A ceremony in Lansing honored a local veteran, thanking him for his service to the country. Alfred âJackâ Armstrong from Saline was presented with a Vietnam veteran lapel pin at the state capitol building on Wednesday. Armstrong served as an Airman first class in the U.S. Air Force during the war. State Senator Joe Hune from Hamburg participated in the event, being the one to present Armstrong with the accolade. Hune said he was honored and humbled to be a part of the presentation as he says serving veterans is one of his most important duties as a senator. The ceremony took place for Armstrong because he was unable to attend the Thank You Michigan Vietnam Era Veterans event which was held at the Capitol on October 8th. That event recognized veterans of our armed forces who served and made sacrifices for our country during the war, and honored those who were prisoners of war or listed as missing in action. The pin honors all Vietnam veterans whether they served in Vietnam, in the United States, or were stationed somewhere else during the war. (MK)
Local Veteran Honored In LansingLocal Veteran Honored In Lansing
↧
↧
Family & Friends To Welcome Brighton Man Convicted Of Child Abuse At Jail ReleaseFamily & Friends To Welcome Brighton Man Convicted Of Child Abuse At Jail Release
A local man convicted of child abuse will be released from jail next week and his supporters are planning a gathering to welcome him to freedom. Joshua Burns of Brighton has served nearly a year-long sentence in the Livingston County Jail after being convicted of second-degree child abuse. Controversy has swirled around the case which involved his daughter, Naomi. Burns and his wife, Brenda, have maintained his innocence and claim the incident was an accident. However prosecutors strongly felt it was a case of child abuse and doctors that testified in the criminal trial suggested shaken baby syndrome, which a jury concurred with. Burns will be released during the early morning hours on Tuesday, December 8th, and his friends and family are hoping to greet him in the jail lobby with an encouraging show of support. Brenda Burns tells WHMI she has spoken to her husband about his release and he has mixed feelings of joy and sadness. Joshua will not be able to see Naomi at the release due to probation restrictions. He will have contact with her for the first time later that day at a counseling session with Family Counselor Doris Viola and a social worker. Brenda says Josh plans to be extremely careful not to violate probation and there are upcoming battles, including the process to appeal his conviction. She says the gathering at his release will be peaceful and the first thing she plans to do is hug and kiss him. (DK/jk)
↧
Merkel Resigns From Howell DDA BoardMerkel Resigns From Howell DDA Board
There may be a change up on a local organizationâs Board of Directors as a result of several resignations and applications. Resignations for Treasurer Kevin McCarthy and Vice President Michael Mulvahill were submitted Wednesday night at a Howell Main Street and Downtown Development Authority board meeting. Mulvahill was recently elected as a member of Howellâs City Council, thus resulting in his leaving the DDA Board of Directors. No reason was given for McCarthyâs resignation. A surprising third resignation was submitted during the meeting from board member Adam Merkel, owner of Diamonds Steak & Seafood and Mr. B's Rustic Tavern. His resignation came from a discussion regarding Mayor Nick Proctorâs decision to not recommend Board President Eric Conn to another four year term. Mayor Proctor says Conn has voiced concerns over his workload and a lack of time spent with his family as a result of his position on the DDAâs board. Conn called Proctorâs comments a âsmoke screenâ and says he believes he has âthe capacity to continueâ as President. When Proctor stood firm in his decision, Merkel then said he wanted to put in his resignation effective immediately following the meeting due to the discussion and comments that were made to not re-appoint Conn. Proctor claims his decision is not personal against Conn. Brian Walker also submitted an application to be re-appointed as a board member and three applications for new board member positions were accepted. It was suggested that Walker would be the only qualified member to take over as President if Conn was not re-appointed. However, Walker says he does not feel qualified at this time. All applications and re-appointments that are recommended by the DDA Board of Directors will come before Howell City Council for a final vote. Meanwhile, Howell DDA Director Cathleen Edgerly says despite the events of Wednesday night, they will continue to move forward. "The board appreciates our Board Chair, Eric Conn's dedication and leadership of the Howell Main Street DDA. Our organization and community have experienced positive projects that make our community stronger as a result. While it was evident that our Board was surprised and disappointed by the mayor's decision, our organization will continue to work hard to bring positive projects to the community." (JK)
↧
Howell City Manager: Council To Take Up DDA Appointments & Resignations Howell City Manager: Council To Take Up DDA Appointments & Resignations
Appointments and resignations to the Howell Main Street Downtown Development Authority Board will likely be finalized when the city council meets Monday night. There was some dissent among members during Wednesdayâs DDA meeting when it came to recommended re-appointments, which resulted in additional resignations. However, they have not been confirmed by the mayor or council yet. Howell City Manager Shea Charles tells WHMI DDA board members are appointed by the mayor and confirmed by city council. Appointments carry four year terms. In the event a DDA board member should resign, then a process follows in which the board will first accept the resignation, and then city council accepts it and then look to fill the vacancy. As a matter of practice, Charles says the DDA board offers recommendations to the mayor for appointment for the position but at the end of the day, the appointments are at the mayorâs discretion subject to city councilâs confirmation. Resignations from Treasurer Kevin McCarthy and Michael Mulvahill were accepted by the DDA board Wednesday night. Mulvahill was elected to the City Council, which has already accepted his resignation. Current DDA Board President Eric Conn and member Brian Walker are seeking re-appointment, which the DDA board supported. However, Mayor Nick Proctor felt a change in leadership was needed and thus will not be recommending Conn for re-appointment. That exchange resulted in a third surprise resignation from DDA member Adam Merkel, the owner of Diamonds Steak & Seafood and Mr. B's Rustic Tavern. Despite announcing his intent to resign, Merkel is technically still on the DDA board as nothing has been formally submitted or accepted by the board or council. Finally, three new DDA member applications were accepted by the board from business owners Marc Harlow and Heather Ruby, as well as photographer Richard Lim. The various appointments and resignations will be taken up when the Howell City Council meets at 7pm Monday night. (JM)
↧
Unique Events At Brighton Library Will Showcase Local TalentUnique Events At Brighton Library Will Showcase Local Talent
Two unique events at the Brighton Library will showcase local talent. On Sunday, December 6th from 2 to 4 pm, local authors will present their recently published work at the library. Authors Susan Ciolek, Ann DeChellis, John Farkis, Donovan M. Neal, Beth Rodgers and Lori Taylor will connect with each other and community members while discussing their writing. Through this program, the Brighton District Library brings local authors together in one event, three times a year, to support and encourage their talent. On Monday, December 7th, Melissa Johnson of the Brighton Tea Company will make an appearance at the library from 7 to 8 pm. Johnson will teach the art of tea blending as learned by her grandmother who was born in Brighton, England. Johnson grows her own herbs and sells them at local farmerâs markets and online. Participants will learn how to create traditional blends as well as blends based on their own personal taste just in time for the holiday season. To register for this event, call 810-229-6571. (DK)
↧
↧
Free Valet Parking Offered This Holiday Season In Downtown Milford Free Valet Parking Offered This Holiday Season In Downtown Milford
The holiday shopping and dining season will be a little more convenient for those visiting downtown Milford, especially when the weather is frightful. The Milford Parking Authority is offering complimentary valet parking to help make holiday shopping and dining easier for visitors. A valet station is located off of Main Street Court, near the Center Street crosswalk. The service is free to use on Fridays from 5 to 10pm and on Saturdays from 3 to 10pm through December 19th. Signs will be posted while the service is operating. In addition to the holiday valet service, metered parking is offered throughout the downtown and municipal lots behind downtown businesses on Main Street offer two-hour free parking. Details can be found on the Village of Milford website. A link is below. (JM)
↧
Pet Food Donations Needed To Help Local Struggling FamiliesPet Food Donations Needed To Help Local Struggling Families
The Livingston Area Pet Pantry needs the help of the community to restock their pet food supply, specifically dog food. The Pet Pantry is the only organization in the area that supplies Gleanerâs Shared Harvest Pantry with pet food to help local families and their pets in need. The Pet Pantry is asking for donations which are made available to families that use Gleanersâ services. Each family has a meal plan that allows a certain number of food poundage per visit. Pet food does not count as part of the pounds each family is allotted. Nancy Mate is a member of the organization and says there is a need for dog food over cat food currently, though any and all donations are welcome. She tells WHMI the pantry is struggling compared to recent years. Mate encourages anyone who has lost a pet recently to put leftover food to good use, and donate it to the pantry in their petâs memory instead of throwing it away. 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. A fundraiser at Tyrone Township Hall this Saturday will be collecting items as well from 1 to 3 pm. Monetary donations can also be made to the Pet Pantry through a PayPal link on the organizationâs website. More information can be found at the link below. (DK)
↧
Fenton Businessman Sentenced On Federal Tax ChargesFenton Businessman Sentenced On Federal Tax Charges
A Fenton man has been sentenced on federal charges for filing false tax returns. 50-year-old Kleppe Houston owned Co-HR LLC, a human resource management firm based in Pontiac. He pleaded guilty earlier this year to one count of filing false tax returns in U.S. District Court and was recently sentenced to 28 months in federal prison. He must also serve one year of probation. Under the agreement, Kleppe is being held responsible for failing to remit nearly $630,000 in payroll withholding taxes to the IRS. According to court records, the company provided payroll services to its clients. Houston is said to have prepared and filed five returns for these employers, falsely reporting that more than $393,000 in payroll taxes had been remitted with the returns. Houston knew, but his clients did not, that the amount remitted with each return was substantially less than reported. Federal Judge Judith Levy allowed Houston to remain free until January 11th, when he must self-report to the Milan Correctional Institute in Washtenaw County. (JK)
↧
Brighton Council Votes to Withdraw from SELCRABrighton Council Votes to Withdraw from SELCRA
At its meeting Thursday night, the Brighton City Council voted to leave the Southeastern Livingston County Recreational Authority effective next June 30. The resolution, which passed on a 6-0 vote, states the cityâs intent to withdraw at the end of SELCRAâs 2015-16 fiscal year. Mayor Jim Muzzin tells WHMI the cityâs representatives on the SELCRA board were convinced, after Mondayâs meeting between the four municipalities and Brighton Area Schools officials, that the school district could take over the SELCRA sports and recreational program and do a very creditable job â for far less. As a result of the resolution passed Thursday night, the city has transmited to SELCRA a notice of intent which includes the content of the resolution. That is posted below. The resolution will also be on the cityâs website for those wishing to view it. The other three municipalities in SELCRA are Genoa, Green Oak and Brighton townships. Green Oak and Brighton townships have stated their desire to remain a part of SELCRA, whereas Genoa has sided with the city of Brighton in wanting to re-integrate with the Brighton Area Schools, which was how the organization was set up in the first place when it was created. The problem is that â even with staff cuts and other cost-cutting measures - SELCRA has been having financial difficulties the last few years caused by a variety of problems, including inadequate funding by the municipalities and competition from other entities, from churches that now offer recreation programs to a for-profit athletic complex south of Brighton that offers state-of-the-art facilities and professional coaches â but at a higher price. SELCRA operates on an annual budget of over $700,000, but Brighton Superintendent Greg Gray said Monday night that the district could offer essentially the same sports programs and services for about $500,000, since the district already has the employees and a community education department which provides recreational and other programs. (TT/JK)
↧
↧
Funds Being Raised For Fawn Aid BarnFunds Being Raised For Fawn Aid Barn
Injured and orphaned fawns will have a new barn if an effort by a wildlife rehabilitation center in Howell succeeds. Officials with the Howell Conference and Nature Center hope to have the barn built by next spring. Director Dana DeBenham says the effort is important because of Michigan Department of Natural Resources rules related to stopping the spread of chronic wasting disease. The agency no longer allows live deer to be taken across county lines, so any injured or orphaned fawns would have to be euthanized without a local treatment center. The center took in more than 1,500 animals from May to July last year. That's a 20 percent increase from the previous year. (JK)
↧
Livingston County's October Jobless Rate Up SlightlyLivingston County's October Jobless Rate Up Slightly
October jobless rates were little changed in regional labor markets, as well Livingston County. The state says 2015 is shaping up to be another solid year for local labor markets. During the month of October, the state says seasonally unadjusted jobless rates showed little movement in most of the major labor market areas. Livingston Countyâs unemployment rate stood at 5% and held somewhat steady when compared to Septemberâs 4.4% rate, which was unchanged from August. However in October, Livingstonâs overall ranking among Michiganâs 83 counties fell from 30th to 46th. Among the largest over-the-month rate increases registered in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn area, which encompasses Livingston County, but it was less than one percentage point. Jason Palmer, Director of the Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives says over the year, unemployment rates are down in all major regions and payroll jobs are up in every metropolitan area. (JM)
↧
LETS Stuffs the Bus for the NeedyLETS Stuffs the Bus for the Needy
A community outreach is looking to try and fill a bus today and tomorrow in Howell. For the 20th year, the Livingston Essential Transportation Service has parked a bus outside the Walmart in Howell in an effort to help those in need. Volunteers stationed at the doors of the Walmart are offering wish-lists to anyone entering the store so they can purchase items for the bus. LETS Operations Manager Katrina Maxwell says though there have already been many generous donations, there is still a lot on the list. She says there is a dry erase white board, canned meat and canned food. Maxwell says cash donations are also accepted as several businesses purchase bus tokens for local youth to get access to transportation. Maxwell says food items are welcome, but need to be non-perishable. The bus will be available from 11 until 6 pm tomorrow. She says they also need volunteers to help for the rest of the event. There are time slots available in one, two and three hour increments. To volunteer or to donate, stop by the LETS bus in front of the Howell Walmart at the corner of Grand River and Latson Roads. (DS)
↧
Pinckney School District Adjusts Budget To Incorporate $18k GrantPinckney School District Adjusts Budget To Incorporate $18k Grant
Pinckney Community Schools are revising their budget to accommodate a technology grant. The school districtâs budget has experienced troubles in recent years, specifically with their budgetâs deficit due to a decrease in student population. However the Board of Education for Pinckney Community Schools recently received some good news that will help boost their budget. The school district has been awarded an $18,000 TRIG grant. The Technology Readiness Infrastructure Grant is from the state and it works to leverage technology used for learning. Superintendent Rick Todd tells WHMI the state will reimburse districts for every computer purchased with this program which works as an incentive to move schools towards more 21st century learning and institute a technology-rich learning environment. The goal of the grant is to provide personalized learning within the classroom, maintain reliable technology and increase the capacity of universal learning. On Thursday night, the board approved revisions to the 2015/2016 General Fund budget to accept and incorporate the grant. The funds will supposedly become available next month. (DK)
↧
↧
South Lyon Woman Charged In Crash That Killed Motorcyclist On US-23South Lyon Woman Charged In Crash That Killed Motorcyclist On US-23
Charges have been authorized against a South Lyon woman in connection with a crash that claimed the life of a Genesee County motorcyclist. The Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office has authorized a Moving Violation Causing Death charge against 22-year-old Breanna Lyn Clever in the August 12th death of 49-year-old Bert Loomis of Gaines. He crashed his motorcycle on US-23 after police say a maroon Pontiac Grand Am illegally used the emergency-access turn-around between Clyde Road and M-59. Several vehicles reportedly had to avoid the sedan, which also caused Loomis to lose control and drop the bike. He passed away two days later from his injuries. Clever was later identified as the driver of the Pontiac. The maximum penalty for the offense is up to one year in jail. Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt says they understand the pain that the family has suffered in this case and that no penalty can ever adequately address their loss, but they are constrained by the facts and the law in making their charging decision. He says the charge was issued after a thorough review of the facts, witness statements, the crash investigation and criminal law that applied to the circumstances. Because the conduct that caused the death in this case was a moving violation as opposed to reckless driving, Vailliencourt says the charge filed is the charge that the evidence legally supports. Clever's identity was made possible by a passing motorist from Toledo, who witnessed the aftermath of the crash and was able to obtain the vehicle registration information. He passed it along to authorities, who said that by being observant and taking the time to get involved, the Sheriffâs Office Traffic Division was able to accurately reconstruct the crash. (JM)
↧
Student-Run Credit Union Celebrates Anniversary Next WeekStudent-Run Credit Union Celebrates Anniversary Next Week
A celebration next week in Howell will mark the anniversary of a unique partnership. On Tuesday, students at Three Fires Elementary will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the schoolâs student-run credit union, a partnership between Howell Public Schools and LOC Federal Credit Union. The project has fifth-grade students work alongside a representative from LOC Federal Credit Union to accept deposits, process withdrawals and open new savings accounts for classmates. District officials say the program teaches students about fiscal responsibility while reinforcing math skills learned in class. The Three Fires Elementary student-run credit union originally opened Dec. 1, 2005, at Latson Road Elementary. When Laston Road Elementary moved to Three Fires Elementary the student-run credit union moved with the school. The Latson Road student-run credit union was LOC Federal Credit Unionâs first student-run credit union in Livingston County. LOC now also operates a student-run credit union in Hartland Consolidated Schools.
↧
IRS Phone Scams Targeting Livingston County Residents & Seniors IRS Phone Scams Targeting Livingston County Residents & Seniors
Livingston County residents are being put on alert about fake IRS calls and scams. Scams involving people posing as Internal Revenue Service or IRS agents are again making the rounds throughout Livingston County. The callers state they are from the IRS and attempting to collect money for back taxes or you will be arrested and charged with tax fraud. One Hartland woman who received a call told WHMI she contacted her local senior citizen center and was advised that a number of seniors had also gotten the calls and were extremely upset about how they would get $6,000 to pay or be arrested. One number that has showed up on some caller IDâs is 509-288-4649 - which is not associated with the IRS. Authorities say the IRS will never contact individuals by phone to collect on debts. To avoid becoming a victim, they advise to never send money, make wire transfers or give out credit card information to callers. A link to tips from the Internal Revenue Service is available below. (JM)
↧
Hartland Township Board Approves Sewer Bond RefundingHartland Township Board Approves Sewer Bond Refunding
Taxpayers in Hartland Township can expect to see a savings in their sewer taxes after Tuesday nightâs decision to refund two sewer bonds. With just four of the seven trustees present, the Hartland Township Board agreed to resell sewer bonds issued in 2005. Township Manager James Wickman says by refunding the two bonds the township will save some $1.6 (m) million in interest over the next ten years. Wickman tells WHMI the township is taking advantage of lower rates. He says these are bonds that were issued for a sewer project. They were issued through the county with their bond rating. He says the township identified the ability to save some money on the interest so they're doing that through the county again. There was only about ten years left on the bonds and they're not extending that out. It's still going to be just 10 year bonds. Wickman says the two bonds total $12.2 (m) million and by using leveraging Livingston Countyâs bond rating the township will get better interest rates. The county has a high bond rating which helps communities get lower interest rates than they could on their own. Township Supervisor Bill Fountain says the lower interest rates will help relieve the financial pressure on the sewer fund. New developments have been connecting to the sewer system recently after a rebound from the recession, which has also helped stabilize the sewer fund. (DS)
↧
↧
Man Charged In Teen Sex Case SentencedMan Charged In Teen Sex Case Sentenced
Sentencing has been handed down to another one of the four men charged with sex and computer crimes involving a Brighton teen. 24-year-old Alex Peter Benedict of Brighton has been sentenced to 180 days in jail with a credit of 91 days served and 36 months of probation. Last month, Benedict pleaded guilty to one count of 3rd degree criminal sexual conduct of a person between 13 and 15, accosting a child for immoral purposes and using a computer to commit a crime. He pled under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act which will expunge his record if he successfully completes probation. Benedict is the second of the four men charged in the case to be sentenced. Benedict, 18-year-old Cody Swatling of South Lyon, 27-year-old Burhan Ahmed Mian of Flint and 21-year-old John Joseph Gasiorek III are all accused of having separate sexual relations with a Brighton teen that is now 16 years old. Police say all but one of the alleged incidents occurred in Livingston County when the victim was 15. The men supposedly met the victim through a social media application geared towards gay and bisexual men. Gasiorek was sentenced last month to 36 months of probation under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act. Swatling is scheduled for a sentencing hearing under the same act next week and Mian will appear for a pre-trial hearing December 18th. (DK)
↧
Advocates Marching From Detroit To Lansing Arrive At Midpoint In BrightonAdvocates Marching From Detroit To Lansing Arrive At Midpoint In Brighton
Brighton served as the halfway mark last evening for activists that are marching from Detroit to Lansing to bring attention to education issues. 12 separate entities currently make decisions for Detroit-based schools and parents are saying it is affecting any chance students may have at success. A group of 50 advocates began marching November 30th from Detroit and are pursing the 90-mile route to Lansing. The goal is to raise awareness about the need for one governing body to oversee all of the schools and make uniformed decisions. The marchers arrived in Brighton last night after completing their fifth day of walking. Each day, a portion of the route is walked and then marchers drive back home at night to sleep and shower. In the morning, they return to where they left off the day before and continue moving forward toward the capitol. Wytrice Harris, a parent and marcher, tells WHMI she has learned a lot during the journey and it is all worth the change they hope to bring about. There is legislation currently being discussed in the House that would dictate one educational commission for Detroit schools and allow community input. Harris says if the legislation is released and it is condusive to what advocates are looking for, they will celebrate. If not, the plan is to continue to rally and speak to legislators and representatives until they get the results they are looking for. Arylssa Heard is a parent and marcher among the group and she tells WHMI there are too many stories of failure and to fix the problem, they must begin at its roots. Heard says she knows they look crazy but âwhat is happening in the schools is even crazierâ. The march continues today in Brighton and the group will walk to Howell. They expect to arrive in Lansing on Tuesday and will rally on the capitolâs steps. (DK)
↧
Local Middle School Will Host Robotics CompetitionLocal Middle School Will Host Robotics Competition
Parker Middle School will host the first qualifying tournament in a robotics competition this month. The Howell FIRST Robotics club will welcome 48 robotics teams to the middle school Saturday, December 12thh for a FIRST Tech Challenge qualifying tournament. Opening ceremonies begin at 11 am and the match play starts at 11:30. The tournament is a double qualifier, which means that two independent events will occur simultaneously with 24 teams competing at each. This yearâs challenge game is FIRST RES-Q. In this game, two teams work together to reset rescue beacons, pick up debris from the playing field and release stranded climbers from mountains. Both of the Howell FIRST Robotics FTC teams will compete at the event. The December tournament is the first of two that the Howell teams will host this year. A high school-level robotics district competition will also be held in the spring.
(DK/JK)
↧
More Pages to Explore .....
