Construction on the 8 Mile Road bridge over northbound US-23 starts next week in the Northfield Township/ Whitmore Lake area and is on the fast track to help ease impact on local businesses and motorists. M-DOT Spokeswoman Kari Arend tells WHMI the bridge was damaged in an earlier incident and had to be removed but crews are going to temporarily repair the existing bridge this year. The structure was hit by a tractor-trailer hauling an oversized load, which caused significant damage to the bridge beams. M-DOT says it is seeking reimbursement from the trucking company for 100% of the cost of bridge repairs. 8 Mile Road will remain closed during the work this spring but Arend says impacts on US-23 will be kept to a minimum. Repairs are being expedited to help reduce the impact on traffic, tourism and emergency services. The closure has taken a toll on local businesses and area motorists who deal with lengthy detours and back-ups. A temporary replacement span will be constructed and M-DOT hopes to have bridge re-opened to traffic in time for the 4th of July holiday. Then in 2017, a larger road and bridge project will begin on non US-23, which involves a new 8 Mile Road bridge and upgrades to the interchange. Meanwhile, more weekend detours will be in place for anyone traveling through the US-23/I-96 interchange area in Brighton. Starting at 11:00 tonight and lasting until 6am the following morning, southbound US-23 will be closed at I-96 so crews can set beams at the interchange. Detours will be posted. In addition, the southbound US-23 ramp to eastbound I-96 and the westbound I-96 ramp to southbound US-23 will also be closed. Further information about the 8 Mile Road repairs are available in the link below. (JM)
8 Mile Road Bridge Construction Over US-23 Starts Monday8 Mile Road Bridge Construction Over US-23 Starts Monday
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Parking Lot Improvement Project In Howell Out To BidParking Lot Improvement Project In Howell Out To Bid
Both phases of a split parking lot improvement project in the city of Howell are moving forward. The estimated $1.1 million dollar project will repair two parking lots in the downtown area, as well as overhead utilities in a neighboring alley. The city is in the process of procuring final easements to bury the utilities along the alley, which City Manager Shea Charles says they are receiving slowly. The first phase includes rehabilitation to a parking lot located at the corner of west Clinton and Walnut Street and the overhead utilities in the alley behind it. This part of the project is known as parking lot #4 and is located behind the Heart of Howell. The second part, parking lot #2, is at Walnut and Center Street. On Monday, Charles updated Howell City Council members about where each project stands. Parking lot #4 and corresponding alley work are out to bid right now and bid opening will be held May 2nd. City council plans to award the bids at their meeting on May 9th. That first phase of the project is slated for completion the week before Howellâs annual Melon Fest. The city is also in the design phase for parking lot #2. That expansion and project will begin after Melon Fest with hopes of having it finished by the fall. City council approved a quarterly budget amendment that included the acquisition of the property located at the corner of Center and west Sibley Street. The city purchased the property for $276,000 with intentions to demolish the house that sits on the parcel for the expansion of parking lot #4. Charles says city officials are planning on meeting soon to discuss the design for the parking lot #2 expansion project. (DK)
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Unique Theater Group To Perform At Local LibraryUnique Theater Group To Perform At Local Library
A one-of-a-kind theater group will honor the legacy of William Shakespeare through an event at a local library Saturday. The Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company is the only traveling Shakespearian theater group in Michigan. The company will perform several scenes from Shakespeareâs plays at the Salem-South Lyon District Library, during their literary program event from 1 to 2:30 pm tomorrow afternoon. Their performance works in conjunction with this yearâs Great Michigan Read, which is Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel. The Michigan Humanities Council funds the Great Michigan Read literary program to draw attention to a written work that highlights a theme of humanity. Station Eleven is set in Michigan and features a traveling theater group that performs Shakespeare plays, while working to keep theater, literature, and music alive in a dystopian world. Librarian Jessica Hesselgrave tells WHMI the event came at an appropriate time because this month marks the 400th anniversary of Shakespeareâs death.
A contest and prizes will also be a part of the libraryâs event, with a chance to win a free copy of Station Eleven. More information and a link to register for the event can be found below. (DK)
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Airport Police Officer Gets Probation In Retail Fraud CaseAirport Police Officer Gets Probation In Retail Fraud Case
A local woman who works as an airport police officer has been sentenced in a case in which she was charged with retail fraud. 44-year-old Tina Marie Bubp of Deerfield Township is an employee of the Wayne County Airport Police. Last month, Bubp pleaded guilty to 2nd and 3rd degree retail fraud as a result of an investigation into a retail fraud complaint from the Meijer stores in Hartland and Howell. Bubp was sentenced on Wednesday to 18 months of probation and will be required to pay restitution for the stolen goods to the amount of $943. She must complete 5 days of community service and possibly counseling, and is not allowed on Meijer premises. Additionally, Bubp cannot partake in police work while on probation. A review hearing has been scheduled for Bubp in October of 2017. (DK)
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Afternoon Crash Closes Northbound US-23 Afternoon Crash Closes Northbound US-23
A serious accident closed a portion of northbound US-23 near North Territorial Road this afternoon. Emergency crews responded to the crash that happened around 2pm and caused traffic back-ups in both directions of US-23. The accident involved a semi and another vehicle that flipped over, with reported entrapment and possible ejection. Further details are unknown. Northbound US-23 was shut down in both directions, while one lane of southbound US-23 was closed for investigation. The scene was cleared and freeway-reopened by 3:30pm, but traffic remained slow. Meanwhile, other afternoon accidents were reported in Livingston County including one involving a cement truck that blocked at the intersection of M-59 and Michigan Avenue in Howell. (JM)
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State Board of Education President Addresses Local DemocratsState Board of Education President Addresses Local Democrats
A state official at the center of a debate in Michigan over the rights of transgender students spoke at an event in Brighton last night. Michigan Board of Education President John Austin was the guest speaker at the meeting of the Livingston County Democratic Party at their headquarters in the Woodland Plaza. Austin was elected to his first eight year term in 2000 and is up for re-election in November. Although he was expected to talk about voluntary guidelines for school districts addressing LGBT K-12 students, Austin was primarily focused on charter schools and the need to make higher education more available and affordable for everyone. Austin says under Republican control, the number of for profit charter schools has increased because the caps have been lifted. He says the big concern is that businesses are opening charter schools that have little interest in educating kids and more interest in making money. He says the for profit education system is ruining communities and public education. Austin says the solution is for Democrats to take control of the Michigan House and to keep him as head of the Board of Education. He says there is a tremendous amount at stake in the upcoming election in terms of who can set direction and whether the state is rebuilding its support for great education and helping all kids get it and make higher education affordable. He says these are the things that he both campaigns on and does and he is eager to have a big public debate about the future direction of the state and whether it will motor forward with the building blocks that great education can provide to rebuild the economy and opportunity for people or whether it will continue on the path of destroying communities, public schools and higher education. Austin briefly mentioned protecting the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender kids, saying that if Republicans were to take control of the State Board of Education they would try to bring back intelligent design and creationism as science and gay and transgender students will be treated as though their thinking could be retrained. He says it is only Democrats who will protect the rights of gay and transgender students. Austin says there are nearly 10% of students across the state identifying as gay or transgender and they need to be acknowledged and accepted. (DS)
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Howell Student Who Assaulted Girlfriend On Campus ArraignedHowell Student Who Assaulted Girlfriend On Campus Arraigned
A Howell High School student who allegedly assaulted his girlfriend on campus and attempted to flee from police has been arraigned. 17-year-old Theodore Joseph Kohlman is charged with 3rd degree fleeing a police officer, domestic violence, assault and battery, three counts of malicious destruction of property, and two counts of resisting a police officer. The charges stem from an incident that occurred Tuesday, when the Howell Police Department was called to the high school regarding a physical assault between Kohlman and his girlfriend. Police Chief George Basar tells WHMI Kohlman assaulted his girlfriend, then left the building and went into the schoolâs parking lot. Chief Basar says Kohlman then got into his pickup truck and started ramming his girlfriendâs car, which was unoccupied. That caused damaged to two other vehicles in the parking lot. Kohlman attempted to flee but was stopped by responding officers on the high school drive near M-59. Kohlman jumped out of his pickup truck, leaving it in gear, which in turn rammed one of the police vehicles. Chief Basar says Kohlman was very aggressive and agitated when he jumped out of his truck and yelled âshoot meâ to the officers. He was taken into custody at gunpoint and is currently being held on a $500,000 bond. Kohlman is due back in court May 10th for a probable cause conference. (DK)
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Spring Nature Outings Planned At Local Recreation Areas Spring Nature Outings Planned At Local Recreation Areas
The Crossroads Group of the Sierra Club is hosting nature hikes at local recreation areas this spring. A wildflower and nature hike is planned at Huron Meadows Metropark in Green Oak Township on Saturday, May 14th. It will encompass roughly 3-miles on the scenic Moraine Fen and Hidden Lake Bend trails and knowledgeable guides will point out wildflowers and examples of natural beauty along the way. The group has planned another hike on Sunday, May 22nd at the Highland State Recreation Area. That event involves a 5-mile hike through hardwoods and wetlands in a park that club officials refer to as one of lower Michiganâs best kept secrets. Both events start at 1pm and the difficulty level is described as easy to moderate. All outings are open to both Sierra Club members and non-members. Details are available in the link below. (JM)
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Body Of Missing Milford Man Found In LivoniaBody Of Missing Milford Man Found In Livonia
A body found in Livonia has been identified as that of a Milford man who had previously been reported missing. The body of 35-year-old Steven Crawford was found Wednesday afternoon inside a vehicle that had been parked on the street in a Livonia subdivision. Police say it appears his body had been in the car for some time before it was discovered, possibly several weeks. Authorities ruled out the possibility of foul play in the manâs death and believe Crawford had been sleeping in the car. Crawfordâs former girlfriend, who resides in the Village of Milford, shared her home with him and first reported Crawford missing April 19th. Crawford had been in and out of a sober-living facility and appeared in court March 2nd, where he pleaded guilty to a charge of operating while intoxicated. He missed his next two court appearances scheduled March 10th and 30th, and his mother says she last heard from him March 25th via text. Crawfordâs disappearance was being investigated by authorities as a result of the missing persons report. Milford Police Lt. Matt Brumm says the department had âhoped for a better outcomeâ. (DK)
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Legislation Regarding Solicitation Of Public Documents Signed Into LawLegislation Regarding Solicitation Of Public Documents Signed Into Law
Governor Rick Snyder has signed into law legislation to prevent private companies from charging exorbitant fees for copies of deeds that are available from their county Register of Deeds office for only $1 per page. Companies are said to obtain legitimate information, inflate the cost and solicit owners. Public Act 79 of 2016 deals with the solicitation of fees from companies for providing a public record, which look like an official government mailing to lure property owners. Itâs generally a two-page document, advising they must obtain certified copies of deeds and other documents. A small solicitation statement is usually hidden somewhere on the mailing according to Livingston County Register of Deeds Sally Reynolds. Citizens have been solicited by private companies that advertise deeds and other information such as what will appear on an assessment card, which can be obtained from local municipalities, or market value information, which can be obtained from equalization department. Reynolds says all three can be obtained for very minimal fees, definitely nowhere near $85 that some companies solicit. Reynolds tells WHMI in the past, her office has received pages of lists from companies requesting certified copies of deeds. She says it seemed as if snowbirds were somewhat targeted; referring to those who choose to spend the cold weather months in warmer states, but it could just be anyone who recently had a transaction. Reynold encourages citizens to sign up for a property fraud alert option on the Livingston County Register of Deeds website. The alert notifies property owners via email or a phone call within hours when any variation of their name comes through the local office. A link is below. (JM)
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Howell Woman Who Tried To Run Boyfriend Over With Truck SentencedHowell Woman Who Tried To Run Boyfriend Over With Truck Sentenced
A Livingston County woman who led two separate police chases and tried to run her ex-boyfriend over with his own truck has been sentenced. 24-year-old Alycia Pless of Howell has been sentenced to a minimum of 12 months to a maximum of 5 years in prison, with a credit of 258 days served in the Livingston County Jail. Earlier this month, Pless pleaded no contest to charges of fleeing and eluding, resisting or obstructing a police officer, felonious assault, operating while intoxicated, 2nd degree home invasion, unlawful driving away of a vehicle, and breaking and entering a vehicle to steal property less than $200. In August, Pless allegedly stole her ex-boyfriendâs pickup truck and trailer from the Thompson Lake boat launch while he was out on the water. The man reported the theft and a chase ensued after officers spotted Pless. They broke off the chase once they were informed the suspect was an ex-girlfriend and they knew her identity. Pless returned to the boat launch later that evening and reportedly tried to run her ex-boyfriend down with the stolen vehicle before taking off again. Police spotted the pickup truck and gave chase until she eventually crashed and was taken into custody. In addition to her sentence, Pless will be required to pay $26,599.81 restitution. (DK)
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Brighton High School Ranked Among Top Schools in State & CountryBrighton High School Ranked Among Top Schools in State & Country
Brighton High School has received some recognition in the annual US News ranking of public schools across the country. AS WHMI reported previously, BHS is ranked 21st out of over 850 schools in the state, and it's in the top 3% in the entire country, in the latest rankings. Brighton was the only high school in Livingston County to be ranked in the top 100 Michigan schools. Superintendent Greg Gray tells WHMI itâs been a major goal of his to get the Brighton Area Schools on the list of the best public schools, not only in Michigan, but the entire country. Gray says Brighton High School has a large percentage â 59% â of students who take Advanced Placement and enrichment courses, and that was a big factor in getting the high rating this year. He says Brighton had only five A-P classes seven years ago when he first came to the district and now has about 20 A-P courses. (JM)
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Vaupel Bill Would Require More Police Medical Training Vaupel Bill Would Require More Police Medical Training
State Rep. Hank Vaupel of Handy Twp. is sponsoring a bill to require more rigorous medical training for police officers. A group of 20 lawmakers is backing the bill. Vaupel says some rural police aren't properly equipped to rescue people undergoing heroin or prescription opioid overdoses. His bill would require all emergency first responders, including police, to stay current on CPR training suited for the overdoses. Medical experts say opioids can often shut down breathing, and they need mouth-to-mouth resuscitation in some cases. Vaupel says he spoke with two police chiefs who don't require their departments to be trained in rescue breathing. But Howell City Police Chief George Basar, the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police legislative director, disagrees with Vaupelâs position. He calls the bill unnecessary because recruits trained in the state's 20 police academies already are required to learn rescue breathing. (TT)
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LESA Superintendent Interviews Start Monday LESA Superintendent Interviews Start Monday
Two community-rooted individuals will interview this week for the soon-to-be vacant superintendent position of the Livingston Educational Service Agency. On Monday, the LESA Board of Education will interview two applicants vying for LESAâs top position, which will become vacant when current Superintendent Dan Danosky retires in June. The two candidates are Brighton Area Schools Superintendent Dr. Greg Gray and LESA Deputy Superintendent Mike Hubert, both of whom members feel have characteristics in line with what the board is looking for. Dr. Gray and Hubert will go through two sets of interviews before the board makes a decision, which are open to the public. The first round will be held at the LESA offices at Highlander Way and Grand River in Howell on Monday starting at 6pm for Dr. Gray and then 8pm for Hubert. The second round of interviews will follow on Thursday and the board of education expects to appoint a new superintendent on May 11th. (JM)
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Senior Survivor Nets Record Funds For Veterans CharitySenior Survivor Nets Record Funds For Veterans Charity
A Howell based non-profit was the beneficiary of a student fundraiser this week that raised nearly $56,000. Of the 14 students from Howell High School who entered the annual Senior Survivor, there was one final winner, but in the end it was beneficiary Stiggyâs Dogs who took home the prize. The fundraiser has students move into the high school for a week, competing in immunity challenges and raising money to stay in the game. This yearâs competition started on April 24th and ended on Friday, April 29th with an assembly in the afternoon. Music, dancing and the schoolâs drumline accompanied the announcement of the top five and finally the winner. Thomas Lassitter tells WHMI he was proud to be part of the effort. He says he cannot be more proud to be from the city of Howell. The Senior Survivor Challenge is a great event that has brought the whole community together to raise funds for a great cause. He says he is happy to say he's part of Howell and it was a lot of teamwork that everyone contributed to. Lassitter says it was really a team game. Before announcing the winner, representatives from Stiggyâs Dogs were presented a plaque, which will hang in the high school. They were also presented a check for $55,918.31. Executive Director for Stiggyâs Dogs, Julia Liljegren says it is a win for the organization and the community. She says the money will really help them save lives, both dogs lives and veteran's lives and changes families lives. She says it is so needed not just for the organization but for the cause. Liljegren says they are a very very small organization and she is so grateful for the amazing kids who chose all the creative ways to show their power in this community and she hopes it inspires people in the community to help because it is just so important. Stiggyâs Dogs rescues and trains shelter dogs to be service dogs for returning veterans living with post-traumatic stress and brain injuries. The organization was founded in memory of 2006 Howell High School Alumnus Benjamin âStiggyâ Castiglione, who gave his life serving in the armed forces in Afghanistan., Students from Howell High School have raised nearly $184,000 for a number of charities since beginning the Senior Survivor challenge 2008. Last year they raised over $41,000 for the Childrenâs Leukemia Foundation of Michigan. To learn more about Stiggyâs Dogs visit their website at stiggysdogs.org. (DS)
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Highland Fire Chief Application Deadline ApproachingHighland Fire Chief Application Deadline Approaching
The application deadline is approaching as Highland Township looks for a new fire chief. The department is currently being led by Interim Chief Richard Cole, who took after Chief Jim Crunk retired last August. Highland Township has begun the search for someone to fill the position, which is being led by Planning and Development Director Beth Corwin. Corwin has created a group of retired fire professionals who will help with the selection process and conduct interviews. The process to appoint a new chief was approved by the townshipâs Board of Trustees last month. The position has been posted on the Southeastern Michigan Association of Fire Chiefsâ website, which states that resumes and applications will be accepted until May 5th. The expected starting salary range is $55-70,000, depending on experience, education and training. Cole says heâd like to return to his position as assistant chief once the position is filled, however that decision will be left up to the new chief. (JK)
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Milford Woman Charged In Fatal Attack Bound Over For TrialMilford Woman Charged In Fatal Attack Bound Over For Trial
A Milford woman charged with murder in connection with her husband's death has been bound over for trial. Yvonne Cortis was charged with open murder in December following the death of 68-year-old Greg Cortis, who died from injuries sustained in the November 30th crowbar attack. Cortis was also charged with a count of animal torture for beating the family dog in the attack. Last month, she was determined competent to assist in her own defense following an exam by the state forensic center and was bound over to Circuit Court on Thursday. Family members have said the 58-year-old Milford woman has a history of mental illness. Police say Cortis admitted to beating her husband and dog to put "them out of their misery." Cortis was originally being held on a $1 (m) million dollar bond, but at an exam hearing in 52-1 Novi District Court her bond was denied and has been modified to âno bondâ. (DK)
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Bowling Benefit Will Assist Boys Who Lost Their Young Father To StrokeBowling Benefit Will Assist Boys Who Lost Their Young Father To Stroke
An event in Brighton will raise funds for three boys who lost their father unexpectedly. Jayson Leisentritt was just 27 years old when he suffered a stroke on December 5th, 2014, and drove off the road. When he was found he was taken to a local hospital, and then airlifted to Beaumont where doctors found the stroke had caused a brain aneurysm. He was pronounced brain dead and passed away on the 6th. Jaysonâs mom, Amii Friesorger Jones, says an autopsy found that undiagnosed high blood pressure had caused the stroke. She says her son had been under a lot of stress and that the result of it is very real. Jayson formerly lived in Howell and though he worked two jobs, he did not have life insurance as neither offered benefits. The 2nd Annual Jayson Leisentritt Bowling benefit will take place Saturday, May 7th, to raise money for his three sons that he left behind. Jones tells WHMI losing her son was incredibly hard and she is grateful for the community support to help fund her grandsons' future education. The benefit will be held at Brighton Bowl from 3 to 6pm and will include food, games, and raffles. To RSVP, call Brighton Bowl at 810-227-3341. More information can be found at the link below. (DK)
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Southbound I-275 Closed; Lengthy Detours Start Today Southbound I-275 Closed; Lengthy Detours Start Today
Several major construction projects get underway today across the region that will have impacts on Livingston County commuters, but perhaps the one with the potential to create the biggest problem will be the closure of southbound I-275. The Michigan Department of Transportation closed southbound I-275 from I-96/I-696/M-5 thru 5 Mile Road. Additionally, all southbound ramps through the interchange and from the mile roads are closed. Motorists should expect big delays on the detour route, which encompasses east I-96 to east I-696 to south M-10 to south M-39 to west I-96 to south I-275. MDOT spokeswoman Diane Cross tells WHMI local roads are expected to see heavier traffic as motorist try to use other routes, which are already packed. While the detour is long, she says they want to keep large quantities of high speed traffic on other freeways, which have the capacity to handle the speed and volume. Cross says normally, about 180,000 drivers use I-275 every day so itâs expected at least half will need to find new ways to get around. MDOT crews should finish the southbound side sometime in July. After that, northbound I-275 will close from the interchange with I-96 and M-14 all the way up through the same route to the I-696/M-5/I-96 interchange. Also beginning today is the bridge replacement of the 8 Mile overpass over US-23. During construction, 8 Mile Road will remain closed and impacts on US-23 traffic will be kept to a minimum. There will be a shoulder closure on northbound US-23, with lane closures occurring at non-peak times, such as overnight and weekends. Also starting today is the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Chilson Road and Coon Lake Road in Genoa Township. Preliminary works starts today with various lane closures possible. The complete closure of that intersection will start next Monday, May 9th and last through June 23rd. (JM/JK)
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Howell DDA Discusses Parking Lots And Main Street Awards Howell DDA Discusses Parking Lots And Main Street Awards
The Howell Main Street and Downtown Development Authority discussed parking lot renovations as they prepare for a potential award at a national conference in Wisconsin. The DDA gave updates on their parking projects at their regular monthly meeting, Wednesday night. Parking lot #4, located in the alley behind the Heart of Howell building is one of them and the board projects it will be completed a week before Melonfest, in August. The other lot, #2, is just west and is commonly referred to as âthe pit.â The DDA expects to have a preliminary layout for the space in the next 2-3 weeks, with construction taking place later in August. Director Cathleen Edgerly told WHMI they are working with local businesses to make sure construction goes as smoothly as possible, with alternatives for parking while the respective lots are down. Members of the board are also preparing for a trip to a national conference in Milwaukee next month for the finals of the Great American Main Street Award. Howell Main Street is one of ten semifinalists from across the country. According to Edgerly, the panel looks at and considers many factors when selecting the finalists. Factors like, public and private investments, volunteer hours, new businesses, and how communities have changed over the years come into play. This is the 11th year that Howell has been a part of the National Main Street Center organization. (MK)
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