A local woman who expanded her Brighton business to neighboring areas has received the â2015 Entrepreneur of the Yearâ award. Karen Gill, broker and owner of Coldwell Banker Town and Country Real Estate, received the award from the Womenâs Council of Realtors Livingston County Chapter. Gillâs prestigious honor was announced by president Sherry Grant at the Womenâs Council of Realtors yearly Christmas auction. Gill purchased Coldwell Banker Town and Country in 2006 and fought through the recession and struggling real estate market to expand her business. The Brighton office has been relocated to a larger building and there are now offices in Milford, Fowlerville and Pinckney. Gill says it has not been an easy journey but felt that failure wasnât an option. Gillâs plans for the future include growing office locations and adding more services to the business. (DK)
Local Business Owner Named "Entrepreneur Of The Year"Local Business Owner Named "Entrepreneur Of The Year"
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Proposed DTE Pipeline Stirs Concerns In Milford Township Proposed DTE Pipeline Stirs Concerns In Milford Township
A newly proposed DTE pipeline is causing community concerns in Milford Township. DTE Gas, a subsidiary of DTE Energy, is proposing a pipeline that would operate as a bypass to an existing facility on Duck Lake Road. Everything is said to be preliminary and DTE has not indicated any timeline but the prospect has residents and property owners both concerned and frustrated, who donât want the pipeline close to their homes or going through their property and yards. DTE has approached some about potential easements but many say officials have been tight-lipped about the proposed path and potential alternatives. Supervisor Don Green tells WHMI itâs not a done deal and while not personally affected, he feels concerns from residents are justified. Back in the spring, DTE Gas discussed three projects with Green. He says the bypass pipeline was simply highlighted at the time and the big one involved putting a new compressor station at Childs Lake Road and Maple. Thereâs already an existing one but itâs been there a long time so Green says DTE wanted to upgrade it. The other project discussed was the pipeline that would have crossed through Milford and Highland Townships to Canada, but that never came to fruition. Green says a community information meeting with DTE representatives so that residents can get their questions answered has been organized by Republican State Representative Jim Ruenstad of White Lake. Itâs scheduled at 6pm on January 6th at the Milford Township Hall. (JM)
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Green Oak Planning Commission Recommends Sidewalk & Pathway OrdinancesGreen Oak Planning Commission Recommends Sidewalk & Pathway Ordinances
Two ordinances in Green Oak Township could be adopted following the recommendation of the Planning Commission. A non-motorized pathway ordinance and a sidewalk ordinance are under consideration in the township and the Planning Commission feels both are ready for approval. The non-motorized pathway ordinance would require pathways be constructed in and around the township based on a pathway plan. Developers would be responsible for the pathways upkeep for a few years before it became the townshipâs responsibility. The sidewalk ordinance is very similar to the pathwayâs regarding the need for escrow accounts and construction; however it focuses on the implementation and maintenance of new sidewalks. Chairperson Bob Moran tells WHMI the Planning Commission met Thursday night and agreed to move the ordinances forward. Moran says the adoption of the ordinances could open up some grant opportunities as most grant writing requires a recreation plan to be in place. The township has a Parks and Recreation plan and their master pathway plan is directly related to the pathway ordinance. The townshipâs Board of Trustees will hold a public hearing regarding the matter before adopting the ordinances. (DK)
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Mother Found Passed Out Drunk On Livingston County Freeway RampMother Found Passed Out Drunk On Livingston County Freeway Ramp
A South Haven woman is facing felony charges in Livingston County after being found by officers passed out drunk on an area freeway ramp with her two children sitting in the backseat. 31-year-old Tatum Vaneizenga is charged with Operating While Intoxicated With an Occupant Less than 16, a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail. She is also charged with Open Intoxicants, which is a 90 day misdemeanor. That follows her arrest Tuesday after several witnesses called 911 around noon to report a possible drunken driver on the ramp from eastbound I-96 to M-59 in Howell Township. Upon arrival, deputies found Vaneizenga's 2001 Subaru Forrester at a complete stop in the middle of the ramp with Vaneizenga passed out in the driver's seat. Her two children, a 2-year-old boy and a 5-month-old girl, were strapped into car seats in the back. Police say that once they woke up Vaneizenga, she refused to submit to a field sobriety test. They then took her into custody on suspicion of drunken driving. She subsequently blew a .355 on a breathalyzer administered at the Livingston County Jail, which is more than four times the legal limit of .08% Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt says they did not charge her under the stateâs âSuper Drunk lawâ as it only carries a maximum of 180 days, which is half of the maximum sentence she currently faces. The children were taken into protective custody, while deputies used their own money to purchase diapers and formula for the children after noticing there were no baby supplies in the vehicle. Vaneizenga has since been released after posting 10% of a $5,000 bond and is due back in court January 4th for a pretrial hearing. (JK)
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Salvation Army Of Livingston County Behind Christmas Campaign Goal Salvation Army Of Livingston County Behind Christmas Campaign Goal
With Christmas right around the corner, the Salvation Army of Livingston County is still working to achieve this yearâs campaign fundraising goal. Donations collected during the Christmas season represent approximately one-third of the non-profitâs annual budget and year round service programs. As of Tuesday, the non-profit had raised $215,114 or roughly 57% of the $378,000 goal according to Major Prezza Morrison. While a bit behind, Morrison thanked the community for donations and support thus far, as well as those who have volunteered in all of the different areas theyâve asked. One challenge for the Salvation Army this season has been finding bell ringers. Morrison says the community has likely noticed that theyâre not ringing at many locations and thatâs because theyâre having a hard time finding individuals to help out during the week. Anyone wishing to volunteer and man a red kettle at sites in Pinckney, Howell, Hartland, Fowlerville and Brighton can sign up through the link below. Depending on donations throughout the next week, Morrison says it looks like they may have bell ringers at Kroger stores after Christmas to help achieve this yearâs fundraising goal. (JM)
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Local Man Who Made Online Threats Towards School Released From Jail On BondLocal Man Who Made Online Threats Towards School Released From Jail On Bond
A local man who made online terroristic threats regarding several area schools has been released from jail on bond. Last week, 21-year-old Scott Richard Parker, a former Howell student, reportedly posted a threat on Twitter that tagged the district. The threat involved four Howell-area schools and mentioned âkilling kidsâ, though further details about the post have not been released. Parker is charged with four counts of making a threat of terrorism. Parker was arrested and lodged in the Livingston County Jail with bond set at $750,000 cash/surety. In court today, Parkerâs defense attorney, Neil Rockind, made a motion to have his clientâs bond amended to personal recognizance so that Parker may be released into his motherâs care. Parker has physical and mental disabilities, including cerebral palsy and his mother says he has the mental capacity of a child. Rockind says Parker âdoesnât belongâ in jail and that the jail had to purchase Fruit Loops cereal because it is the only thing Parker would eat. Rockind also reported that his client was being held in an isolation cell and was continuing to hit the buzzer to bring deputies to his cell so he would have someone to talk to. Rockind says Parker was âecstatic to have human interactionâ when they met prior to the hearing. Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt felt a PR bond was appropriate but asked for strict conditions including a GPS tether, 24 hour supervision, no phone, computer or internet use and no threatening behavior. Parker will not be allowed to be around weapons in any circumstance and 53rd District Court Judge Carol Sue Reader requested that he refrain from viewing any violent material. He will only be allowed to leave his home for treatment, therapy, meetings with his attorney and for a family Christmas party. Parker will have to undergo a competency evaluation to stand trial at the State Forensics Center. Parkerâs mother was very emotional throughout the hearing and was allowed to hug him before he was led away from the courtroom. He will be released from jail tonight, but Rockind says the entire situation is âvery sadâ and that his client is âvery sweetâ. Each charge Parker faces carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison and/or $20,000 in fines, as well as reimbursement of any government expenses incurred investigating the threat. (DK)
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Icy Roads & Snow Squalls Cause Multiple Accidents Icy Roads & Snow Squalls Cause Multiple Accidents
The dose of winter weather is causing problems on area freeways and local roads. A multi-car pileup involving two semi-trucks on westbound I-96, near the Livingston and Ingham County line, had the freeway completely blocked before 5pm. Motorists are being advised to slow down and use caution due to periods of snow and white-out conditions. Stay tuned to WHMI 93.5FM for up to date traffic and weather information. (JM)
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Pavilion Rental Rates to Increase Next Year In Howell City Park Pavilion Rental Rates to Increase Next Year In Howell City Park
Howell City Park pavilion rental rates are going up slightly next year, marking the first adjustment in roughly five years. Council recently introduced a resolution adjusting rental rates for the Howell City Park pavilions. Rental fees have not been increased since April 2011. Depending on the pavilion, rental rates will increase $10-$15 per day and include free admittance to the park. The proposed rates would be effective for the 2016 rental season and follow discussion from a November City Council meeting. Now that the resolution has been introduced, it will be up for adoption at this Mondayâs Council meeting. (JM/JK)
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New Charges To Be Announced In Alleged Shooting Plot At Linden SchoolsNew Charges To Be Announced In Alleged Shooting Plot At Linden Schools
New charges are expected to be announced Monday against one of the defendants in the alleged plot to shoot up Linden schools. 18-year-old Ryan Stevens, 15-year-old Cody Brewer and 15-year-old Lamarr Dukes were arrested October 29th. Argentine Township Police uncovered the alleged plot in which the three planned 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 former Linden student. Mondayâs press conference will be held in downtown Flint. Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton and Argentine Township Police Chief Daniel Allen are expected to provide updates as to additional charges against one of the defendants charged in the alleged plot. Each are already charged with conspiracy to commit 1st degree premeditated murder and making a false report or threat of terrorism. Stevensâ attorney has said there was never any intention of following through and the case appeared to be "texting ... and using social media without thinking of the consequences." A Genesee County judge has ordered all three to undergo a competency and criminal responsibility exam. (JM)
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Howell American Legion Set To Hold Annual Christmas Day DinnerHowell American Legion Set To Hold Annual Christmas Day Dinner
An annual Christmas Day dinner in Howell welcomes anyone needing a hot meal or good conversation. The 34th annual dinner on December 25th will be held at the American Legion Devereaux Post 141 at M-59 and Grand River Avenue in Howell Township. From noon to 4 pm, a free, traditional Christmas dinner will be available in-house at the Post for anyone in need of a hot meal or good company. Fellow veteran organizations and volunteers will also prepare, serve and deliver to the âMeals on Wheelsâ seniors who are on the county nutrition program and to shut-ins across the area. For reservations or to schedule a meal delivery, call 517-546-2534 or email legionpost141howell@gmail.com. (DK)
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Donation To Charity To Benefit Senior Outreach ServicesDonation To Charity To Benefit Senior Outreach Services
A generous donation to a local charity will help benefit a couple of area senior outreach services. The Ladies Ancient Order of Hiberniansâ Livingston County Sarah Regan division gifted $4,500 to Livingston County Catholic Charities recently. The money will go to helping the senior-focused Resource Advocacy and Volunteer Caregiver Programs. These services are offered free of charge to seniors, many of whom are living at or below 150% of the national poverty level. Last year the two programs were able to serve over 900 seniors in the county. The Hibernians is a national organization of Catholic women who are Irish by way of birth, marriage, or adoption. The money for the donation was raised at their annual golf outing in Howell last May, at Chemung Hills. To learn more about the LAOH, send an email to Mary Killeen at mkilleen@charter,net or call (517) 546-5847. (MK)
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Remonumentation Project In Livingston County Leading The Way In MichiganRemonumentation Project In Livingston County Leading The Way In Michigan
A project to identify corners of plots of land across the state is making significant progress, specifically in Livingston County. The remonumentation project has been ongoing for several years and officials say on a local level, the project is not only thriving but bringing money back to the county. With remonumentation, a team of qualified surveyors determine public land survey corners beginning with major corners and moving to smaller areas. The effort is funded by a small fee associated with property transfers and the project has built up a surplus which has been transferred back to Livingston Countyâs general fund. County Commissioner Steve Williams tells WHMI the projectâs success in the area is noted among the state. On Monday, the Board of Commissioners authorized contracts for those performing the remonumentation as well as appointments of a county representative and grant administrator for the survey plan. The Board also approved a transfer from the remonumentation fund to the countyâs general fund. (DK)
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Is Brighton Council Overlooking Good City Mgr. Candidate? Is Brighton Council Overlooking Good City Mgr. Candidate?
The Brighton City Council, citing fatigue after a day-long finalistsâ interview session Wednesday, was unable to come up with a preferred candidate at its meeting Thursday to offer the vacant city managerâs job. Two of the finalists, Farmington Hills Assistant City Manager Nate Geinzer and former Linden City Manager Christopher Wren, were cited as the preferred choices by the majority of council. However, one council member, Jim Bohn, said Wren and a third person were his personal choices. That person is Daniel Ortiz-Hernandez, the city administrator of Kimball, Nebraska, a town of about 2,500 residents in western Nebraska. Ortiz-Hernandez says he is responsible for an annual budget of $19 million. Bohn tells WHMI he was impressed with Ortiz-Hernandez, particularly the fact that he has worked himself up from a tough, working class neighborhood in East Los Angeles, where he was born and raised, to earn bachelorâs and masterâs degrees from major universities. Before he was hired as city administrator of Kimball, Nebraska, Ortiz-Hernandez worked for the city of Casa Grande, Arizona, where he was in charge of executing special projects and was on the cityâs economic development team. He also has worked for the cities of Los Angeles and Phoenix. Council will resume its discussion of the open city manager's position at its Jan. 7 meeting. (TT)
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Former Brighton City Mgr. Hired by Corrigan Oil Co.Former Brighton City Mgr. Hired by Corrigan Oil Co.
The Corrigan Oil Co. has announced that former Brighton City Manager Dana Foster has been hired as its internal auditor, effective Monday. Fosterâs last day as Brighton city manager was Friday. Corrigan President Mike Corrigan made the announcement of Fosterâs hiring in a press release. In his new role, Foster will be providing internal operational reviews and analysis for Corrigan Oil and its various divisions. He will initially be assigned to the Towing, Propane, Lube, and Hauling divisions. As the internal auditor for Corrigan Oil and its various divisions in locations throughout Michigan, Fosterâs work will not include contact or interaction with City of Brighton government officials. According to the announcement, the separation of contact was a joint decision of Corrigan and Foster and is being done to prevent any possibility of a perceived conflict of interest. In a statement, Corrigan said his observations of Fosterâs âskills, assets, and work ethicâ led to the decision to hire Foster. With his new job responsibilities, Foster and his family will be able to continue to make their residence in Brighton. For his part, Foster said he was appreciative of the opportunity to make a career shift to the private sector in his new position with Corrigan. (TT)
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CEO Of Brighton Company Makes $2 Million Donation To YMCACEO Of Brighton Company Makes $2 Million Donation To YMCA
The CEO of a local company is personally donating $2 million to the YMCA. CGE Energy is a solar energy equipment supplier with a focus of using renewable and efficient energy based in Brighton. Company President and CEO, Bryan Zaplitny, will be gifting the YMCA and JCC of Greater Toledo with a $2 million personal donation. Both organizations represent thirteen locations throughout Ohio and Michigan. The cause is reportedly close to Zaplitnyâs heart and his energy solutions company. The donation will be used to bring awareness to the YMCAâs Net Zero Vision and the YMCA will be required to find matching donations of $2 million to access Zaplitnyâs. The Net Zero Vision was developed to inspire leaders involved in STEM, or science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, while also sustaining the YMCAâs mission. The Net Zero Energy Experience will provide a hands-on learning environment in a renewable energy laboratory. The donation will also be used to fund an energy project at YMCA Storer Camps. Glen King, Chief Development Officer for YMCA of Greater Toledo, says Zaplitnyâs donation enables the YMCA to âbuild excellenceâ into their organization. (DK/JK)
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Brighton Schools To Get New Bus Washing SystemBrighton Schools To Get New Bus Washing System
The Brighton Board of Education last week approved purchase of an automatic bus washing system for its stable of buses. The system â which is much like an automated car wash, will be installed in the existing bus garage on Borderline Drive in Brighton. The district is using bond money from the $89 million bond issue passed by the voters for the project, which is allowable under the rules for school bond issue purchases in Michigan. Superintendent Greg Gray tells WHMI that currently, bus drivers wash the buses themselves using a power wash, and the new system will be a huge improvement for many reasons. Three bids were received on the bus washing system, with Interclean Equipment Co. of Ypsilanti the lowest âresponsibleâ bidder, based on meeting specifications and the quality of the bid. Transportation Director Betty Clohosey told the board the district, which at one time had 58 buses - but was a thousand students bigger â now has 36 buses which traveled 396,000 miles last year. She says the district has purchased 22 new or slightly used buses over the last five years and will be purchasing five more buses in the coming year to replace aging buses in its fleet. Clohosey has been with the district for 31 years and is now in her 14th year as transportation director. (TT)
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Plea Deal Reached In Brighton Township Township Pot OperationPlea Deal Reached In Brighton Township Township Pot Operation
One of three local men charged with illegally growing large amounts of marijuana has entered a plea and been scheduled for sentencing. 60-year-old Richard Riley of Brighton has pleaded guilty to a count of maintaining a drug house in exchange for the dismissal of two counts of delivering and manufacturing marijuana and dismissal of a habitual offender status. Riley, along with 40-year-old Jeffrey Mote of South Lyon and 42-year-old Anthony Portelli of Whitmore Lake, originally faced a charge of delivering or manufacturing between 5 and 45 kilograms of marijuana and a generic charge of delivering or manufacturing marijuana. The charges followed a police raid on an alleged marijuana dispensary in Brighton Township and two homes, which authorities say were being used to grow marijuana. The homes are reportedly owned by Mote and authorities say Portelli was the manager of the dispensary and Riley was in charge of growing the plants. Riley waived a trial by jury and entered his guilty plea at a hearing on Friday. He is scheduled to be sentenced next month. Mote and Portelli are due back in court January 25th for motion hearings on their cases.
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Thai Summit Expansion Aids In Grant Award To Resurface McPherson Park Drive Thai Summit Expansion Aids In Grant Award To Resurface McPherson Park Drive
A state grant that leverages private investment will help support job creation and resurface portions of a beat up road in the industrial part of the city of Howell. The state transportation economic development grant is being provided by M-DOT. The $52 (m) million private investment and expansion of Thai Summit American Corporation was leveraged to obtain the grant, which company officials say will improve traffic flow and increase safety around the facility. The sheet metal stamping company is a Tier One supplier to Detroitâs Big Three automakers and as part of the expansion; Thai Summit will be adding approximately 100 new jobs. The grant funds will account for approximately $267,000 of the project cost, with a match of $66,800 coming from the city. Howell City Manager Shea Charles tells WHMI theyâre very excited by the continued and significant investment from Thai Summit and the public has likely noticed all of the activity going on, adding they were formally notified of the grant award recently. The city had originally applied for a $1.3 (m) million grant but later amended it down to the smaller amount, which was received. Council has been discussing and evaluating utilizing monies out of the major street fund for the match but no decision has been made. Charles says he expects the conversation will continue in January and they hope to have the resurfacing project completed next year. (JM)
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World Record Donut Line By Hamburg Funfest Organizers CertifiedWorld Record Donut Line By Hamburg Funfest Organizers Certified
It took six months for confirmation, but a Livingston County attempt to lay down more than 33,000 donuts is now an official world record. Back on June 19th, over 100 volunteers helped line donuts in 13 rows of 875 feet to try and break a Guinness Book of World Records entry held by a festival in Berlin, Germany. The earlier record was 1,841 feet, and was quickly overtaken by the group from HERO, or the Hamburg Enhanced Recreation Organization. Approximately 2.1 miles of cake donuts were laid side by side on a marked soccer field in Manley Bennett Park West in about a three hour period. The organization says it received official word last week the Guinness had certified the record, which required the grid to be videotaped and photographed for consideration. The donuts, which were donated by a Meijer store in Indiana, were later picked up and taken to farms for pig feed and studied as a 4H project. (JK)
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Groundbreaking Held For New Assisted Living Facility In Howell TownshipGroundbreaking Held For New Assisted Living Facility In Howell Township
Senior citizens in Livingston County will have a new option for assisted living in the Howell area. Ground was broken this morning on a new 16,000-square-foot facility west of Howell. Despite cold wind and rain, developer Paul Ghraib and his partners in FSG Quality Living, LLC put shovels in the ground to get the project started. Howell Township officials and State Representative Hank Vaupel joined the owners of Quality Care of Howell at the site on Burkhart Road. Nidhal Ghraib tells WHMI that FSG owns and manages apartment complexes and single family homes, but recognized the need to expand into senior living. He says Livingston County has an aging population and demand supports the project, saying it offers a new option for seniors looking to retire. Ghraib says the facility will provide medication assistance, help with daily living needs and entertainment, but it is not a nursing home. This is the first of five phases to be built on the 20 acre property. He says initially there will be 21 beds, but eventually it will total 80 beds. Ghraib says this first phase is expected to be completed by fall of 2016 and as demand increases, another phase will be completed. (DS)
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