Putman Township is in the early stages of discussing their position in the possible formation of a new police authority that would cover three communities. The Pinckney and Unadilla Police Departments are considering merging into a single entity and Pinckney Chief Jeffrey Newton believes it would benefit the township to opt in as well. Newton stated at Wednesday nightâs meeting of the Board of Trustees, that the Village and Unadilla could do it themselves, but says adding township residents to the coverage would make it run even better. Putnam Township would get partial of control of the new entity, as well. Unadilla and Pinckney already are sharing officer training, investigation, and canine units. Newton said Putnam coming into the equation would relieve his department of a lot of time they spend redirecting township residents who mistakenly believe they are covered by the Village force. Township residents currently pay for dedicated police service from the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department. But there were concerns raised by members of the board. Trustee Norm Klein pointed out that while the new entity would lower taxes in the Village, taxes for township residents would go up as theyâd have to pass a new millage. During the meetingâs call to the public, a couple of township residents expressed that they felt the county was doing a fine job as-is with service. One said that the crimes that had been committed in the area could be avoided by better educating residents. The board will consider entering an estimated $25,000 feasibility study with Pinckney and Unadilla that will give more information on the benefits to the three communities at a future meeting. (MK)
Putnam Township Board Pitched On Potential New Police Authority Putnam Township Board Pitched On Potential New Police Authority
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Downtown Howell Celebrated At Main Street DDA Award ShowDowntown Howell Celebrated At Main Street DDA Award Show
The Applause Awards on Tuesday were a celebration of all-things downtown Howell. A crowd of over 100 business leaders, school representatives, and more gathered at Block Brewing Company to honor the past yearâs successes of the Howell Main Street and Downtown Development Authority. Howell has been named as one of the semifinalists and top 10 downtowns in the country by Main Street America - an organization that honors downtowns that people want to live, work, and spend recreation time in. A special presentation was made by the Governorâs office and Michigan Main Street Center honoring this accomplishment. Next month, the DDA will find out at the National Main Street Conference in Milwaukee if they have won the Great American Main Street Award. Also during the evening, four individuals- Sarah Hoffman, Kim Esper, Eric Conn, and Julie Hill-Lin, were recognized for going above and beyond as leaders of the community. Finally, the DDA honored property owners from Firewood Grill, Work Skills, and the Howell Carnegie Library with awards for their investments in the downtown area and commitment to preserving historic buildings. Picture by Richard Lim.(MK)
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Residents Looking To Develop On Whitmore Lake Road Denied Variance Request And AppealResidents Looking To Develop On Whitmore Lake Road Denied Variance Request And Appeal
Two local residents have been denied once again by Green Oak Township officials for a variance to an ordinance regarding land division. The two applicants looking to develop homes on property they own on Whitmore Lake Road had previously requested a variance to the townshipâs ordinance requiring 125 feet of road frontage on public or private roads. Township Supervisor Mark St. Charles says the property in question had zero frontage and their request was therefore denied by the Land Division Committee which is comprised of St. Charles, the Zoning Administrator, and the township Assessor. The developers appealed that denial, which was heard at a Board of Trustees meeting Wednesday night. St. Charles had to recuse himself from the discussion and vote because he had already voted on the issue before. Because of his absence, the resulting deadlocked vote to approve the appeal subsequently failed. St. Charles tells WHMI that decision doesnât mean there arenât other options available that would allow the developers to move forward with their plans. For example, a variance to the ordinance wouldnât be needed if the developers put in a private road themselves, however they cited financial aspects as a road block and St. Charles admits that route could be costly. The developers can either try to revisit the township with a different plan or appeal the denial at the Circuit Court. (DK)
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Linden School Officials Warn Parents After Student Approached By StrangerLinden School Officials Warn Parents After Student Approached By Stranger
Linden authorities are cautioning parents and children to be careful around strangers following an after-school incident that occurred on Monday. At 4pm that afternoon, school officials were informed by the Linden Police Department that a 16-year-old high school girl was approached by a vehicle near Eagle Park, downtown. The student said that a man in a black four-door sedan pulled up next to her and asked if she wanted a ride. She declined, continued walking away, and was followed for a distance before the vehicle drove off. The student described the driver as a white male in his 60âs with white hair. Interim Superintendent Russ Ciesielski has sent out letters to parents in the area informing them of the incident. He is asking them to talk with their children about not speaking with strangers and having a plan if they are approached. Also on Monday, a Linden parents group on Facebook posted about an incident involving a 12-year-old girl being approached by a man in his 60âs with grey hair. Police said they towed a suspicious vehicle near the scene as a precaution, but after checking the owner, determined he had no involvement. Residents are encouraged if they witness anything suspicious, to contact the police or dial 911. (MK)
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Carolyn Henry Makes Second Run Against Vailliencourt For ProsecutorCarolyn Henry Makes Second Run Against Vailliencourt For Prosecutor
The Livingston County Prosecutorâs race will be a repeat of 2012 as Howell public defender Carolyn Henry filed Tuesday to challenge Livingston County Prosecutor William Vailliencourt in the Republican primary this August. Henry initially ran against Vailliencourt four years ago when the position was vacated by the retirement of former Prosecutor David Morse, losing the primary by a margin of less than 6%. Vailliencourt then went on to easily win the job that November. In a press release announcing her candidacy, Henry said (quote) "the county needs a prosecutor who is committed to our community while also being mindful of taxpayer dollars." In response, Vailliencourt says that under his leadership, the Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office âhas been aggressive in obtaining convictions in cases where public safety has been placed at riskâ and has done so in a âconsistent, effective, and independent manner.â Henry, who started her legal career as a Law Clerk and Research Attorney for former District Court Judge A. John Pikkarainen, has been a local attorney for more than 15 years, receiving her law degree from T. M. Cooley Law School. She also serves as chairperson of the Howell Township Planning Commission and made a point of noting her membership in the National Rifle Association and her strong support for the Second Amendment. Vailliencourt earned his law degree from Washington & Lee University School of Law in Virginia and began his career in the Oakland County Prosecutorâs Office in 1986. He started with the Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office in 1995 and serves on several committees of the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan. He is also a member of the LACASA Board of Directors and the Livingston County Family YMCA. (JK)
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More Ramp & Lane Closures Start Friday At I-96/US-23 InterchangeMore Ramp & Lane Closures Start Friday At I-96/US-23 Interchange
Detours and slowdowns will greet some motorists traveling through the I-96/US-23 interchange Friday night. The Michigan Department of Transportation has scheduled more ramp and lane closures. Starting at 7pm Friday and lasting through 11am Saturday, there will be double and single lane closures on I-96 and US-23 throughout the construction zone so crews can install temporary rumble strips. In addition the westbound collector distributor or CD lanes will be closed, along with three ramps from 11pm Friday through 6am Saturday.
- The ramp from the westbound I-96 CD lane to northbound US-23 will be closed
- The ramp from the westbound I-96 CD lane to southbound US-23 will be closed
- The ramp from the westbound I-96 CD lane to Spencer Road will be closed
During the closures, M-DOT says the posted detour is westbound I-96 to Grand River to eastbound I-96 to Spencer Road or US-23. All work is said to weather dependent. (JM)
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Brighton to Overhaul 35-Year-Old City Zoning OrdinanceBrighton to Overhaul 35-Year-Old City Zoning Ordinance
Brighton officials say the cityâs 35-year-old zoning ordinance is outdated and in dire need of updating. City Council, meeting in regular session Thursday night, voted unanimously to hire Clearzoning Inc. of Lathrup Village to perform the work at a cost not to exceed $49,950. Brighton Mayor Jim Muzzin says the city zoning ordinance has periodically been amended, but hasnât been thoroughly updated since 1981, and a complete overhauling of it is past due. Zoning is used to divide particular sections of land into districts and outline the types of land uses that are allowed and prohibited for each zone. Local zoning ordinances define how property in specific geographic areas of cities, townships and counties can be used. They specify whether certain areas can be used for residential or commercial purposes, and also regulate lot size, placement, density and the height of buildings. Finally, they spell out procedures for handling infractions, including any penalties; granting variances and hearing appeals. (TT)
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Pinckney Rape Suspects Due Back In Court MondayPinckney Rape Suspects Due Back In Court Monday
Two Pinckney High School students charged in the sexual assault of another student are due back in court next week for a hearing. 17-year-old Nicklaus Lefebvre and Jacob Houck will appear in court on Monday for a Holmes Youthful Trainee Hearing, which is a part of a plea agreement reached with prosecutors. Houck pleaded guilty last month to charges of 3rd degree criminal sexual conduct and furnishing alcohol to a minor. Meanwhile, LeFebvre pleaded guilty to three counts of 3rd degree CSC. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to dismiss a charge of child abusive commercial activity that was filed for his allegedly taking pictures during the incident. Authorities say Houck and Lefebvre sexually assaulted a 15-year-old female Pinckney High School student after giving her alcohol at a residence in the Village last December. A third student had also been charged but that case was resolved in juvenile court. If Houck and LeFebvre are sentenced under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act, their criminal records would be erased upon successful completion of probation. If they are not, the two could each face up to 15 years in prison. (DK)
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Reports Says Pinckney Among Districts Expected To Bolt From KLAA ConferenceReports Says Pinckney Among Districts Expected To Bolt From KLAA Conference
A published report says that the KLAA, or Kensington Lakes Activities Association, will be breaking up after the 2016-17 season, with 10 teams leaving the 24-team conference. Pinckney AD Brian Wardlow, whose school was listed as among those wanting to leave, said in an interview last night that â quote â âNothing is in stone. Weâre doing our best to try and make it work. Weâll be there for the 2016-17 school year, and after that itâs up in the air. Weâre still in the decision process.â Along with Pinckney, other districts expected to leave the KLAA are White Lake Lakeland, Milford, South Lyon, South Lyon East, Walled Lake Central, Walled Lake Western, Walled Lake Northern, Waterford Mott and Waterford Kettering. The main reason for the split appears to be the disparity in enrollment within certain divisions. For example, Pinckney, which has just over 1,300 students, is in the same division as Grand Blanc, which has more than twice as many and is the second-largest school in the state. Brighton athletic director John Thompson says no school has formally notified the league of a departure, although he added itâs a possibility league officials have been aware of for a while. The KLAA was formed when the Kensington Valley Conference and the Western Lakes Activities Association merged for the 2008-09 school year. (TR/JK)
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Community Wants Solution To Weed Takeover In Portage Lake Chain Community Wants Solution To Weed Takeover In Portage Lake Chain
Weed control and invasive plant species has been found to be a major problem in a local chain of lakes and analysts say action needs to be taken quickly. A large amount of harmful plants and weeds were found in every lake during a recent study that included Portage, Little Portage, Base, Tamarack, Whitewood, Zukey, Strawberry, Gallagher, and Loon Lake. The Portage, Base, Whitewood Owners Association, or PBWOA, has had concerns about weed control in the lakes and held a meeting on Thursday to share the studyâs findings. Over 100 community members and lakefront property owners showed up to the discussion in Pinckney, all with varying opinions about how to manage the weeds. Some feel putting herbicides or chemicals into the lakes would be most effective, while others want the plants to be harvested (pictured), which would completely remove them. A Special Assessment District was briefly discussed to pay for a weed management program, but PBWOA board member Bob Nester says the meeting was strictly sharing solutions and a final decision has not been made. Nester personally feels that a multi-faceted approach would be best. Whatever the chosen method is, the studyâs administrators say the community needs to act fast. In all but one of the lakes studied, plant species were found that is known to take over fairly quickly and the number of invasive weeds in some of the lakes is considered âalarmingâ. Furthermore, the invasive species doesnât require a lot of nutrients to grow. Nester says the PBWOA will discuss the issue at their next board meeting and plans have been made to monitor the lakes and their weed population over the summer. (DK)
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"Bids, Bites, Beats & Books" Fundraiser Will Benefit Pinckney Library "Bids, Bites, Beats & Books" Fundraiser Will Benefit Pinckney Library
The 3rd annual âPinckney in Mayâ benefit is putting the âfunâ in fundraising next month with an evening of music, food, and games. On Saturday, May 14th from 6 to 10 pm, the Pinckney Community Library invites the public to their âBids, Bites, Beats & Booksâ fundraiser, which will be held at the library on Putnam Street. The library has moved locations in recent years and making the jump from a 3,000-sq. foot building to 14,000 sq. feet comes with additional costs. The library is looking to show off their new building and raise money that will be used for resources, technology, and growing their collection. Library Executive Director Hope Siasoco tells WHMI the fundraiser is trying to draw in more people this year by eliminating an entry fee. A silent auction will be held throughout the evening and a preview of the items will begin at the library on May 9th. A local band that Siasoco says was requested by the community to return will perform and the Friends of the Library are including games in this yearâs event. Hors dâoeuvres and a cash bar will be available as well. More information about the event can be found at the link below. (DK)
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Annual Imagination Station Spring Kickoff Scheduled SaturdayAnnual Imagination Station Spring Kickoff Scheduled Saturday
Saturday is the date for the 5th Annual Spring Kickoff and clean-up day at the Imagination Station playground in Brighton, rain or shine. The clean-up day takes place beginning at 9 a.m. All citizens are invited to volunteer their time and labor to the event, in order to get the playground in shape for the start of the 2016 playground season. Imagination Station playground volunteer coordinator and newly-appointed City Council Member Renee Pettengill says every volunteer will receive a goody bag, a volunteer card and shopping incentives from 54 downtown Brighton merchants. She says the volunteer group is scheduling additional cleanup days as needed to help keep the playground in good condition on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month through October. Anyone with questions should contact Pettengill at: brightonimaginationstation@gmail.com. (TT)
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Local Jobless Rate Held Mostly Steady In March Local Jobless Rate Held Mostly Steady In March
Livingston Countyâs jobless rate increased just slightly from February to March. Livingston Countyâs jobless rate stood at 4.5% in March, marking an increase of one-tenth of a percentage point from February. Livingston ranks 15th among Michiganâs 83 counties, dropping one spot over the month. Neighboring Washtenaw County held on to the top ranking of 3%. Officials with the Bureau of Labor Market Information & Strategic Initiatives said Michiganâs various local labor markets were very stable from February to March and unemployment rate changes were minimal. Since March of 2015, total employment rose significantly in all 17 regions - recording a 2.3% median advance. The largest percentage gains over the yearlong period were in Ann Arbor and in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn statistical area, which includes Livingston County. (JM)
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Work Progressing On McGregor Road Bridge Replacement ProjectWork Progressing On McGregor Road Bridge Replacement Project
Work is moving along on a bridge replacement project in Dexter, which is also impacting boaters and motorists in Pinckney and Hamburg Township. The Washtenaw County Road Commission recently issued an April progress update on the project. The old McGregor Road Bridge over the Portage Lake outlet has been removed and the contractor installed steel sheeting on the south side of the channel, aka the DNR boat launch side, to begin work on the new bridge foundation. During this next construction phase, foundation piles are being installed. Itâs described as a noisy process that requires a large hammer to drive the steel piles to the necessary depth below ground for structural capacity. McGregor Road remains closed between Riverview Road and Robert Drive due to the work that got underway in March and completion isnât anticipated until mid-August. A lengthy detour route involves Dexter-Pinckney Road and M-36 back around to McGregor Road. However, signs restricting thru traffic on Darwin Road have been removed. The road commission says motorists are still encouraged to follow the detour route but Darwin Road is a public road and access is not being restricted at this time. Photo: WCRC (JM)
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Large Police Search In Howell TownshipLarge Police Search In Howell Township
A police search captured the public's attention in Howell Township this afternoon. Multiple Michigan State Police patrol cars could be seen around the I-96, M-59 and Burkhart Road area, near the outlet mall. Michigan State Police at the Brighton Post say itâs an ongoing investigation involving a search for suspects involved in a pursuit. Troopers from the Michigan State Police - First District - Hometown Security Team attempted to stop a vehicle on eastbound I-96 near Wallace Road in Handy Township. Sergeant Mark Thompson tells WHMI the driver of the vehicle refused to stop and a pursuit ensued. The vehicle was found to be stolen from Fruitport, Michigan located on the west side of state. Thompson says the stolen vehicle crashed into a marsh area off eastbound I-96, east of Burkhart Road (M-59) and multiple subjects ran from the vehicle. Troopers from MSP-Brighton Post, MSP - K9, Livingston County Sheriffâs Department, MSP Aviation and a Fowlerville Police K9 were on scene searching for the subjects. Three were taken into custody around 2:30pm and officers were searching for a possible fourth subject. (JM)
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Diabetes Class Offered by Area Agency on Aging 1BDiabetes Class Offered by Area Agency on Aging 1B
Seniors, their families and caregivers are invited to attend a health and wellness class put on by an area agency. The Area Agency on Aging 1-B is offering health and wellness classes for seniors focusing on important health issues. One upcoming class focuses on managing Type-2 Diabetes. The Diabetes Personal Action Toward Health, also know as D-PATH, will teach seniors how to deal with their symptoms and the emotional challenges they face. They will also learn about healthy eating, exercise and interaction with their doctors. The six-week course is offered in Brighton at the First United Methodist Church on Fridays from May 6th and June 10th from 1 to 3:30 pm. The class costs $15 but upon completion, participants receive a $15 gift card. For more information or to register, click on the link below. (DS)
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Hartland Optimist Club Honors Outgoing Sheriff Bob Bezotte Hartland Optimist Club Honors Outgoing Sheriff Bob Bezotte
The Hartland High School Optimist Club recently honored retiring Livingston County Sheriff Bob Bezotte an award for his distinguished career and support of local youth. The Optimist International is a worldwide volunteer organization made up of more than 2,500 local clubs in which members work each day to make the future brighter by bringing out the best in children, their communities and in themselves. Bezotte received the Hartland Optimist Annual Respect for Law Award for his continued support of youth programs throughout the county this past Monday morning. The sheriffâs department has been involved with the organization for many years and attends its annual breakfast. Bezotte tells WHMI it was a nice surprise as the club basically kept it a secret until the last minute. The event was said to be well attended and Bezotte was presented with a plaque for his years of service. He's pictured with current Undersheriff Mike Murphy, who is running unopposed for the Sheriff position. (JM)
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Local Man Who Led Police Chase While Drunk SentencedLocal Man Who Led Police Chase While Drunk Sentenced
Sentencing has been handed down to a Hamburg Township man who led a police chase while intoxicated. 66-year-old Terry David Phillips was sentenced by Circuit Court Judge Miriam Cavanaugh on Thursday to 6 months in the Livingston County Jail with a credit of 168 days served and 36 months of probation. Phillips was charged with one count of 3rd degree fleeing a police officer, operating while intoxicated and driving on a suspended license, which stemmed from an incident that occurred in September when Phillips led a police chase after an attempt was made to pull him over. Phillips hit a tree and power junction box, which ended the chase. He was lodged in the county jail and is now serving time for an August incident prior to the aforementioned for operating a vehicle while intoxicated, lack of insurance, driver having open intoxicants in the vehicle and operating with a blood alcohol content of .17 or more. As part of his sentencing, Phillips will be required to pay $8,639.83 restitution to Hamburg Township and DTE for the damage caused in the crash. He will also be required to wear a tether once he is released from jail for 6 months. (DK)
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Man Who Threatened Howell Schools Found Incompetent, Charges DismissedMan Who Threatened Howell Schools Found Incompetent, Charges Dismissed
Terrorism charges have been dismissed against a man who had posted threats online regarding several local schools. 21-year-old Scott Richard Parker of Canton was originally charged with four counts of making a threat of terrorism when he posted the threat on Twitter in December. The threat, involving four Howell-area schools, tagged the district and mentioned âkilling kidsâ. He was arrested and lodged in the Livingston County Jail, though was later released into his motherâs care on a personal recognizance bond. Parker has physical and mental disabilities, including cerebral palsy and his mother says he has the mental capacity of a child. A competency review hearing was held on Friday in 53rd District Court, where Parker was found incompetent to stand trial. A report from the state Forensics Center also stated that there is âno likelihoodâ that Parker can regain competency within the time provided by the statute, and the terrorism charges against him were dismissed. The tether Parker had been required to wear was also removed. Parkerâs defense attorney, Neil Rockind, says he knows authorities were not fully aware of Parkerâs disabilities when the incident first occurred and that his client really is âvery sweetâ. (DK)
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Bubba Changs Owner Jailed After Baseball Bat Attack In Parking LotBubba Changs Owner Jailed After Baseball Bat Attack In Parking Lot
A man is hospitalized in serious condition after being attacked with a baseball bat in the parking lot of a new eatery in Genoa Township Friday afternoon. The incident happened around 2:30pm at Bubba Changs owned by John and Jeremy Hamilton. The new Chinese-American Buffett opened less than a month ago on Grand River, near Latson Road. Jeremy is currently jailed and facing malicious destruction of property charges after using a baseball bat to smash up a 2008 Honda Odyssey while John fled the scene and authorities were working to locate him for questioning. Livingston County Sheriff Bob Bezotte tells WHMI 51-year-old Guan Han Chen (aka Andy Chen) was fired but had returned to the business in an attempt to collect some back wages and personal belongings. He says one of the owners, John, was there and backed Chen out into the parking lot before calling his brother Jeremy, who arrived with a baseball bat and proceeded to destroy the vehicle. Bezotte says three people returned to the restaurant with Chen but did not go inside including a 21-year-old man who was attacked with the baseball bat. Bezotte says the victim suffered a skull fracture and tissue injuries on his back and at this point, investigators believe John Hamilton committed the assault. The restaurant was closed Friday and a search warrant was obtained by the sheriffâs department to enter the building and search for evidence. Bezotte says those at the restaurant were uncooperative and theyâre working to recover physical evidence as well as the baseball bat. (JM)
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