The Federal Reserve is expected to raise interest rates this week for the first time since 2006 and a local financial expert says there are some basic things we can do now to be better prepared. Bob Laura is the president of Synergos Financial Group in Brighton and says the first thing to keep in mind is that when Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen announces the hike on Wednesday, it will be very small, probably just a quarter of one percent. While the difference of a quarter percentage point on a $25,000 car loan is just $3 per month, the hike will likely be the first of several to come in the next year, which means that now is the time to lock in mortgage and auto loan rates and swap any variable rate loans to ones with a fixed rate. As for investors, Laura advises to avoid high-yield bonds, Real Estate Investment Trusts and emerging markets as those will show some volatility. Laura thinks bonds will be under pressure once the rates do go up and people will want to make sure they are invested in funds that are of a high credit quality and low duration. (JK)
Local Expert Says Fed Rate Hike Nothing To Panic AboutLocal Expert Says Fed Rate Hike Nothing To Panic About
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Dangerous Buildings Could Come Down In Howell TownshipDangerous Buildings Could Come Down In Howell Township
The Howell Township board has begun the process to potentially tear down some structures that have become increasingly dangerous and an apparent hang out for kids. The township has been fielding complaints about a house and barns on property at the corner of Crandall and Riverton Drive, which is privately owned. The board agreed the structures are all in âreally rough shapeâ and the increasing activity and safety concerns have led members to initiate the process of taking them down per the townshipâs dangerous building/nuisance ordinance. That requires a review by engineers and the Livingston County Building Department to determine the actual condition, which the board voted to authorize Monday night. Clerk Carolyn Eaton tells WHMI the house has been broken into several times and there are no windows or doors anymore, adding all of the barns are falling down. The township has also been fielding calls about kids getting into the house and reports of cars parked around the property. One board member commented that the property has been up for sale for a while and itâs unclear if the structures could be boarded up and made safe but the owner would be given the opportunity to do so. After the reviews are complete, theyâll be brought back before the board for further discussion as how to best proceed. (JM)
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Mobile Salon Offers Free Beauty Treatments To LACASA ClientsMobile Salon Offers Free Beauty Treatments To LACASA Clients
One local woman is looking to make a difference by beautifying others who are in need. Jen Rice is the founder of Inner Light Salon, a traveling hair salon that provides free services for people who may not be capable of paying for high-end beauty treatments. Rice lives in Howell and is a stylist for Inner Light as well. She says the idea began about 15 years ago but didnât materialize until last year. Using social media, Rice has been able to secure stylists who volunteer their time and provide salon services at a variety of institutions, including special needs homes, low-income apartment complexes and womenâs shelters. Rice and three other stylists held a beauty day at the LACASA center in Howell on Monday for anyone living at the shelter that may need a pick-me-up. Rice tells WHMI the event is all about the experience. Rice says Inner Light provides the community outreach once a month and this is her second time serving LACASAâs clients. LACASA President and CEO, Bobette Schrandt, tells WHMI the event is important for the shelterâs clients who are often victims and survivors of abuse. Rice still works out of her home salon but says Inner Light has given her more fulfillment than any paycheck ever could. More information about her outreach can be found at innerlightsalon.org. (DK)
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Donation Will Fund Replacement For District's Therapy DogDonation Will Fund Replacement For District's Therapy Dog
The Brighton Board of Education approved a donation which will allow the purchase of a new therapy dog to replace the retiring Caesar, the therapy dog at Maltby Intermediate School. Maltby is currently the only school in the district to have its own therapy dog. Superintendent Greg Gray says the job of a therapy dog is to comfort students who may be having emotional or psychological problems in school or perhaps just need someone to hug to let them know everything is going to be all right. Gray says it was felt that Maltby would be the best school to place Caesar in because it involves the greatest student adjustment, going from a lower elementary to an upper elementary atmosphere and a much larger building. Gray says Caesar worked out very well at Maltby and thatâs why the school district is grateful for the opportunity to get a replacement dog. The $8,500 donation was from Brighton chiropractor Dr. Eric Duncan of the Duncan Chiropractic Group. (TT)
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Senator Hune Named "Most Conservative" In 2015 IMP Rankings Senator Hune Named "Most Conservative" In 2015 IMP Rankings
A local legislator has again been recognized for his conservative voting record and perfect attendance. Inside Michigan Politics analyzes political and policy trends but also compiles annual rankings of the most liberal and most conservative members of the House and Senate. State Senator Joe Hune was again named the most conservative member for his 0% liberal voting record - a title he also captured in 2011, 2012 and 2013. The Hamburg Township Republican was also the only lawmaker of all 148 members of the Michigan Legislature to post a perfect voting attendance record ââ be it conservative or liberal. Hune said he was glad his record was recognized and itâs an honor to be named the most conservative for a fourth time. The chamberâs most liberal member for the fifth straight year was Senator Rebekah Warren, a democrat from Ann Arbor. Meanwhile, another local lawmaker placed near the top of the list for 2015 House rankings. Republican Representatives Lana Theis of Brighton Township and Jim Runestad of White Lake tied for third place as âmost conservativeâ by posting 10.7% liberal voting records. (JM)
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Howell Man Claims $1 Million Lottery PrizeHowell Man Claims $1 Million Lottery Prize
The holiday season just got a lot brighter for a Howell man who hit it big after 30 years of playing the Michigan Lottery. 70-year-old Lawrence Kopczyk visited Lottery headquarters with his wife and two of his three children on Monday to claim his $1 (m) million prize. He bought his winning Mega Millions ticket at the VGâs gas station on Grand River in Howell and matched all five white balls in the December 8th drawing. Kopczyk says one of the reasons heâs always played was to help his family out so finally being able to do that means everything to him. Kopczykâs grandson helped him pick the numbers and heard where the winning ticket was sold. Even after being informed of the news, Kopczyk still waited a day to check his ticket. With his winnings, the retired Kopczyk plans to pay off his home and bills, supplement his retirement income, travel and help his family. Had he matched the Mega Ball on the same line, Kopczyk would have won the $57 million jackpot. He commented that âwinning $1 million is incredible but if that â15â had been a couple of lines lower, it would have taken a team of morticians to get the smile off of my faceâ. (JM)
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Arbitration Hearing For Fired Superintendent PostponedArbitration Hearing For Fired Superintendent Postponed
The arbitration hearing between Howell Public Schools and former superintendent Ron Wilson has been postponed. Late last year, Wilson was fired by the Board of Education, after it determined he filed for and then lied about travel compensation to which he was not entitled. Wilson and his wife Elizabeth filed a lawsuit against the district last December, claiming personal damages, violation of the Whistleblower Protection Act, and breach of contract. He sought $600,000 for lost compensation, damage to his reputation, and various other damages. However, the court case has been put on pause and the dispute has been sent to be resolved in binding arbitration as called for in Wilsonâs contract. That hearing was scheduled to take place this week at the Livingston Educational Services Agency building in Howell. After testimony yesterday and meeting today, both sides were informed that the hearing is being postponed, although future dates were not immediately known. Once itâs concluded, the arbitrator will decide the arguments presented by both sides and then render a decision that will be binding on both sides. (JK/DK)
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Milford Woman Facing Open Murder Charge After Husband's Death Milford Woman Facing Open Murder Charge After Husband's Death
Criminal charges have been upgraded against a 58-year-old Milford woman following the death of her husband who was beaten last month with a crowbar. The Milford Police Department has obtained an amended warrant for 58-year-old Yvonne Cortis through the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office. It now includes charges of open murder and torturing of animals. The amended warrant resulted from the death of 68-year-old Gregory Cortis, who suffered serious trauma to his head and body in the November 30th attack in the familyâs home in Milford Township. He had been on life support and died Saturday in a hospital. Police Chief Tom Lindberg says itâs anticipated that Cortis will be arraigned on the new charges via video in 52-1 District Court in Novi, likely sometime Wednesday. (JM)
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Longtime County Employees Receive RecognitionLongtime County Employees Receive Recognition
Several county employees are being honored for their many years of service to Livingston County and its residents. Commissioners Ron VanHouten and Steve Williams and Deputy County Clerk Laura Chafy-Rogers (pictured) were recognized on Monday for their many years of work and dedication. VanHouten and Williams have each served the county for ten years and Chafy-Rogers has been a county employee since 1979. Commissioner Carol Griffith tells WHMI all three employees have shown loyalty and hard work to the community. Griffith presented the awards to all three employees at a Board of Commissioners meeting and says they set high standards that make the county âa better place to resideâ. VanHouten and Williams each serve on several other committees and Chafy-Rogers will be retiring at the end of this year. (DK)
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Brighton Cross Country Coach Retires after 50 Years CoachingBrighton Cross Country Coach Retires after 50 Years Coaching
A man who has coached for 50 years, and brought a couple of state championships to Brighton, is retiring. Robert Ritsema was honored at the Board of Education meeting Monday night for his tireless efforts in coaching successful cross country teams and molding the character of Brighton youth. Ritsema received a standing ovation from the board and the large audience after he was lauded for his years of service by Athletic Director John Thompson.
After graduating from college at Western Michigan University, Ritsema was an assistant cross country coach at WMU and also coached the sport at Morenci and Niles during his first five years. He then was hired as a physical education teacher and cross country coach at Brighton, where he has spent the last 45 years. He started out as a phys ed teacher at Hawkins School and Miller, which was originally an elementary school. His Brighton High School boysâ cross country teams garnered state championships in 1978 and 1995. After retiring as a teacher in 2004, Ritsema has continued to coach cross country on a part-time basis. Ritsema has a second residence Up North in the Tawas area, where he plans to spend a good portion of his retirement. (TT)
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Health Department Focuses On Self-Improvement In Plan For AccreditationHealth Department Focuses On Self-Improvement In Plan For Accreditation
The Livingston County Department of Public Health is working towards becoming nationally accredited and has begun to focus on the many requirements involved with that achievement. On Monday, representatives from the Department of Public Health met with the Livingston County Board of Commissioners to discuss a strategic plan for the county as part of the process to becoming accredited. Chelsea Moxlow, Health Promotion and Accreditation coordinator, says the plan is not only important as an accreditation requirement but also as a road map for how the health department can improve. Moxlow tells WHMI itâs important to involve the commissioners so that everyone is on the same page. The discussion centered on what the commissioners felt were important issues to address in the strategic plan. Commissioners Steve Williams and Kate Lawrence both agreed communication with local residents regarding the services that the health department provides is a major item. Commissioner Donald Parker feels performing mandated services needs improvement and the board as a whole felt facilitating the under served could also use some attention. The final strategic plan must be reviewed and endorsed by the Board of Commissioners before the Department of Public Health can apply for accreditation. The application is expected to be sent to the Public Health Accreditation Board in spring of 2016. (DK)
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St. Joseph's Health System Pledges $250,000 To Local Trail ProjectSt. Joseph's Health System Pledges $250,000 To Local Trail Project
Hundreds of thousands of dollars have been committed to a local trail completion project by the Saint Joseph Mercy Health System. St. Josephâs has pledged $125,000 and an additional $125,000 in matching funds to complete a looped bike and pedestrian trail that runs across western Washtenaw County. âThe Loopâ will ultimately connect to the statewide Iron Belle Trail and the project is led by the Huron Waterloo Pathways Initiative. As a result, âthe loopâ will tie the Border-2-Border Trail and the Lakelands Trail into a single integrated trail section that will be 44 miles long. The continuous loop will connect the Chelsea, Dexter, Pinckney and Waterloo recreation areas to the Stateâs Iron Belle Trail which is expected to draw in regional events and activities. Rob Casalou, regional president and CEO of Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, says âSt. Joeâs wants to help communities stay well by encouraging fitness and an active lifestyleâ. The Huron Waterloo Pathways Initiative began their campaign earlier this summer and is seeking $1 million in private donations, along with grants through the Michigan Department of Transportation and Department of Natural Resources. If funding goals are met, the first phase of construction for the trail project is expected to begin in the spring of 2017. (DK)
PHOTO CAPTION: Michael Miller, chief mission officer of Saint Joseph Mercy Health System and Nancy Graebner, president and CEO of St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea, present a check for $250,000 to Jeff Hardcastle, HWPI board chair; Ron Olson, section chief of the Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR) Parks and Recreation Division; Coy Vaughn, assistant director, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission; Chuck Dennison, manager, DNR Pinckney Recreation Area and Gary Jones, manager, DNR Waterloo Recreation Area.
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Inaugural Holiday Men's Night Out Set Thursday In Downtown HowellInaugural Holiday Men's Night Out Set Thursday In Downtown Howell
The holiday season is here but time is running out before the gift-giving begins and a new event in downtown Howell is encouraging shopping for the guys. The Howell Holiday Boutique, in coordination with the Howell Main Street DDA, has organized the first Menâs Night Out shopping event this Thursday from 6 to 9pm. Officials say many communities tend to cater to the ladies but this year, the male population is being invited to shop, dine and experience downtown Howell. Participating businesses will be offering extended shopping hours, raffles for menâs products, free gift-wrapping and other specials. The event follows several comments received via social media, as well as conversations with business owners. A complete list of participants and specials during Menâs Night Out is available online through the link below. (JM)
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Local Dentists Donate to Gleaners Food BankLocal Dentists Donate to Gleaners Food Bank
An annual holiday tradition by a handful of local dentists will help feed several thousand people this season. Over the last 14 years a group of Livingston County dentists have donated over a quarter of a million dollars to Gleaners Community Food Bank by collecting bits of precious metals removed from old dental work. Dr. Fred Bonine says the Gold for Food program is a partnership between the dentists, a Michigan metal refiner and Gleaners. Dental patients donate the gold, silver, platinum and palladium from their old bridges, fillings and crowns. Then the metals are melted down and sold and the proceeds are donated to Gleaners, which uses the money to buy food for families in need. This year a check, totaling $6,079 was able to be doubled through matching funds, enabling Gleaners to feed twice as many families. Bonine tells WHMI the process is a win all the way around. He says that's a resource that would otherwise remain lost. People don't always know where to go to get a fair return on the dollar. He thinks it's about good people doing good things, he says, adding, "There's gold in the hills of Livingston County, and this proves it." He says over a quarter of a million dollars is just a good thing and he is proud and pleased with his colleagues that support the effort. Bonine says the Gold for Food program has brought dental colleagues together and it is a global benefit as well. He says it is an environmentally friendly process. Bridget Green is director of Gleaners in Livingston County and says they are fortunate to have a partnership with the dentists. She says they donât have to do things like that, but their generosity is greatly appreciated. Green says the money raised this year will feed at least 36,000 people. (DS)
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United Way Says Triple Money Monday Totals Top $300,000United Way Says Triple Money Monday Totals Top $300,000
Initial totals indicate an outpouring of support for the Livingston County United Wayâs Triple Money Monday event that helps maximize the power of donation dollars. Executive Director Nancy Rosso tells WHMI it was an incredible day for Livingston County. Gifts from collection sites and those made online totaled approximately $163,000 and combined with sponsorships, equaled about $315,000. As part of the annual fundraiser, donations made to the non-profit Monday were tripled up to approximately $155,000 through sponsors. Despite an improving economy, many Livingston County residents are struggling to make ends meet and the funds raised will help address critical needs in the community. (JM)
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Brighton has Meet & Greet for Top City Manager HopefulsBrighton has Meet & Greet for Top City Manager Hopefuls
Up to 75 people attended the âMeet & Greetâ event held Tuesday night at the Brighton Community Center for the six city managerâs finalists. Many local and area officials, along with interested citizens, were at the event to meet the candidates. Included among those who attended was Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce Director Pam McConeghy. McConeghy says the process of holding a Meet & Greet so the community can get to know the candidates was a good idea and worked out well. McConeghy says she was impressed by the field of finalists, saying they each have âplusesâ that would hold them in good stead if hired as the new city manager. Conversely, McConeghy tells WHMI, the candidates got an opportunity to see what a close-knit community Brighton is, with its committed and involved citizenry. Mayor Jim Muzzin says the next step in the process is interviews with the finalists, which are taking place all day today. Muzzin says it is hoped that, at the conclusion of the interviews this evening, council will come to a consensus and vote to offer the position to the top candidate. (TT)
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South Lyon Mother Of Three Struck & Killed By Train South Lyon Mother Of Three Struck & Killed By Train
The community is rallying around the family of a South Lyon woman who was struck and killed by a train early Sunday morning. The incident happened around 5am near North Ridge Street, west of Pontiac Trail. Operators saw the woman on the tracks and engaged the emergency brakes but the train could not stop in time. Police say foul play is not involved. The victim has been identified as 37-year-old Diana Wurtsmith - a married mother of three children ages 8, 6 and 2-months-old. The older children attend school at Bartlett Elementary and were in class Monday. South Lyon Police Lieutenant Chris Sovik says at this time of year, itâs really very unfortunate and he believes the school is setting up a fund to assist the family. He says itâs not often but when something like this does affect the community, those in the small town tend to gather and do whatever they can to support the family in the situation. Funeral arrangements for Wurtsmith are pending. (JM)
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Habitat For Humanity Seeking Scrap-Metal DonationsHabitat For Humanity Seeking Scrap-Metal Donations
Scrap metal is being accepted at a local non-profit organization through January for anyone wishing to donate. Donations will be received through January 31st for the Livingston County Habitat for Humanity scrap-metal drive. Habitat For Humanity suggests items that include appliances, aluminum siding, copper, metal plumbing parts, light fixtures, brass doorknobs, handles, nails and screws, just to name a few. Items can be dropped off at the intake area at the back of the ReStore, which is located between Howell and Brighton on Grand River Road in Genoa Township. Intake hours are from 9 am to 4:30 pm during the week and 10 am to 2:30 pm on Saturday. For more information call Karla Macelli at 810-220-9986, extension 14. (DK)
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Pinckney Man Charged In Multiple Home Invasions Receives Prison SentencePinckney Man Charged In Multiple Home Invasions Receives Prison Sentence
Sentencing has been handed down to a local man connected to home invasions in Pinckney. 30-year-old Kenneth Gauer has been sentenced to 32 months to 15 years in prison as part of a plea deal reached with prosecutors. Last month, Gauer pleaded guilty as charged to two counts of second degree home invasion. He was arrested with his girlfriend, 28-year-old Jessica Milliken in September after police received two home invasion complaints in Pinckney. The incidents reportedly happened within 24 hours of each other and about a block apart. Both Gauer and Milliken pleaded as habitual offenders and Milliken was previously sentenced to one year in the county jail and three years of probation. (DK)
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Suit Filed By Ohio Man Against Livingston County Road Commission Settled Suit Filed By Ohio Man Against Livingston County Road Commission Settled
A lawsuit filed by an Ohio man involved in a motorcycle accident who claimed potholes and the Livingston County Road Commission were to blame has been settled. The lawsuit was filed in Livingston County Circuit Court in connection with an accident in April of 2014 on Hamburg Road, near the Sheldon Road intersection. Doug Walton and a female passenger were ejected from the motorcycle after hitting a large pot hole. The lawsuit alleged the road commission failed to maintain the road and that it was in an overall dangerous state of repair with uneven concrete and a large area full of potholes. The amount in controversy exceeded $25,000 and court records show the matter was recently settled at mediation. Road Commission Managing Director Mike Craine told WHMI they do not discuss litigation per policy but confirmed that the suit has been settled. The original complaint stated Walton suffered âserious physical, mental and emotional injuries and impairmentsâ as a result and underwent extensive medical care and treatment. However, police previously said only âminor injuriesâ were involved and that both parties refused transportation to an area hospital. (JM)
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