With election season coming up, Green Oak Township is asking residents for help in more ways than one. Clerk Michael Sedlak said that the state is telling townships to brace for a heavier than normal turnout when it comes time to fill out the August, and especially November ballots. Sedlak told WHMI that they have sent out letters targeting residents over 60 and are encouraging everyone who is eligible for absentee voting to do so. Green Oak typically sees around 80% turnout according to the clerk, and as of now they are understaffed for these elections. Sedlak said that one of the biggest misconceptions with absentee voting is that those ballots arenât counted unless the election is close. He stressed that this not true and that every vote is counted on election day, whether it was made in person or sent through the mail. As for being understaffed, Sedlak said they normally have 5 to 7 workers at each precinct, but the state is suggesting a minimum of 10 workers with additional greeters for November. Sixteen-year olds and up are eligible for greeting, while anyone 18 or older can be a worker. You do not need to be a resident of Green Oak Township to apply, and paid training will begin later this month. (MK)
Green Oak Township Looking For Election HelpGreen Oak Township Looking For Election Help
↧
↧
Best Selling Author To Visit South LyonBest Selling Author To Visit South Lyon
The Library of Michiganâs Notable Authorâs Tour is stopping in South Lyon this Sunday with a New York Times Best Selling writer. David Maraniss has won several literary awards including two Pulitzer Prizes for his coverage of then-presidential candidate Bill Clinton, and his part on the Washington Post team that covered the 2008 Virginia Tech shooting. Maraniss will be appearing at the Lyon Theater on June 5th in support of his book âOnce In a Great City: A Detroit Story.â The book focuses on the prosperous age of Detroit between 1962 and 1964; when the auto industry, the Motown music scene, and efforts in the civil rights movement made it one of the most influential cities in the country. It then delves into the deep seeded issues that would negatively affect the city as the â60âs closed and would hinder it for decades to come. A Detroit-native, Maraniss told WHMI that he will spend part of the afternoon on telling the stories of some of the cityâs biggest players. Additionally Maraniss will be signing copies of his book, and will hold a question-and-answer session with the audience. The event is being held in support of the Salem-South Lyon District Library. It begins at 2pm on the 5th, with doors opening at 1pm. For more information, or to RSVP, visit the libraryâs website through the link below. The Lyon Theater is located at 126 East Lake Street in South Lyon. You can hear an interview with Maraniss by Clicking Here. (MK/JK)
↧
Brighton Township Says Sewage Increase Caused By Groundwater Brighton Township Says Sewage Increase Caused By Groundwater
Brighton Township officials are working to solve an issue within their sanitary sewer system that has caused a hefty increase in sewage in recent months. Since January, sewage being dumped into the townshipâs wastewater treatment plant increased on average by 3 to 4 million gallons per month. Users on the sewer system say this is causing âsky-highâ prices and are demanding an answer as to why the sudden increase. Resident Mike Palmer, who is a Democratic candidate for Trustee, says the increase wasnât disclosed until March and it has resulted in $750,000 in additional costs. Palmer has a few speculative guesses as to who is behind the source of the massive influx and has accused Township Manager Brian Vick of "cutting a deal" with groups to allow illegal hookups to the system. In January, some system users filed a petition seeking a refund from the township for what they claim is overcharging in sewer taxes. Resident Bob Potocki, who is running as a Democrat for Township Clerk, doesnât think itâs a coincidence that the sewage increase happened just five days after the petition was filed. But Vick and Livingston County Drain Commissioner Brian Jonckheere say the source infiltrating the system is not some deceptive or vengeful trick but groundwater. Jonckheere says he spoke with Vick on Wednesday who says the systemâs operator found a basin where grout has come loose, and some type of blowout in a portion of the system is letting a lot of water through. Though this is believed to be the significant source of the flow, Jonckheere says the operator is trying to quantify the amount of water coming in to rule out any other possible influxes. Jonckheere says this situation is not unique to Brighton Township and that every system has experienced this issue at one point or another. Potocki feels the increase is too high to be explained by groundwater. Vick says any insinuations of foul play are âoff baseâ and that the township is assessing the situation. (DK)
↧
Green Oak Reenters Disaster Relief ProgramGreen Oak Reenters Disaster Relief Program
Green Oak Township reentered a disaster relief agreement and also made steps towards purchasing property for a recreation goal. The Mutual Aid Box Alarm System, or MABAS, allows for surrounding communities to come or receive help in the case of a severe emergency. Township Clerk Michael Sedlak told WHMI that this program is in place for the worst of the worst tragedies, be they natural or man-made disasters. With new details and pay structure being amended, the agreement needed to be re-ratified, and was by a unanimous vote. The belief of the board was this was something you hope you donât ever need, but if you do need it, you really need it. Sedlak said that Green Oak has benefitted from MABAS in the past, citing an industrial fire in 1998 that brought in the help of 17 surrounding departments. Also at their regular meeting Wednesday night, the board authorized purchase of a .895 acre parcel of land to be used for a future trail. Township Supervisor Mark St. Charles said the plan is to extend the Lakeland Trail from the Hamburg Township line to Green Oak, connecting it to Fieldcrest and then eventually to Island Lake Recreation Area. This parcel cost the township $50,000 and St. Charles said that they are working on details for purchasing the final piece needed. (MK)
↧
Local Author Celebrates 10 Years Of "Bucket-Filling"Local Author Celebrates 10 Years Of "Bucket-Filling"
A Brighton woman who stresses the message of kindness through her books is celebrating ten years of filling buckets. Authors Carol McCloud and Caryn Butzke will be at the Brighton and Howell Farmerâs Market this weekend to share their vision of paying it forward. McCloud wrote, Have You Filled a Bucket Today? A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids ten years ago, which teaches children about the idea of an invisible bucket that every person carries. McCloud says by treating others as you want to be treated, you fill other peopleâs buckets, which in turn fills your own. In the last decade, the book and its message have exploded. It has been published in eight languages, is used in schools world-wide and has sold over 1.5 million copies. McCloud says her first exposure with her book was at the Brighton Farmerâs Market and this weekend is all about promoting the act of bucket-filling. In honor of the bookâs 10th anniversary, McCloud and Butzke will be at the Brighton Farmerâs Market Saturday and the Howell Farmerâs Market on Sunday with prizes and giveaways. McCloud says the celebration this weekend will include a $1,000 grand prize to be donated to a school or nonprofit of the winnerâs choice. McCloud got her start at the Brighton Farmer's market in 2006, after learning a tumor had been found on her husbandâs kidney and he could no longer work. McCloud sold her books to support them and says the farmerâs market will always have a special place in heart. McCloud lost her husband later that year, but continues her work to spread joy and positivity. Her message is simple - be nice to people. (DK)
↧
↧
Trial Delayed For South Lyon Woman Charged In Mother's DeathTrial Delayed For South Lyon Woman Charged In Mother's Death
Trial has been delayed for a South Lyon woman charged in an alcohol-related crash that claimed the life of her mother. 51-year-old Janet McGahey had been set to go to trial May 23rd in Oakland County Circuit Court in connection with the fatal crash last September. But records show that has been adjourned until August 15th. In addition, a motion by prosecutors to prevent McGaheyâs defense from presenting an expert witness was denied. Authorities say McGahey was traveling on 11 Mile Road with her mother, 89-year-old Betty Whitfield of Lyon Township, in the passenger seat. They say after stopping at the intersection of Milford Road, she became distracted while talking on her cell phone and pulled out in front of a delivery truck, which struck the passenger side of her vehicle. McGaheyâs mother was pronounced dead at the scene. The truckâs driver was not injured. McGahey was hospitalized at the time for her injuries, but later released on bond, and has been ordered to attend AA meetings three times a week while awaiting trial. She was also cautioned that any bond violations would result in an immediate bench warrant being issued for her arrest. (JK)
↧
US-23 Lane Closure Set For 8 Mile Road Bridge RepairUS-23 Lane Closure Set For 8 Mile Road Bridge Repair
An overnight lane closure is set for US-23 Friday night for bridge work at 8 Mile Road. The Michigan Department of Transportation says that a single lane of northbound US-23 at 8 Mile Road will be closed Friday starting at 9pm and stay closed until 9am Saturday. The closure is part of the ongoing work on the 8 Mile Road bridge over US-23, which was damaged beyond repair in March when it was hit by a semi-truck hauling an extension platform that exceeded the height limit. The remaining part of the bridge was demolished and construction to replace the bridge began last month. (JK)
↧
2017 SAT Dates Conflict With Local District's Spring Break 2017 SAT Dates Conflict With Local District's Spring Break
School districts in Livingston County are going to have to change the dates for their spring break next year. The reason is that the Michigan Department of Education has announced the dates for the SAT tests that are used as a guide by universities to determine whom they will admit to their institution of higher learning â based on the studentâs SAT score. Brighton Superintendent Greg Gray tells WHMI that the reason the district canât miss the testing window is that there is no flexibility with the SAT test, and itâs the primary test that colleges and universities use for admission into their school. The Livingston Educational Service Agency determines the school calendar for all five K-12 school districts in Livingston County, and the common calendar for the 2016-17 academic year for spring break lists it as March 10th through the 14th. Since the common calendar is in conflict with the dates set by the state for the SAT test, all K-through-12 districts in the county will have to change their spring break dates. Gray says school districts logically want to set the dates for spring break as soon as possible, because many families plan their vacation plans well over a year in advance. (TT)
↧
Driving Instructor Charged With Assaulting Student Bound Over Driving Instructor Charged With Assaulting Student Bound Over
A driving instructor facing charges in Livingston County alleging he raped one of his students is headed to trial. 62-year-old Ningan Hu of Windsor, Ontario is charged with one count each of 3rd and 4th degree criminal sexual conduct force or coercion and one count each of the same of an incapacitated victim. The charges stem from an incident in which Hu, a driving instructor, allegedly raped one of his students after getting her drunk at his home in Hartland Township. On Tuesday, 53rd District Court Judge Carol Sue Reader determined there was enough evidence to send the case to trial and Hu was bound over to Circuit Court. He is currently being held in the Livingston County Jail on a $400,000 bond cash/surety. On May 21st, Hu and the victim, a college student in Windsor, reportedly drove across the border into the United States so she could gain driving experience. A friend of the victimâs says Hu took his student to his home where he plied her with alcohol until she was drunk and then sexually assaulted her. Hu is not allowed to leave the state while the case is pending. Future court dates have not been set at this time. (DK)
↧
↧
Pinckney Woman Charged In Three-Car Hit And RunPinckney Woman Charged In Three-Car Hit And Run
A Pinckney woman authorities say fled from the scene of a hit and run accident is facing charges in connection with the incident. The 23-year-old woman is charged with felony operating while impaired, driving while license revoked and a hit and run motor vehicle accident. The charges stem from the May 27th incident that occurred at the intersection of M-36 and Bullis Road in Gregory. Around 10:15 pm, Unadilla Township Police were dispatched to that area regarding a three car hit and run accident. The investigation revealed that the driver of a west bound Pontiac Bonneville crossed the center line and struck an east bound Dodge Ram pickup pulling a trailer with a farm tractor on it, which sheared off one of the Bonnevilleâs front wheels. The Bonneville was driven several hundred feet down the roadway before it stopped. Police say the driver of the Bonneville had fled from the scene on foot. The driver of the pickup, a 24 year old Pinckney man, lost control and ended up striking a west bound Dodge Durango driven by a 43 year old Munith woman. They only sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene by Unadilla Township Fire Department and Stockbridge Area Emergency Services Authority personnel. The Pinckney Police Department and a Canine Unit from the Sheriffâs Department responded to assist. The Pinckney woman was located by the Canine unit and taken into custody. (DK)
↧
Emaus Chosen For Vacant Brighton Council SeatEmaus Chosen For Vacant Brighton Council Seat
The Brighton City Council has chosen attorney Jon Emaus as its newest member. But the interview process did not come without some fireworks. Emaus was selected by unanimous vote among four candidates to fill a position left vacant by the resignation of Shanda Willis. Emaus will fill out the remainder of Willisâ term, which expires in November of next year. The four applicants for the position were Emaus, William Bryan, project engineer for Metro Engineering Solutions and a member of the Brighton City Planning Commission; Michael Schutz, director of business development at Metro Consulting Associates; and Susan Walters-Steinacker, a legal assistant for the Essex Park Law Firm. Emaus, who has lived in Brighton for two-and-a-half years, is an attorney and managing partner in the The Law Firm in Brighton. He is also a court-appointed attorney in the Livingston County Family Court. Emaus is also treasurer of the Livingston County Veterans Treatment Court and a 5th and 6th grade basketball coach in the SELCRA program. Emaus was also a candidate to fill a vacancy that was created last December with the death of Ricci Bandkau; however, council chose Renee Pettengill in Feb. to fill that seat. A bit of drama was added to the proceedings when Walters-Steinacker, a perennial council candidate and frequent council critic, was interviewed and was asked some pointed questions by Mayor Jim Muzzin. At one point, Muzzin asked Walters-Steinacker why she wanted to be on council â or even be a city resident â when she has so many negative things to say about Brighton. As a result of Muzzinâs statements, Walters-Steinacker demanded an apology, which he freely provided, several times during the discourse. Walters-Steinacker was the last person to be interviewed, after which Mayor Pro Tem Shawn Pipoly made a motion that Emaus be appointed to the vacancy, with the rest of council concurring. (TT)
↧
Howell Public Schools "Pauses" Transgender Bathroom PolicyHowell Public Schools "Pauses" Transgender Bathroom Policy
The Howell school district says it has âpausedâ its earlier compliance with a federal directive concerning bathroom use by transgender individuals. The issue came to the forefront last month when Matt Stewart said his son told him that a female classmate at Southwest Elementary School was allowed to use the boyâs bathroom. The district said it could not confirm that the girl was in fact transgendered, but did say it was following the guidelines that had been issued in a joint letter on transgender students from the Department of Justice and Department of Education that such access be granted. Stewart said he felt his son was being âhumiliatedâ by the policy and was keeping all three of his children at home. He has since decided to send his children back to school after the district indicated it did not currently have any students using a restroom other than that for their biological sex, or requesting to do so. District spokesman Tom Gould told WHMI that in light of that fact, they âare pausing on the federal guidance.â He added that the âboard of education and district staff continue to evaluate the needs of the community in light of developing laws and guidelinesâ and that the âdistrict is committed to a thoughtful approach to shape policies, practices, and guidelines consistent with relevant legal requirements.â He says they are currently developing a method for the public to offer its input, either through a public forum or online survey. He also said that the topic will likely be discussed formally by the board at either the June 13th or June 27th meetings. Meanwhile, Stewart has confirmed that he and his wife previously homeschooled their children after relocating between three districts over the past three years. He says they decided to âpartnerâ with the district on their children's education following the purchase of their current home in Howell. He says the decision to pull his kids out of HPS was done as a parent and that protecting the privacy and dignity of their children should be a priority for all parents âregardless of their faith.â (JK)
↧
St. Joseph Mercy Brighton Cancer Center To Celebrate Ten Year AnniversarySt. Joseph Mercy Brighton Cancer Center To Celebrate Ten Year Anniversary
This weekend a Brighton area cancer center is hosting an event to celebrate an anniversary and those who have survived the disease. Sunday, June 5th is National Cancer Survivors Day and The Warren R. and Lauraine A Hoensheid Cancer Center at St. Joseph Mercy Brighton plans to celebrate. Survivors and all those who have been touched by cancer are invited to help commemorate the day and the cancer centerâs 10th anniversary. From 2 to 3 pm, survivors will be able to participate in a ceremonial flower planting and tours of the facility at 7575 Grand River in Brighton. There will also be opportunities to visit with care providers and leave messages of hope. For more information or to register contact St. Joseph Mercy Development Director Lindsay Debolski by calling 517-545-5151 or by email at Lindsay.Debolski@stjoeshealth.org. More information is available by clicking the link below. (DS)
↧
↧
State Supreme Court May Decide Local Drug-Testing Case State Supreme Court May Decide Local Drug-Testing Case
The Michigan Supreme Court wants to hear more about a Livingston County woman who declined to undergo a random drug test as part of her son's case in juvenile court. Kelly Dorsey was found in contempt of court in 2012. She argues that a judge had jurisdiction over her son, who was a minor, but not her. Her son first came to the attention of the family court in April of 2008, when he was charged with three counts of breaking and entering a vehicle. He continued to run afoul of the law over the next two years, being charged with various weapon and drug counts. Kelly Dorsey had admitted to authorities about past drug use, but insisted she had moved past that. She initially submitted to testing when ordered by the court, but subsequently refused after her son came to live with her. The Michigan appeals court agreed that drug testing the mother was unconstitutional. But it still affirmed the contempt finding. The court says orders must be followed - even if incorrect. Now the state Supreme Court might take the case. It wants lawyers to deal with many issues, including whether Judge David Reader had authority to order Dorsey to take tests. (JK)
↧
Oceola Township Approves Millage Rates And Budgets For Upcoming YearOceola Township Approves Millage Rates And Budgets For Upcoming Year
Millage rates and budgets in Oceola Township have gotten the green light from officials. The Board of Trustees approved the townshipâs property tax and road millage rates at their regular meeting Thursday night. Township operations are supported by the property tax, while the road millage is strictly used for roads. Township Supervisor Bill Bamber tells WHMI the property tax is standard throughout the county, but Oceolaâs road millage is set to expire this fall. The road millage was voted into action by residents four years ago and will be on the August ballot for a five year renewal. The Board of Trustees also approved three of the townshipâs budgets, which appear to be in fair standing. The Special Revenue budget includes the road maintenance, road millage, building improvement, future road improvement and public safety fund. That budget, along with the General Fund and Debt Services budget, were all approved for the 2016-2017 fiscal year. Township officials say the General Fund will hold an estimated $2.8 (m) million dollars at the fiscal yearâs end, while the Debt Service budget is expected to be in the neighborhood of $1.3 (m) million dollars. (DK)
↧
Potentially Deadly Chemical Found At Former Gas Plant Site In HartlandPotentially Deadly Chemical Found At Former Gas Plant Site In Hartland
A potentially deadly chemical has been found at the former site of a gas processing plant in Hartland Township. Detectable levels of the chemical sulfolane have been found in the earth and groundwater at the former location of the Merit Energy gas plant at Lone Tree and Pleasant Valley Road, south of M-59. The company decided to end their natural gas operations last fall and the chemical was discovered while the station was being dismantled. In a letter to residents dated May 26th, Director for the Department of Public Works Robert West states that sulfolane was found around the plant, in the groundwater beneath the excavation site and at one of the seven monitoring wells surrounding the site. The chemical can cause eye irritation or damage, infertility, convulsions and hypothermia in small measurements of parts per billion. With high PPB, sulfolane can be deadly. The townshipâs letter claims that they only recently learned of the issue and is working with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality to determine their next steps and the extent of testing. West also says the chemical appears to be localized to the site and there is no evidence that residential groundwater has been affected at this time. The township is planning to schedule a public meeting sometime in July to discuss the pending results and answer residentsâ questions. Township Manager James Wickman says he is unsure how much it will cost to clean up the site, but he assumes Merit Energy would be the ones to fund it. You can view the letter mailed to residents below. (DK)
↧
Howell Man Critically Injured After Police Say He Ran Red LightHowell Man Critically Injured After Police Say He Ran Red Light
A Howell man was critically after authorities say he ran a red light Thursday evening and was hit by another vehicle. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department says that 50-year-old Barry Taylor was driving a 2014 Ford Focus westbound on M-59 just before 7pm Thursday when he entered the intersection at Grand River despite a red light. His car was then hit by an eastbound 2011 Jeep Wrangler. Taylor was taken by Livingston County EMS to Sparrow Hospital in Lansing where he was last listed in critical condition. The driver of the Jeep, identified as a 24-year-old West Bloomfield resident, was not injured. Both drivers were wearing seatbelts and alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the crash. Itâs expected that Taylor will be cited as the at-fault driver. The Howell Area Fire Authority also assisted at the scene. Photo courtesy of Mike Tipton. (JK)
↧
↧
Council Approves BAS Scheduling Of Community Center ActivitiesCouncil Approves BAS Scheduling Of Community Center Activities
At its meeting Thursday night, the Brighton City Council voted to authorize City Manager Nate Geinzer to negotiate the final terms of a of an agreement with the Brighton Area Schools to be in charge of scheduling for the Brighton Community Center. The building and property, which are owned by the city, are used for community events by various local groups, as well as for general city events. The city is severing its ties with SELCRA â the Southeastern Livingston County Recreation Authority â beginning July 1st, and wants the school district to assume SELCRAâs scheduling duties at the Community Center. Geinzer tells WHMI itâs a win-win situation for the schools and the city, which will split the proceeds 50-50. Superintendent Greg Gray told the Board of Education at its meeting last week that since the district already has numerous buildings, with over one million square feet of total floor space, it could easily handle the job of scheduling Community events. The agreement will go back to the Brighton Board of Education for action at its next meeting, on June 13th. (TT)
↧
Redford Woman Arraigned In Gregory Hit & RunRedford Woman Arraigned In Gregory Hit & Run
A woman who allegedly fled the scene of a hit and run accident in Gregory has been arraigned. 23-year-old Ashley Elizabeth Wheeler of Redford was arrested after she fled from the scene of the May 27th crash. Unadilla Township Police were called to the scene of a three-car crash about 10:15 that evening at the intersection of M-36 and Bullis Road. Their investigation indicated that the driver of a westbound Pontiac Bonneville, later identified as Wheeler, crossed the center line and struck an eastbound Dodge Ram pickup pulling a trailer with a farm tractor. The collision sheared off a front wheel on the Bonneville, which continued for several hundred feet before stopping. Police say Wheeler then fled from the scene on foot. The driver of the pickup, a 24 year old Pinckney man, ended up striking a westbound Dodge Durango driven by a 43 year old Munith woman. They both sustained just minor injuries and were treated at the scene by Unadilla Township Fire Department and Stockbridge Area Emergency Services Authority personnel. The Pinckney Police Department and a Canine Unit from the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department responded, located Wheeler and took her into custody. Sheâs due back In court for a probable cause conference on Tuesday at 8:30am. (JK)
↧
Bucket-Fillers Celebrates 10th Anniversary Bucket-Fillers Celebrates 10th Anniversary
A Brighton area resident who encourages kindness and respect for others is celebrating a milestone this weekend.
Although she lives in Brighton Township, author and speaker Carol McCloud is celebrating the 10th anniversary of her book "Have You Filled a Bucket Today? A guide to Daily Happiness for Kids," with a homecoming of sorts. The book is one of five McCloud has penned that teaches children about kindness, respect and filling the imaginary buckets of other people. As a way of celebrating the years of success, McCloud and co-author Caryn Butze (BUTTS) of the Bucket-fillers organization gave away hundreds of signed copies of their books at the Brighton Farmerâs Market. McCloud says she learned the concept of Bucket-Filling years ago and today encourages everyone to use it. She says Bucket filling is a concept she learned during a teacher conference many years ago and it is that everyone has an invisible bucket and when they're nice to people they fill their bucket, and when people are mean, they take out of their buckets. She says when buckets are full, people are happy and having a good day. There are many things that fill a bucket, but she says oftentimes it's other people that help fill their buckets. McCloud says the idea is have you filled a bucket today; have you done anything nice for anyone? which is the surest guarantee that your own bucket will be filled. She says she thinks sometimes people forget how simple it is to be nice to others and treat others well. McCloud says she chose to celebrate at the farmerâs markets this weekend because it is where she got her start and June is Bucket-filling Month. She says teaching the Bucket-filler way of life is not only a good way to make the community more positive, but also raise money for charities. McCloud and Butze donate much of the proceeds from their books to charities like the Salvation Army and to help purchase classroom materials for area schools. The two will be at the Downtown Howell Farmerâs Market today until 2 pm. (DS)
↧
More Pages to Explore .....
