The first significant wintry storm of the season dumped nearly a foot-and-a-half of snow on some parts of southeast Michigan, and even higher totals in Livingston County. National Weather Service meteorologist Sara Schultz says Sunday that Howell received 16.8 inches of snow Saturday, while Hartland got 16 inches. Schultz says "a band" of snow "set up and that area just got clobbered." The snowfall amounts prompted national media attention, with Howell featured on The Weather Channel. The National Weather Service said that the storm total of 15.5 inches reported at its White Lake Office, made this the largest snowstorm reported there since they added the location in 1994. It was also the highest snowfall totals ever recorded in November. Livingston County Sheriff Bob Bezotte says that between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. Saturday the sheriff's dept. responded to 69 fender-bender accidents, 31 vehicle runoffs and seven personal injury accidents, all of them minor. Picture courtesy of Den Kurash (JK)
Howell Is Epicenter Of Record-Setting SnowfallHowell Is Epicenter Of Record-Setting Snowfall
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Event Will Rid Local MetroPark Of Buckeyes Before Big GameEvent Will Rid Local MetroPark Of Buckeyes Before Big Game
As the Michigan-Ohio State game draws near, local residents are encouraged to partake in the Great Buckeye Hunt at Hudson Mills Metro Park. A brisk walk around the Metro Park this Friday, November 27th will serve a multitude of purposes. Residents can join in the Great Buckeye Hunt to burn off extra Thanksgiving calories or blow off some steam before the big game. The walk will explore plants and symbols as mascots and to ensure that no buckeyes take root in the park. In the plant world, buckeyes are a type of chestnut. But in the world of college football, they are better known as the mascot of Ohio State University, arch-rivals to the Wolverines of the University of Michigan. The walk kicks off at 10 am and pre-registration is requested by calling 734-426-8211. The cost is $3 per child and $5 per adult. Park officials joke that any Ohio State graduates will need to pay extra to participate. A Metro Park vehicle entry permit is required and can be purchased for $7 for a day pass. 2016 Annual Permits can now also be purchased for $35 or $21 for senior citizens. (DK)
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MDOT Calls Off US-23 Lane Closures This WeekMDOT Calls Off US-23 Lane Closures This Week
Lane closures that had been scheduled this week on US-23 at I-96 have been called off. The Michigan Department of Transportation had originally planned overnight lane closures on US-23 in each direction near I-96 for pavement striping both tonight and Tuesday evening. But in an announcement released today, MDOT says those have been called off and that there will be no closures on US-23 this week. While no reason was given, the massive snowfall that fell across the area Saturday is the likely culprit. The two-year interchange project is reaching the conclusion of its first year of work. The $75 million reconstruction is adding four new lanes to I-96 that will serve as âexpress lanesâ while the exiting lanes and ramps are being redone to make entering and exiting the freeway safer. The project also involves the repair of six bridges and the reconstruction of three new ones to carry the lanes over U.S. 23.
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Local Man Convicted Of Child Abuse Granted Sessions With Daughter Prior To ReleaseLocal Man Convicted Of Child Abuse Granted Sessions With Daughter Prior To Release
A local man convicted of child abuse is working towards reunification with his family including his daughter. Joshua Quincy Burns is currently serving his sentence in the Livingston County Jail and is expected to be released December 12th. Burns was convicted of second degree child abuse in a case that involved his daughter, Naomi. Burns and his wife Brenda, maintain that the incident was an accident and Brenda is anticipating his release. She tells WHMI he will be home just in time for the holidays. In court Monday, Brenda, Joshua and family supporters gathered for a hearing that reviewed the Burns familyâs progress in a family reunification plan. The plan was drafted to ensure that Joshua could safely and appropriately connect with his wife and daughter leading up to and following his release from jail. Representation from the Department of Human Services reports that Naomi seems to be making good progress in the reunification plan. Joshua was able to see his daughter for the first time in almost a year at a counseling session held at the jail which included Brenda and a family counselor, Doris Viola. Viola says the visit went âbetter than expectedâ in the sense that no one was âoverly emotionalâ and it proceeded in a natural manner. Viola will be out of the state when Joshua is released from jail and would like the supervised parenting time to continue in order to promote the normalcy. She requested Josh be released from jail for the day on December 8th and 9th to participate in two more supervised counseling sessions with her and his family before she leaves and before his official release on the 12th. Judge Miriam Cavanaugh granted the request, as well as another request for a family friend to oversee the family encounters during a Christmas party. Another family counselor has also been appointed to supervise the parenting time until Viola returns from vacation. A 90 day review hearing has been scheduled on February 22nd to once again ascertain that family reunification is progressing appropriately. (DK)
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Donations To 12 Days Of Gleaners Are Doubled TodayDonations To 12 Days Of Gleaners Are Doubled Today
More than any other day, today is a great day to make sure local families in need get a holiday meal. WHMI and the Gleanerâs Community Food Bank of Livingston County have again teamed up for our 12 Days of Gleaners promotion in which weâre trying to raise enough money for the estimated 1,000 local families who will need assistance to have a holiday meal. But those efforts will be supplemented in a big way today as The Celani Family Foundation has stepped up to double the impact Gleaners can make in peopleâs lives. Today, and today only, every dollar donated to the 12 Days of Gleaners campaign will be turned into two dollars by the foundation. The cost of that meal through Gleaners is $20. So a $20 donation today will put two holiday meals on the table thanks to The Celani Family Foundation. You can find complete donation details through the link below. (JK)
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Tyrone Township's Holiday Food Drive Collects For People And PetsTyrone Township's Holiday Food Drive Collects For People And Pets
A yearly event in Tyrone Township is looking for food and pet items to donate. Santa and Mrs. Claus will make an appearance in Livingston County on Saturday, December 5th, to help out at the 5th annual Food and Pet Food Drive. The event collects donations of non-perishable food items and pet items that will be given to those in need during the holiday season. The items will benefit Gleaners Food Bank and the Livingston Area Pet Pantry. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for meet and greets and family photos. The food drive will be from 1 to 3 pm at Tyrone Township Hall. (DK)
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3rd Annual Turkey Basket Giveaway Returns For Veterans3rd Annual Turkey Basket Giveaway Returns For Veterans
An annual event returns today with a gift for local veterans to complete their Thanksgiving dinner. Livingston County Veteransâ Services will be holding their 3rd annual Turkey Basket Giveaway today, from 10 am to 4:30 pm. The giveaway is open to all veterans with a request that some form of documented proof is provided, showing the recipient is indeed a veteran. The turkey baskets will be available for pickup at the Veteransâ Services Office, which is located at 2300 East Grand River Avenue in Howell. For more information call 517-546-6338. (DK)
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Proposed Development For Downtown Fenton Halted To Address Traffic ConcernsProposed Development For Downtown Fenton Halted To Address Traffic Concerns
A large development project for the City of Fenton is awaiting traffic statistics before it can be taken under consideration. In June, LaJoice Properties LLC bought property on West Caroline Street in Fenton for $1.2 million dollars. Company President and CEO, Michael LaJoice, has big plans for the property and developing it to contribute to the cityâs prospering downtown. LaJoice says the 3.35-acre site will include a two-story restaurant, retail space, parking structure, fresh market, condominiums, piano bar, Latin Dance Studio and Chasse Ballroom. LaJoice has named the development the Riverview as he plans for it to sit alongside the Shiawassee River. However consideration of the project has been tabled by Fentonâs Planning Commission until some traffic concerns can be addressed. Mike Riley, Building Official and Zoning Administrator for the city, tells WHMI LaJoice is determined to find a solution. Riley says new traffic counts have been sent out to the cityâs traffic consultant and head of LaJoiceâs development team. The plan is to meet in the beginning of December and hash out the problem until a resolution is found that will make everyone happy. Site plans and special land use permits for the project can then proceed and will be discussed at a Planning Commission meeting on December 17th. Riley says the project is a good fit for downtown Fenton as it continues to grow. He says the development is âanother piece in the puzzleâ of the regionâs restoration. (DK)
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Howell School Board Discusses Balloonfest & Garden Show Contract with ChamberHowell School Board Discusses Balloonfest & Garden Show Contract with Chamber
A contract between a local school district and chamber of commerce could add to the districtâs bottom line. Last night the Howell Public Schools Board of Education talked about changes to its contract with the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce to host the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest and Livingston County Home & Garden Show. The school board didnât take any action yet, but will take the month to decide whether to accept a new 4-year deal. Superintendent Erin MacGregor told the board the biggest change to the contract is that 5-percent of the revenue from the events will come directly to the school district. Howell Public Schools has had a contract with the Howell Chamber of Commerce for a number of years to host the events, but funds have typically gone to the Howell Education Foundation, a separate nonprofit group that raises funds for various projects and services to benefit the districtâs students. MacGregor tells WHMI while itâs important to continue the relationship with the chamber, itâs also important that the district derive a direct benefit. In the past the district has simply been the host site and not received any of the revenue that was generated. MacGregor says if the contract is approved the funds will go into the districtâs general fund but they are not earmarked at this point. The board will decide whether to accept the new contract at its December 14th meeting. (DS/JK)
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Arc Of Livingston Staff Resignations Create Uproar & Demand For Special MeetingArc Of Livingston Staff Resignations Create Uproar & Demand For Special Meeting
Clients of the Arc of Livingston are demanding an emergency meeting following the resignation of several executive committee and staff members. The Arc of Livingston is a nonprofit organization that advocates for people with developmental disabilities and their families. Dissension reported among staffers has now led to the resignation of four employees who have worked for the Arc for a number of years. Their resignation came as a shock to many of the Arcâs clients who rely heavily on those resigning, which includes Co-President of the Arcâs Board of Directors Kim Hughes, Administrative Assistant Jackie Dowling, and Family Advocates Deb Calandrino and Anne Richardson. A board meeting was scheduled for Monday night, however it was cancelled at the last minute as some board members voiced concern over the âsocial media frenzyâ that occurred in lieu of the resignations. Concerned residents (pictured) gathered instead outside of the Livingston County United Way building and discussed the need for family advocates as well as the loss of staff members whose work they value. Sarah Thomas of Brighton, parent of a child with special needs and Arc client, tells WHMI the employees would not disclose their reason for leaving but suggests the process was unethical. "As of today they were walked out of the building and told unceremoniously they were no longer welcome back. We have families who have IEP's on Tuesday and Wednesday next week that really need their advocates to be with them. The Arc has failed the community by letting these two women (Calandrino and Richardson) go." Brighton businesswoman Barb Binkley has been involved with the Arc for several years and says many of the people gathered to voice their support for the employees that are leaving the organization. "I can not imagine this community without Ann and Deb...because our community sees everyone the same and our community doesn't see difference in ability or disability and it's because Ann and Deb taught us how to do that." The large crowd that gathered discussed the need for an emergency board meeting as soon as possible. Some are unsure how they will proceed without the help of the family advocates and feel something must be done to provide that resource. Others want to voice their disapproval over the loss of the employees who worked tirelessly for them. While the employees did not disclose their exact reason for resigning, it is thought by many to center around conflicts with Executive Director Sheila Shegos, who came on board in July. Shegos responded to the resignations and community reaction with this statement: "The Arc Livingston remains focused on families, caregivers and people with developmental disabilities. Our mission and purpose is strong despite the growing pains we are experiencing as an organization. Our clients and families will receive interim support from advocates that are willing to step out of their service area. Anyone needing assistance as we navigate forward should feel free to reach out to the office. The Board of Directors and Executive Director remain focused on service and good outcomes for our clients." It is reported that letters of resignation had been put in by the employees with the agreement to work through the end of December. However the employees were supposedly walked out of the building on Monday and told they were not welcome back. Two members from the Arcâs Board of Directors, Vivian Nylund and William Mollison, appeared at the unofficial meeting to answer questions and hear concerns. Nylund says the employees have been âliving in a toxic situationâ for months and their resignation is only the most recent development of dissension among the staff. A time and date for the emergency meeting has not yet been scheduled. (DK/JK)
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Community Helps LACASA Reunite Family With Pet Cat Community Helps LACASA Reunite Family With Pet Cat
Livingston Countyâs domestic violence prevention agency says thanks to the community, a family will have something extra special to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. An unexpected series of events led a calico tabby to LACASA, which is one of a few domestic violence agencies that provide shelter and safekeeping for the family pets of victims. A Michigan mother packed up her four children and fled their home on a multi-state car trip to escape the familyâs violent abuser and the cat had to be left behind. The abuser abandoned the cat in a suburban neighborhood but she was retrieved by a concerned acquaintance, who contacted the Humane Society of the United States for help. LACASA agreed to take in Tabitha and asked the community for assistance raising funds to cover the cost of transporting Tabitha thousands of miles away. President/ CEO Bobette Schrandt says monetary donations totaled nearly $1,000 and will cover the cost of gas, meals and lodging for the catâs escort during the long trip. Donations from a local business will provide the family with additional supplies, thus allowing LACASA to send along two gift cards worth $400 for the family to use as essentials as they start their new life. Schrandt says the mother was in tears after learning transportation arrangements had ben made and thanked everyone for their help and support. (JM)
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Teen Charged In Linden School Plot Has Hearing Wednesday In HowellTeen Charged In Linden School Plot Has Hearing Wednesday In Howell
A hearing is scheduled Wednesday in Livingston County juvenile court for one of the three teens charged with planning a school shooting at Linden High School. A âshow causeâ hearing is scheduled tomorrow at 8:30am in front of Judge David Reader for 18-year-old Ryan William Stevens. Court records indicate that Stevens is on probation in Livingston County following a guilty plea last year to fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct for having sex with a girl under the age of 16. Stevens is also charged in Genesee County with conspiracy to commit attempted first-degree premeditated murder and false report or threat of terrorism after authorities there say they broke up a plot by him and two 15-year-old co-defendants, to bring guns to Linden High School and kill a student before shooting up the school. The plan was reportedly in response to a derogatory post on Instagram made by a female student about Stevens. A Genesee County judge recently ordered all three to undergo a competency and criminal responsibility exam, which may result in an adjournment of the Livingston County hearing for Stevens. He remains lodged in the Genesee County Jail on a $200,000 bond, while the two 15-year-olds are held in the Genesee Valley Regional Detention Center.
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Road Commission Facing Possible Budget Shortfall Next YearRoad Commission Facing Possible Budget Shortfall Next Year
A preliminary look at next yearâs road construction budget leaves the Livingston County Road Commission looking for more money. This morning, Road Commission Managing Director Mike Craine explained the countyâs cost to construct about a dozen projects next year is too high. The total price tag is nearly $21.5 (m) million. Although one of the projects qualifies for federal aid dollars, he expects partnerships with the state and local municipalities but the countyâs shortfall is still about $1.5 (m) million. Craine says the countyâs share of the construction budget comes to about $7.5 (m) million, but that would leave it without anything for emergencies such as bridge failures or severe weather events. He says a 7% fund balance is small, but the road commission can manage with that. Craine tells WHMI finding a solution is the challenge. He says there is about about a million and a half dollars in the budget that is uncovered and they have to look to see where they can find it. He says they are not a place that can just change the kind of copy paper they use; they have to lop off something big. All those projects have partners, whether its the federal government, state government, or local townships so they have to craft a solution that's not only good for the budget but good for their partners, and he says that's where the challenge is going to be over the next 30 days. Two larger projects will have help from federal and state aid. Brighton Road from Chilson to Bauer will get federal aid money as is a portion of the cos for the roundabout at Chilson and Coon Lake Road. Craine says he hopes to get more help locally for the road resurfacing on Hacker Road, which is expected to cost $5.4 million. He told commissioners the church at the corner of Hacker and M-59 and a developer at Cullen Road also have interest and could be brought to the table with Oceola and Hartland Townships. A public hearing on next yearâs budget is set for December 29th. (DS)
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20th Annual Stuff The Bus Returns To Help Local Non-Profits And Needy Families20th Annual Stuff The Bus Returns To Help Local Non-Profits And Needy Families
A local organization is celebrating two decades of giving back to the community with an annual event. The Livingston Essential Transportation Service will be holding their 20th Stuff the Bus event on December 4th and 5th at the Walmart located in Howell. From 11 am to 6pm both days, a LETS bus will be parked outside of the retail center to collect items for non-profit agencies and needy families. New, unwrapped toys, non-perishable food items and clothing will be collected as well as gift cards and monetary donations. Wish lists will be available the day of for shoppers who want to purchase and donate specifically requested items. LETS Deputy Director Greg Kellogg, tells WHMI the outreach has been around for a while and many have come to depend on it. Kellogg says recipients are extremely grateful for the donations and volunteers return to help at Stuff the Bus year after year. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Greg Kellogg at 517-540-7843. Items can also be dropped off prior to the event at the LETS building located on West Grand River in Howell, by December 4th. More information can be found at the link below. (DK)
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Rec The Halls Will Welcome Santa With Tree LightingRec The Halls Will Welcome Santa With Tree Lighting
The Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority will welcome Santa to Livingston County this year with an annual holiday gathering. The Rec the Halls event will line the driveway of the Bennett Recreation Center with community decorated trees to light the way for Santaâs arrival. Santa is expected to arrive at 5 pm via fire truck and a tree lighting ceremony will follow. Festive entertainment, face painting, warm food and drinks, and winter activities will all be a part of this yearâs Rec the Halls. Children can write their letter to Santa and place it in the infamous giant red mailbox. The event will be held on Saturday, December 5th from 4 to 7 pm. The Rec Center will also be selling trees that can be purchased and decorated to display for Santaâs welcome. Tree decorating takes place Friday, November 27th, through Friday December 4th. More information about tree sponsorship and Rec the Halls can be found at the link below. (DK)
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Howell Man To Be Arraigned On Charges Related To Deadly CrashHowell Man To Be Arraigned On Charges Related To Deadly Crash
A Howell man is scheduled to be arraigned next month on charges connected to a crash that killed a local woman. 24-year-old Brandon Paul Lassila will be arraigned on December 11th in 53rd District Court in Howell. He faces one count of a moving violation that caused death and one count of a moving violation that caused serious impairment of body function. The incident occurred in December of 2014 when Lassila failed to stop at a light on Grand River Avenue in Genoa Township and struck another car. Authorities say Lassila said he was unsure if the light was red or green and did not see the van until it was right in front of him. 80-year-old Sylvia Sarah Wood of Fowlerville died 20 days after the accident from injuries she sustained from the crash. Her daughter, who was also in the car, was seriously impaired in the incident. Lassila is also scheduled for a pre-trial hearing on December 22nd for an offense that occurred last month. He faces one count of driving with a suspended or revoked license. (DK)
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Intergovernmental Meeting Monday To Discuss SELCRA Fate Intergovernmental Meeting Monday To Discuss SELCRA Fate
Another intergovernmental meeting is scheduled Monday to discuss the future of the Southeastern Livingston County Recreation Authority. Continued financial struggles have led to talks about moving SELCRA programs under Brighton Area Schools but no decision has been made. Mondayâs meeting will feature SELCRA board members, representatives from the four member municipalities that contribute financially and the Brighton school board. Topics again include the best recreation service model for residents and a review of the current SELCRA/BAS joint user agreement, as well as proposed changes. The final item on the agenda is centered on what recreation would look like under the school district if a merger with SELCRA were to occur including the level and scope of services, financing and sustainability. Representatives from Genoa Township previously expressed that they were working with a failing business model and were leaning towards dropping out if the situation couldnât be reversed. Those sentiments have been echoed by the City of Brighton but Green Oak and Brighton Townships prefer trying to work out an agreement and new financial model. During a recent meeting of the Brighton Township board, Trustee Mike Slaton said he was disappointed more members of other municipalities did not attend the last intergovernmental meeting. Trustee Cathy Doughty also expressed dissatisfaction with media reports related to the potential merger with BAS, saying SELCRA is not going anywhere. Mondayâs meeting starts at 6:30pm in the BECC building on South Church Street in Brighton. (JM)
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AAA Projects Most Will Drive For Thanksgiving, While Air Travel Will Be UpAAA Projects Most Will Drive For Thanksgiving, While Air Travel Will Be Up
Improvements in the economy and lower gas prices are expected to generate an increase in Thanksgiving holiday travelers for the seventh consecutive year. AAA Michigan expects more than 1.5 million Michiganders will travel 50 miles or more from home over the holiday. Air travel is expected to be up slightly but driving remains the most popular mode of transportation. AAA spokeswoman Susan Hiltz tells WHMI this year marks the most Thanksgiving travelers in eight years and motorists have also been enjoying record low gas prices lately. Drivers will likely see the cheapest Thanksgiving gas prices since 2008 according to the auto club, with prices below $2 per gallon in many areas including Livingston County. There are multiple factors that could impact or slow down Thanksgiving travel plans and Hiltz advises easing stress by arriving early. With the increased traffic volume out on the road, Hiltz advises that motorists buckle up, avoid distractions and drive safe and sober this holiday weekend. For those traveling by air this holiday, she says plan extra time and be prepared for potential delays as well as stepped up security as it is one of the busiest travel days of the year. (JM)
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Fowlerville Man Among Suspects Arrested In "Shoplifting Blitz"Fowlerville Man Among Suspects Arrested In "Shoplifting Blitz"
A Livingston County man is among nearly two dozen suspects arrested last week in the Lansing area for taking part in what police have called a âshoplifting blitz.â Police in Lansing and Lansing Township arrested 21 people last week after partnering with stores including Walmart, Meijer, Target, Sears, Kmart, and Kroger. WLNS in Lansing says the officers spent 15 hours over the course of two days working with loss prevention officers to make the arrests, which included 13 men, 7 women and a 12-year-old. While most were from Lansing, one was identified as 29-year-old Sean Raymond Duff of Fowlerville. He, along with most of the others, was charged with 3rd degree retail fraud. Police say they conducted the operation to let people know that in the run-up to the holiday season they are keeping an eye out for these types of crimes. (JK)
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Study To Examine Need & Support For New Lyon Township LibraryStudy To Examine Need & Support For New Lyon Township Library
The Lyon Township library board is looking into the possibility of putting forward a millage request next year to build a new library and expand services. The library board recently voted to hire an architectural firm to conduct a study that would examine whether support existed among voters for a new facility to replace the current building, which was built in 1988. An extension was added in 1991. Library Director Holly Teasdle is the only full-time employee and tells the South Lyon Herald that there are many programs and services they canât offer because of the limitations of a $400,000 budget. The library is currently supported by a .53 mill approved by voters in 2007 and set to expire in 2017. The 4,600 square foot library shares the building with Lyon Townshipâs community center and pays the township $15,000 in annual rent and administrative services. Teasdle says meetings will be held early next year to get public comment on the plan for a new building as it will ultimately be up to voters for approval. The feasibility study is expected to be completed by March and is expected to include possible locations for a new library. (JK)
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