A student at a Howell elementary school celebrated her birthday by collecting something many other students her age likely arenât thinking about â canned goods to help families in need. For her birthday this year, Paige Jones only had one item on her wish list; canned goods. Instead of presents, the 4th grade student at Southwest Elementary asked everyone invited to her party to bring canned goods that she could donate to those in need. The district says between donations from her birthday party and others received in collection buckets at the Howell Fire Department, the Livingston Essential Transportation Service office and the Howell Water Department, Paige collected enough canned goods to help fill the pantries of four families that can use a little extra help this year. Everything collected is being delivered by Paigeâs family to the school, which will in turn make sure the canned goods get to the four families. (JM)
Southwest Elementary Student Celebrates Birthday By Collecting Canned GoodsSouthwest Elementary Student Celebrates Birthday By Collecting Canned Goods
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Three Fires Elementary Celebrates 10 Years of Student-Run Credit UnionThree Fires Elementary Celebrates 10 Years of Student-Run Credit Union
A local elementary and credit union celebrated 10 years of educating children together yesterday. LOC Federal Credit Union has had a student run branch in the Three Fires Elementary for the past 10 years. Fifth graders at the school have been getting real world experience in financial management, learning to handle transactions from opening accounts to making deposits and withdrawals for their classmates. LOC President Jim Dickinson joined Three Fires Elementary Principal Kari Naghtin to watch the process in the student cafeteria. The students wear special vests and lanyards so the other students know theyâre on the job, and work behind an L-shaped teller counter. All of the transactions are done on paper, but everything is just as it would be in any branch of the credit union. LOC Federal Credit Union representative Crystal Wietecha works with the kids and tells WHMI they get valuable experience. She says once they get into a routine things start to click. Then when the light comes on as to what is going on it is very exciting to see. She says the students enjoy processing transactions for their classmates and especially teachers. They handle small amounts of real cash, which is why she stays close by to keep an eye on things. She says the experience gives the students something to add to their student resumes and the whole thing is fantastic. Wietecha says she works with 35 students at Three Fires but not all at once. Every week about 12 to 15 students get experience with all of the jobs they would do as part of the credit union. Marshall Chambers says he likes his job as manager. He says he had to write a paper about why he wanted the job and interview for it. He also likes watching over the business and being the boss. He says it is just fun. Principal Naghtin says she enjoys having the student led operation in the school because it gives the kids an opportunity to learn financial literacy. There are currently about 35 students working in the credit union program at Three Fires. It is one of 16 LOC student run credit unions in Livingston and Oakland counties. (DS)
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Dorr Road Closed Between Crooked Lake & Herbst Thursday Dorr Road Closed Between Crooked Lake & Herbst Thursday
A portion of Dorr Road will be closed to traffic tomorrow, impacting the morning and afternoon commute for some motorists. Dorr Road between Crooked Lake Road and Herbst Road will be completely closed to traffic Thursday from 8am-3pm. Thatâs just north of the driveway to the Genoa Township offices. The Livingston County Road Commission says the closure is needed to replace a drain crossing under Dorr Road. It further advises that the work is subject to the weather and the contractorâs schedule. (JM)
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Police Rlease Surveillance Video From Lyon Township HeistPolice Rlease Surveillance Video From Lyon Township Heist
Police have released surveillance video from a home invasion in Lyon Township over the weekend. The Oakland County Sheriffâs Office has released home surveillance video of an incident that took place early Sunday morning at a residence off of Eight Mile Road. The victim told deputies from the Lyon Township substation he returned home from the casino and discovered the door wall had been pried open. Police say a safe in the home was heavily damaged and forced open. The homeowner said approximately $400,000 in cash, gold and silver bars, and a diamond ring were stolen from the safe. Nothing else was reported missing and the man said he had not activated his alarm prior to leaving for the night. Video from the homeâs surveillance system shows two white male suspects in the home, wearing hooded sweatshirts with their faces covered. They also appeared to be wearing gloves. Oakland County Undersheriff Michael McCabe said they believe the suspects knew the victim because they went right to the safe and knew there were cameras because they turned them away. He also noted that it was unusual for somebody to keep over $400,000 in cash inside their home. Anyone with information is asked to call the Oakland County Sheriffâs Office tip line at (888) TURN-1-IN.
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No Winter Shutdown Date Yet For I-96/US-23 Construction No Winter Shutdown Date Yet For I-96/US-23 Construction
Crews are making the best of what time they have before the snow flies when it comes to improvements at the I-96 /US-23 interchange in Brighton. There will be a winter shutdown period at some point but crews with the Michigan Department of Transportation are still going strong thanks to the favorable weather. M-DOT spokeswoman Kari Arend tells WHMI thereâs a lot of equipment and a lot of people working in different areas on existing bridges and speeds remain restricted through the work zone. Crews are currently working to replace bridges along the existing lanes of I-96, which Arend says have now become the C-D or collector-distributor lanes that take you to US-23 and/or Spencer Road. While those are open, Arend reminds that it is still very much an active construction zone and motorists should lower speeds and drive with caution on I-96 and US-23. There could still be lane and ramp closures throughout the month of December but Arend says those really should be more limited now that itâs getting later in the year. She reminds that motorists should prepare for more closures and traffic impacts during the next stage in the spring. (JM)
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Owners Of Landmark Store Rebuilding After Fire In Unadilla TownshipOwners Of Landmark Store Rebuilding After Fire In Unadilla Township
Whether it was household goods, camping needs or candy â the landmark Unadilla Store delivered up until it was destroyed in a devastating fire along with an adjacent home. Now, the owners have begun efforts to rebuild and members of the community couldnât be happier. The Unadilla Store was the longest continuously running general store in Michigan until the January 27th fire. Officials were never able to pinpoint a formal cause due to the extent of damage from the fire, which left little evidence to analyze. The owners have said they always intended to rebuild, it was just a matter of when. While they also canât recreate what once was, theyâve been soliciting input to best accommodate the needs of the community. Site and tree clearing has been taking place since early November. Unadilla Township Supervisor Linda Walker tells WHMI it was heartbreaking when the store burned down and a tremendous loss for the community so it will be great to have it back up and running again. She says land use permits have been issued and they also allowed for the two lots to be combined as zoning and setback regulations are much different now than in the 1800âs. With its close proximity to Bruin Lake campground and area lakes, Walker says the store was a destination spot for many to grab an ice cream cone or just sit and visit with the locals. She says plans call for a big covered porch, similar to the old one where many would sit and play checkers. Progress at the site is being documented on the Unadilla Store Facebook page. A link is below. (JM)
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Hartland Teacher Honored With "Jump Rope For Heart" AwardHartland Teacher Honored With "Jump Rope For Heart" Award
A teacher in the Hartland Consolidated Schools district is being recognized for his efforts with an awareness and fundraising campaign. The district is congratulating Lakes Elementary P.E and Health Teacher Matt Conway, who received the Jump Rope for Heart Coordinator's Award during the 2015 SHAPE or Society of Health and Physical Educators Michigan Ceremony. The annual award event is organized by the Michigan Fitness Foundation in Lansing and Conway was recognized with 12 other educators across the state for his efforts with the "Jump Rope for Heart" awareness and fundraising campaign. The district says Conway is an inspiration and under his supervision, guidance and encouragement, Lakes raised over $24,000 for Jump Rope For Heart. Conway is pictured with Regional VP Brittany Merritt from the American Heart Association. (JM)
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8th Annual Triple Money Monday Will Maximize Community Donations8th Annual Triple Money Monday Will Maximize Community Donations
Community donations made to a local organization on Monday will be increased three times over as part of a yearly fundraiser. On December 14th, all donations made to Livingston County United Way will be tripled up to approximately $155,000 during the 8th annual Triple Money Monday event. Residents are encouraged to partake in the fundraiser by giving at location collection sites, through participating businesses or online the day of. Nancy Rosso, Executive Director of Livingston County United Way, tells WHMI the event supports the organizationâs efforts and families in need. Though the economy is stronger than it has been in recent years, Campaign Co-Chair David Morse says 20 percent of county residents still struggle to make ends meet. Morse feels United Wayâs programs are a long-term solution for these people, not just a quick fix. Rosso says it is heart-warming to see so many look forward to contributing to the event each year, whether it be young children who have saved up allowance money or large businesses donating a portion of the dayâs proceeds. Last year the organization brought in an estimated $130,000 from the fundraiser, which translated into $268,000 after the matching funds were applied. More information about the event can be found at the link below. (DK/JK)
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Six Finalists Named For Brighton City Manager JobSix Finalists Named For Brighton City Manager Job
The names of the six finalists in the running for the Brighton city manager position have been released. The Brighton City Council met Monday and whittled down a list of 39 candidates to the six that will be interviewed next week. They include Farmington Hills Assistant City Manager Nate Geinzer, a Brighton native who previously worked in the Cityâs community development office; Jackson Assistant City Manager and Director of Economic Development Jonathan Greene; Allegan City Manager Robert Hillard and Christopher Wren, the former Linden city manager and former Fenton assistant city manager. The two out of state finalists are Daniel Ortiz-Hernandez, the city administrator in Kimball, Nebraska and Austin Bleess, the city manager of Caribou, Maine. The Michigan Municipal League is aiding in the search process and whoever is selected would replace longtime Brighton City Manager Dana Foster, who will be moving into the private sector. The finalists will be introduced to the public during an open house from 5-8pm Tuesday at the Brighton Community Center. The Brighton City Council will then conduct interviews beginning Wednesday morning. (JM)
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19th Century Religious Posters Found During Museum Restoration19th Century Religious Posters Found During Museum Restoration
Ten religious posters that are more than 115 years old have been found amid a renovation project at a Livingston County museum. The antique posters were rolled up and left under shutters in the attic in a section of the Hamburg Township Historical Museum that was originally a 168-year-old Methodist church. Museum president Wayne Burkhardt says the attic was sealed except for a trap door and no one had been up there for well over 50 years. The 2-foot-by-3-foot posters were published in 1899 by David Cook Publishing Co. in Illinois. Each of the posters depicts a scene from the Bible, including one of baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph and a lamb. Burkhardt says the museum will keep the posters to put on display for all to see. (JK)
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$1 Million Winning Lottery Ticket Sold In Howell$1 Million Winning Lottery Ticket Sold In Howell
A winning Mega Millions ticket was sold at a Howell gas station but the lucky person has yet to come forward and claim their big prize. No one matched all of the six winning numbers in Tuesdayâs Mega Millions drawing but one ticket was close. A ticket sold at VG's Quick Stop on Grand River in Howell matched all five white balls for a $1 (m) million windfall. The winning Mega Millions numbers for December 8th are 07-17-37-49-73. Meanwhile, the Michigan lottery website shows another winning local ticket has gone unclaimed. The winner of a Fantasy 5 ticket sold at the Tyrone Party Store on June 18th has yet to claim their prize of $243,497. (JM)
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Chelsea-Based Mix Maker Seeks Major ExpansionChelsea-Based Mix Maker Seeks Major Expansion
The locally-based maker of Jiffy Mix is planning a $35 million expansion as part of an effort to diversify the business that's known for its baking mixes. Chelsea Milling Co. plans a new mixing tower that will eventually be attached to a new packaging plant and support building. The company plans to keep making boxes of mix for sale at grocery stores while boosting institutional and food-service sales. Howdy Holmes, the fourth-generation owner of Chelsea Milling, says more people are eating away from home and "as things change we need to reinvent ourselves." Jiffy Mix pulls in more than $130 million annually in total revenue and doesn't spend on advertising, preferring to develop relationships with retailers and rely on brand recognition. MLive reports that the company has applied for an Industrial Facilities Tax exemption for the project. The Chelsea City Council will set a date for a public hearing about the exemption at its December 14th meeting. The exemption would delay taxes on the new property for five years. (JK)
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Owosso Oil Spill Worse Than Originally ReportedOwosso Oil Spill Worse Than Originally Reported
Officials believe it could cost up to $250,000 to clean up an oil spill that killed geese and polluted nearly 100 tons of earth in Shiawassee County. Michigan Department of Environmental Quality analyst Susan Doty says as much as 1,000 gallons of used motor oil might have spilled into a county drain just west of the Shiawassee River. Crews initially estimated the scope of the spill was about 300 gallons. A hunter discovered the spill Nov. 26 in the county's Miner Drain in Owosso Township. The cause of the spill is still under investigation, but Doty says investigators have traced the oil to a nearby farm. She says oil-soaking booms are still in place as crews enter the maintenance stage of the cleanup process. (JK)
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SELCRA Plans Meeting With Remaining Municipalities To Discuss FutureSELCRA Plans Meeting With Remaining Municipalities To Discuss Future
A local recreation authority is re-evaluating its path moving forward following the recent withdrawal of two organization partners. Within the last week, the city of Brighton and Genoa Township have decided to withdraw their involvement with the Southeastern Livingston County Recreation Authority as soon as the current agreement expires in June of 2016. Green Oak and Brighton Township are the only municipalities that remain in the partnership and the SELCRA board of directors met Wednesday night to discuss what comes next. SELCRA Director Derek Smith tells WHMI the recent change up is just a stepping stone in the big picture but action does need to be taken for the sake of the community. Smith says whether itâs through SELCRA or a county-wide initiative, recreation does need to be re-evaluated. He feels itâll be more expensive and time-consuming if residents rely on the commercial sector for recreational amenities and resources. The SELCRA board of directors has scheduled a meeting with the remaining municipalities for the end of January to discuss their financial obligations under the re-organized partnership and the ramifications of a revised joint user agreement with Brighton Area Schools. Each municipality is hoping to look at the JUA and make suggestions before itâs taken to BAS. If the JUA isnât approved, SELCRA board members say they will âcross that bridge when they get to it.â (DK)
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"Gifts Of Energy" Offered This Holiday Season "Gifts Of Energy" Offered This Holiday Season
The gift of a warm home is something everyone can appreciate. Thatâs the message Consumers Energy is offering this holiday season with âGifts of Energyâ certificates. The certificates can be used to pay a natural gas or electric bill and never expire. Consumers Energy spokeswoman Debra Dodd says itâs a practical gift that fits everybody because the certificates can be used like cash and be directly applied to an account. Since the certificates do not include the buyerâs name, they can be given anonymously to family, friends, neighbors, co-workers or someone in financial need. Dodd tells WHMI thereâs a lot of need out there still and the certificates are especially useful for charitable organizations or emergency responders, such as the Salvation Army or local police and fire departments. âGifts of Energyâ certificates can be purchased in amounts of $10, $20 and $50 at all Consumers Energy bill payment offices or by mail. The certificates can then be mailed with monthly bill payments or applied to a bill at a payment office but cannot be redeemed for cash. Details are available through the link below. (JM)
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Woman Charged In Fatal Crash Headed To Trial In Circuit CourtWoman Charged In Fatal Crash Headed To Trial In Circuit Court
A woman charged in an alcohol-related crash that claimed the life of her mother has been arraigned in Circuit Court. 50-year-old Janet McGahey of South Lyon was arraigned on Wednesday and is charged with operating while intoxicated causing death. In September, McGahey was traveling on 11 Mile Road with her mother, 89-year-old Betty Whitfield of Lyon Township, in the passenger seat. McGahey reportedly stopped at a stop sign at the intersection of Milford Road, but became distracted while talking on her cell phone and pulled out in front of a Fed-Ex truck. The truck t-boned the passenger side of McGaheyâs Ford Taurus and deputies from the Oakland County Sheriffâs Office Lyon Township Substation responded to the crash. McGaheyâs mother was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Fed-Ex truck was not injured. McGahey was hospitalized at the time for her injuries and then released on bond until her arraignment. According to court records, she must attend AA meetings three times a week and any bond violations will result in an immediate bench warrant issuance. McGahey is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing on January 27th. (DK)
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Changes To Ordinance To Affect Large Events In Putnam TownshipChanges To Ordinance To Affect Large Events In Putnam Township
The Putnam Township Planning Commission made changes that will affect where certain large scale events are allowed to take place. At their monthly meeting Wednesday night, the board agreed to change âuses permitted by rightâ to special uses. This means that events that are expected to draw a large number of attendees will now have to go through an extra layer of review before being permitted. They also added the inclusion of a ânew useâ into the ordinance. This is focused on motorized vehicle races and competitions, stating that they can no longer be held on commercial lots, but instead must be held within one of the townships three resource-based recreation districts. The three available RBR districts in Putnam are a boy scout camp, a girl scout camp, and the Hell Creek Ranch. During the public hearing portion of the meeting, Pinckney Pub owner Bob Anton felt he was being singled out because of a truck pull held on his property in August. He claimed he violated no ordinances and suffered only three noise complaints from the event which drew spectators not just locally, but also from Ohio and Canada. Planning Commission chairman Jeff Lomber told WHMI that the Pub wasnât being singled out, but that the Board of Trustees had many complaints about the specific event. He stated that the ordinance was more for making sure that large gatherings were neighbor-friendly and safe, with proper emergency services being available. The next meeting of the planning commission is on January 13th at the Putnam Township Hall. (MK)
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Suspect In Retail Fraud And High Speed Chase Enters PleaSuspect In Retail Fraud And High Speed Chase Enters Plea
A plea has been entered by a Westland man who led police on a high-speed chase after stealing from a local retailer. 47-year-old Marcus Lowell Hunter has pleaded guilty as charged to one count of organized retail crime, 1st degree retail fraud and fleeing and eluding a police officer with a motor vehicle. In October, police were called to a fraud complaint at the Kohlâs in Genoa Township. When officers arrived on the scene, they witnessed a man, later identified as Hunter, putting stolen goods into a Ford Taurus. Hunter then took off when officers tried to approach him, heading eastbound on I-96 and reached speeds of 100 mph. Hunter led officers through the construction zone at I-96 and US-23 during the afternoon rush hour. State Police picked up the chase near Milford Road, but later called it off out of concern for public safety. Footage from the storeâs surveillance camera was used to identify Hunter and he was later apprehended. Prosecution will recommend jail time and probation for Hunter as part of a plea deal. In return, the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department will not submit their investigation on Hunter from a separate offense in Wayne County. Hunter will be sentenced in Livingston County Circuit Court on January 14th. (DK/JK)
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Old-Time Christmas Celebration Set This Weekend In BrightonOld-Time Christmas Celebration Set This Weekend In Brighton
Christmases of the past will make their way to the present this weekend during an old-fashioned holiday event. The Brighton Area Historical Society will present âOld Time Christmas with Santa and Mrs. Clausâ this Sunday, December 13th from 1 to 4 pm. The free event will be held at the Lyon one-room schoolhouse located in Brighton with a 1900âs Christmas theme. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for Christmas photos for the kids. Homemade cookies and cider will also be available, along with âMake and Take Projectsâ for kids. Historical Society President Jim Vichich says the âOld Time Christmasâ celebration is a perfect time for families to experience history in the schoolhouse that was used between the 1800âs and 1950âs. (JK)
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Marion Township Receives Positive Audit Report, Looks Into Paying Off Sewer BondsMarion Township Receives Positive Audit Report, Looks Into Paying Off Sewer Bonds
A local municipality is in good financial standing according to a yearly audit. Now, the township may have the opportunity to pay off outstanding bonds. On Thursday, the Marion Township Board of Trustees received a positive report regarding an audit for the townshipâs 2014 2015 fiscal year. Auditor Ken Palka says the township is in very good financial condition, ending the year with $2.6 million in their general fund. The township also only has a year left on paying off water bonds that were issued nearly 20 years ago. Township Supervisor Bob Hanvey tells WHMI the good financial status means the board can look into projects that need to be taken care of. Palka says because of the financial stability, the board should consider quickly paying off a $3.8 million dollar outstanding sewer bond instead of letting it go to full term through 2019. Trustee Dan Lowe voiced concerns about making the payment without knowing exact plans for other upcoming financial responsibilities but Hanvey says by paying the bonds off quickly, the township could save over $200,000. The board did not make an official decision regarding the bond payment but Hanvey wants to move quickly. Each month that passes costs the township another $10,000 in interest on the bond. Hanvey plans to meet with their bond attorney to discuss the issue further. (DK)
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