A local trail project has been completed in Hamburg Township. The 6.5 mile section of the Lakelands Trail stretches through the township and is one of four linear parks in the Michigan State Park System. Improvements to the trail between Hamburg and Hall Roads began in September and included a fully paved parking area and information kiosk. The route was redeveloped into a 16- foot wide non-motorized pathway. A 10-foot wide paved section was created for walking, bicycling, rollerblading, running, and cross-country skiing. There is also a 6-foot wide turf lane for equestrians. The trail provides numerous links to developments throughout the community and spans the entire width of Hamburg Township. The project was funded through a grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and money from the townshipâs general fund was used to purchase the property and match the grant. The Lakelands Trail is a part of the Great Lakes to Lakes Trail system from South haven to Port Huron and there is some discussion of connecting it to the Iron Belle Trail. A ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for 1 pm on December 1st to celebrate the trailâs completion. (DK)
Construction Completed On Hamburg Township Lakelands TrailConstruction Completed On Hamburg Township Lakelands Trail
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Howell Man Charged In Police Chase & Crash Moved From Jail To Treatment FacilityHowell Man Charged In Police Chase & Crash Moved From Jail To Treatment Facility
A Livingston County man charged in a police chase and crash has been released from jail to be taken to a treatment facility. 23-year-old Marc Christian Thibodeau of Brighton is charged with two counts of breaking and entering a building, unlawful driving away of a vehicle, operating a vehicle under the influence and a charge of third degree fleeing and eluding police. Earlier this month, Thibodeau was arrested after breaking into a showroom at Brighton Chrysler and stealing a 2015 Dodge Challenger. Heâs also accused of breaking into Inkwell Tattoos on East Grand River. A chase ensued and Thibodeau allegedly reached speeds of 100 mph before crashing the stolen vehicle into a utility pole, causing power outages in Howell and Fowlerville. He was jailed on a $100,000 bond and was due in court Tuesday morning for a probable cause conference before District Court Judge Carol Sue Reader. However Thibodeau was transferred to a residential treatment facility in Saginaw that day and therefore absent from the hearing. Prosecutors fought to have him returned to the Livingston County Jail once he is released from the hospital, citing public safety as a concern. Thibodeauâs defense filed a PR bond motion to have him released into his motherâs care instead, which was granted by Judge Reader. Judge Reader noted his lack of a criminal history as an adult and his motherâs preparedness to adhere to the strict bond conditions as a sufficient basis for her ruling. While Thibodeauâs charges include operating under the influence, his attorney says a toxicology screen from the hospital came back clean and heâs been diagnosed with schizophrenia. It was suggested that he was in the throes of a schizophrenic episode when the incident occurred. The court is to be notified as soon as Thibodeau is released from the treatment facility to schedule further hearings and he must undergo a psychological examination. (DK)
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Despite Residents Concerns, Mugg & Bopps Headed To HartlandDespite Residents Concerns, Mugg & Bopps Headed To Hartland
Despite protests from neighbors, a new gas station and convenience store will locate in Hartland Township. The Hartland Township Board of Trustees approved the special land use permits Tuesday for a new Mugg and Bopps on the north side of M-59 at Clark Road. The property backs up against a residential subdivision where neighbors have contested the proposal from beginning. Although it appears property owner Todd Lekander and Evergreen Clark LLC have made attempts to appease the residents of neighboring Heritage Meadows, Heidi Meisterfeld says no. She says it's hard to imagine spending so much time and effort pointing out that the township is not following their own ordinances. Then when it is pointed out to them over and over again, not just by the same people but different ones and everything is being ignored or the ordinances are being abated. She says they are not listening to the citizens or they're just listening to the business owner. She says the end result is that there was an entire subdivision and other homeowners that came in over and over and said they didn't want the gas station and they put it through anyway. Meisterfeld and a handful of other Heritage Meadows residents are concerned that their property values will go down and that a convenience store will bring increased crime to the area. Township Manager James Wickman says the property has been zoned commercial for a number of years and a gas station is not the worst business that could locate there. He says a number of local residents have been asking for a gas station on the north side of M-59. Wickman says they've been hearing for years from residents to have another gas station, particularly on the north side of M-59 and then he has concerns from residents. He says he thinks the board and the planning commission in particular went through this very carefully to try to mitigate both sides. He says the property, which has been zoned commercial for decades, is on M-59 within a half mile of a freeway interchange and he thinks its reasonable to believe someday there would be a development that looks like a gas station. Another Heritage Meadows resident, Jeff Gasiorowski, is concerned about increased crime and pollution with the addition of the convenience store, saying that property values within a half mile of a gas station/party store drop 4% and that 24-hour businesses that sell alcohol increase violent crimes by 13%. He says by approving this type of business, officials are approving increased violent crime to the many families that live nearby. But Wickman says as a former police officer he isnât worried. He says there is no evidence to support an increase in crime in Hartland. (DS/JK)
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After Protracted Legal Fight, Brighton Homes DemolishedAfter Protracted Legal Fight, Brighton Homes Demolished
Two dilapidated homes that have been the subject of protracted litigation between the city of Brighton and the home's owners, Leon and Marilyn Bonner of Northville, have been torn down. A crew Tuesday demolished the vacant homes at 116 and 122 North Street in Brighton that the city had condemned a number of years ago. The Bonners contested the cityâs plans to have the homes demolished, saying they hadnât been given a chance to renovate them and bring the homes up to code. The Bonners took their case to the county circuit court, to the state court of appeals and to the Michigan Supreme Court, all to no avail. In the end, the Bonners were left with no choice but to comply with Livingston County Circuit Judge Michael P. Hattyâs ruling ordering them to tear the houses down. A demolition crew was on site Tuesday razing the houses â which lie at the eastern edge of the downtown area. The city has long regarded the houses as an eyesore and feels the demolition is a major victory. City attorney Paul Burns says he is pleased the Bonners have finally had the houses torn down and he hopes that other development can take place there. Burns says the Bonnersâ attorney, Dennis Dubuc, has applied a second time to the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case, and that application is still pending. The Bonners still own the property and Burns says they have the same right as any other land owner or developer to apply for a site plan to redevelop the properties - in according with city codes and ordinances. (TT/JK)
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Howell-Area Builder Leading Effort To Save Historic Irish Hills TowersHowell-Area Builder Leading Effort To Save Historic Irish Hills Towers
A Livingston County-based preservationist is leading the effort to save a southern Michigan landmark. Howell-area builder Dean Sutton is the president of JDS Historical, which came up with an action plan to save the historic Irish Hills Towers in Jackson County. That plan prompted the Cambridge Township Board of Trustees last week to vote unanimously to temporarily stop the demolition of the 91-year-old observation towers. Sutton, who specializes in historic preservation, is working with the Irish Hills Historical Society to save the former tourist attraction located on U.S. 12, east of the Michigan International Speedway. MLive reports that Sutton estimates he can make the repairs necessary to get the towers off the township's dangerous buildings list for approximately $92,000, thirty-five thousand of which he plans to donate in time and materials. Built in 1924, the wooden towers were condemned by the township in April 2013. The Irish Hills Historical Society filed a lawsuit to stop the demolition, but dropped the legal challenge in October in exchange for this final effort to save the towers, which have been closed to tourists for 15 years. Sutton said he was shocked when he heard they were going to be torn down, adding that it (quote) âdrives me nuts to see history flushed down the toilet.â Sutton's previous restoration projects have included the Howell Depot Museum and the gatehouse at Haven Hill, Edsel Ford's summer estate. Sutton plans to get as much work done as he can before winter hits. (JK)
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Bishop Says Syrian Refugees Should Be Completely VettedBishop Says Syrian Refugees Should Be Completely Vetted
Congressman Mike Bishop says the portrayal of those seeking security checks of Syrian refugees as being heartless or cowardly is unfair and that he and fellow Republicans in Congress arenât reflexively opposed to refugees, just that they be thoroughly vetted. Bishop tells WHMI that he other members of Congress were given a security briefing Tuesday and that the threat of jihadists infiltrating refugees is a real one and canât be ignored. He says legislation is being proposed that would require various agencies like the FBI and Homeland Security to sign off on every incoming refugee from the Syrian conflict before they be allowed in. Bishop also added that the briefing made clear that the damage done to the nationâs security services by the revelations of former NSA contractor Edward Snowden has made it much more difficult to detect planning for these attacks before they take place. (JK)
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Donation To Spur Support For Bandshell To Replace Brighton Mill Pond GazeboDonation To Spur Support For Bandshell To Replace Brighton Mill Pond Gazebo
The city of Brighton has received an offer from an anonymous individual to bankroll a planned bandshell and amphitheater project on the banks of the Mill Pond in downtown Brighton. The project is being envisioned to replace the current gazebo - a very basic wood structure that is deteriorating - and amphitheater, which is now mostly grass with a concrete area at the Veterans' Memorial. It is an ambitious project, and the total cost could be about $1.4 million, with the work to be done in phases. The potential donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, is making the city what Downtown Development Corp. Director Matt Modrack tells WHMI is a very generous offer. The anonymous donor reportedly is willing to contribute up to $100,000 toward the project - if the community contributes another $50,000 in the way of private donations. The bandshell/amphitheater project was discussed extensively at the DDA meeting Tuesday, highlighted by a slide presentation by Jeff Smith of Professional Engineering Associates of Troy. To augment local funding, the DDA intends to pursue a $50,000 "crowd-funding" grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to go toward the total project cost. The MEDC crowd-funding grant will also require local financial participation by individuals in the community who believe strongly in a project and are willing to contribute, in whatever amount. According to the current plans - which are merely conceptual at this point - the existing Mill Pond gazebo would be replaced by a contemporary bandshell of steel and plexiglass, designed so that the audience would be able to get the best possible view of the group performing while maximizing acoustics. The bandshell would have a plexiglass roof and sides, to protect musicians and their equipment in case of rain. The plexiglass in the back of the bandshell would direct the sound outward toward the audience on both sides of the Mill Pond. The amphitheater portion of the project is envisioned as one of terraced concrete, with steps of 16 inches instead of the three feet separating elevation levels at the current amphitheater. Depending on the ability to get the necessary funding, Modrack says the bandshell and amphitheater project could become a reality within the next two years. Drawing courtesy of Jeffrey T. Smith, Senior Landscape Architect, PEA. (TT)
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Howell Senior Center Joins Wreaths Across America CauseHowell Senior Center Joins Wreaths Across America Cause
A local senior center is joining a national cause to honor Americaâs veterans. Wreaths Across America works to honor the nationâs veterans by ensuring a wreath is placed on every veteranâs gravestone during the holiday season. The Howell Senior Center has joined the project in hopes of helping the organization reach its goal this year and is asking the community for help. Every $15 that is donated towards the cause will sponsor one wreath and Wreaths Across America will donate $5 back to the Senior Center for every sponsorship sold. Specialty Wreaths can also be purchased which includes a sponsored wreath as well as a second wreath that can be shipped to any address. The Senior Center feels this is a worthy cause that benefits two organizations while also showing appreciation to the nationâs veterans and their sacrifice. A sponsorship form and check payment can be made out at the Bennett Recreation Center on Grand River in Howell or at the Oceola Community Center on Latson Road in Howell. There is also a sponsorship page that can be found at the link below. (DK)
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Livingston County Recognized For Its Economic SuccessesLivingston County Recognized For Its Economic Successes
Livingston County and its economic progress are being recognized by an Ann Arbor business development organization. In 2011, the Economic Development Council of Livingston County formed a partnership with SPARK- a non-profit organization that accelerates business growth. The two work together to advance the economy in both of their regions. An annual meeting honored Livingston County for its economic advancement as well as local organizations that have demonstrated outstanding business leadership in the last year. Lowry Solutions of Brighton was honored as Talent Innovator of the Year and First National Bank and the Great Lakes Womenâs Business Council were awarded Economic Development Partner of the Year. Paul Krutko, President and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK, says the countyâs economy has grown since the partnershipâs conception, and global leaders are investing in the area and creating new jobs. Thai Summit America, Lake Trust Credit Union and Eberspacher have chosen the area for their businesses, resulting in multi-million dollar ventures. Krutko says Livingston County is âwell-positioned for continued successâ. (DK)
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"Deck The Windows" Contest Returns To Downtown Howell"Deck The Windows" Contest Returns To Downtown Howell
A contest for local businesses during the holiday season is becoming a yearly tradition in downtown Howell. Community members are encouraged to place their votes for the Howell Main Street Downtown Development Authorityâs second annual âDeck the Windowsâ storefront decorating competition. DDA Director Cathleen Edgerly says several businesses in the area are already known for their holiday window displays and the Main Street Promotions Committee wanted to build on that excitement. She tells WHMI the contest attracts residents and visitors to the downtown district. Two awards will be up for grabs this year. The coveted âGolden Traveling Tree Awardâ is the peopleâs choice award and the winning store will also receive a $250 check. New this year is the Mayorâs Choice award, which will be chosen by Howell Mayor Nick Proctor. Edgerly says Cobb-Hall Insurance will not be an eligible participant as they are sponsoring the contest but the business has none the less promised a dazzling display. The DDA also reminds voters to only place one vote per person. Shoppers can vote through a texting poll or online at the link below. Voting begins at 8 am on Monday, November 23rd and runs through the 30th. (DK)
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More Construction Hours And Days Approved For Interchange ProjectMore Construction Hours And Days Approved For Interchange Project
The Michigan Department of Transportation has been granted their request for extended work hours and days while reconstructing the US-23 and I-96 interchange. Construction on the interchange began in spring of this year and isnât expected to finish up until September of 2016. MDOT officials are now saying to stay on track, they need more time. Brighton Township currently has restrictions on weekend construction work and extended hours, and MDOT has requested a variance from the restrictions in order to expedite the work. The application for the variance was unanimously approved by the Townshipâs Zoning Board of Appeals. Chairperson of the ZBA, Tim Winship, tells WHMI this will create longer time periods of construction noise but hopefully a quick completion to the project. Instead of the allowable work hours of 7 am to 6 pm, the extension will allow for construction from 6 am to 10 pm on weekdays. The variance will also allow for 9 days of work per ramp during freeway to freeway ramp closures next year. Weekend construction during daylight hours has been granted as well. One resident who could not attend the ZBAâs meeting expressed her disapproval of the variance application through a letter. She says she cannot continue to work out of her home due to the construction noise and even requested compensation. However the townshipâs ordinances are being met by MDOT in several aspects of regulations. Jack Rick, Region Design Engineer for MDOT, says aside from hasty road work, the variance will also minimize backups from daytime lane closures. (DK)
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Fallen Forklift Causes Backups For Morning CommutersFallen Forklift Causes Backups For Morning Commuters
Major traffic backups stretched for miles this morning along eastbound I-96 after a forklift fell off of a flat-bed truck near Kensington Road. It happened just after 7am and quickly resulted in backups well beyond Spencer Road. Around 7:45, an accident was reported on the eastbound Grand River ramp to eastbound I-96 near Brighton thought to be related to the backups. Southbound US-23 was also stop and go from M-59 in Hartland Township down to the I-96 interchange. Picture courtesy of MDOT. (JK)
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Lt. Gov. Signs Order To Create Job Opportunities For The DisabledLt. Gov. Signs Order To Create Job Opportunities For The Disabled
A week after speaking in Livingston County on ways to assist the state's disabled workforce, Lt. Governor Brian Calley signed an executive order that will lead to more job opportunities for people with disabilities. The executive order establishes Employment First in Michigan, which helps build an inclusive work environment that creates employment opportunities for working-age individuals with disabilities. The order aims to improve access to workplace support and services for disabled people. Calley recently spoke in Livingston County as a part of the Michigan Hidden Talent Tour. He appeared in Howell and discussed the benefits of hiring a person with disabilities in hopes of encouraging local businesses to hire workers of this caliber. Calley says Employment First takes the efforts of the Talent Tour to the next level. Through the order, businesses and organizations are encouraged to create career opportunities to foster personal and professional growth for this demographic. It also stresses the importance of sharing the information and idea to companies that value diverse skill sets. Employment First will be implemented among state departments and agencies to pair job opportunities with a person who is disabled. During his visit to Howell, Calley claimed Michigan is leading the way in workforce inclusion. (DK)
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K-9 Veterans the Focus of Luncheon at Bennett Recreation CenterK-9 Veterans the Focus of Luncheon at Bennett Recreation Center
The Howell Parks and Recreation Authority paid tribute to some special veterans today with a luncheon and presentation. K-9 Veteran expert and founder of the Michigan War Dog Memorial was the speaker at the War Dog Memorial Luncheon at the Bennett Recreation Center. Phil Weitlauf, who brought his own dog Zeba, gave a history of war dogs and their life saving efforts. The Vietnam Veteran shared stories about the way dogs have been used to prevent the loss of life during conflict. He told a crowd of over 60 people that since the dogs were put into service in WWII they have saved over 28,000 military lives. Weitlauf says recent legislation gives military dogs rehabilitation and good homes. He was also instrumental in finding and restoring the Michigan War Dog Memorial, a former pet cemetery called The Happy Hunting Grounds in Lyon Township. He says when they found the memorial in 2010 it had been so overgrown it couldn't be seen from the road. It was essentially a wooded area. They decided to clean it up and restore it to it's former grandeur. That's when they changed the name to The Michigan War Dog Memorial. He said initially they would only inter military dogs. Weitlauf says since then the memorial cemetery has been expanded to include all service dogs, including law enforcement, therapy and service dogs. Clean-up efforts continue and Weitlauf says just this week an 8-foot wide concrete pathway is being poured to make the memorial more accessible to seniors and the handicapped. He also says eventually there will be memorial monuments to K-9s who served in the Korean War, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan Wars. The only thing stopping progress, he says is funding. (DS)
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Suspects In School Shooting Plot Ordered To Undergo Mental EvaluationsSuspects In School Shooting Plot Ordered To Undergo Mental Evaluations
The legal case against three teens accused of plotting a school shooting in Linden is on hold while they undergo criminal responsibility and competency exams. A pretrial hearing was held Wednesday in Genesee County District Court for 18-year-old Ryan Stevens, and 15-year-olds Lamarr Dukes and Cody Brewer. The trio is facing felony charges including conspiracy to commit first-degree murder after authorities say they broke up a plot to kill a Linden High School student on October 30th and then shoot up the school. Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton said the evidence indicated that the plan was a response to a derogatory post on Instagram made by the Linden student toward Stevens. At Wednesdayâs hearing, a request was granted that all three be evaluated for competency and criminal responsibility. A follow-up hearing is set for January 6th to review the results of those exams. Attorneys for Stevens and Brewer have been quoted as saying they don't believe their clients intended to go through with their threats. Although all three are charged as adults, only Stevens is lodged in the Genesee County Jail. Because of their age, both Brewer and Dukes are being held at the Genesee Valley Regional Detention Center. (JK)
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Southeast Michigan Foundation Will Double Gleaners Donations On MondaySoutheast Michigan Foundation Will Double Gleaners Donations On Monday
As WHMI and the Gleanerâs Community Food Bank of Livingston County team up to help make sure local families in need get a holiday meal, those efforts will be supplemented in a big way on Monday. Bridget Green is the Director of Livingston Operations for Gleaners and says The Celani Family Foundation has stepped up to double the impact Gleaners can make in peopleâs lives. On Monday, November 23rd, every dollar donated to the 12 Days of Gleaners campaign will be turned into two dollars by the foundation. Local officials have estimated there will be approximately 1,000 families in our area that need help to put a holiday meal on the table. The cost of that meal through Gleaners is $20. So a $20 donation on Monday, and Monday only, will put two holiday meals on the table thanks to The Celani Family Foundation. (JK)
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Activities Throughout Downtown Howell Raise Awareness About Local HomelessnessActivities Throughout Downtown Howell Raise Awareness About Local Homelessness
Homelessness Awareness Week is working to educate the community with events in downtown Howell. The Livingston County Homeless Continuum of Care Committee reports that last year, there were 773 homeless people in the county. The statistics are often shocking as it is hard to believe the issue is so prevalent and happening close to home. The committee is taking action and informing people with various activities to raise awareness about homelessness and its relevance. Silhouette cutouts are being displayed on the Howell Courthouse lawn to exhibit the statistics and frequency of homelessness in the county. Human Services Collaborative Body Community Planner, Ann Rennie, tells WHMI the display is eye-opening. A Student Art Show at the Howell Opera House also drew attention to the issue. Students from the Bridge Alternative High School and St. Josephâs Catholic School contributed to the art show, creating pieces that revolved around the weekâs theme. First and second place were awarded to Savannah Andersen and Derek Mason of the Bridge Alternative High School. Andersenâs piece (pictured) included a mirror and she says it serves as a reminder that anyone can become homeless at any time. The Historic Howell Theater is partaking in the activities as well, with showings of the film, âTime out of Mindâ. The film focuses on the challenges of a homeless man, starring Richard Gere. Days and show times can be found at the link below. (DK)
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Defense Motions Denied For Couple Facing Child Abuse ChargesDefense Motions Denied For Couple Facing Child Abuse Charges
A Deerfield Township couple accused of felony child abuse have been denied two motions in their defense. Eric and Angela Corcoran are charged with 2nd degree child abuse following accusations their 16-year-old adopted son had been mentally and emotionally abused. The alleged abuse is said to have begun in 2012 and continued through February of this year and the victim has since been placed in foster care. Officials say the couple kept the boy in their basement and Child Protective Services was told he ate and slept there alone. It was also reported that he was forced to go to the bathroom in a camper toilet and could only access the main living area of the home from other family members. Inspectors say his bed was a dirty mattress with no sheets, blankets or pillow. The victim claims he was mistreated by the Corcoranâs two biological children as well. At a pre-trial hearing on Thursday, a motion to quash and a motion for a bill of particulars were both denied in Livingston County Circuit Court. The motion to quash regarded the defendantâs bind over for trial and the bill of particulars asked for essential facts of the alleged offense. A final settlement conference, originally scheduled for January, has been advanced and will be held on December 21st. A firm date has also been set for the coupleâs trial on January 11th. (DK)
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Brighton Council Sets Meeting Dates Toward Hiring New Mgr.Brighton Council Sets Meeting Dates Toward Hiring New Mgr.
With interviews now closed and about 40 applicants for the position, the Brighton City Council Thursday night went through the remaining steps involved in procuring a new city manager. Long-time City Manager Dana Foster, who announced his resignation after 24 years as manager in August, says his last day will be Dec. 18. Foster has said he will be leaving to accept a position outside the public sector. City Council Thursday night set some important dates toward finding a replacement for Foster. The first is on Monday, Dec. 6, when council will meet at 6 p.m. to review resumes of the candidates who have filed applications for the position. Mayor Jim Muzzin tells WHMI that the names of the candidates will be removed and replaced by numbers to eliminate the possibility of any bias. Muzzin says that on Wednesday, Dec. 16, the city will conduct an open meeting to interview the finalists. The interviews will take place all day long in council chamber of city hall. At the conclusion of the interviews, council hopes to be able to offer the position to the top finalist and authorize the cityâs Michigan Municipal League consultant to tender an offer to the individual. Itâs hoped the person will accept the offer and be able to start sometime after the beginning of the new year. Council has set the salary range for the new manager at $90,000 to $120,000 per year. Foster, who just got a 6% raise last December, earns a base salary of about $92,000. (TT)
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U-M Regents Approve $175 Million Brighton Health CenterU-M Regents Approve $175 Million Brighton Health Center
Expanded primary and specialty care in the Brighton area will result from approval of a University of Michigan Health System plan to build a new health center. The Ann Arbor school's Board of Regents on Thursday approved the $175 million project to build a primary and specialty care center on 32 acres the university owns on Challis Road. The 320,000-square-foot center will join three other university health centers in the area. University officials say the new center is expected to offer about 40 medical services and include exam and operating rooms, a pharmacy, ophthalmology, radiology, diagnostic imaging and cancer care services. Jeanne Rizzo, U-Mâs Ambulatory Care executive director, said that there is great demand for high quality and the U of M Health Systemâs new patient appointment volume has increased by 38% in the past five years. She says their goal is to increase access and make it easier for patients to get the care they need. Officials said a construction schedule will be set once design plans have been approved. The project is expected to provide about 125 on-site construction jobs and 375 medical staff positions when the center opens. (JK)
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