A committee in Hartland is now seeking nominations for the 2016 Volunteer of the Year award. The Hartland: Friendly by Nature Committee will select three finalists from the pool of nominees for the award. An online public vote will choose the winner from the three finalists. The committee is comprised of Hartland Consolidated Schools, the Cromaine Library, the Hartland Area Chamber of Commerce, and Hartland Township. Township Supervisor Bill Fountain says âvolunteers are the engines behind what makes Hartland a true communityâ and itâs important to recognize those that make the area special. The Volunteer of the Year will be honored at the State of the Township Address in October and will appear in next yearâs Memorial Day Parade. Nomination forms are available at hartlandtwp.com and must be submitted by June 15th.
Nominations Sought For Hartland's Volunteer Of The Year AwardNominations Sought For Hartland's Volunteer Of The Year Award
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College Recruiting Expert Is Holding Event For High School AthletesCollege Recruiting Expert Is Holding Event For High School Athletes
Student athletes and their families are invited to a presentation about the realities of college recruiting from a former coach. Jack Renkens coached and recruited for over 25 years and has spent the last 15 years on the motivational speaking tour. His message, âItâs a Game⦠Know the Rules,â is what he calls a reality check for parents and their students hoping to play sports at the college level. Renkens told WHMI there are specific timelines different divisions of colleges are held to, and how a student markets themselves can have an impact on when, or if, they hear from recruiters. He said that many parents are surprised to hear that if they havenât heard from a recruiter between the end of their studentâs sophomore year and beginning of junior year, colleges may not know who the student is, and they need to start developing a plan. Renkens said that while only 1% of students athletes will go on to compete at division 1 schools, there are a myriad of great opportunities for the other 99% at smaller institutions. Much of his speech focuses on the importance of finding the right balance of playing time to a getting quality education for the future. Renkens will also delve into using the benefits of social media while avoiding the hazards of it. The 45 minute event will be held in cafeteria at the Brighton High School on Thursday, May 19th. It begins at 7pm and is open to the public and admission is free. For more information, check out Renkensâ website through the link below. (MK)
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Michigan Supreme Court Declines Lansing Man's AppealMichigan Supreme Court Declines Lansing Man's Appeal
A Lansing man sentenced to prison for his role in the overdose death of a Livingston County woman has had his appeal denied by the stateâs highest court. In March of 2015, 30-year-old Ryan Aubrey Tyus pleaded guilty to a single count of delivery of a controlled substance causing death in connection with the July 2013 death of Dorothy Brock in Howell. He was subsequently sentenced to a minimum of seven years and nine months to a maximum of 15 years in prison. Tyus attempted to appeal his sentence to the Michigan Supreme Court, which denied his petition on Monday. A Howell Police officer testified Tyus admitted to selling heroin to Brock and her fiancé. Brock was discovered dead over the July 4th weekend in 2013 at the Kensington Inn on D-19 in Howell. An autopsy determined she died from the combined effects of heroin and a prescription painkiller. Her fiancé, Ryan David Devellis, previously testified he bought heroin from Tyus to celebrate her birthday. Devellis is currently serving 3 to 20 years after being convicted of delivery of a controlled substance causing death in the same case.
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Wyman-Gordon Gets Extension To File Abatement StatementsWyman-Gordon Gets Extension To File Abatement Statements
A local aerospace supplier went before the Green Oak Board of Trustees to explain why they havenât fulfilled a requirement within their industrial facilities tax exemption. Wyman-Gordon was awarded the tax abatement which is set up to help manufacturers expand and bring or keep business in the area, last August. Township Supervisor Mark St. Charles told WHMI that they missed an important deadline at the end of last year. St. Charles said they failed to file their personal property statement that was due on December 31st. When the resolution passed last year, the township approved of nearly $18-million dollars of exemptions for personal property over the next 12 years. Marcus Lord, General Manager of the Wyman-Gordon Brighton plant was on-hand to explain the missing paperwork. Lord said that Wyman-Gordon and their parent company were in the process of being acquisitioned at the beginning of the calendar year and that all their financials, which are handled out-of-state, were tied up in the purchase. The board voted to give Wyman-Gordon until May 31st to file last yearâs paper work. St. Charles said that failure to do so would force the township to send a request to the state to have the IFT rescinded. Lord was confident that this matter would be solved in time, saying that they already had a lawyer on it. Both he and St. Charles felt like Green Oak was a great place for Wyman-Gordon, though St. Charles stated that if he knew these problems were going to arise, that he wouldâve voted against the IFT in August. Wyman-Gordon has 56 employees on staff, and is optimistic about expanding next year. (MK)
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Closures On US-23 At 8 Mile Road Bridge, I-96 Start Friday Closures On US-23 At 8 Mile Road Bridge, I-96 Start Friday
The Michigan Department of Transportation says a single lane closure is planned on northbound US-23 at 8 Mile Road for bridge work from 9pm Friday to 9am Saturday. There is also the possibility of a single lane closure in the same location starting at 8pm on Saturday until 10am on Sunday. Additional closures are scheduled in conjunction with the I-96/US-23 interchange project. MDOT spokeswoman Kari Arend tells WHMI says closures have been occurring on the ramps and CD lanes, which are the existing lanes of I-96 where crews are concentrating on the bridge work currently but additional closures will be happening more frequently. Arend says southbound US-23 traffic will be directed off at I-96 and have to follow posted detours. Additionally, the southbound US-23 ramp to eastbound I-96 and the westbound I-96 ramp to southbound US-23 will be closed. Arend says MDOTâs MI Drive website is a good resource for motorists and will have updated information daily as the closures are changing and coming up on a more regular basis. (JM)
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Two Suspects Bound Over For Trial In Green Oak Theft & Police Chase Two Suspects Bound Over For Trial In Green Oak Theft & Police Chase
Two of the five suspects charged in connection with a store theft and police chase in Green Oak Township have been bound over for trial. 20-year-old Savannah Haley and 21-year-old Angelina Bonasera appeared in 53rd District Court Wednesday for a probable cause conference, where they were bound over for trial to Circuit Court. Haley and Bonasera, along with 19-year-old Nelson DeJesus, 20-year-old Dillon McMullen, and 26-year-old Keshawn Jones are all charged in a retail fraud incident that occurred April 19th at the Kohlâs store in Green Oak Township. Responding officers observed five subjects get into a sedan and drive off. When police attempted to stop the car, which had been reported stolen out of Washtenaw County, the suspects tried to flee by driving up an embankment, but ended up crashing in the area behind Kohlâs and Costco. They then fled the vehicle on foot. Green Oak Police, with the assistance of several other agencies, set up a perimeter and eventually took all five into custody. They are all facing charges of resisting/obstructing a police officer, while four are charged with first degree retail fraud. In addition, DeJesus faces two counts of carrying a concealed weapon while McMullen is charged with fleeing and eluding, and reckless driving. Haley also is charged with possession of a controlled substance and organized retail crime. (DK/JK)
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Donations At Kickoff Event Surpasses Fundraising Goal For GleanersDonations At Kickoff Event Surpasses Fundraising Goal For Gleaners
Several local organizations have come together to exceed a fundraising goal for Gleaners Community Food Bank. The yearly Fill the Gazebo event for Gleaners will be held Saturday, May 14th and several local groups came together Wednesday night to highlight what it means to give back. The Livingston County Association of Realtors, who had a goal to raise $15,000 for Gleaners, had previously reached out to Talmer Bank & Trust in Brighton, who agreed to be match sponsors at the kickoff event. Members from the Association of Realtors have hosted events over the past few months, bringing in $4,000 at the kickoff and $5,000 from the ReMax Platinum office alone. When the bank learned that incoming donations would surpass the original $5,000 goal, they decided to up their donation by adding an additional $2,500. Gleaners has been working to make ends meet since the Hartland Walmart closed, which accounted for about 250,000 lbs in food donations. The funds raised will be used to sustain the food bank through the summer, which Gleaners representatives say is a busy time with kids being out of school. (DK/JK)
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Firearms Dealer Proposes Major Gun Facility In Milford TownshipFirearms Dealer Proposes Major Gun Facility In Milford Township
The Milford Township Board of Trustees will hear a proposal later this month to build a multi-million dollar firearms sales and training facility. The $5.4 million dollar project is being put forward by Ed Swadish, the owner of Huron Valley Guns in Milford. He wants to build a 37,500-square-foot training and educational facility on 7.7 acres of land on Milford Road, just north of Pontiac Trail. Swadish laid out his plans last month in a letter to the Milford Township Board of Trustees. In his letter, Swadish said the facility would contain 25 lanes for the public to target practice, while six other lanes would be reserved for local police departments to train. He also said that the Milford Police Department would be allowed to use those lanes free of charge. Other portions of the building would be used to sell and rent firearms as well as sell various accessories. An outdoor archery range is also proposed, but would be limited to use during warmer months and confined to daylight hours. In all Swadish estimated the project could add 12-20 full-time and part-time jobs. While a consent agreement currently prohibits such a facility on that land parcel, the board previously voted 6-1 to consider amendments that would permit it to go through. Itâs expected to get a full discussion at the May 18th meeting. (JK)
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Eaton Rapids Man Sentenced To Prison for Brighton Break-In Eaton Rapids Man Sentenced To Prison for Brighton Break-In
An Eaton Rapids man charged in connection to a burglary in Brighton has been sentenced. 38-year-old Donald Benjamin Lundberg was sentenced Thursday and will serve a minimum of 76 months to a maximum of 25 years in the Michigan Department of Corrections. Last month, Lundberg pleaded guilty as charged to breaking and entering a building with intent for an incident that occurred at Ahmoâs Deli in Brighton late last year. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to not charge Lundberg with 11 crimes that are uncharged, which are related to a rash of burglaries that took place at several businesses in Ingham and Livingston County in December. Lundberg was arrested on a Parole absconder warrant from the Michigan Department of Corrections and was taken into custody by the Brighton City Police on New Yearâs Eve night. Evidence that linked Lundberg to the break-in at Ahmoâs was reportedly found in his vehicle. Court records indicate that Lundbergâs criminal history includes a charge of breaking and entering a building with intent in 2010. As part of his sentencing, Lundberg will also be required to pay $16,793 restitution. (DK)
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Open House Will Celebrate New Location For Equine Guided Learning GroupOpen House Will Celebrate New Location For Equine Guided Learning Group
An open house event in Howell will celebrate a new location and name for a local nonprofit organization. Camp Talahi, located on Richardson Road in Howell, has recently become the new home for the group, Horse Powered People. The organization was formerly known as From the Ground On Up and uses horses to work with people through a program called Equine Guided Learning. Brigette Patton, President and CEO of Horse Powered People, tells WHMI individuals who partake in these types of sessions with the horses learn how to face their challenges to reach their goals. Patton says Camp Talahi is a perfect location for her organization because they share the similar bond of unifying the community and empowering people. The community is welcome to join in a day full of activities at Camp Talahi on May 14th to see what Horse Powered People has to offer and visit their new home. The event will include a 5k run, demonstrations from the horses, an adventure dash, lunch and activities. More information about the open house can be found at the link below. (DK)
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Red Wings GM Among Keynote Speakers At Cleary University FundraiserRed Wings GM Among Keynote Speakers At Cleary University Fundraiser
An event in Howell later this month will raise funds for a local university with the help of leaders from Detroit. Ken Holland, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Detroit Red Wings, and Adam Genei, owner of Mobsteel and Detroit Steel Wheel Company, will give the keynote address at Cleary Universityâs âVehicle to a Better Futureâ event on May 19th. Jayson Boyers, President of Cleary University, says Holland and Genei were enthusiastic to be a part of the event, as both possess a strong commitment to excellence and growth. The event, held from 5 to 9 pm on Clearyâs Livingston campus, will raise funds for new teaching and learning tools that will foster innovation across campus. (DK)
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Brighton Council Adopts City Budget For 2016-17 YearBrighton Council Adopts City Budget For 2016-17 Year
At its meeting Thursday night, the Brighton City Council adopted a budget for the coming fiscal year that is slightly lower than the budget for the current year that ends June 30. The cityâs general fund budget for the coming year is about $8.1 million and the overall budget, including all city services, such as sewer and water, is just under $17 million. Mayor Jim Muzzin tells WHMI that a few minor changes were made in City Manager Nate Geinzerâs proposed budget, but it changes the bottom line very little. Council approved one large equipment item purchase, that being a âswap loader,â which Muzzin says can handle the jobs of a snow plow in the winter and perform other functions in the remaining three seasons, making it exceptionally versatile. Council member Jim Bohn initially said he was ânot comfortableâ with the budget, given the financial uncertainties of the times and Geinzerâs recommendation for staff increases and a major equipment purchase. Council reworked a couple of areas of the budget, however, and Bohn ended up voting with the majority. Despite approving an increase in the city hall staff, Muzzin says overall city staffing is still six positions below the level it was before the 2008 recession. Muzzin says the budget will be within the 15% fund balance minimum level that council set in previous years. The ending fund balance for the 16-17 year is projected at slightly over $1 million. It was pointed out that items that were deferred, such as a $30,000 seawall for the Mill Pond, can be revisited later in the year. The budget can be viewed online through the link below. (TT)
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After Years Of Borrowing, County's Delinquent Tax Fund Will Be Self-SustainingAfter Years Of Borrowing, County's Delinquent Tax Fund Will Be Self-Sustaining
The Livingston County Board of Commissioners is expected to approve the transfer of funds from a tax fund used to reimburse local townships for their delinquent property taxes on Monday night. Every year at this time the Livingston County Treasurer looks to purchase the delinquent taxes of the local townships. For the first time in several years the Livingston County will be able to cover the entire cost of purchasing delinquent taxes. Treasurer Jennifer Nash says the delinquent tax fund is used to help balance the budgets of local tax entities in the county. She says this year nearly $8.5 (m) million will be spent on school districts, the sheriff department and other groups. She says it is the first time since 2007 that the county has had enough in its tax revolving fund to cover the entire debt. For nearly a decade the county has had to borrow money to purchase the delinquent taxes from the townships. Nash tells WHMI the county purchases the delinquent taxes and becomes the collector. She says the fund is used at the county level to pay out the other taxing authorities like the fire and police authorities, the schools and the sheriff department to cover the prior year's taxes that were not collected. She says the county treasurer becomes the collector of those taxes that have not been paid. She says the delinquencies have dropped from almost a 10% delinquency rate in 2008 down to about 3.5% in 2015. Nash says it is a sign that the economy has rebounded. She says this year the percentage of property owners delinquent on their taxes is the lowest itâs been in several years. She says not only is the delinquency rate low, but this is the first time in nine years it is self-funding. (DS)
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Howell Elementary Announces Spelling Bee WinnerHowell Elementary Announces Spelling Bee Winner
The Howell Public Schools recently held its 5th grade spelling bee to see who would claim the district's top speller. A Hutchings Elementary student was named winner of this yearâs spelling bee after going more than 20 rounds. Haley Matta out spelled the competition on Wednesday, May 4th in the Howell High School Freshman Campus Auditorium. Each elementary in the district sent its top three 5th grade spellers to the competition. Elijah Madison from Voyager Elementary took second place, and Lucas Schumaker also from Hutchings came in third. Matta said she prepared for the event by practicing at home. (DS)
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Road Work Scheduled In Northfield Township Next WeekRoad Work Scheduled In Northfield Township Next Week
Northfield Township is providing notice of upcoming road work. The anticipated time frame for all three projects is next Monday through Friday. Whitmore Lake Road between Joy Road and 6 Mile is scheduled for pavement repairs prior to chip sealing. The road will be under flag control and delays are possible. The second project involves Pontiac Trail between Warren and Dixboro Roads. Crews will mill and replace the existing road surface but no road closure is expected. The final project is on Dixboro Road between Joy Road and North Territorial Road for pavement repairs prior to chip sealing. The road will be under flag control and delays are possible. Itâs advised that all dates are tentative and subject to change due to weather conditions. (JM)
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Governor Visits Construction Career Days Event In Livingston CountyGovernor Visits Construction Career Days Event In Livingston County
Students from Detroit joined Gov. Snyder in attending the 2016 Michigan Construction Career Days event in Howell. Snyder toured the 9th annual event Thursday, walking around the construction site set up at the Michigan Operating Engineers facility off of M-59, just east of Oak Grove Road. He told Lansing's TV-6, WLNS that the activities were a very real way students could learn about great career opportunities they might not otherwise be aware of. Lee Graham, the Training Director for Operating Engineers 324, said students from over 57 schools statewide were able to work alongside construction professionals. âStudents from across the whole stateâ¦from Niles, Marquette, Clare, Michigan, the east sideâ¦they get bussed in to experience this hands-on activity. The most exciting thing today is just seeing that thereâs more students than even last year.â Olympia Development of Michigan, which is a sponsor of the event, is leading development of The Detroit District, a project in downtown Detroit that includes the future home of the Red Wings. Picture courtesy of WLNS. (JK)
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Rezoned Parcels Along Old US-23 Could Attract DevelopersRezoned Parcels Along Old US-23 Could Attract Developers
The rezoning of a number of parcels in Tyrone Township could draw businesses to the area. An estimated 20 parcels along the Old US-23 corridor were originally zoned in a varying fashion, everything from farming residential to light manufacturing to community business. On Thursday, the Tyrone Township Board of Trustees completed a process to rezone all of the parcels to Planned Commercial Industrial to comply with their Master Plan and Future Land Use Map. Supervisor Mike Cunningham tells WHMI this will also accommodate the usage for businesses that are currently located there. The uniformed rezoning also makes the area easier to develop. The parcels are located west of Old US-23, north of Faussett Road and mostly south of Center Road. Cunningham says while there is currently not an expression of interest from developers to build there, he anticipates it to happen soon. With Fenton and Hartland Township blossoming in growth, Cunningham believes itâs just a matter of time before development makes its way to the area sitting in between. Cunningham says the area hasn't been rezoned since 2002 and the townshipâs zoning maps will be updated within the next month or so to accommodate the new classifications. (DK)
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Howell Nature Center To Hold Grand Opening Of New Tree House AttractionHowell Nature Center To Hold Grand Opening Of New Tree House Attraction
A big tree house is officially opening on the grounds of the Howell Nature Center this weekend. The tree house is in the Alexandria's Nature Scape playscape area of the nature center in Marion Township. Opening events take place Saturday. The project includes satellite platforms, an enclosed main deck, walkways and a bridge. The tree house was dedicated in the fall but it hadn't been finished and was closed while work continued. The Spirit of Alexandria Foundation, which marks its 10th anniversary this year, was established in 2006 to carry on the legacy of Alexandria Bennett, who was not even nine years old when a sudden illness took her from her family and friends. Her parents Leah and Craig Bennett, channeled their grief into a foundation that has connected hundreds of thousands of children to nature in the years since. Their passion projects have expanded from a memorial garden at the Charyl Stockwell Academy in Hartland to âcampershipsâ that allow hundreds of kids to experience camp for free at Howell Nature Center and now the massive Tree House at Alexandriaâs Nature Scape. (JK)
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Livingston County Clerk May Begin Taking Credit CardsLivingston County Clerk May Begin Taking Credit Cards
The use of credit and debit cards to pay for documents and services may soon be available in one Livingston County office. On Monday night the Livingston County Board of Commissioners is expected to approve the acceptance of payments by credit or debit card in the County Clerkâs office. Treasurer Jennifer Nash says she received the request from the clerk in late April to make the change from cash or check only payments. Once itâs approved by the full board, the clerkâs office will be able to accept credit card payments for requests such as bonds, vital records, assumed name registrations, passports, and CPL fees, among others. Nash says depending upon the type of transaction a 3% fee could be passed on to the customer or it will be paid by the county. She says one option could benefit the county. Nash says typically depending on the transaction the fee is about 3%, whether it is passed on to the customer or the county incurs the fee will depend on what it is. She says the county has the option to use an online product that Oakland County created for doing on-line payments. If they use that option a fee will be passed on to the customer, but the county does receive a share of revenue back, so it could become a revenue stream for the county as well. Nash says other offices have accepted credit cards for some time, but the clerkâs office opted not to accept credit cards for payment in 2011. Nash says it is up to the elected official whether they decide to take credit or debit cards. Recently elected County Clerk Elizabeth Hundley has asked to opt into the system of payment. (DS)
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Local Humane Society Offerring Free Cats & Dogs Saturday Local Humane Society Offerring Free Cats & Dogs Saturday
Local residents have an opportunity to adopt a dog or cat for free this weekend. The Humane Society of Livingston County received a grant from the Bissell Pet Foundation and all adoptions taking place this Saturday, May 7th will be free to the public. Only adoptions done on Saturday will be free -- animals will not be held and prior adoptions will not be part of the program. Executive Director Deb Drick encourages the community to take advantage of the program and says it will make room to rescue more pets from high kill shelters. HSLC is a no-kill shelter located at 2464 Dorr Road in Howell. Anyone with questions is asked to call (517) 552-8050. (JM)
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