A former Fowlerville High School student was killed in a tragic accident on his 19th birthday. James Huey was killed in a December 26th crash near the intersection of Plains and Meridian Road in Bunkerhill Township. The Ingham County Sheriffâs Department reported that an un-involved driver spotted a vehicle smoldering against a tree and called 911. The cause of the crash has not been determined and the remains of two bodies have not yet been positively identified by the sheriffâs office, which continues to investigate. Friends and family have organized a memorial service to celebrate Hueyâs life at the Jeruel Baptist Church in Munith on Saturday, January 9th. Friends and former classmates have described Huey as someone who liked to joke around and always put others before himself. The family is said to have suffered considerable losses in recent years and a Go Fund Me account has also been set up to assist with burial costs. That link is below. (JM)
Former Fowlerville Student Killed In Fiery Crash On 19th Birthday Former Fowlerville Student Killed In Fiery Crash On 19th Birthday
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Conceptual Site Plan Approved For Milford's Central ParkConceptual Site Plan Approved For Milford's Central Park
Milfordâs Central Park will be upgraded over the span of the next 20 years now that a conceptual site plan has been approved. The site plan was adopted by the Milford Village Council last Monday and will include new amenities and an expansion of pre-existing ones. A canoe and kayak launch will be added as well as extra parking spaces and walking paths. A picnic shelter is a part of the plan along with a refrigerated ice rink that can be used even as temperatures warm up to nearly 40 degrees. Village Manager Christian Wuerth says the next step for the plan is to prioritize what assets come first. The goal is to upgrade some of the parkâs existing highlights and find ways to invite additional park users. Areas of the park that havenât been as heavily used in the past will be a focus to open them up and expand the attraction. Wuerth says the plan for the park has been met with a lot of enthusiasm as it is a key asset for the community. He feels it is a vision for the next generation and a vision of what Central Park could be. (DK)
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Examination Scheduled For Local Man Who Filmed Himself Molesting ChildrenExamination Scheduled For Local Man Who Filmed Himself Molesting Children
A Livingston County man facing charges for allegedly filming himself molesting children will appear in court for a preliminary examination. The 28-year-old Deerfield Township man is charged with ten counts that include first degree criminal sexual conduct of a victim under 13, possessing child sexually abusive material and using a computer to commit those crimes. He is not being named at this time because he is reportedly related to the victims. The incidents are believed to have occurred in Hartland Township in September. The perpetrator was found competent to stand trial last week after undergoing an evaluation for criminal responsibility at the state Forensic Center. He appeared in court Wednesday morning for a probable cause conference which had previously been adjourned. The suspectâs defense counsel had requested the adjournment in order to review videos relevant to the case. A preliminary examination has been scheduled for the man for February 1st. If convicted on the current charges, he would face a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in prison. (DK)
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Cover Art Contest Deadline Approaching SundayCover Art Contest Deadline Approaching Sunday
A local legislator is encouraging students to meet the deadline for a contest to design the cover art for the 2016 State of the State program. State Representative Joe Graves is encouraging students in grades K-12 in the 51st House District to send in artwork for the cover of the 2016 State of the State Address program. The Argentine Township Republican says the contest offers an opportunity to have some fun and be creative. Students can submit cover designs through Sunday, January 3rd. Entries will be judged by creativity and originality, with the top five designs announced January 5th and posted on Governor Rick Snyderâs Facebook page. The winning design will be determined by which cover receives the most âlikesâ by the end of the day January 8th. Students across the state are competing for a chance to meet Governor Snyder and attend the State of the State address at the Capitol on January 19th. Contest entries should be sized to fit on a 5.5 x 8.5 inch cover. Students on a separate sheet should include their name, phone number, address, and email address, as well as their parent or guardianâs name, phone number, address, and email address, with their submissions. Students can submit their designs by email to SOTS@michigan.gov. (JK)
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Board Of Commissioners Praised For A Successful 2015Board Of Commissioners Praised For A Successful 2015
The Chair for the Livingston County Board of Commissioners praised the work her team accomplished in 2015. Carol Griffith gave her year-end report highlighting successes and accomplishments at the boardâs meeting Wednesday night. Much of it was centered around the adoption of their 2015-2020 Strategic Plan, which is aimed at making the county stronger in the following years. Griffith said perhaps the accomplishment she was most proud of was the balanced budget the county adopted, stating that they could do it, whereas the federal government couldnât. Another positive was the countyâs AAA Moody rating. Triple-A is the highest rating a county can receive and is a measurement for credit worthiness. Griffith said that Livingston County is one of only five in the state that achieved this benchmark. Public safety was a bullet point, as the opening of the new county jail on December 14th was referenced, along with commendations for the Juvenile and Veterans courts. In the Health Care arena, Griffith reported that Livingston Countyâs costs were lower than the national average. To close the report, Griffith honored each member of the Board, recognizing their accomplishments, sacrifices, and works behind the scenes. The Board of Commissioners kicks off the new calendar year with their next meeting on Monday, January 4th. (MK)
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Northfield Township Residents Sought For Planning-Related OpeningsNorthfield Township Residents Sought For Planning-Related Openings
Northfield Township is looking to fill committee openings in the New Year that will ultimately help guide the future vision of the community. There are two vacancies on the Planning Commission, as two terms ended in December. The role of the commission is to advise township officials in matters of planning, development and land-use. Members are recommended by the supervisor, appointed by the township board and serve staggered three year terms. Anyone interested in being considered must reside in the township and is asked to submit a letter of interest with relevant experience. Additionally, the township is seeking volunteers for the Downtown Planning Group. The main focus of that group is to create a Downtown Master Plan while developing projects and goals to create a unified vision for the downtown area. Further details are available on the Northfield Township website. A link is posted below. (JM)
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Community Meetings Set To Discuss New Public Library For Lyon TownshipCommunity Meetings Set To Discuss New Public Library For Lyon Township
A new public library could be in the works for Lyon Township and residents are invited to a meeting to discuss how it can satisfy their needs. The first of three of these scheduled meetings for the community is planned for Thursday, January 14th at the current library building. The Lyon Township Public Library serves around 18,000 residents and has been considering a new, larger facility for over a decade. With expansion in the area on the rise, the Library Board feels the time is right for construction on a new building. Library Director Holly Teasdle is optimistic about the ability to better serve the community with a larger library, making it comparable to those of neighboring areas. At this first meeting, the board will discuss with the community possible site selections for a new building, what materials and services a new library could provide, and the limitations of the existing library. Teasdle told WHMI that the current building is only 4,000 square feet and is too small for size of the community they serve. She said they plan to sell bonds to help fund construction of the new building, and will be asking for a new operating millage in August 2016. They are currently in the process of completing a needs-assessment study to dictate how much it will be for. The meeting begins at 6:30pm on the 14th at library which is located on Milford Road, south of 12 Mile. (MK)
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Dunleavy Honored For 19 Years Of Service As County ClerkDunleavy Honored For 19 Years Of Service As County Clerk
The Livingston County Board of Commissioners recognized a longtime colleague for her service to the county. Margaret Dunleavy sat in on her final meeting as County Clerk on Wednesday. Many friends and family members were on hand as the board honored her with a presentation and a plaque commemorating her 19 years of service. Board Chair Carol Griffith told WHMI that Dunleavy will be missed. Griffith praised Dunleavy for her thoroughness and integrity, while also complimenting her ability to smoothly implement the duties of her office. Dunleavy has served as clerk since 1997 and cited personal reasons for her decision to step down. Betsy Hundley, an attorney and office administrator from Genoa Township was selected by Livingston County circuit court judges to take over the position and finish Dunleavyâs term on January 1st. She has signaled her intention to run for a new term in the clerkâs office when it comes up for election in 2016. (MK)
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Restroom Design For Central Park Moves Forward Following Approval Of FundingRestroom Design For Central Park Moves Forward Following Approval Of Funding
Funds have been approved to install permanent restrooms in Milfordâs Central Park. $100,000 was approved to help pay for the restrooms by the Milford Village Council last week. The village ended the 2014/2015 fiscal year with a surplus of $140,000 in general fund money and council felt the expenditure towards the restrooms still left a healthy balance. $175,000 has also been pledged towards the project- $75,000 from Milford Township, $50,000 from the village and $50,000 from the LaFontaine family. Village Manager, Christian Wuerth, tells WHMI the project is still in the design phase and the next step is to issue requests for proposals. Wuerth has suggested a design for the facilities that would include a womanâs room with three stalls, a menâs room with stalls and urinals and a couple of family restrooms. Wuerth says the goal is to get the RFP out in the next couple weeks. He expects itâll be about three weeks before bids are due and he hopes by early February the issue can return to council to seek direction on how to best proceed. (DK)
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New Magistrate Begins Duties In 2016New Magistrate Begins Duties In 2016
A new magistrate has been sworn in for a court that oversees the Milford and South Lyon areas. Former Oakland County Commissioner Mike Bosnic was sworn in as the new magistrate for the 52-1 District Court in Novi on December 11th after his nomination was approved by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 9th. Bosnic will begin serving on the bench this month with duties that include conducting arraignments, setting bond, performing marriages and overseeing informal and small claims hearings. Bosnic is a practicing attorney and graduate of Michigan State University with a law degree from the University of Notre Dame. In addition to Milford and South Lyon, the 52-1 District Court covers Novi, Wixom, Walled Lake, Wolverine Lake and Commerce, Highland, Lyon and Milford townships. (JK)
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Survey Results Expected This MonthSurvey Results Expected This Month
Residents in one local township are expected to get the results of a recent opportunity to let their leaders know how good a job theyâre doing and what theyâd like them to focus on in the future. Hartland Township officials asked residents in December to participate in budgeting and long-range strategic planning decisions by completing a 10-minute survey about their satisfaction with government services and priorities for spending. 1,500 households were randomly selected to receive paper surveys in the mail, including a unique code they used to fill out the survey online. Cobalt Community Research, the non-profit organization assisting with the confidential survey, will report the results to the Township later this month so they can use the results for planning the 2016-2017 budget. The survey asked residents to rate various township services, as well as their views on issues ranging from public safety to Hartland as a place to live. Hartland Township Manager James Wickman say the survey is an important step in their efforts to be what he called a âtownship of excellence." (JK)
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2016 Brings More Development In City Of Fenton2016 Brings More Development In City Of Fenton
Redevelopment and infrastructure projects are planned in the City of Fenton in the New Year. The Fenton Streetscape project is mostly done, with the exception of some minor clean-up work to be done come spring, resulting in a $4.7 (m) million upgrade to the downtown district. Fenton City Manager Lynn Markland tells WHMI additional infrastructure improvements in the coming year will reconfigure Caroline Street back to the way it was originally. The extension of Caroline Street was made possible through an agreement with Phil and Jocelyn Hagerman of SkyPoint Ventures. Within the last year, that company acquired parcels at 132 and 234 North LeRoy Street, near the Cityâs large Cornerstone project, as well as the former Fenton Collision property at 102 West Silver Lake Road. No formal redevelopment plans have been identified for that property yet but a number of projects are coming to downtown Fenton in 2016. New restaurants, retail stores and office buildings will be going up in the next year, along with plans for a new parking lot and replacement of the bridge on Silver Lake Road starting in January. The Riverview building project along the Shiawassee River at the old Topps site recently received final site plan approval and construction is slated this spring. It will feature a mix of businesses, restaurants, condos and a parking deck. (JM)
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Public Hearing Set For Jiffy Expansion In ChelseaPublic Hearing Set For Jiffy Expansion In Chelsea
A $35 million expansion will be the center of discussion at an upcoming public hearing concerning the locally-based maker of Jiffy Mix. Chelsea Milling Co. plans a new mixing tower that will eventually be attached to a new packaging plant and support building. The company has applied for an Industrial Facilities Tax exemption for the project. The Chelsea City Council recently set January 18th as the date for a public hearing about the exemption, which would delay taxes on the new property for five years. 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 they need to reinvent themselves. 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. (JK)
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8th Annual Runway Repurposed Fundraiser Scheduled For February8th Annual Runway Repurposed Fundraiser Scheduled For February
Local fashion designers will get a chance to show off their skills and raise money for a good cause at a yearly fundraiser in Howell. The 8th annual Runway Repurposed Fashion Show will be held at Crystal Gardens Banquet Center in Howell on February 21st. The competition showcases the work of designers who create a new masterpiece for the runway using recycled clothing. Designers will choose their materials at registration which will be held at the Howell Opera House on January 11th, 12th and 13th from 4 to 8 pm. The Runway committee will be offering a âscholarship'â to waive the registration fee for 9 student competitors. There will be 3 scholarships given away each of the 3 days of registration on a first come, first serve basis. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in the Young Beginner, Student Beginner, Adult Beginner, Advanced and Avant Garde categories will be awarded prizes and trophies. Cash prizes will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in the Advanced designer category. The eco-friendly program raises money for the Livingston Arts Council and is one of the organizationâs major fundraisers of the year. More information about the event can be found at the event's Facebook page below. (DK)
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New Traffic Signal Going Up At Latson Road & Grand Oaks Drive New Traffic Signal Going Up At Latson Road & Grand Oaks Drive
A traffic signal will be installed at Latson Road and Grand Oaks Drive in Genoa Township, by the new gas station. The area by the Latson Road/I-96 interchange sees a steady flow of traffic, making it difficult for motorists to turn onto Latson Road from Grand Oaks during peak and off-peak hours. The contract was awarded earlier by the Livingston County Road Commission and Managing Director Mike Craine tells WHMI the contractor already has the conduit in the ground and foundations built. However, he says thereâs a shortage nationally of the metal poles that hold all of the wires which arenât expected to be available until early February, hence the hold up. The traffic impact should be minimal when the new signal does go up. Craine says crews have to string wire and hang lights, which means there will be lift trucks sitting in the middle of the road, but itâs short term and only takes two or three days total. (JM)
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2016 Brings Fee Increase For Howell City Park Pavilions2016 Brings Fee Increase For Howell City Park Pavilions
For the first time in five years, pavilion rental rates in Howell City Park will be increasing. Council recently adopted 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, which runs from May 1st through Labor Day, and follow discussion from a November City Council meeting. The increases represent a 10% increase with all the revenues coming back to the city. (JK)
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Community Seminars Will Focus On Affordable Health CareCommunity Seminars Will Focus On Affordable Health Care
Financial and medical experts will use a series of informative seminars to discuss the health care system and affordable insurance with community members next month. The Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce will host the seminars on January 6th, 12th, 18th and 27th. Financial and Insurance Representative for Bradford Financial Advisors in Brighton, Lisa Spitler, will run the seminars and Dr. Chad Savage of Your Choice Direct Care practice which is also located in Brighton, will co-host the event. The two will share information about insurance coverage, how the system works and how to obtain affordable health care. Dr. Savage tells WHMI the discussion is an important one as it affects patients and caregivers. Dr. Savage says he and Spitler hope to stress the message that it is possible to get great medical care at a great price. Dr. Savage says ultimately he hopes patients are able to save so much money on medical care that they get âtheir doctor for freeâ. The seminars will be hosted at different times each day to accommodate as many community members as possible. A link to RSVP to the event can be found below. (DK)
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2016 Milford MLK Celebration Will Include Annual March And Contest2016 Milford MLK Celebration Will Include Annual March And Contest
Plans for the 11th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration in Milford are underway. The yearly MLK March in downtown Milford on Main Street will be held at 1 pm on Sunday, January 17th. The march travels downtown and ends at The Suzanne Haskew Arts Center for a closing ceremony. The ceremony will have refreshments and an awards presentation for the winners of this yearâs Art/Writing/Multimedia Contest. The contest is for area residents of all ages and the theme is âThe WORDS of Dr. Kingâ. This contest allows writers and artists to take any quote from Dr. King and turn it into a new and creative submission. The submissions will be displayed at The SHAC during the week before and the day of the march. Entries are due by Friday, January 8th and more information about the contest can be found at the link below. (DK)
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Former Township Supervisor Howard Dillman RememberedFormer Township Supervisor Howard Dillman Remembered
A memorial service was held Saturday for former Hamburg Township supervisor Howard Dillman. He was 60 years old when he passed away on Christmas Eve. Dillman was supervisor in Livingston Countyâs most populous township from 1998 to 2004, having been appointed when former supervisor Dennis Morgan passed away. Dillman served out the remaining two years of Morganâs term and then won election to a four-year term as supervisor in 2000. Current Hamburg Township Supervisor Pat Hohl tells WHMI Dillman will be remembered for several accomplishments - including helping the township get a new police station, expanded township hall and improved fire hall facilities - but the one closest to his heart was development of the Lakelands Trail. Hohl says township officials will likely dedicate a portion of the trail to Dillman next year with an appropriate plaque. After his stint as supervisor, Dillman was director of the Lansing Community College Livingston County Center and prior to that the chair of the collegeâs Transportation Technologies Department. However, Dillman continued to serve the township in his spare time on various boards including the planning commission, board of review, the township sewer committee and its personnel committee. Dillman was thought of as a well-rounded individual, as a former practicing attorney, flight instructor, pilot and hobbyist vintner who grew his own wine grapes. Dillman had battled throat cancer for many years. He is survived by his wife, a son and a daughter. (TT)
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Cases Of Flu And Norovirus Increase Across CountyCases Of Flu And Norovirus Increase Across County
Cases of influenza and norovirus have increased across Livingston County and health officials are encouraging residents to use preventative methods to avoid contracting the sickness. The current season is a peak time for catching either the norovirus or flu, both of which are contagious. Symptoms of norovirus include stomach pains, vomiting and body aches. Many compare having the flu to the feeling of âbeing run over by a truckâ. While the two often get mistaken for one another, Dr. Donald Lawrenchuk, Medical Director at the Livingston County Department of Public Health, warns they are quite different. Dr. Lawrenchuk does however remind community members that both are preventable. Symptoms of the norovirus usually develop within 12-48 hours after an individual is first exposed to it. Most people get better within three days. Young children and the elderly are at risk for dehydration if they have the norovirus. Vaccinations to prevent influenza are available at the Department of Public Health, doctorâs office or local pharmacy. Information about the flu and norovirus can be found at the links below. (DK)
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