Students at a Brighton school helped fight hunger locally while attempting to break a world record today. St. Patrickâs Catholic School was one of thousands that took part in the annual sport stacking event. Cup stacking is a sport of hand-eye coordination that involves quickly creating and dismantling pyramids of empty cups. Each year, stackers from all over the world take part in a full half hour of stacking in an attempt to coordinate the largest sport-stacking event in history. Nearly 100 St. Patrickâs students took part this year, each one providing a food donation to Gleaners Community Food Bank to participate. School officials said that they helped set last yearâs record of 595,292 stackers. The goal this year is to reach 610,000 participants. (JK)
Brighton Students Stack Up For World Record AttemptBrighton Students Stack Up For World Record Attempt
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Resident Starts Petition To Fix Dangerous IntersectionResident Starts Petition To Fix Dangerous Intersection
A dangerous intersection between Novi and Lyon Townships may be getting safer sooner than later thanks to help of one local resident. As development on 10 Mile Road through the two townships continues, some homeowners have become concerned about a rise of accidents, most notably at Napier Road. Novi resident Jeff Mayer has started a petition on MoveOn.org for immediate changes and has received over 2,500 signatures towards his goal of 3,000 in the first week. On November 3rd, the day before Mayer posted his petition, the intersection was closed in all directions for two hours following an accident. The Road Commission for Oakland County plans to install a traffic light at the intersection in 2017, but the South Lyon Herald reports that Mayer is hoping for more immediate changes, like rumble strips, a lower speed limit, or a greater police presence. Authorities from the Oakland County Sheriff's substation in Lyon Township said that keeping an officer posted at the intersection during rush hour everyday was unrealistic. Mayer said that the more people he gets to sign, the more quickly it will force legislators to address the problem, and that will hopefully speed up the project. Picture courtesy of Google Street View. (MK)
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Blight & Code Enforcement Issues To Be Tackled In City of Howell Blight & Code Enforcement Issues To Be Tackled In City of Howell
The Howell City Council is picking back up with discussions related to code enforcement and how to best fight blight. Community Development Director Timothy Schmitt offered some big picture ideas for consideration in advance of strategic planning and next yearâs budget cycle during Mondayâs city council meeting. He says vacant homes are tough to tackle because many times theyâre related to economic issues or a home is in foreclosure, but thatâs largely a matter of the market correcting itself. Another matter is homeowner building permits that are issued but result in unfinished construction projects. He says building permits pulled by those of the do-it-yourself mentality are one issue that leads to projects stretching out over the course of years when they donât have the time or money to complete the job. A home on East Clinton Street was referenced as one thatâs been under some state of construction for well over a year with no progress made. Schmitt also discussed the cityâs frequent fliers â referring to those with consistent violations or notices that staff has to address. He explained that in those scenarios, council needs to begin discussing other means of enforcement or increased enforcement because itâs becoming clear that the city mowing the lawn or shoveling snow and tacking on an administrative fee is not going to change behavior in many cases. Although it wasnât a very popular idea when it came up three years ago, Schmitt said increasing rental inspections is another conversation that might need to be had moving forward. Schmitt says inspections in general are becoming more common to try and bring the quality of the properties up, adding theyâre a necessary evil when a city has a large number of rentals, especially converted houses. Currently, properties are inspected upon initial rental license applications and on a complaint basis and thereâs no good sense of where all the large scale apartment complexes are at. Mayor Pro-Tem Steve Manor was supportive of pursuing conversations and looking at ways to try and tighten up standards. He said the process of informing tenants of their rights in an annual letter to occupants of an address might also open some eyes. The city currently has a two-tier property maintenance code but Schmitt commented that it could be better served by one ordinance covering all properties to keep it simple. Schmitt noted that the city should also be reviewing the fee structure on an annual basis. He says the level of performance bonds for projects is extremely low so heâll likely be recommending changes to the structure but is also working with the building official on implementing a homeownerâs affidavit so they know what theyâre committing to. If there is a desire amongst council to expand the rental inspection program, it would most likely involve additional resources. Since itâs been three years since the last council discussion on the topic, Schmitt felt it would be good timing to revisit the issues, also noting significant turnover on council since that time. (JM)
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State Roads Plan Discussed At Livingston County Road Commission Meeting State Roads Plan Discussed At Livingston County Road Commission Meeting
The head of the Livingston County Road Commission detailed upcoming changes to road funding and is cautiously optimistic. During this morningâs meeting, Managing Director Mike Craine offered insights into the recently passed road funding bills. He says the seven bill package may not have a big impact in the county. Funding from increased fuel taxes and vehicle fees is set to take effect in January of 2017. Craine told commissioners the new funding initiative is set to raise some $360 million, but in reality only adds up to about $34 million. He says that money will be split among the Michigan Department of Transportation, all of the cities, villages and townships as well as the 83 counties in the state. Craine is cautious about what that means for Livingston County. He says the county's big concern is being able to plan long term. He says they are new to the type of system that is tied to the ups and downs of Michigan's economy and they are a little hampered in the near term on being able to plan projects until they get a better understanding of when the legislature will make cuts. He says he also anticipates that this will be a part of the 2016 election. Craine says in 2017 everything could change. He also says the funding bills are tied to the stateâs general fund and there is not constitutional protection against redirection of funds from roads. He says he isnât planning beyond a year because about half of the money can be taken away from roads and used for other things such as Medicaid. Livingston County stands to receive between $2 million and $2.5 million in road funding dollars, but Craine says that wonât go far in resurfacing when the cost is $150,000 a mile. (DS)
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Lawyer Says Teen Threats Were Never SeriousLawyer Says Teen Threats Were Never Serious
The lawyer of one of the three teens charged with planning to shoot people in a local school district says there was never any intention of following through. Police in Genesee County's Argentine Township's say the alleged plot was uncovered in the Linden school district and included specific targets at Linden's middle and high schools. The three teens were arrested October 29th after a female student at Linden High School reported receiving death threats from one of the teens, 18-year-old Ryan Stevens. Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton said the threats followed a derogatory Instagram posting by the girl about Stevens. The three are charged with conspiring to commit first-degree murder. A hearing originally set for today was rescheduled for next week. Stevens, a former Linden student, is being represented by Ken Karasick, who says the case appears to be "texting ... and using social media without thinking of the consequences." The other suspects are 15 and live outside the district.
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Fundraising Fashion Show Seeks Local DesignersFundraising Fashion Show Seeks Local Designers
An event that uses original creations to raise funds for a local historic building is calling for designers. The Livingston Arts Council will be hosting the 8th annual Runway Repurposed fashion show in February and are searching for local fashion designers. The fundraiser for the historic Howell Opera House combines the art of fashion design with the use of recycled clothing and materials. There are five designer categories in the competition: Young Beginner, Student Beginner, Adult Beginner, Advanced, and Avant Garde. Designers will choose their clothing and materials at registration from a collection of donated items and then create a new masterpiece that will be showcased on the runway. A panel of judges will award a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place for each category and cash prizes will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in the Advanced Designer category. Registration will be held from 4 to 8 pm at the Opera House in downtown Howell on January 11th through the 13th. More information can be found at the Runway Repurposed Facebook page by clicking on the link below. (DK)
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4th Annual Hat And Scarf Auction Raises Money For Veteran's Support Group4th Annual Hat And Scarf Auction Raises Money For Veteran's Support Group
A local veteranâs support group will be able to help women veterans through their yearly Hat and Scarf Auction. âWelcome Home Soldiersâ was the theme of the 4th annual event held at the Howell Elks Club Thursday night. The auction benefits the Women Supporting Women Veterans group which provides any kind of services or assistance needed to veterans. âThe Great Foodiniâ, Renee Chodkowski, cooked a Thanksgiving dinner for the eveningâs meal as it is her daughterâs favorite. Chodkowski chose the eventâs theme and meal for her daughter Staff Sergeant Kelly Chodkowski Simon (pictured), who served a tour of duty in Afghanistan and remains on active duty. Sergeant Simon is from Howell and discussed the appreciation she has for the group as the eventâs guest speaker. She tells WHMI the organization gives women veterans a chance at normalcy. It is estimated that over $1,000 was raised through the Hat and Scarf Auction that followed dinner. Members and those affiliated with the Women Veteranâs group donated homemade items that sold for as a much as $85 per set. Undersheriff Mike Murphy served as the auctioneer and a local Girl Scoutâs Troop modeled the items. Sergeant Simon says the proceeds could be used for food, clothing or even paying a bill for a veteran who is struggling. (DK)
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Pre-Registration Encouraged For Howell's Fantasy 5K Pre-Registration Encouraged For Howell's Fantasy 5K
Area residents are being encouraged to add a nighttime run to their fitness menu the day after Thanksgiving. The Fantasy 5K is held every year as part of the Fantasy of Lights parade and celebration in downtown Howell. Itâs a certified course endorsed by the Governorâs Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports and the Pure Michigan FITness Series. Fantasy of Lights Director Michelle Tokan says running in the Fantasy 5K is a healthy way to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday and runners are cheered on by thousands who line the parade route. This yearâs Fantasy 5K will be held on Friday, November 27th. Start time for the 5K is 6pm and runners are encouraged to dress up in festive attire. Those planning to take part can pre-register through the link below. The cost is $25 before 5pm on Monday, November 23rd or $5 more after. Registration includes a souvenir bandana and lighted gift. Awards will also be given to the top Fantasy 5K finishers. (JM)
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Stockbridge Man Gets Prison Time For Golf Course AssaultStockbridge Man Gets Prison Time For Golf Course Assault
A Stockbridge man accused of assaulting another individual at a Livingston County golf course has been sentenced to prison. 27-year-old Joshua Allen St. Charles was ordered to spend 67 months to ten years behind bars for assaulting another man in June at the Timber Trace golf course in Putnam Township. St. Charles, who was convicted on charges of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, resisting/obstructing police and malicious destruction of property, testified at his trial that he and co-defendant, 25-year-old Reid Matthew Kaczanowski, had been drinking beer the day of the incident that they had received as payment for helping a friend cut firewood. He said that on the drive home, Kaczanowski cut through a subdivision and drove his pickup onto the golf course. When the truck got stuck, both men got out and say they heard another man yelling at them. Glen Domke, the victim, says St. Charles attacked him, giving him a broken nose, jaw and fractures to the face. Kaczanowski earlier pleaded no contest to a third offense of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, malicious destruction of property and resisting police. Heâll be sentenced December 10th. (JK)
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MDOT Open House Seeks Community Input On US-23 Project MDOT Open House Seeks Community Input On US-23 Project
An open house showcased aesthetic options for the upcoming US-23 corridor improvement project and took public feedback. The Michigan Department of Transportation held the open house at the Northfield Township Hall on Thursday and drew in a crowd of interested residents, commuters and community members. Guests were given voting sheets and asked to mark their preference for landscape and aesthetic concepts surrounding the project. Concept renderings were also displayed for the 8 Mile interchange, North Territorial Road interchange, Barker Road Bridge, Warren Road, sound walls, roundabouts and geomorphic themes. Suzanne Flowers, a Scio Township resident, tells WHMI she was impressed with the turnout and MDOTâs plans thus far. The improvements to the stretch of US-23 between Ann Arbor and Brighton will replace and upgrade pavement, median shoulders, bridges, and entrance and exit ramps. MDOT is hoping to keep the communityâs values and character visible while alleviating traffic congestion problems and addressing operational efficiency. Mark Sweeney, Brighton Transportation Service Center Manager with MDOT, says construction is expected to begin in 2017. He says the project is on schedule and advertisement for it is likely to begin at the end of next year. (DK)
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Livingston County Leads Region For October Home Sales IncreaseLivingston County Leads Region For October Home Sales Increase
Rising home sales and median sale prices across the region marked another month of market improvement in October. Led by Livingston Countyâs 9.9% climb from 284 sales in October 2014 to 312 sales last month, Wayne, Oakland and Macomb also saw continued sales increases according to data released Thursday by Farmington Hills-based Realcomp Ltd. II. However, the 6.1% year-over-year increase in October in home and condo sales in all four counties didnât match the 11.2% recorded year-over-year in September. Median home and condo sale prices also continued on the upward swing, posting a 3.4% gain in the four-county region from $145,000 in October 2014 to $150,000 last month. While Livingston Countyâs modest 1.4% increase paled in comparison to Macomb Countyâs 9.3% spike, Livingstonâs median price of $216,800 was well over Macombâs $139,900. Homes spent an average of 41 days on the market last month, according to Realcomp, an increase from the 37 days on average they spent on the market in September. (JK)
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Donor Will Triple Every Dollar LACASA Raises For Anniversary ChallengeDonor Will Triple Every Dollar LACASA Raises For Anniversary Challenge
An anniversary challenge from LACASA will triple donations to the center thanks to a generous donor. 2016 is drawing near and LACASA will soon be celebrating 35 years of serving Livingston County families in need. A donor who has not been named, has offered to triple the donation amount that is collected during LACASAâs 35th Anniversary Challenge. LACASAâs personal goal is to raise $35,000 to acknowledge their time of service to the county which means the donor would contribute an additional $70,000, bringing the total to $105,000. However there is no ceiling for the donations and the center is hoping to raise as much as they can to triple their impact. LACASA is a non-profit agency and provides critical services at no cost to victims of child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault. 100% of the contributions will stay local and will be used to clothe and feed victims, prevention programs, child response programs and other necessities. Donations can be made by visiting the website at the link listed below. (DK)
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Health Department Makes Agreement With MDEQ For Water Regulation ServicesHealth Department Makes Agreement With MDEQ For Water Regulation Services
An agreement has been made to conduct environmental health services regarding local water supplies, and the Livingston County Department of Public Health assures residents that all is well. The agreement between the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality will allow the Livingston County Department of Public Health to conduct services regarding non-community water supplies. Matt Bolang, the departmentâs Director of Environmental Health, says these are public water supplies that donât serve homes, like businesses or restaurants. The services will also include inspecting public swimming pools, medical waste, public campgrounds and the septage program. The Health Department will be partially reimbursed just over $124,000 by the MDEQ for the covered services. Aside from this type of regulation, Bolang says additional measures are taken to ensure water safety in the county. A recent water crisis in Flint occurred when elevated levels of lead were found in children as a result of the city switching its water supply. Bolang says thatâs why Livingston Countyâs agreement with the DEQ is important as they are the body that gets involved if the county should change their water supply. Bolang admits thereâs no guarantee that a crisis of that sort will never happen, but feels the county's Department of Health and DEQ are working actively to ensure that it doesnât. (DK/JK)
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WHMIâs 12 Days Of Gleaners Starts SaturdayWHMIâs 12 Days Of Gleaners Starts Saturday
As the holidays approach, WHMI and the Gleanerâs Community Food Bank of Livingston County have once again joined together to help make sure local families in need get a complete holiday meal. Gleaners estimates there are 1,000 area families who will need assistance to put a holiday meal on the table and with the organizationâs buying power, a full meal is possible with just a $20 donation. Starting Saturday and lasting through Thanksgiving, WHMIâs 12 Days of Gleaners will seek donations to make sure every family has a holiday meal. But weâre also bringing awareness to the issue of food assistance in Livingston County and the stories of those who have relied on Gleaners during difficult times. Among them is Stephanie, who says as a single mother of three young children, she often found it difficult at the end of the month to buy the groceries she needed for her family once all her other bills were paid. She says she reluctantly went to the Gleaners Shared Harvest Pantry for help but was pleasantly surprised at the experience and grateful for the uplifting atmosphere. The grocery store-like environment it provides is a key element to eliminating the guilt and shame that can get in the way of many people receiving the assistance they need. Stephanie says she no longer needs to use the pantry, and hopes someday to be in a position to become a financial donor to help others. Bridget Green is the Director of Livingston Operations for Gleaners and says that due to their ability to buy in bulk, a simple $20 donation will put a full meal on the table for a local family. Both Stephanie and Green will be guests on WHMIâs Viewpoint this Sunday morning at 8:30. You can also find details and donation options for the 12 Days of Gleaners through the link below. (JK)
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Weekend Ramp & Lane Closures Scheduled on I-96 at US-23 Weekend Ramp & Lane Closures Scheduled on I-96 at US-23
Weekend ramp and lane closures are scheduled on I-96 in the Brighton area. The Michigan Department of Transportation says the closures are needed for restriping. Once the work is complete, M-DOT says there will be two lanes on the westbound I-96 collector-distributor lane, from the split with I-96 to the exit ramp to northbound US-23. A single lane closure is scheduled between 7 and 9pm Saturday on westbound I-96. The westbound I-96 collector-distributor lane will then be closed starting at 9pm Saturday, lasting through 2am on Sunday. In addition, the ramps from westbound I-96 to northbound US-23, westbound I-96 to southbound US-23 and westbound I-96 to Spencer Road will be closed the same time as the westbound collector-distributor road. Detours will be posted but travel delays are possible. (JM)
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Hamburg Township And Community Welcome New Police OfficerHamburg Township And Community Welcome New Police Officer
A new officer has been sworn in to the Hamburg Township Police Department. The Hamburg Township Police Department is making room for a new member, Officer Sean Hogan. Last week, Officer Hogan was sworn in as a police officer by Township Clerk Jim Neilson. He has been hired in as a full time officer following a 7-0 vote by the Township Board of Trustees. Community members responded with enthusiasm and congratulations to a post about the new officer on Facebook. (DK)
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Bellringers & Volunteers Sought This Christmas Season Bellringers & Volunteers Sought This Christmas Season
The Salvation Army of Livingston County is working to help those in need one chime at a time this Christmas season. Some bell ringing locations are already up and running but the majority start after thanksgiving. Volunteer bell ringers are needed at locations across Livingston County throughout the Red Kettle season, which makes up almost a third of the Livingston County Corps annual budget. In order to meet this yearâs Christmas campaign goal of $378,000, the local Corps hopes to fill all kettle sites. Individuals, organizations, families and corporations wishing to ring bells and man the red kettles can go online to pick out a time and location that works for them through the link below. The local Salvation Army also works in collaboration with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to provide gifts to local individuals and families in need every Christmas. Corps Administrator Major Prezza Morrison tells WHMI parents get to shop for gifts at a toy shop and theyâre always looking for volunteers to set up the toy shop or help on distribution day when individuals and families shop for gifts. (JM)
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Guilty Plea Entered By Howell Man Who Allegedly Molested A Young BoyGuilty Plea Entered By Howell Man Who Allegedly Molested A Young Boy
A local man facing federal child pornography charges and accusations of molesting a young boy has pleaded guilty. 32-year-old Erik Lopez-Ferreyra has pleaded guilty as charged to first degree criminal sexual conduct for allegedly molesting a 9-year-old boy. In exchange for his guilty plea, prosecutors have agreed to drop two additional counts of the same charge. Lopez-Ferreyra is also facing three separate charges of child pornography in U.S. District Court in Detroit. Authorities found a thumb drive in his home and 57 files of child pornography had been downloaded to an IP address linked to him. In August, Howell Police notified the FBI they were investigating Lopez-Ferreyra for the molestation allegations which are believed to have happened on three separate occasions in 2013. Though he technically remains under federal custody, he is being kept in the Livingston County Jail and was recently denied a reassignment from high-security. Lopez-Ferreyra is expected to be sentenced on December 10th. (DK)
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Pinckney To Once Again Host Wreaths Across America Event Pinckney To Once Again Host Wreaths Across America Event
The Village of Pinckney is continuing its quest to make sure that no veteran from the area is forgotten this holiday season. December 12th is National Wreaths Across America Day and according to officials, the village cemetery in Pinckney is the only participating cemetery in Livingston County. Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit, national organization that places live balsam remembrance wreaths on the headstones of veterans. Last year they were able to place 75 wreaths on gravestones but are hoping to double that number this year. To raise money for the event, groups or individuals can purchase wreaths or make donations by visiting the WAAâs website and marking the Pinckney Historical Cemetery as the recipient. A ceremony will be held at noon on the 12th in the cemetery to recognize and remember the roughly 250 veterans buried there. For more information visit http://Facebook.com/WAAHQ or http://twitter.com/WreathsAcross (MK)
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Middle Schoolers Send Letters And Cards To Thank Local VeteransMiddle Schoolers Send Letters And Cards To Thank Local Veterans
Students from a local middle school are sending love and thanks to veterans this holiday season. On Veteranâs Day, students at Parker Middle School wrote over 145 thank you letters and made three giant cards for veterans in Livingston County. The letters and cards were delivered to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4357 in Brighton to shower the veterans with appreciation and gratitude for their service. The three large cards were put on display at the Brighton Post and the letters will be sent in care packages to area veterans this holiday season. The event was organized by the student council and Caroline Grabowski, Counselor and Student Council Advisor at the middle school, had the privilege of dropping the handmade items off. During the visit, she says she shared tears, hugs and was able to hear the excitement the veterans expressed. Grabowski says one veteran told her he was going to read every single letter. (DK)
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