Pumpkinfest will stay in South Lyon. Organizers of the popular fall festival and the City of South Lyon were able to reconcile differences and have reached an agreement that will keep Pumpkinfest in the downtown area. The committee announced earlier this week that they were relocating the festival to Atchinson Memorial Park in New Hudson because of difficulties in dealing with South Lyon City Council, which led to public outcry on social media. A recent meeting was deemed productive and Mayor John Galeas Jr. made the announcement in a public letter to Committee President Kathy Swan. He said âitâs unfortunate that this current situation with Pumpkinfest has resulted in bad feelings on both sides of the aisle; however, letâs use this moment as an opportunity to rebuild our relationship with your organization and move forward rather than backwardâ. All communication with local businesses between the Pumpkinfest Committee and the City will be coordinated by the Cityâs economic development director. The letter states the Cityâs police and fire chiefs, economic development director and DPW director will continue to be actively involved with committee, which will no longer be required to gather signatures from businesses. The letter is attached. (JM)
Pumpkinfest Headed Back Downtown Pumpkinfest Headed Back Downtown
↧
↧
Gotta Catch 'Em All? Milford Police Lure Wanted Man With Help From Pokemon GoGotta Catch 'Em All? Milford Police Lure Wanted Man With Help From Pokemon Go
Pokémon and police paired up recently to catch a wanted Milford man. The 26-year-old man, facing a charge of breaking and entering, was wanted on a misdemeanor warrant for failing to appear in court. The man was playing the new Pokémon Go game Thursday morning, which incidentally, led him right into police custody. The game designates the Milford Police Station as a gym, where Pokémon players hold battles against each otherâs virtual creatures. The game uses maps to lead players to different locations and just so happened to lead the wanted man directly to the police station, in his search of the Pokémon gym. Milford Police Chief Tom Lindberg says itâs unclear whether the man realized where he was heading or if he was just so caught up in the game that he didnât realize it until it was too late. A couple of officers inside the station happened to look outside that morning and recognized their wanted man, standing by the flagpole. Chief Lindberg says the officers went to greet the gamer and arrested him. The individual was later arraigned and has since been released on personal bond. (DK)
↧
Handy Township Will Make Do With Current Internet CoverageHandy Township Will Make Do With Current Internet Coverage
A local township says the finances arenât available to make increasing internet speed and connectivity a top priority. Last month, a meeting in Fowlerville highlighted northern and western Livingston County as falling behind in terms of available bandwidth for residents. The Broadband Rural Initiative Panel is looking at what can be done to build better internet coverage and some municipalities are considering creating their own networks. State representatives say thereâs no money in Lansing to help with those endeavors. It was decided that the next steps will have to take place at the township level, with townships gauging residential interest and possibly undertaking feasibility studies. That, unfortunately, is a luxury Handy Township canât afford. Feasibility studies alone are roughly $15-20,000 and Handy Township Supervisor Ed Alverson says they have bigger fish to fry. Alverson says fortunately, much of Handy Township has decent internet coverage because it surrounds the Village of Fowlerville and they donât have quite the need that some nearby municipalities do. The Handy Township Board of Trustees discussed the issue at their meeting Thursday night because Alverson says he wanted to make them aware of the issue, even if itâs not something they plan to pursue at this time. (DK)
↧
Howell Woman Pleads Guilty In Fatal Car/Motorcycle CrashHowell Woman Pleads Guilty In Fatal Car/Motorcycle Crash
A Livingston County woman charged in connection with a crash that killed a motorcyclist on D-19 near Keddle Road last summer has entered a plea. 31-year-old Lisa Finlayson pleaded guilty as charged to operating a vehicle while impaired by liquor causing death and operating while intoxicated with an occupant less than 16 at a hearing in Livingston County Circuit Court Friday. Finlayson was charged for her role in the August 18th crash that claimed the life of 51-year-old Lawrence Pettis of Howell. Michigan State Police at the Brighton Post said Pettis was driving a 1989 Honda Goldwing northbound on D-19 when he was struck from behind by a 2007 GMC Sierra pickup driven by Finlayson, also traveling northbound on D-19. Police say the pick-up struck the motorcycle, which was pushed into another vehicle, a 2002 Toyota Echo. Pettis was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Toyota, Finlayson, and her 3-year-old son, who was a passenger, were not injured. In exchange for Finlaysonâs plea, prosecutors agreed to dismiss a moving violation causing death. She will be sentenced August 25th. (DK)
↧
Fowlerville Cop Commended For Sense Of Humor In Pulling Over Kid On Power Wheel Fowlerville Cop Commended For Sense Of Humor In Pulling Over Kid On Power Wheel
A local woman is commending a Fowlerville Police officer for her sense of humor in pulling over a little girl driving a power wheels monster truck. Amanda Callahan and her boyfriend were working on her sonâs grave digger monster truck while heâs in Texas, putting in a bigger battery to make it go faster. Callahan was babysitting the 5-year-old girl who lives across the street and had her test it out. Fowlerville Police Officer Rebecca Kuzdek pulled up as the little girl was cruising around the neighborhood noticed Callahan was recording so she decided to have some fun with the situation and pull her over. Callahan captured the interaction on video and told WHMI with all of the things happening in the world today; she felt the video might take a few off edge and personally feels the video demonstrates that there are a lot of awesome cops out there with a great sense of humor. (JM)
↧
↧
Woman Brightens Police Officer's Day With Random Hug Woman Brightens Police Officer's Day With Random Hug
The Brighton Police Department is thanking the community for the many expressions of support it has received in recent days. Among them, random hugs. Surveillance video posted on the City of Brightonâs website shows a woman walking into the police station simply to ask if she can hug an officer. The video is now making the rounds on social media, generating lots of comments and tears. Brighton Police Chief Tom Wightman says members of the Brighton Police Department are proud to serve such an outstanding community. Wightman tells WHMI âshe wanted us to know that she cared about us and that we needed to know we were important. She surely succeeded in warming our hearts. Her kindness is a reminder to all in our profession how much the people we serve truly love and appreciate us.â (JM)
↧
Jack LaBelle Passes Away FridayJack LaBelle Passes Away Friday
A man who left a lasting mark on Livingston County has passed away. John E. LaBelle passed away at the age of 83 Friday night. LaBelle, better known by his friends and acquaintances as âJackâ, was married for 63 years to his wife, Beverly. She survives, as do three grown children and eight grandchildren. LaBelle was the longest-serving county commissioner in Michigan history. He served on the Livingston County Board of Commissioners for 44 years, including 12 terms as the board chairman. During his tenure, LaBelle was involved in starting the county veteransâ department, planning department, and transportation system. He also established the county EMS and 911 Central Dispatch. The new John E. Labelle Livingston County Public Safety Complex was named in recognition of his achievements. In addition to his work at the county level, LaBelle was also a member of several regional and state boards including the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority, St. Vincent DePaul Society, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority Board. Funeral services are incomplete at this time. (JM/TT)
↧
Bicyclists Hit the Roads to Raise Funds For Breast CancerBicyclists Hit the Roads to Raise Funds For Breast Cancer
Bicyclists from all over Lower Michigan left a local high school yesterday morning to participate in a charity ride.
Some 90 riders from all skill levels and backgrounds joined the Susan G. Komen Race for a Cure that started out at Brighton High School. The event raises funds for local breast health programs as well as global breast cancer research. Riders could choose from any of four routes taking them 15, 30, 60 or 100 miles through the Livingston County countryside. Most riders had someone in mind when they took to the course. Sean Hickey of Ann Arbor has been riding for 5 years and rode 100 miles. He says he lost a friend to the disease and started riding in her honor. Since then he has heard of several others who've been affected by the disease as well and has raised over $10,000 to help the cause over the last 5 years. Executive Director for Koman Michigan, Jennifer Jurgens says Ride for a Cure was held in Brighton for the first time this year because the community is so welcoming. She says much of the money raised from the annual event stays local. She says she appreciates the fundraising model because 75% stays local. Jurgens says the other 25% funds global research programs, so she calls it a one-two punch. She says most riders raise the minimum of $200, which nets them a ride jersey, but many raise as much as $10,000. Jurgens, who is also a breast cancer survivor, says she began supporting Susan G. Koman organization not only for herself but because she lost her mother to the disease when she was just 12 years old. She says because of the research Susan G. Koman Michigan is able to do; she was diagnosed early and has been cancer free for seven years. She says she also appreciates the riders who came out because she is empowered by doing something for someone else, and she knows that's why many of them are there, too. Bicyclists in Saturdayâs ride included all ages and even a blind man riding on the back of a tandem. For more about Susan G. Komen Michigan and other upcoming events, click the link below.
↧
Two More Suspects In Baseball Bat Attack Headed To TrialTwo More Suspects In Baseball Bat Attack Headed To Trial
A local restaurant owner and his sister-in-law charged in a baseball bat attack that involved a former employee have been bound over for trial. Jeremy and Angela Hamilton were bound over to Livingston County Circuit Court, following a hearing last week. Jeremy is charged with malicious destruction of personal property of $1,000 or more but less than $20,000 and assault with a dangerous weapon. Angela is charged with tampering with evidence for allegedly hiding the aforementioned weapon. The charges stem from their alleged involvement in the April 22nd incident that occurred in the parking lot of Bubba Changâs, a Chinese-American buffet located in Genoa Township, owned by John and Jeremy Hamilton. Authorities say 51-year-old Guan Han Chen (aka Andy Chen) was fired from Bubba Changâs, but had returned to the business in an attempt to collect back wages and personal belongings. An argument escalated in the parking lot and a 21-year-old man, believed to be Chenâs son, suffered a skull fracture and tissue injuries on his back after being attacked with a baseball bat. He was hospitalized and treated for the non-life threatening injuries. Jeremy Hamilton was initially jailed after allegedly using a baseball bat to smash up Chenâs 2008 Honda Odyssey while Johnnie fled the scene. Johnnie and a man believed to also be involved in the attack, Timothy Borg of Fowlerville, are both facing various assault charges. All three Hamiltonâs and Borg are due back in court later this month for hearings. (DK)
↧
↧
Funeral Services Set For LaBelleFuneral Services Set For LaBelle
Funeral services are set for Jack LaBelle, a man who left a lasting mark on Livingston County. LaBelle, a former County Board of Commissioners chairman, passed away Friday night at the age of 83. He is at the Borek-Jennings Funeral Home Hamburg Chapel where family and friends will gather on Tuesday from 5-8 p.m., and then again on Wednesday from noon-3 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. with a scripture service at 7 p.m. His community farewell will be held on Thursday, July 21st at 9:30 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Brighton, with a funeral Mass to follow at 10:30. LaBelle was the longest-serving county commissioner in Michigan history. He served on the board of commissioners for 44 years, including 12 terms as the board chairman. During his tenure, LaBelle was involved in starting the county veteransâ department, planning department, and LETS transportation system. He also was instrumental in establishing the county EMS and 911 Central Dispatch. The new John E. Labelle Livingston County Public Safety Complex was named in recognition of his accomplishments. LaBelle was also a member of several regional and state boards, including the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority, St. Vincent DePaul Society, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority Board. He is survived by his wife, Beverly, three grown children, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. (TT)
↧
Local Housing Market Booming, Inventory LackingLocal Housing Market Booming, Inventory Lacking
According to a recent study, the housing market is hot and continuing to heat up in Livingston County. Local professionals say thereâs a residential real estate rally during this super summer, as home and median sale prices hit a 10 year record high. Todd Buckley, President of the Livingston County Association of Realtors, says in any market, Livingston typically has one of the top median and average sale prices in the state. That median sale price has increased from just over $216,000 in June of last year up to $240,000 in 2016. Residential and condo sales have increased by 6%, however Buckley says that increase is ânominal at bestâ. He believes sales would be even higher if the supply matched the demand. In fact, at the end of June, just 944 homes and condos were for sale, compared to last yearâs 1,158. Buckley says thatâs an 18.5% drop and feels the lack of inventory is holding the market back. Buckley says itâs difficult to pinpoint whatâs causing the shortage, but itâs become a âvicious cycleâ. Residents are reluctant to put their homes on the market because theyâre afraid when their home sells, they wonât be able to find a new one, due to the lack of inventory. Buckley says this is keeping sellers, who are also buyers, from the housing market, which feeds the chain. Buckley encourages buyers and sellers to talk to local real estate professionals and realtors who know the neighborhoods in Livingston County. He says personalized attention is best in order to make educated decisions. (DK)
↧
Pinckney Man Charged With Sexually Assaulting FriendPinckney Man Charged With Sexually Assaulting Friend
A Livingston County man has been arraigned on sexual assault charges for allegedly raping his female friend. 19-year-old Michael Austin Kotch of Pinckney was arraigned in 53rd District Court earlier this week and charged with one count of third degree criminal sexual conduct force or coercion. Kotch was charged as a result of the July 12th incident, in which he allegedly raped his female friend in the backseat of her car. Authorities say Kotch and the 18-year-old Fowlerville woman were sitting in her car talking and drinking alcohol. Kotch reportedly brought up wanting to have a one-night stand with someone, at which point the victim began to feel very uncomfortable. Police say the woman tried several different methods to signal for help or leave, but her car battery died and Kotch told her he couldnât find jumper cables. Kotch allegedly began to pressure the woman in asking her to have a one-night stand with him. Police say he then grabbed her arm and pulled her into the back seat of the vehicle, where he raped her. Kotch has posted 10% of his $50,000 bond and was released from the Livingston County Jail on a GPS tether. He is due back in court July 27th for a probable cause conference. (DK)
↧
Construction Starts Today On Brighton Road Between Chilson & BauerConstruction Starts Today On Brighton Road Between Chilson & Bauer
Traffic nightmares begin today for those who live along Brighton Road or typically travel on it. There are hundreds of homes along Brighton Road, which will be getting much needed repairs between Chilson and Bauer Roads. Various signage was put up last week to alert motorists about the work that will require various closures of Brighton Road and flag control. Work will begin this week with pavement milling and the placement of temporary driver and street approaches. Livingston County Road Commission Managing Director Mike Craine tells WHMI theyâll spend 2 to 2 ½ weeks west of Oak Pointe on Brighton Road and then another piece they have to dig out completely, west of Bauer. Although subject to change, the road commission anticipates Brighton Road will be closed west of Oak Pointe From roughly July 19th to August 9th to repair the three spots west of Oak Pointe Drive. The official detour route is divided into several phases and all require temporary use of gravel roads. Routes include Conrad, Challis and Crooked Lake Road. Motorists outside the project limits are advised that Winans Lake Road and I-96 via Latson Road could serve as alternate routes. The project is expected to last roughly two months and this is the first of two projects for Brighton Road. The segment from Bauer Road and Seventh Street will be repaired in 2017. Detailed information about the project and an official detour map is available in the attachment. Photo: Goggle Street View. (JM)
↧
↧
Combat Photographer Who Became Beloved Howell Icon Passes AwayCombat Photographer Who Became Beloved Howell Icon Passes Away
A Howell icon and a member of the Greatest Generation has passed away. Duane Zemper died Sunday after a recurring bout with throat cancer. He was 96. Zemper was well known to many in the Howell area, and beyond, for both his exploits as a combat photographer during World War II, but also his devotion to cataloging and maintaining a photographic history of the area for future generations. Born in Bay City but raised in Flint, Zemper moved to Howell after marrying his late wife Tillie. During the war, he was a member the 457th Bombardment Group based in England. Working with a staff of 21 men, Zemper flew with the bomber strike force on missions over Europe with the dual task of both recording the raid itself as well as the damage it caused. That information was then used to determine future missions. After the war, Zemper opened and successfully ran a photography business in Howell for more than five decades. In later life he became an invaluable resource for the Howell Archives, maintained at the Howell Carnegie District Library. Joyce Fisher, who worked with Zemper at the archive, told WHMI that her world, âis just so much smaller today. He adopted this town as his own and was committed to preserving its history.â She hoped that âeveryone who glances at one of the historic photographs he either took or preserved will take a moment to appreciate the legacy he left behind.â Information about services for Zemper is pending. (JK)
↧
Trial On Child Pornography Charges Delayed For Former Local Teacher Trial On Child Pornography Charges Delayed For Former Local Teacher
The trial has been adjourned in federal court for a former teacher and coach at Howell High School charged with possessing child pornography. 59-year-old Duane Millar is charged with two counts of possession of child pornography in U.S. District Court in Grand Rapids. His trial had been set to begin today, but court records show it has been delayed until October 3rd so that his defense can more thoroughly review the evidence, including anticipated DNA testing. The charges followed a search of Millarâs East Lansing home in March after a three-month investigation by the Michigan State Police Computer Crimes Unit and Michigan Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The U.S. Attorney's Office says Millar had child pornography in an email account and on various computers and media storage devices. Soon after the charges were filed, Millar resigned his position with the Howell district, where he had taught world language and coached cross country and track. Millar remains free after posting a $10,000 bond. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison. (JK)
↧
I-96 Lane Closure Set This Week Near FowlervilleI-96 Lane Closure Set This Week Near Fowlerville
Area motorists will be dealing with another lane closure on westbound I-96 near Fowlerville this week. The Michigan Department of Transportation says motorists should be prepared for the single-lane closure on Tuesday and Wednesday for concrete patch work. The closure will occur between 9:30am and 3pm each day between Fowlerville Road and M-59. MKDOT advises motorists to watch for traffic slow-downs in the area and to plan extra time when traveling. A similar closure last week created multi-mile backups. (JK)
↧
SEMCOG Yearly Development Report Shows Local GrowthSEMCOG Yearly Development Report Shows Local Growth
Regional data analysts say statistics show that jobs and investments are headed to Livingston County. An annual nonresidential development report from the Southeastern Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) has the region on a recovery stretch since hitting rock bottom during the Great Recession. SEMCOGâs report focuses on four different categories- the retail commercial sector, industrial, institutional and medical. The data inquisition found development gains in all categories but medical, which actually declined. Livingston County has been gaining square footage of nonresidential development each year since 2011 and made a gain of 27% between 2014 and 2015 alone. SEMCOG Regional Development Planner Janet Mocadlo says those numbers are based only on the projects that are actually reported at the time of the request for data. Mocadlo says more construction in the county means more jobs, more retail places to shop, and a large investment into the community. She tells WHMI things are looking up in general for development, but she especially sees a good forecast for local growth. She says Livingston is the fastest growing county for residential construction and population. With a lot of investments underway, Mocadlo expects to see local numbers increase in 2016 and moving forward. SEMCOG Executive Director Kathleen Lomako says 2015 may mark the year that set Southeast Michigan on an upward trend for years to come. (DK)
↧
↧
Early Morning Crash Closes Freeway & Sends Two To HospitalsEarly Morning Crash Closes Freeway & Sends Two To Hospitals
A crash early this morning forced the closure of eastbound I-96 near Fowlerville for several hours. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department says they were dispatched at about 1:20am to a report of a single-vehicle crash in Handy Township, just after the Fowlerville exit. Livingston County Undersheriff Mike Murphy says that 21-year-old Bradley Small of Howell was driving a 2015 Chevy Equinox westbound on I-96 when he lost control, crossed the median and both of the eastbound lanes before hitting a tree. Murphy says Small was taken by Survival Flight to the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor and last listed in critical condition. His passenger, 20-year-old Shaina Ciavone of Owosso, was taken by ambulance to Sparrow Hospital in Lansing with serious, but non-life threatening injuries. Murphy says a preliminary investigation indicates that alcohol and speed were factors in the crash. Deputies were assisted at the scene by the Fowlerville Fire Department and Michigan State Police. The crash and resulting investigation kept eastbound I-96 closed until just after 5am. (JK)
↧
Student Art Project To Brighten Up Rainy Days In Downtown Howell Student Art Project To Brighten Up Rainy Days In Downtown Howell
Rainy days will be a bit brighter in Downtown Howell thanks to unique street art being installed by a group of Howell High School students. Students in Howell High Schoolâs Advanced Digital Imaging class and the Howell Main Street Downtown Development Authority Design Committee have teamed up to bring Rain Art to downtown Howell. Itâs a type of street art called ârainworksâ created by Seattle Artist Peregrine Church, which is pictured. Itâs only visible when it rains or the ground is wet and the idea is to spread cheer with messages or images that turn rainy days into something to look forward to. Beginning at 10am today, the Howell High School students will start applying the art to downtown sidewalks and in alleyways. This is the second time that the Howell High School Advance Digital Imaging class has partnered with the Main Street DDA to bring positive street art downtown. Last summer they used stenciled art to interact with downtown buildings, public spaces, and the downtown infrastructure. Advance Digital Graphics Teacher John Mozdzierz commented that art should inspire and surprise people, and they feel the downtown Rain Art will do just that. Howell residents and visitors will begin to see more art throughout the downtown all week long. The public is invited to view the various Rain Art designs and an online map is available for planning purposes through the attachment or link below. (JM)
↧
County Funds Sought To Extend Fiber Optic Network To Putnam Fire Department County Funds Sought To Extend Fiber Optic Network To Putnam Fire Department
A request for a financial contribution from Livingston County to participate in extending the public safety fiber optic network was met with some skepticism Monday night. The Public Safety and Infrastructure & Development Committee of the Livingston County Board of Commissioners discussed the proposal after a project history provided by EMS Director Jeff Boyd. Started in 2009, the goal was to extend the fiber optic network to all public safety headquarters in the county including police, fire, EMS and 911. It has been funded entirely through Homeland Security Grant Funds and a route was mapped out but the project stalled for the past few years due to significant reductions in allotted grant funding. The Putnam and Unadilla Township Fire Departments are left to go. The team has $45,000 in grant funds to use and is seeking a $45,000 county general fund advance to emergency management. The funds are not available in the EMS budget and there are limitations with the use of taxpayer dollars. The grant funds have strict specifications for the fiscal year they must be spent and any potential funding to be allotted for 2016 is not yet known, hence why Boyd said it was not included in the county budget process. Commissioners Don Parker and Dave Domas had concerns with the request, saying they werenât questioning the importance of the project but where the money is coming from as the county budget is strained. Both felt it was poor planning the allocation should have been brought up during the county budget allocation process. Commissioner Parker called it âan oversight that doesnât create a sense of urgency for himâ while Commissioner Domas challenged the team and EMS to find the funds elsewhere. EMS Director Jeff Boyd stressed that it wasnât the result of poor planning but simply the reduced grant funds and he continues to look at multiple options and possible partners. There is a strict time frame to use designated grant funds, which must be spent in a given fiscal year and carry lengthy approval processes. With no county commitment and given timelines, the planning team might need to move on to other projects with the funds it has. The committee ultimately approved sending the item on to the finance committee for full board discussion. Others involved in the project were present and answered questions including Howell Police Chief George Basar heads up the team, which has representation from business providers, hospitals, police and fire departments. Commissioners not serving on the committee were also present, including Steve Williams who commented the lack of completion could influence participation from other communities and set a bad precedent when it comes to county-wide projects, as both Putnam and Unadilla have been patiently waiting. Meanwhile, Putnam Fire Chief Greg Amburgey told WHMI he understands budgets are tight and appreciates everything they can do to help their community but itâs about helping the county move forward, not just citizens. He explained the extension is sorely needed because of all the information the department must report monthly through state and federal agencies, their current system is extremely slow and they get kicked out a lot. He says they end up bothering county personnel all the time to reset stuff so they can in turn get things sent to the appropriate agencies, which amounts to wasted time for everybody. Amburgey said the fiber optic network would make the process much faster, while eliminating interruptions and lag time. (JM)
↧
More Pages to Explore .....
