Accessory height restrictions and mass zoning non-conformities were discussed Wednesday night in Putnam Township. The Planning Commission proposed new limits to accessory structures at their regular meeting. Lots that are between 3 and less-than 5 acres would have the height of secondary structures limited at 26 feet high. Properties with 5 acres or more would be allowed to have an accessory that is up to 35 feet high. Commission Chairman Jeff Lomber said that the board has been trying to tighten up previously looser interpretation in the ordinance that might allow for buildings that arenât attractive or might compromise the character of the rural township. He said the board will soon send out notification for a public hearing on the matter at a future meeting. Also, a study the townshipâs zoning map quadrants has found that over 44% of open agriculture and 4 residential districts are smaller than their zoning designation requires. An early hypothetical solution of reducing the acreage size of these districts by up to 50% led the board to find they could reduce non-conformity in half. Lomber told WHMI that this could be a good thing for property owners in the end, as it may allow them to do things they previously wouldnât be able to. Lomber said that the non-conformities are no fault of the property owners, but rather a result of changes to township ordinances over the years. The commission is still in the early stages of analysis however, and is not ready to make any decisions of how to raise conformity at this time. (MK)
Putnam Planning Commission Discusses Accessory Structure RulesPutnam Planning Commission Discusses Accessory Structure Rules
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Brighton Area Schools to Have Unlimited Schools of Choice ProgramBrighton Area Schools to Have Unlimited Schools of Choice Program
The Brighton Area Schools will have an unlimited Schools of Choice program for the fall term. At the Board of Education meeting Monday, the board approved Superintendent Greg Grayâs recommendation that it sanction an unlimited Schools of Choice program for all grades â junior kindergarten through 12th grade. Gray tells WHMI the district typically approved an unlimited program for the fall term and then makes adjustments as necessary for the second semester. Gray says when a student enrolls in a neighboring school district, and not its own, the one that gets the student receives 100% of the state per-pupil aid from that school district. Most public school districts in the state have a Schools of Choice program, and in these days of tight school budgets employ it as an important way to increase their revenue picture. (TT)
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Secretary of State to Offer Mobile Office This WeekSecretary of State to Offer Mobile Office This Week
One local community will see a mobile Secretary of State Office this week that will provide full access to services. The mobile branch of the Secretary of State will be available on Thursday, May 19th at the Lyon Township Library, 27005 South Milford Road in South Lyon. Secretary of State Ruth Johnson encourages people to stop by anytime between noon to 6 pm. The mobile office is considered a full service branch office so customers can change their address, renew their license or license plate tabs or perform other services. It also allows voters to make sure theyâre registered, find their voting location and obtain sample ballot. Johnson says it is also a good time for people to sign up on the Michigan Organ Donor Registry. For more information contact the Secretary of State through the link below. (DS)
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Brighton High School Seniors Start "Survivor" Challenge Brighton High School Seniors Start "Survivor" Challenge
A second group of local high school students will attempt to raise thousands of dollars for charity by spending a week inside their school. Six teams of boy/girl pairs from Brighton High School will hold their second annual Survivor-type challenge, following up on the success of a similar long-running effort at Howell High School. During last yearâs event, Brighton seniors sold t-shirts and participated in a number of other challenges both inside the high school and in downtown Brighton. Challenges included a volleyball tournament, pool competition and a scavenger hunt. All of the teams stayed at the school during the week, sleeping in classrooms and the media center. Altogether, more than $10,000 was raised for Ele's Place, a support center for grieving children. This yearâs Brighton Senior Survivor Week starts today and organizers hope to quadruple last yearâs total, with the recipient this year the Esophageal Cancer Education Foundation. The students say want to increase awareness of that type of cancer after a member of the BHS community was diagnosed with it. (JK)
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Family Of Young Fowlerville Girl Hopes For Community Support At Annual WalkFamily Of Young Fowlerville Girl Hopes For Community Support At Annual Walk
The Fowlerville mother of a young girl diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder is urging community support at a walk this weekend designed to raise both funds and awareness. The Angelman Syndrome Walk will be followed by a picnic this Saturday, May 21st at Linden County Park. Angelman Syndrome is a complex genetic disorder that primarily affects the nervous system, resulting in delayed development, intellectual disabilities, severe speech impairment, seizures and problems with movement and balance. It is rare in that one in every 15,000 children are diagnosed and Tyfanie Faron received the news when her daughter Avery was 2-years-old. She says they noticed Avery had a speech delay, which prompted them to get some genetic testing done and finally a diagnosis. Faron says the Angelman Foundation put them in touch with other families so they could form a support network, which is why she is urging community support for the walk, which will feature a cash raffle beforehand and then a picnic lunch afterward. All of the funds raised will go to the foundation, which seeks to advance awareness, understanding and treatment with the ultimate goal of finding a cure. You can find details about the walk through the link below. (JK)
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LACASA Celebrates 35th Anniversary With Community Open House LACASA Celebrates 35th Anniversary With Community Open House
A special celebration of a local organization will honor 35 years of service to victims and survivors of interpersonal violence. The LACASA Center in Howell was established on May 18th in 1981 and has since worked to support and advocate for victims of sexual assault, child abuse, and domestic violence. On Wednesday, LACASA will hold an open house from 4 to 7pm at their facility on Grand River Avenue to recognize the non-profitâs 35th anniversary. LACASA President & CEO Bobette Schrandt tells WHMI itâs a monumental achievement and theyâre excited to celebrate 35 years of serving Livingston County with the community. She says the event is taking place on LACASAâs true birthday, the day it was actually incorporated, and theyâll be opening their doors to the entire shelter facility. The facility houses a Crisis Shelter, Sexual Assault Response Center, counseling and legal offices, and more. Schrandt says guests can also take a trip down memory lane via a historical display of the agencyâs growth over the past 35 years that was put together. Live music will be provided by the Livingston Symphony Orchestra and refreshments will include beer, wine and appetizers. Renee Chodkowski aka âThe Great Foodiniâ will put on a show creating sweet treats during the event. More information about the anniversary celebration can be found in the link below. (DK/JM)
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New Windows Installed At Fowlerville Senior Center New Windows Installed At Fowlerville Senior Center
The finishing touches are close to completion for an improvement project to a local senior center. Last year, Fowlerville Community Schools and the Fowlerville Senior Center decided to work together to replace all of the 48-year-old windows at the senior center. Senior citizens and students raised funds for the project, which totaled out to approximately $13,000. Technology Director and Fowlerville Online Learning Academy Principal Grace Damerow says the âWish for Windowsâ project will benefit students and seniors. The Learning Academy uses the senior center as a computer lab, which is what got the school involved in the project in the first place. Damerow says the money was raised in record time, which she attributes to the generous community. She says she is humbled because Fowlerville is a wonderful area that stepped up to help out with the project. The window installation was completed last week and Damerow says the senior center is planning an open house event soon to show off the building improvements and to thank donors. Those who helped sponsor the project by contributing at least $100 will have a plaque in their name hung in the centerâs entry way. (DK)
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Howell Senior Gets Surprise Graduation partyHowell Senior Gets Surprise Graduation party
Some local first-graders recently held a surprise graduation party for a Howell High School senior. Shelby Douglas has worked with Danielle Schmidtâs class all year as part of Howell High Schoolâs Early Childhood Education program. Students in the program are introduced to various education careers such as being a preschool or elementary school teacher. As part of the program, high school students receive hands-on learning opportunities by completing placements in day care facilities and elementary schools. Schmidtâs class planned the party for Douglas as a way to thank her dedication and contributions to the class throughout the year. Each student made a card for Douglas and wrote her an acrostic poem, which were read during the celebration. Schmidt says she was impressed with Shelbyâs knowledge base, diligence, work ethic and competency in working with the students and that the class wanted to plan something special to thank her for all that she has done this year. For her part, Douglas said the Early Childhood program taught her how to care unconditionally for all students, how to manage a classroom, go on field trips and manage a field trip. After graduation, Douglas plans to attend Michigan State University where she will major in elementary education. (JK)
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Howell Man Loses Bond After Authorities Say He Plotted To EscapeHowell Man Loses Bond After Authorities Say He Plotted To Escape
A pipe bomb and a frightened friend have resulted in loss of bond for a local man charged with possession of child pornography. After a plea deal in March, Jared Patrick Lockwood of Howell had his charges reduced from three counts of possession of child pornography to one and was granted bond on an electronic tether. However recent events deemed it necessary for the judge in the case to revoke Lockwood's bond. Court documents indicate that a concerned acquaintance of Lockwoodâs was left shaken by a recent encounter, telling authorities that on May 9th the defendant arrived intoxicated at his home where Lockwood initiated a verbal altercation. Throughout this argument Lockwood reportedly revealed his plans to purchase over $600 of camping equipment online and had in his possession what he claimed to be a pipe bomb. When asked about the pipe bomb Lockwood gave no clear indication of its planned use, but claimed he was going to escape up the Shiawassee River and was even hinting at plans to fake his own death. The conditions of Lockwoodâs bond clearly prohibited use of the internet and travel to locations not approved by the Judge. In the request to revoke his bond it is stated that Lockwood broke at least seven of the conditions with which he was ordered to comply. The motion to revoke his bond was filed on May 11th and approved the following day. Lockwood now faces a minimum of three years in prison; which will be decided at his sentencing on July 21st. (RS/JK)
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Fenton Man Improving After Crash On US-23; Police Believe Racing InvolvedFenton Man Improving After Crash On US-23; Police Believe Racing Involved
A Fenton man hospitalized after rolling his vehicle in a weekend crash while allegedly racing a friend on US-23 is said to be improving. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department responded to the accident Saturday afternoon in which police say alcohol and speed appeared to be factors. It says 32-year-old Michael Main was traveling at a high rate of speed, cutting off other drivers and weaving in and out of both lanes on northbound US-23, north of White Lake Road. Police say Main struck a vehicle driven by a 50-year-old Burton woman before he lost control, rolled his vehicle several times and ended up in a ditch. He was initially said to be critically injured and transported to Genesys Regional Medical Center in Grand Blanc, where he was listed in good condition today. The Burton woman was not injured. Police said it appeared Main had been racing with another vehicle along the freeway before he crashed, possibly a friend. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Departmentâs Traffic Safety Bureau continues to investigate and requests anyone with information on the other vehicle involved or identity of the driver to contact authorities. (JM)
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Man Killed In Brighton Township House Fire Man Killed In Brighton Township House Fire
A house fire this morning has claimed the life of a Livingston County man. The Brighton Area Fire Authority was called out to a fire at a home in the 10500 block of Buno Road in Brighton Township. Fire Chief Mike OâBrian says a friend of the home's owner, who was staying in an RV in the driveway, called in the fire at 2:36am. When the deputy chief arrived several minutes later, the structure was fully involved in flames, which were already through the roof. O'Brian says because of that, no rescue attempt was made as the conditions were too dangerous. A 67-year-old man was killed in the fire, which is now being investigated by the Livingston County Sheriffâs department. As for a cause, he says preliminarily it appears that the homeâs fireplace was being used during the recent cold snap and a fire may have resulted in a floor space. OâBrian says they donât believe the home had active smoke detectors and reminds residents to make sure they take that simple precaution to avoid a similar tragedy. Picture courtesy of BAFA. (JK)
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Therapeutic Riding Program Celebrating 40th AnniversaryTherapeutic Riding Program Celebrating 40th Anniversary
A local 4H program for children with disabilities will celebrate its 40th anniversary this weekend. The Livingston County 4H Grand Equestrians Therapeutic Riding Program connects disabled children with horses, using various riding exercises to bring the kids out of their shell. Treasurer Dorotha Bugard has been with the organization for 35 years and says she loves working with the kids and seeing their appreciation for the program. Children in the program are able to perform in shows and drill teams with the horses at the Fowlerville Fairgrounds and receive ribbons like any other competitive group. Bugard says with certified instructors and many years of success, the program has become âquite a system.â The Grand Equestrians are inviting former students, volunteers, donors, and anyone else involved with the program to celebrate their anniversary this Sunday, May 22nd from 1 to 4pm at the fairgrounds. Bugard says the organization will celebrate with a âbirthday partyâ of sorts that will include activities, a silent auction, and drawings. More information about the event can be found below. Picture courtesy of Wendy Parks. (DK)
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Arborist Will Determine Fate Of Fowlerville Trees Arborist Will Determine Fate Of Fowlerville Trees
A tree expert will be called in to look at trees in one local village after requests by two residents to have trees cut down. The fates of two trees in Fowlerville were in question at Monday nightâs Fowlerville Village Council meeting. The council considered requests from two homeowners to have trees taken down in the greenbelt, or public areas in front of their homes for differing reasons. One tree is causing plumbing problems and the other is infested with insects. Both homeowners say the trees are in danger of falling and damaging their property. The village has an ordinance that keeps homeowners from trimming or felling trees without council approval but attorney Dave Stoker recommended the council look at its nearly 30-year old rule. He says the ordinance not only requires homeowners to come to the council with requests, but they can be charged with a misdemeanor if a tree is trimmed or removed without permission. Stoker suggested instead that an arborist be called in to look at trees and make a recommendation. Village Manager Kathy Arledge says the trees are village property. She says the village council directed her to contact an arborist who will look at the trees to make a determination. She says the council authorized her to have the final decision with the arborist, rather than coming back to the council this time. Arledge says if a request were to come back before the ordinance is changed, the council will have the final word. She says homeowners are not to trim trees that are in the greenbelt because they are public trees and belong to the village. The two properties are located on North Ann Street and South Hibbard Street in the village and will cost an estimated $1,500 each to take down. Arledge says an arborist will take a look at the trees and decide whether they should come down. Department of Public Works staff typically look at the trees and make recommendations back to the council. The council will be taking a look at the tree removal ordinance in the near future. (DS)
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Construction Of Grand Oaks Drive To Start Soon In Genoa Township Construction Of Grand Oaks Drive To Start Soon In Genoa Township
Construction on Grand Oaks Drive will be starting this month. The $1.14 (m) million project is a joint effort between the Livingston County Road Commission, property owners and Genoa Township. Supervisor Gary McCririe tells WHMI itâs all in an attempt to get the deplorable conditions on Grand Oaks corrected â noting itâs been bad for a long time and thereâs lots of patch on the road. The total project cost is $1.14 (m) million and the road will be re-done from Grand River to almost the road commissionâs driveway. The township was approached by property owners along Grand Oaks Drive to study a special assessment district, which was done a number of months ago. McCririe says the action taken during Monday nightâs board meeting was simply to finalize the agreement between the township and the road commission to move ahead with the project. The work will be starting this month and McCririe says it will be inconvenient for a while but thinks everyone will be very pleased when itâs done. It will not require a closure but he says any time a road in this kind of condition is re-done, itâs a difficult project. (JM)
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State Sets Meetings With Local Auto Repair Shops Over License DisputeState Sets Meetings With Local Auto Repair Shops Over License Dispute
Two local auto repair businesses are scheduled to meet with the state next week about cease and desist orders, although one of the owners is disputing the state's claims. M & M & Sons LLC, otherwise known as Mr. Muffler, and L & M Mobile Farm Services are both located on Grand River, west of Latson Road in Genoa Township. The two businesses were among those listed in a Friday press release about âOperation Torque Wrenchâ - a crackdown by Secretary of State Ruth Johnsonâs office on unlicensed auto repair shops. Mr. Muffler was cited for having an expired mechanicâs license and L & M for an expired facility license. The owners of both shops told WHMI last week that they now have the proper licenses and were personally informed by a department representative they could resume business. The state maintains the cease and desist orders remain active and the businesses will face penalties if they continue to operate. Michigan Department of State spokesman Fred Woodhams tells WHMI the âtwo businesses are scheduled to meet with department staff next week to discuss their status and what they need to do before they can resume business.â The owner of L & M Mobile Farm Services has voluntarily stopped making auto repairs until the dispute is settled. Mr. Mufflerâs owner, Bob Makins, however, is disputing the state's assertions. He says he was contacted earlier this month by a regulation agent with the state about an expired mechanic's license. He was told to stop brake and front-end work, which he says he did. He says he followed the agent's directions and within a week was told he was now up to date and was clear to resume full operations, which he has done. Makins tells WHMI that it was about a week after that that the state listed his business as still being under a cease and desist order. He also says he is unaware of any meeting next week with the Secretary of State's office and is just trying to run his business, which has been in operation since 1989. (JM/JK)
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Former Humane Society Shelter Administrator Responds To CriticismFormer Humane Society Shelter Administrator Responds To Criticism
A former shelter administrator is going public to correct what she says are inaccuracies about the Humane Society of Livingston County. Barb Benford says she and two staff members were abruptly fired along with three board members. Despite being terminated after 30 years, Benford told WHMI she wants to see the organization succeed because both the animals and the community need it. A new board is overseeing the non-profit and Deb Drick was recruited to serve as the new executive director. Officials maintain the changes were necessary for a fresh start and to function more efficiently while getting the shelter on sound fiscal footing. Board President Joe Miskovich told WHMI the animals are their number one priority and work is occurring to improve conditions and processes at the shelter. Benford decided to speak out after learning the new leaders were commenting to the media, saying the comments painted the past volunteer board and management in a negative light that sounds like nothing was accomplished during their tenure, although she insists they worked hard to make the shelter what it is today. Benford acknowledged the shelter lost money over the last decade and faced financial challenges just like any other business through tough economic years but there is no mortgage on the building and the organization has zero debt. She stressed the financial situation has improved, all of the shelterâs loans have been paid off and a lot of positives for the animals were accomplished in the last few years. She added that for new board members to suggest that the only business plan was âwaiting for someone to die' and leave them money was inaccurate and unfair. Benford says staff, volunteers and volunteer board members worked hard to make changes to events, hire a development director and turn the organization into a profitable entity. Benfordâs full letter is attached below. (JM/JK)
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Fowlerville Adopts Non-Discrimination PlanFowlerville Adopts Non-Discrimination Plan
A resolution adopted Monday night in Fowlerville is just the first step toward applying for federal money. There are no particular projects on the horizon, nor is a grant available, but the Fowlerville Village Council is prepared just in case. The council adopted a Title VI policy that provides for non-discrimination so it is eligible to apply for Michigan Department of Transportation grants. Attorney Dave Stoker says the village already has non-discrimination policies in place. He says the new rules are not much different than what is in the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Village manager Kathy Arledge says it is required for application. She says the issue came up because it is required for the village to apply for a Michigan Department of Transportation grant. It is a requirement from the state that the village have this Title VI plan in place. She says it is the first step in the process toward application. Although nothing is available right now, she says just in case something comes up they will be ready to go to obtain a grant. Arledge says there are few differences from what they already have in place, but if the village wants to apply for any federal money they have to have it. The non-discrimination plan calls for translators in case someone is hired who doesnât speak English, and requires an annual reporting process. Arledge says Treasurer Michelle Lamb will be the Title VI coordinator and oversee the annual report. She says as of this time there are no grants available, and no road projects planned. (DS)
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Lansing Man Admits To Meth Lab ChargesLansing Man Admits To Meth Lab Charges
A Lansing man has pleaded on local charges connected to the alleged operation of a meth lab. Early this year, 46-year-old John Crosley and his girlfriend, 27-year-old Jessica Voorhees, were charged with multiple counts including possession of methamphetamine and operating and maintaining a lab involving meth. Separately, Crosley is charged with no insurance under the insurance code. The charges followed their arrest in January, when the couple was pulled over on Latson Road in Howell and Voorhees reportedly gave the deputy a false name at first when he questioned her. Materials used in a meth lab were found in the coupleâs car. On Friday, Crosley pleaded guilty as charged and as a 2nd time habitual offender. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to a mid-guide line cap, which means Crosleyâs sentence should not exceed the mid-way point of recommended sentencing guidelines. He is scheduled to be sentenced June 9th. Voorhees was sentenced last month to a minimum of 51 months to a maximum of 20 years in the Michigan Department of Corrections with a credit of 93 days served. (DK)
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UM Regents Expected To Approve Starting Construction On New Brighton FacilityUM Regents Expected To Approve Starting Construction On New Brighton Facility
The University of Michigan is moving forward on a $175 million health center in Brighton. The Board of Regents will consider the design for the Brighton Health Center South project at their meeting Thursday. The University of Michigan Health System proposed the construction of an approximately 297,000-square-foot building on university-owned land near the existing Brighton Health Center at Challis Road and Karl Greimel Drive. The facility is expected to include adult and pediatric specialty care, a comprehensive musculoskeletal center, sleep lab, ambulatory diagnostic and treatment center, radiation oncology, operating rooms, medical procedure unit, pharmacy, radiology, and lab services. Thursdays action will allow the health system to issue bids and award contracts for excavation and grading, construction of parking lots and roadways, and on-site utility work. That work is expected to cost $6.8 million and is included in the $175 million project budget. Itâs anticipated that the project will provide an average of 25 on-site construction jobs. Construction is scheduled to be completed by the summer of 2018. (JK)
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Brighton Twp. Moves Forward With Proposed Sewer Policy Over Resident ObjectionsBrighton Twp. Moves Forward With Proposed Sewer Policy Over Resident Objections
Elected officials in Brighton Township will bring a drafted change in sewer policies before their residents. On Monday, the Board of Trustees discussed a scenario in which Brighton Township would purchase excess REU capacity from their sanitary sewer system. The $4.8 (M) million dollar expenditure would come from the townshipâs general fund and would put a cap on the debt service charge for the systemâs original users. Manager Brian Vick tells WHMI this situation could be a healthy compromise for the township and residents dissatisfied with their sewer taxes. One resident voiced appreciation at the boardâs efforts, but the majority of those that spoke at the meeting are still unhappy. Resident Mike Palmer called the proposed scenario âgarbageâ and along with many others, demanded a refund for what they say was overcharging on sewer taxes. Vick spoke succinctly to the request for a refund and says the âproposed policy does not call for reimbursements.â A public hearing on the issue will be held at the boardâs next meeting, June 20th. Vick believes the board will vote in favor of the new draft policies related to the proposed scenario. If so, that would require a budget amendment to purchase the sewer capacity and the policies would be adopted next month. (DK)
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