focus on existing bridges on I-96 that are in desperate need of repair, and really whatâs driving the whole project. That phase will put traffic on the new lanes of I-96 so crews can start work on bridges and the existing lanes of I-96. When they do move into that second stage, Arend says motorists will see a lot of work but traffic will be maintained on the new lanes. However, she advises that there will be a greater traffic impact overall, inparticular with more ramp closures and detours. However, she says advance notice will be given of pending closures and associated detours. (JM)
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Motorists Advised of Game Day Travel Restrictions Motorists Advised of Game Day Travel Restrictions
Anyone heading to todayâs showdown at the Big House should allow themselves some extra time and take note of game day travel restrictions. Michigan is favored against undefeated rival Michigan State. Game time is 3:30pm at Michigan Stadium. The #12 Wolverines haven't lost since their season opener and shut out their last three opponents. The seventh-ranked Spartans head into Ann Arbor with a perfect 6-0 record and won last year's game 35-11. Motorists are reminded that after the game, Main Street/Ann Arbor-Saline Road is one way southbound from Michigan Stadium to I-94. Postgame southbound traffic along South Main Street will also include stop-and-go traffic signals at the Scio Church/South Main and Ann Arbor-Saline/South Main intersections to allow safer crossing opportunities for pedestrians. Game day parking information can be found at www.goblue.com while up-to-date construction, traffic incident and lane closure information is available on MDOTâs website by clicking here or the link below. (JM)
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Hartland Will Hold State of The Township MeetingHartland Will Hold State of The Township Meeting
10/18/15 - This week residents will have the opportunity to meet with leaders and legislators during a State of the Township meeting. Hartland Township residents are invited to join local elected officials and community leaders on Monday at 4 p.m. at the Hartland Township Hall for a State of the Township meeting. Congressman Mike Bishop, State Representative Hank Vaupel and State Senator Joe Hune are expected to join local business leaders and school administrators to talk about challenges and opportunities facing the township. Community members will have the opportunity to meet with elected officials after a brief discussion period. (DS)
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Howell Student Thespians Bringing Royalty To Local KidsHowell Student Thespians Bringing Royalty To Local Kids
10/18/15 - Families will have the opportunity to dine with a princess in Howell in the coming weeks. Howell High Schoolâs new Thespian Troup will be dressing up as storybook princesses and visiting local restaurants to help support more of their activities being held through the school year. Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Jasmine are among many of the royalty children will be able to meet and take pictures with during the three events. A portion of each bill at the event will be donated to the troupe. The first opportunity to meet the princesses will be at the Buffalo Wild Wings in Howell on Thursday, October 22, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The event then moves to the Castaway Play Café for the final two events. The princesses will be there on Friday, November 6th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and then again the following morning, November 7, from 11am to 4 p.m. (MK)
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Council Approves Design Work to Possibly Bury Overhead Utilities in AlleyCouncil Approves Design Work to Possibly Bury Overhead Utilities in Alley
10/18/15 - The Howell City Council is proceeding with design work for the burial of overhead utilities in an alley attached to whatâs referred to as parking lot #4. Council voted 4-1 Monday night to approve a contract amendment with the cityâs engineering firm to complete electrical design work to potentially bury overhead utilities in the alley adjoined to parking lot #4 at a cost of approximately $101,916. The lot and alley are located south of Clinton Street between Walnut Street and Michigan Avenue and are already scheduled for reconstruction next year. Approving the design work now puts the City in a positon to go out to bid in the spring and coordinate burial of the lines with the other rehabilitation projects. City Manager Shea Charles tells WHMI burying the overhead utilities is something being looked at but explained that Council has not fully committed to the project. There has been a lot of discussion and debate centered on the project, although comments were minimal Monday night. Some members expressed previously that next spring would be the opportune time to do the overhead utility work because the existing water and sewer mains are being replaced and the alley will already be torn up, resulting in a significant cost savings. Other members have said the investment could help spur future development along a deteriorated block and agreed the timing is right. Councilman Doug Heins was the lone opposing vote and reiterated his opinion that the burial of overhead utility lines is an aesthetic issue, not one of public health and safety. Members Jan Lobur and Jeff Hansen were absent. Around 40% of the costs would be borne by the water and sewer funds, and the balance paid by any bond proceeds. Should Council decide to not bury the overhead utilities, then the cost of electrical engineering work would come out of the general fund. (JM)
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Real Estate Market Improving In Livingston County Real Estate Market Improving In Livingston County
The real estate market continues to improve locally and across the region. Record home sale levels were reported in September and reached a ten-year high according to a market analysis by Realcomp II Limited. The multiple listing service delivers data, support and instruction to the real estate industry. Its latest analysis revealed that residential and condo sales increased by 14.6% over last year in Livingston County. The median sale price of homes is also up across the market area over last year, although Livingston Countyâs dropped from $210,000 to $204,000. Realcomp CEO Karen Kage told WHMI overall sales were good across entire market for the month of September and have been increasing in individual counties, although the market tends to slow down during the last few months of the year. Kage noted that foreclosures are down considerably from where they were, especially within the last three years, and they continue to drop. Kage says the number of days a home spends on the market is also improving, with the local average at 43 days. With an increasing number of people looking for homes, Kage says itâs helpful to consult an expert. She noted that homes are selling pretty fast and adding to the positive outlook is low interest rates and an overall confidence in the economy. (JM)
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Tattoo Shop Raising Hope & Awareness During Semi-Colon Event FridayTattoo Shop Raising Hope & Awareness During Semi-Colon Event Friday
For anyone battling depression or contemplating suicide, a local tattoo artist offers this message of hope â your story isnât over and donât write your ending. Eternal Tattoos will host The Semi-Colon Project this Friday at the shop on Grand River in Howell to raise awareness about mental health struggles and the importance of suicide prevention. Artists will be doing semi-colon tattoos for a minimum donation of $5. All proceeds will be donated to Livingston County Community Mental Health and the shop is looking to âraise enough money to make a differenceâ. Having suffered from depression, Tattoo Artist Stelios is a suicide survivor and tells WHMI you donât always realize youâre getting in that rut so to speak but itâs a real struggle for a lot of people and something should be talked about. Fridayâs event aims to raise awareness but also offer an opportunity to talk about issues or share stories and personal journeys, Similar to the cancer ribbon, Stelios says the semi-colon has become the symbol for depression. He explained that when a semi-colon is used in story, an author had the option to end their sentence, but chose not to. The author is the person and the story is life. Thus when someone has a semi-colon, they are choosing to continue on, instead of ending their story. Stelios says the semi-colon is a short, sweet and simple tattoo but the meaning is also recognizable so it can easily help open up dialogue and conversation with others who might be facing the same struggles. He says the event is also a good way for someone to come out of hiding. Stelios says his therapist and Community Mental Health have helped him a great deal but the building is old and outdated - and the lobby has seen better days. He wanted to keep the funds raised in the local community but also be able to see where the money is going. Fridayâs event will run from 11am to 11pm but depending on the response, the line may need to be cut off earlier to accommodate everyone. An event flyer and further details are available in the link and attachments below. (JM)
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Local Man Charged in Pedestrian Crash Involving Alcohol Enters Plea Local Man Charged in Pedestrian Crash Involving Alcohol Enters Plea
An Oceola Township man whom authorities say was legally intoxicated when he crashed and injured a pedestrian in 2013 has entered a plea. After multiple legal delays and appeals, 60-year-old Gregory Green has entered a plea in Livingston County Circuit Court. He originally faced charges of operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol causing incapacitating injury and carrying a concealed weapon while legally intoxicated. He entered no contest pleas to reduced and added charges that include a moving violation causing serious injury and felonious commission of a motor vehicle. In exchange, the weapons charge was dismissed by prosecutors. Authorities say Green was operating a motorcycle on East Grand River in Howell during the early morning hours of July 13th, 2013 when he struck and seriously injured a pedestrian. After determining that Green was coming from a bar after consuming alcohol, police took him into custody and had a blood sample taken at an area hospital, which he consented to. A test by the Michigan State Police crime lab determined his blood-alcohol content level of 0.092%, which exceeded the stateâs legal limit of 0.08%. Green had sought an independent analysis of a second vial of blood that was taken, thus the case has been held up with various motions related to the blood analysis and testing. Court records show another motion was removed and Green instead entered the plea. Heâll be sentenced November 5th. (JM)
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New Web Service Connects Students To EmployersNew Web Service Connects Students To Employers
Local students who are planning a vocational career now have a service available to connect them to possible employers. MI Bright Future is a new enhancement to the Career Cruising online tool which is being used in all Livingston County schools. The service comes thanks to a partnership between Michigan Works, the Workforce Intelligence Network for Southeast Michigan, and Livingston Countyâs secondary and post-secondary schools. It provides students with information on advanced manufacturing, technological, and heath care companies in the area. The students can explore opportunities like internships, job shadowing, and company tours of businesses they may like to work for. For employers, the website provides the chance to find interested students and mentor them. Director for Livingston County Michigan Works William Sleight said that MI Bright Future will help build a stronger pipeline of workers to employers in the area who may be facing long-term employee shortages. A training and question and answer session will be held on Monday, October 26th at 9am at the Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce for interested employers. For more information or to sign up for the service, visit mibrightfuture.org.
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Fowlerville Schools Receive Generous Gift From Test Track OwnersFowlerville Schools Receive Generous Gift From Test Track Owners
A local business was marking a milestone last week and celebrated by donating funds to a nearby school district. During a ceremony in honor of FT Techno of Americaâs 10th anniversary, most of the presentations and accolades were directed toward the company. The last presentation, however, was meant to be a surprise. Company president Yoshi Kato and vice president Terry Takano had something to give away. During his remarks Kato mentioned several times the importance of people and being good neighbors, so it was no surprise the company gave a check to Fowlerville Community Schools. But the fact that it was for $20,000 was a surprise. Superintendent Wayne Roedel tells WHMI he knew something was coming but he didn't know how much. He says he will sit down with district planners to decide what to do with the $20,000 gift, but knows FT Techno expects the district put it toward some kind of engineering curriculum. Roedel says he isnât sure yet how the funds will be spent. He says funding for programs is always an issue, and the money could be used as seed for programs. He says the district has a robotics program that the funds could help enhance. (DS/JK)
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Judge Declines To Recuse Himself From Trial Of Woman Charged In Fenton Man's DeathJudge Declines To Recuse Himself From Trial Of Woman Charged In Fenton Man's Death
The trial of a woman charged with shooting a Fenton man to death in Isabella County will head to trial without a change in the judge hearing the case. 51-year-old Mary Lou Bigford is set to go to trial next month in connection with the April 18th death of Lawrence Howard Jr. On Friday, Isabella County Judge Mark Duthie denied a motion by Bigfordâs attorney to disqualify himself because of a hearing in May he oversaw involving an abuse-neglect petition against Maryâs daughter, Latesha Bigford, who is also the mother of the victimâs 4-year-old daughter. Duthie said his role in that hearing was random and wouldnât prejudice his ability to conduct the trial. Mary Bigford faces charges of open murder, first-degree murder, carrying a dangerous weapon with unlawful intent, felonious assault and a felony firearm violation. Police say she shot the 39-year-old Howard to death as he sat inside his car in the parking lot of the apartment complex where she lived with her daughter and granddaughter. Bigfordâs daughter had accused Howard of sexually abusing their daughter, which he adamantly denied. Despite multiple investigations failing to substantiate the abuse allegations, Bigford expressed frustration to authorities that she had not been interviewed and felt that Child Protective Services was not doing its job. A month later, she was accused of gunning down Howard. Bigford remains held without bond pending the start of her trial November 16th. (JK)
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Hamburg Day Care Plans Open House Six Months After Drunk Driving CrashHamburg Day Care Plans Open House Six Months After Drunk Driving Crash
More than six months after a pickup truck came crashing through the front of her business, a local day care operator hopes an event later this week will mark a new chapter and help heal the bad memories. Stacy Olesko is the owner of Stacyâs Early Childhood Center on East M-36 in Hamburg Township. Last April 10th, a pickup truck driven by a Brighton man drove right into the playroom at the center. The driver, Kurt Shollenberger, was charged with drunk driving and was recently sentenced to 76 months to 20 years in prison. Olesko says it was âby the grace of Godâ nobody was in the playroom at the time of the crash. And while nobody was hurt or worse, she says itâs still emotional for her to think of what might have been. "I have been doing this for 29 years and have never had to deal with that. The first thing that I promise parents is that their kids are safe and that day they were not. That has been the hardest obstacle for me to overcome. We had to downsize and go to half the building for a while so we're low on children now...but our renovations are pretty much done." And to celebrate that, an open house is planned this Friday at 5:30 featuring Gemini, a nationally-acclaimed musical duo. There will also be free food, kidsâ activities and other entertainment. Olesko says they will also collected donations for the Gleanerâs Community Food Bank. And just to be safe, Olesko says that several large boulders have been placed in front of the building since the crash to make sure a vehicle can't get through. (JK)
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Senior Housing Proposed At Former School As Granger Pulls Out Of Second Street Project Senior Housing Proposed At Former School As Granger Pulls Out Of Second Street Project
A company which had proposed a charter school at the old Lindbom School site in Brighton has been involved in preliminary discussions with the city regarding possible conversion of the building and property into a senior housing complex. Brighton City Manager Dana Foster says that Pat Battaglia of ACA Brighton Holdings LLC has been involved in preliminary discussions with the city on a conceptual proposal to convert the Lindbom School building and property into senior housing. However, Foster says Battaglia has not yet submitted a formal site plan application. The company, which purchased the Lindbom property from the Brighton Area Schools for $1.45 million in January, was not able to open the proposed American Classical Academy as originally planned this fall. Battaglia has told the city he now wants to convert the building and expand it for senior housing. However, when contacted by WHMI Battaglia declined to comment. Downtown Development Director Director Matt Modrack says the city would like the property developed as a planned unit development, because it gives the city more leeway in insisting the developer pay for at least a portion of the infrastructure improvements that are needed. That would include reconstruction, with curb and gutter, of Sixth and Seventh streets to the Lindbom site and State St. between Sixth and Seventh. Meanwhile, the Granger Group has withdrawn its proposal for the $20 million senior housing project that it had planned for North Second Street in Brighton. Foster confirmed he was informed by Granger that the company has pulled back its plans because it has several other projects in the works. The other reason for Grangerâs backing out, Foster says, is that the company and developer Mike Corrigan, who owns the property where the facility was proposed, have been unable to come to agreement on an extension requested by Granger on its option to buy the property. The option expired at the end of September. Foster told WHMI he has been assured that Grangerâs decision was not related to any problems with the city of Brighton. Foster added that despite its decision not to go forward with a site plan application, Granger has not ruled out the city of Brighton for a possible senior housing complex at another site. Foster says he does not know whether that might involve the Lindbom School property or another piece of land. The Granger assisted living facility was originally planned for North Second St. on the banks of the Mill Pond. The facility, as proposed, was to be a three-story, 100,000-square-foot building with 104 living units ranging from independent living to dementia and Alzheimerâs care on the top floor. The existing North Second St. properties at that location have four rental housing units that are owned by Corrigan. Foster says despite Grangerâs decision to withdraw, that side of town is in dire need of $2 million worth of sewer, water and street improvements. Foster says that must happen regardless, because of a need for larger service mains to serve existing as well as future residential and commercial needs. Modrack says the DDA will discuss Grangerâs change of plans at its meeting on Tuesday. The DDA will also get an update on Tetra Techâs engineering plans for infrastructure upgrades on that side of town at the meeting. (TT)
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Volunteers Sought For Two Fall Clean-Up Events At Pinckney CemeteryVolunteers Sought For Two Fall Clean-Up Events At Pinckney Cemetery
Volunteers are needed to help out with an annual clean-up project that also honors the history of the Village of Pinckney. The Pinckney Cemetery on M-36 dates back to the mid-1800âs and includes hundreds of burial sites. Village officials say two dates for fall clean-up are scheduled in November and theyâre putting out the call for volunteers. Individuals, students, youth groups and organizations are needed to help out and officials say the project is also a great opportunity for those needing to log community service or volunteer hours. On Saturday, November 7th, faded décor will be removed along with other yard waste and downed branches or tree limbs. Then the following Saturday, November 14th, the focus will be to remove as many leaves as possible. The fall clean-up is scheduled from 9am to noon on both dates and the cemetery is located just west of downtown Pinckney on M-36. Those interested in taking part are asked to contact the Village offices at 734-878-6206. (JM)
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Hartland's State Of The Township Connects Community With Local LeadersHartland's State Of The Township Connects Community With Local Leaders
Hartlandâs first State of the Township address shared the opportunities and challenges for the area with its residents. Local leaders connected with the community of Hartland Township Monday night to discuss the townshipâs current status and where itâs headed. Township Supervisor Bill Fountain addressed Hartlandâs growth in population, which is estimated to reach 20,000 people by 2025. Along with resident growth, several new developments are expected soon including a softball complex on Clyde Road, a rehabilitated Speedway and corporate offices for Kentucky Fried Chicken. Fountain also says pathways are being discussed, the township is working on transparency and the Board of Trustees has worked hard to achieve financial stability. As for opportunity growth, Fountain says the township is continuing work on their Capital Improvement Plan and exploring some grants. Following the State of the Township address, community members were able to network with elected officials including Congressman Mike Bishop, State Senator Joe Hune and State Representative Hank Vaupel. Vaupel tells WHMI connecting with local residents is important for the townshipâs success. Fountain says the goal of the meeting was to reach out to the community and keep them informed. The Board of Trustees is already planning on holding a State of the Township address on an annual basis. (DK)
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New Hudson Man Bound Over For Trial In Fatal PunchNew Hudson Man Bound Over For Trial In Fatal Punch
Arraignment is set later this month in circuit court for a New Hudson man who is alleged to have fatally punched a veteran in defense of his stepsister. 27-year-old Phillip Myers is charged with manslaughter. Last week he was bound over to face trial in Oakland County Circuit Court. Myers was originally arrested and charged with aggravated assault after an altercation on August 25th. The Oakland County Sheriffâs Office says Myers punched and knocked Christopher Markiewicz to the ground after he made unwanted sexual advances on Myersâ stepsister. The stepsister, a 17-year-old, had given Markiewicz a ride home the night before because he was highly intoxicated. She told police he put his hand on her thigh and shoulder and that she refused his request for sex. Markiewicz returned to her home the next day, again highly intoxicated, to apologize and police say thatâs when the incident occurred. The manslaughter charge was amended from aggravated assault when Markiewicz died of his injuries on August 30th. Markiewicz was a Marine veteran from the Desert Storm campaign. Myers will be arraigned October 28th. (JK)
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Brighton Township Will Maintain Current Sewer Debt Service ChargeBrighton Township Will Maintain Current Sewer Debt Service Charge
Brighton Township will not be making any changes to the way they are currently paying down their sewer debt for the time being. The townshipâs Utilities Committee met last week to discuss the REU and debt service charge for the area. At the committeeâs recommendation, the Brighton Township Board of Trustees stuck with the status quo and will be keeping the debt service cost of $80.50 per quarter. Township Manager Brian Vick says the Utilities Committee had a very lively discussion to come to this decision and does recognize that the housing trajectory is moving in the right direction. However, until that growth and the new REUâs it will bring can be considered, the committee is not comfortable recommending any changes. At a Monday night meeting, a request came before the Board of Trustees to authorize a purchase of grinder pumps. Vick tells WHMI this request is important to the townshipâs sewer predicament as the additional pumps are needed to handle anticipated development. Housing growth could lead to a change of heart in what the best option would be for paying off the townshipâs sewer debt. As part of the Utilities Committee recommendation, it was also suggested that the issue be revisited in the spring. Trustee Mike Slaton was at the meeting and says the committee is strongly thinking about reduced rates in the near future should things pan out accordingly. (DK)
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