The 8th annual Christmas in the Ville will light up Downtown Fowlerville next weekend with a glow that organizers say can be seen for miles. More than 30 balloonists will be taking part in the event, set to take place Saturday, December 5th. Event Organizer Steve MacDermaid says while the highlight is the parade that night, the events get underway early, starting with a balloon launch scheduled for 8am, weather permitting, as well as a scavenger hunt for kids, Santaâs workshop, treat decorating, story time in the window, real reindeer, a balloon sculptor, chili sold by the fire department and a 5k Dashing through the Snow and 1k fun walk for kids. If the weather permits, a second balloon launch will take place at 2pm. The event concludes with a parade through the downtown at 6pm, with balloon crews firing their burners into the air for the crowds and Santa on hand for the official tree lighting. More information and a complete schedule of events can be found through the link below. (JK)
Christmas In The Ville Set To Light Up Fowlerville Next WeekendChristmas In The Ville Set To Light Up Fowlerville Next Weekend
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Local Bank Moves Out From Under Federal Consent OrderLocal Bank Moves Out From Under Federal Consent Order
A local bank has emerged from increased federal oversight more than five years after the Great Recession slid it close to insolvency. First National Bank in Howell announced last week that a Consent Order they had been operating under since 2013 had been terminated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. First National Bank is the only bank headquartered in Livingston County with locations in Brighton, Howell, Fowlerville, Whitmore Lake, Hamburg and Hartland. Following net losses in 2008 and 2009, a consent order was initiated that mandated the development of a strategic plan and the maintenance of specific capital levels. With the termination of that order, Phil Utter, Chairman of the Board at First National Bank, cited âthe support and loyalty that the bankâs customers and shareholders have shown in First National and community banking.â Bank President and CEO Ron Long echoed that sentiment, saying, âLivingston County businesses, families and leaders recognized the importance and value of having a locally headquartered and managed financial institution.â He also thanked the bankâs staff members for staying on board when âthey could have easily goneâ adding that âthe bank is fortunate to have their expertise and dedication.â Going forward, Long says the bankâs board of directors are committed to prudently managing risk while growing a highly profitable organization. As of June 30th, the bank reported total assets of $330.1 million, which was up from $322.8 million at the end of 2014, while its capital to risk-weighted assets exceeded those required by the Consent Order by more than 5%. (JK)
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Annual Crackdown Targeting Drunk Drivers Runs Through Sunday Annual Crackdown Targeting Drunk Drivers Runs Through Sunday
Local law enforcement agencies are stepping up patrols through the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department is among the agencies taking part in the effort as Thanksgiving is among the deadliest holidays in Michigan for traffic crashes. Undersheriff Mike Murphy tells WHMI the night before Thanksgiving is just as popular a time as St. Pattyâs Day and New Yearâs Eve for people to visit bars and other drinking establishments. He says they want everyone to enjoy their time with family and friends but ask they celebrate responsibly and designate a driver, call a cab, walk or stay home but donât drink and drive. Per Michigan law, a person with a blood alcohol level of .08% or greater is considered over the limit and anyone arrested will face stiff penalties including hefty fines and jail time. In addition to impaired driving, the high visibility traffic enforcement will focus on seat belt use, careless driving and speeding. (JM)
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Oceola Twp.'s Holiday Party Will Also Benefit Senior CenterOceola Twp.'s Holiday Party Will Also Benefit Senior Center
A holiday party at the Oceola Community Center will also serve as a collection event for the townshipâs Senior Center. The holiday extravaganza will be held at the Community Center on North Latson Road in Howell. The event will take place from 4 to 6 pm on Thursday, December 3rd. Stations will be set up to create a strolling buffet, including a mashed potato bar, Italian pasta station and salad station. Hot chocolate and cookies will be provided and entertainment from a local music ian, Jonathan Dunn, will follow the meal. Dunn will be performing traditional Christmas hymns and carols. The cost of the event is $8 and the Community Center asks that attendees also bring a donation for the Senior Centerâs supply pantry. Paper products, coffee and any other items are suggested as donations to the pantry. More information can be found at the link below. (DK)
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Pre-Trial Scheduled For Hamburg Township Man In Drunk Driving IncidentPre-Trial Scheduled For Hamburg Township Man In Drunk Driving Incident
A Hamburg Township man who led a police chase while intoxicated before crashing faces a pre-trial hearing next month. 66-year-old Terry David Phillips faces one count of fleeing a police officer in the 4th degree, one count of operating a vehicle while intoxicated and one count of driving with a suspended license. Earlier this month, Phillips led a police chase after an attempt was made to pull him over. One officer used his patrol vehicle to cause Phillips to spin out. Phillips then tried to accelerate and hit a tree and power junction box. He was arrested and lodged in the Livingston County Jail. An examination was held for Phillips on Wednesday and a pre-trial hearing for the case has been scheduled for December 4th. Phillips faces sentencing December 1st for a separate incident that occurred in August. In that case, he faces one count of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, one count for lack of insurance, one count for a driver having open intoxicants in the vehicle and one count of operating with a blood alcohol content of .17 or more. (DK)
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Milford Historical Society Museum Hosting End-Of-Season Open House Milford Historical Society Museum Hosting End-Of-Season Open House
The community will have one final chance to get a glimpse into Milfordâs past at a museum before it closes for the season. Recent renovations at the Milford Historical Society Museum will also be showcased during an end-of-season open house on Sunday. Family fun and entertainment are planned along with refreshments and childrenâs activities such as butter making and corn husk doll making.
The event will run from 1 to 4pm and officials say itâs a way to thank the community for a great 2015 museum season. After the open house, the museum 124 East Commerce Road in Milford will be open for groups by appointment. Further information about the museum is available in the link below. (JM)
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Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign Underway Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign Underway
The Salvation Army of Livingston Countyâs Red Kettle Campaign is now in full swing. The 2015 fundraising goal is $378,000, which supports year-round services such as energy assistance, rent or shelter, food or whatever needs local individuals and families might have. Major Prezza Morrison says theyâre currently around 19% of the goal, having raised $76,640 as of Wednesday. She tells WHMI while they didnât get kettles out as early as they had hoped because of contracts; theyâre only behind $1,500 from this time last year and the community has really stepped up as it always does to help others. The annual Red Kettle Campaign is one of three major fundraisers that support the local Corps in its mission to help those in need. Morrison tells WHMI there is a true need in the community and all donations are put to use, no matter what size â noting they get a lot of change and thatâs just fine because âchange is to changeâ. Morrison says whatever anyone gives is to help make a change in someoneâs life, in turn giving them hope and motivation to move forward instead of giving up. A number of volunteer opportunities are available from now through Christmas Eve including at the Christmas assistance center and toy shop and an upcoming fill-a-truck event. Angel tree tags are also available in stores for those wishing to purchase items for people struggling. Meanwhile, bell ringers are being sought to fill shifts at 21 different locations across Livingston County through Christmas Eve and individuals, groups, co-workers and organizations are invited to ring. Those interested can schedule locations and times online at www.registertoring.com. Morrison says itâs an easy process but those who are less technology savvy can contact the Salvation Army offices. She adds that coats and winter apparel are also available through the local Corps for anyone in need, whether adults or children. Additionally, the Salvation Army will be giving back to the community by passing out free hot chocolate during Fridayâs popular Fantasy of Lights parade in Downtown Howell. The canteen can be found at the corner of Grand River and Barnard from roughly 6pm until they run out. (JM)
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Livingston Area Pet Pantry Seeking Donations To Restock Dwindling SupplyLivingston Area Pet Pantry Seeking Donations To Restock Dwindling Supply
A local organization that collects pet food donations is seeking help from the community to restock their supply. The Livingston Area Pet Pantry says there is great demand for dog and cat food this time of year and their supply is running low. The LAPP is an organization under the Humane Society of Livingston County and is based in Howell. The LAPP collects pet food donations which are then delivered to Gleaners Shared Harvest Pantry. The donations are given to local families facing hardships so that no pet goes hungry. The LAPP is asking for donations to refill their diminishing supply. Purchased pet food items can be dropped off in donation boxes throughout the county or directly at Gleaners which is located on Sterling Drive in Howell. Monetary donations can also be made through a PayPal link on the organizationâs website. More information can be found at the link below. (DK)
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Plea Deal Reached In Pinckney Home InvasionsPlea Deal Reached In Pinckney Home Invasions
A second plea has been entered by one of the two suspects connected to home invasions in Pinckney. 30-year-old Kenneth Gauer of Pinckney has pleaded guilty as charged to two counts of second-degree home invasion. Gauer was arrested with 28-year-old Jessica Milliken in September on the west side of the village of Pinckney after authorities received two home invasion complaints. The incidents reportedly occurred a block apart and within 24 hours of each other. Prosecutors agreed to a sentence for Gauer of 32 months to 15 years in prison and Gauer must plead as a habitual offender. He was remanded to the Livingston County Jail and will be sentenced December 14th. Milliken, who is also a habitual offender, pleaded guilty as charged to one count of home invasion last month. She has been sentenced to one year in the county jail and credited with 57 days of time served, three years of probation and $300 in restitution fees. (DK)
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Howell Opera House Makes Final Mortgage PaymentHowell Opera House Makes Final Mortgage Payment
The Livingston Arts Council, which own and manages the Howell Opera House, has announced that a final mortgage payment for the historic building was made last week. The iconic landmark, built in 1881, was purchased by the Livingston Arts Council in 2000. Fundraising began soon after to assist in completing renovation of the first floor. Support was provided by the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs, HUD, community donations and an additional mortgage from First National Bank of Howell. A capital campaign called Restore the Glory was established in 2012 to help pay off the existing $677,000 mortgage. The LAC received generous donations from First National Bank of Howell, Music Doing Good of Houston Texas, and the Von Voightlander Foundation to jump start the fundraising drive. In only four months, their overwhelming support and that of the community raised enough funds to lower the mortgage to $63,000. On Tuesday November 17th, members of the LAC board of directors delivered the final mortgage payment to First National Bank of Howell. With the final payment accomplished, a building fund has been established by the LAC with plans to begin the next phase of renovation for the second floor theater. The first floor of the Howell Opera House is currently used for LAC programming such as Acoustic Café, Got Art, and Pop Up Bistro. It also serves as a rental space for public art shows and exhibits, weddings, showers, plays, concerts, fundraising events, and other community activities. (JK)
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Pinckney Community Schools Makes The AP Honor RollPinckney Community Schools Makes The AP Honor Roll
Pinckney Community Schools is receiving an elite honor for their effort in getting students ready for college. The school district is one of 425 nationally, and one of only 15 in Michigan to earn placement on the College Boardâs 6th Annual AP District Honor Roll. Superintendent Rick Todd was proud of the accomplishment achieved by both students and their instructors, especially being from a smaller community. Todd also praised his staff, commenting on how despite there being falling enrollment in Pinckney Community Schools over the past decade, theyâve been able to increase the availability of advanced placement courses. The College Board is a non-profit organization that each year helps roughly seven million students prepare for a successful transition from high school to college. To earn a spot on their Honor Roll, Pinckney schools had both increase the number of students participating in advanced placement classes, and increase or maintain the number of students earning AP exam scores of 3 or higher over the past three years. The exams are graded on a five point scale and are a measurement of a studentâs achievement in a college-level AP class. The scores are then used by colleges and universities in determining whether credit will be granted for what was learned in high school. The award will be formally presented to the district at their Board of Education meeting on January 17th. (MK)
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Business Owners Encourage Local Shopping On Small Business Saturday Business Owners Encourage Local Shopping On Small Business Saturday
âTis the season for spending as three major shopping days encompass consumers leading up to and following Thanksgiving. As shoppers brave the crowds on Black Friday to grab a good deal, area businesses are encouraging them to spend locally on Small Business Saturday. Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday attract shoppers with great deals to help check items off of holiday wish lists. In 2010, American Express launched Small Business Saturday to encourage shoppers to support small businesses and help the local economy flow. Just last year, over $14 billion dollars was reportedly spent at small, independent businesses the day of. Rob Vedro is a partner in the family-owned business, Blue Frog Books of Howell. Vedro tells WHMI American Express was ahead of the times when they acknowledged the importance of shopping locally. Vedro says small businesses are successful when they take customer feedback and apply it to help each individual shopper find exactly what theyâre looking for. He adds that the money he earns at his store is all spent within the local community, while big box stores generally remove money from local communities. Meanwhile, the Howell Main Street DDA has a complete list of participating Howell businesses and specials on its website (link below). In addition, shoppers are invited to visit the Howell Main Street DDA volunteers at First National Bank, from 9:00 a.m. until noon on Saturday for free Small Business shopping bags stuffed full of downtown Howell coupons, enjoy refreshments, and more.(DK/JK)
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Blood Drives Schedule Throughout County For DecemberBlood Drives Schedule Throughout County For December
Several blood drives have been scheduled in Livingston County in December for the American Red Cross. During the holiday season, the Red Cross says that blood drives decline due to lack of contributors. Traveling for holiday festivities, severe winter weather or even the increase in sickness can all add to the difficulties of having a successful blood drive. The Red Cross has issued a schedule of blood drives that are expected to be held throughout December with the hope that an advanced notice can secure more participants. The blood drives will be held on December 4th in Howell at Chilson Hills Church from 12 pm to 5:45 pm, in Brighton at American Spirit Centre on the 10th from 12:30 to 6:15 pm, again in Howell on the 14th from 1 pm to 6:45 pm at the First United Methodist Church and in Pinckney the same day and time at the Hamburg Township Fire Department. More information regarding donation can be found at redcrossblood.org. The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters and supplies about 40 percent of the nationâs blood. (DK)
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Two Howell Schools Employees Awarded "Person Of The Year"Two Howell Schools Employees Awarded "Person Of The Year"
Two Howell Public Schools employees have been honored with âPerson of the Yearâ awards for their work in area elementary schools. Penni Faucher, a paraprofessional at Southwest Elementary, and Linda Cunningham, Southeast Elementaryâs Library Coordinator, each received a âPerson of the Yearâ award this week for their dedication to their work in the Howell School district. Faucher works with students who have special needs and Southwest Elementary Principal Jennifer Goodwin says Faucher âworks tirelessly to help students feel accomplished while learning.â Faucher was honored as the districtâs Service Person of the Year. She has been an employee of Howell Public Schools for 18 years. Linda Cunningham has been a district employee for 12 years and works to ensure that Southeast Elementary is a positive and welcoming place for students, staff and visitors. She was honored as the districtâs Support Person of the Year. Southeast Elementary Office Clerk Karen Socia says Cunningham is âexceptionally dedicated to every aspect of education and to the needs to every childâ at the school. Both women received their awards during a special assembly on Tuesday. (DK)
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Jail Maintains Current Medical Vendor As Renovations ContinueJail Maintains Current Medical Vendor As Renovations Continue
The medical services provider for the Livingston County Jail will remain the same as the jail heads into a changeover period between the first and second phase of renovations. Rehabilitation to the jail has been split into phases and County Jail Administrator Lt. Tom Cremonte says the project is on track. In the midst of the transitional chaos, jail administration feels it is best to keep things simple when it comes to their medical vendor. Administration requested a contract extension with their current medical services provider, Correct Care Solutions, as their agreement was scheduled to expire next March. The request was granted by the Public Safety and Infrastructure and Development Committee Monday night. It will go before the full board this coming Monday. Lt. Cremonte says it is unclear at this time what the entire scope is of services that will be needed once the jail opens to its full capacity in mid-2016 and changing medical vendors without an exact plan in place is ill-advised. The granted extension will keep Correct Care Solutions as the jailâs medical services provider for an additional year. The contract can then either be renewed in the future or jail administration can go out to bid in search of another vendor. (DK)
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Local Woman Is Extra Thankful This Year After Winning Big Lottery PrizeLocal Woman Is Extra Thankful This Year After Winning Big Lottery Prize
A Livingston County woman is looking forward to a âfresh startâ after winning $300,000 playing the Michigan Lotteryâs Wild Time Rocks instant game. The 27-year-old player, who chose to remain anonymous, bought her winning ticket at the Fowlerville Sunoco on South Grand Street. She said that when she stopped at the store, she planned to buy just one Wild Time Rocks ticket, but when she found a $10 bill in her wallet, decided to buy two tickets. That second ticket was the $300,000 winner. The winner said the $300,000 prize couldnât have come at a better time for her after experiencing some personal struggles over the past several years. âIâve been working so hard to get my life on the right track, and I feel like things are finally coming together for me,â she said. âThis money gives me a much needed clean slate financially, and helps take so much pressure off of my shoulders.â The lucky player visited Lottery headquarters in Lansing Tuesday to claim the big prize. With her winnings, she plans to pay off her debt, buy a newer car, finish her nursing degree, and invest in a retirement account. (JK)
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Livingston Hearing Adjourned For Teen Charged In Linden School PlotLivingston Hearing Adjourned For Teen Charged In Linden School Plot
A hearing has been adjourned from Livingston County juvenile court for one of the teens charged with planning a school shooting at Linden High School. A âshow causeâ hearing had been scheduled earlier this week in front of Judge David Reader for 18-year-old Ryan William Stevens, but has been set aside pending the results of an exam ordered by Genesee County. Stevens, who was 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, is also charged in Genesee County with conspiracy to commit attempted first-degree premeditated murder and false report or threat of terrorism. Those charges were filed after authorities say they broke up a plot by Stevens 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 the Livingston County hearing is now awaiting the results of before being rescheduled. Stevens 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. (JK)
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3rd Annual Hockey Fights Cancer Pink Game Will Fundraise For Struggling Families3rd Annual Hockey Fights Cancer Pink Game Will Fundraise For Struggling Families
Two local high school hockey teams are playing for more than just a win at their game next week. The 3rd annual Hockey Fights Cancer Pink Game will be held at the Grand Oaks Ice Arena in Howell on Tuesday, December 1st, at 7 pm. The Howell High School Hockey Team will be facing Hartland and the game will also raise money for local families who are affected by cancer. All proceeds from the game will be used to support the familiesâ daily living expenses. Admission is $5 dollars and t-shirts, a pizza and bake sale, and a 50/50 raffle will be available to help the cause. Donations can also be made by visiting the Howell Hockey Boosters Club Facebook page, located at the link below. (DK)
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Sheriff's Department Offers Holiday Shopping & Safety Tips Sheriff's Department Offers Holiday Shopping & Safety Tips
The crooks love the holidays just as much as everybody else and with the shopping season in full swing, the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department is offering some safety tips to help local residents and consumers protect themselves.
Undersheriff Mike Murphy tells WHMI the holiday season tends to give crooks increased opportunities to commit crimes. He recommends not carrying large amounts of cash but says one of the best things someone can do when out and about or shopping is to simply stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. He says have your keys ready when heading to your car and avoid leaving any merchandise out in plain sight in your vehicle. Murphy advises keeping wallets in a front pocket or inside coat, as opposed to a rear pocket while women should avoid leaving their purses in shopping carts. With online shopping, Murphy says there are a few things to keep in mind as well. He says make sure a site is secure by checking for a lock icon or âhttpsâ in the URL address. He suggests using the same credit card for all online purchases so itâs easier to decipher bills and that way if there is a problem, thereâs only one credit card company to deal with. Many sites will also ask for an email and Murphy advises setting up an email address specifically for online shopping. Finally, he reminds to never provide your social security number online as thatâs likely a bogus site. (JM)
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State Representative Brings Attention To Drug Abuse With Community ConversationState Representative Brings Attention To Drug Abuse With Community Conversation
A State Representative is opening up the conversation regarding drug abuse to educate community members. Gretchen Driskell, State Representative of Michiganâs 52nd House District and candidate for the stateâs 7th Congressional District, will host the meeting on Monday, November 30th at the Northfield Township Community Center. The Community Center is located on North Main Street in Whitmore Lake and the event runs from 5:30 to 7 pm. The goal is to provide resources for community members and have an open discussion about prescription drug and opioid abuse. Local authorities say drug overdose is the leading cause of death in the U.S. and is continuing to grow, along with drug abuse problems in the region. A question and answer session will be held between those in attendance and a panel of community leaders and experts. (DK)
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