Kids of all ages have embraced the Pokémon Go craze, prompting an area hospital to see the virtual reality game as a possible therapy. Ann Arbor-based C.S. Mott Children's Hospital is using the smartphone app to help kids who normally spend their days in bed increase physical activity. The app accesses a smartphone's GPS and camera to allow players to search for more than 100 Pokémon creatures in their own surroundings. J.J. Bouchard is the digital media manager at the hospital and says within days of the gameâs release, it was clear that staff saw the possibilities to help their patients. Bouchard says they have created several "Pokestops"â where players collect items they can use â as well as "gyms"â larger landmarks that users battle to control. He says while they understood the positive benefits of the game, they were also aware of potential problems, and have placed signs in front of hot spots reminding players to only include family members in their pictures and that by posting them online, they are letting others know they are a patient. But he says it has proven to be a big success and theyâve even been contacted by other hospitals wanting to know how they can implement similar programs. (JK)
Hospital Embraces Pokémon Go As Therapy ToolHospital Embraces Pokémon Go As Therapy Tool
↧
↧
Stolen Chevy Blazer Recovered; Police Still Seek SuspectStolen Chevy Blazer Recovered; Police Still Seek Suspect
A stolen vehicle has been recovered but police are still searching for the suspect. Brighton Police say the vehicle, a red 2000 Chevy Blazer, was recovered parked and un-attended in a parking lot in Hartland Township. The investigation continues and police are still requesting assistance identifying the suspect caught on surveillance video. The vehicle was stolen around 6:30am last Saturday morning, after the victim had went inside the Sunoco gas station at 602 W. Grand River but inadvertently left the keys in the car. The suspect noticed the keys inside and drove off. Anyone with information is asked to call Brighton Police at 810-227-2700. (JM)
↧
Two Men Head To Trial For Alleged Meth Lab OperationTwo Men Head To Trial For Alleged Meth Lab Operation
Two local men facing charges for their alleged involvement in operating a methamphetamine lab are headed to trial. 40-year-old Patrick Hoisington and 31-year-old Paul Thomas Shaposka, both of Fowlerville, are charged with operating a methamphetamine lab and delivering/manufacturing methamphetamine. Separately, Hoisington is charged with possession of methamphetamine and delivering/manufacturing marijuana. Both suspects have been bound over to Livingston County Circuit Court for trial. The co-defendants were charged in June, following a drug investigation at Hoisingtonâs residence by the Livingston and Washtenaw Narcotics Enforcement Team. There, the team reportedly found items in every room of the house that are used for making meth. One undercover officer said it was very obvious that the substance was being made there. Hoisington and Shaposka are due back in court for a pre-trial hearing July 29th. (DK)
↧
Sheriff's Department Makes Four Arrests For Vehicle LarceniesSheriff's Department Makes Four Arrests For Vehicle Larcenies
Charges are being sought against four young adults in connection with a series of vehicle thefts. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department has been investigating thefts that occurred between July 5th and 8th at residences on Hunter Bay Drive in Brighton Township and Merriman Loop in the Hidden Creek subdivision in Oceola Township. Sheriff Bob Bezotte says the department took six larceny from vehicle reports from multiple addresses. Reported missing were electronics, cash, purses, wallets, tools, gift cards and sunglasses. Bezotte says Deputy Matt Young was looking into the stolen gift cards and discovered one was used at a local Target store. He says the deputy was able to follow up and identify the two females who cashed it in, which ultimately led to four total arrests. Bezotte says subsequent investigation led to two additional suspects in the City of Howell, who also admitted their participation in the thefts. Charges are currently being sought against all four through the Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office. Meanwhile, Bezotte says the deputy also recovered quite a bit of property, that canât be tied to the six complaints taken between July 5th and 8th. Bezotte tells WHMI they believe there are other people in that general area who are missing items but have yet to report the crime. Bezotte says the department has some unclaimed property they believe was stolen, possibly from vehicles or garages, and encourage potential owners to contact Detective Matt Young at 517-540-7960 so it can be returned. (JM)
↧
Former Congressman Seeks Return To Washington D.C.Former Congressman Seeks Return To Washington D.C.
Former Congressman Kerry Bentivolio wants back into politics. Bentivolio, who once served as a teacher at Fowlerville High School, says he turned in more than 5,500 signatures on nominating petitions to state Elections officials to try to get his name on the November ballot for the 11th Congressional District. He would run as an independent. Bentivolio, who lives in Milford Township, lost the seat in the August 2014 Republican primary to Dave Trott. The district includes parts of Wayne and Oakland counties. Bentivolio won election in 2012 mainly because the incumbent, former Republican Rep. Thad McCotter, turned in fraudulent signatures when seeking a spot on the ballot. Bentivolio needs at least 3,000 valid signatures to qualify for a spot on this November's ballot with no party affiliation. His signatures have to be reviewed by Elections staff. (AP)
↧
↧
Howell Public Schools Releases Results Of Bathroom Policy SurveyHowell Public Schools Releases Results Of Bathroom Policy Survey
After about a month of collecting responses, the results of a recent survey were released in one local school districtâs quest for feedback. The Howell Public Schools administration recently released the results of an unscientific survey taken to get public input on the issue of transgender studentsâ use of restrooms. Superintendent Erin MacGregor gave an executive summary to the Board of Education on Monday night. MacGregor says a letter sent out with the survey was meant to clarify the issue. He says on June 8th a survey went out to all families with regard to transgender students because he wanted to provide clarification about how the district administers its practice as it relates specifically to restroom use. He says he provided clarification along with the survey which asked just to get a flavor for where the community is with the issue. He says once he received the feedback he provided an executive summary for the board about where the families are in the district, and summarizing all their comments as well as feedback in terms of making sure families are aware of what the district's practice is. In May the issue of transgender use of restrooms came up when a local family kept their three sons home after a female classmate at Southwest Elementary School was allowed to use the boyâs bathroom. MacGregor says the short questionnaire showed that the districtâs current practices align with what the families expect. The seven question survey included questions about the districtâs handling of the issue and whether families understood current practice. Of those who responded 53.8% said the use of restrooms by students of the opposite biological sex is a high priority issue for them and 59% were comfortable with the districtâs current practice, in which they continue "to accommodate students with a wide variety of needs, without facilitating the use of opposite sex bathrooms or locker rooms." About a quarter of those responding said they still didn't know how the district handles such issues. The survey also asked for feedback and suggestions should federal guidance on the issue become binding law. 155 of 215 respondents said in that case the district should provide single occupant or unisex facilities. MacGregor says the board has not discussed any policy change as yet, and will continue to focus on educating students. (DS)
↧
Christian School Appeals Ruling That Dismissed Federal Case Against Genoa Twp. Christian School Appeals Ruling That Dismissed Federal Case Against Genoa Twp.
A Christian school is appealing after a federal lawsuit it filed against Genoa Township was tossed out of court. Livingston Christian Schools filed suit against Genoa Township in U.S. District Court in Detroit for its refusal to grant a special use permit that would have allowed the school to relocate to the Brighton Church of the Nazarene. It claimed the denial violated their rights under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act and sought to overturn the denial. But U.S. District Court Judge George Caram Steeh ruled last month that the claims had no merit and granted the townshipâs motion to dismiss the lawsuit. The notice of appeal by the school was filed Thursday in the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati. The Genoa board voted 4-3 in July of 2015 to deny the permit, citing traffic impacts, the churchâs failure to follow the proper approval process and incompatibility with master plan goals. The denial led to an outcry from officials and parents at two schools, although both found locations to operate out of this year. LCS entered into a lease agreement with Whitmore Lake Public Schools to temporarily move grades K-12 to the Whitmore Lake Middle School building this year. That allowed Light of the World Academy to move into the previous LCS facility in Pinckney. Light of the World was formerly a private religious-based Montessori school that obtained authorization to re-open as a public charter school. In his order dismissing the lawsuit, Judge Steeh noted that when Genoa Township denied the Churchâs permit application, Livingston Christian Schools had not yet leased its Pinckney property and could have used that facility as an alternate location. He added that. âWhile it may be less convenient or more expensive for LCS to operate its school from a different locationâ the school, ââ¦has not established a substantial burden on its free exercise of religion.â No dates have been set for the schoolâs appeal of that ruling. (JM/JK)
↧
Survey Says Local Residents Appreciate Recreation, Want More Parks And TrailsSurvey Says Local Residents Appreciate Recreation, Want More Parks And Trails
A recent study has found that local residents enjoy using parks and trails and want more. The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) and the Metropolitan Affairs Coalition (MAC) conducted the online survey, seeking citizensâ opinions on parks and recreation opportunities in the region. Kathleen Lomako, SEMCOG Executive Director and President of MAC, says in Livingston County many of the respondentsâ interests that ranked high in the survey are being incorporated locally. Fillmore County Park, located on McClements Road between Howell and Brighton, is expected to open to public recreation use in 2017. Lomako says the county is responding to the surveyâs trends by planning to include a natural surface trail and several multi-use trails in the new park. She tells WHMI this is an example of the surveyâs importance and how it connects community suggestions with those developing regional parks and recreation plans. Lomako says the survey was done because the need for parks and open space was identified as an important part of SEMCOGâs green infrastructure plan. As a result of that plan, the organization wanted to coordinate parks by which authorities own them. She says they will use the surveyâs data to work with the owners to better the parks and plan for the regionâs future. The data shows that walking, hiking and running trails were the top visited amenity at parks in the last year and 75% of residents surveyed said theyâd like to see more trails, specifically between other parks to provide connectivity. Lomako says another interesting discovery the survey made is that parks and their importance rank very high with residents, and one of the most common reasons cited for not visiting parks is lack of time. (DK)
↧
More Than $500 In Gift Cards Donated To Local Law Enforcement More Than $500 In Gift Cards Donated To Local Law Enforcement
A gift card drive based on simple acts of kindness for local law enforcement was a success. More than $500 in gift cards and more than 100 handmade cards were collected during an event Thursday morning at Biggby Coffee in Hartland. The cards were collected to serve as small tokens of appreciation for local officers. Everything was delivered immediately after to the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department and Michigan State Police Brighton Post (pictured with Sgt. Mark Thompson). Jeannine Gogoleski of Hartland coordinated the effort, and told WHMI she felt it was time for a change and wanted to bring some joy to the local men and women who put on a uniform and risk their lives every day to protect the public and keep local communities safe. Meanwhile on behalf of the county department, Sheriff Bob Bezotte and Undersheriff Mike Murphy expressed their deepest gratitude to the community for all of the heartwarming cards, pizzas, gift cards and other thank-youâs. He says it has been a genuine show of support for law enforcement as nobody wanted to be identified or sought any recognition; they just wanted to thank them. (JM)
↧
↧
More Lane & Ramp Closures Next Week At I-96/US-23 More Lane & Ramp Closures Next Week At I-96/US-23
M-DOT has announced the following lane and ramp closures at I-96/US-23 in Brighton next week:
From 10pm Monday to 5am Tuesday:
Southbound US-23 will be closed at I-96
Southbound US-23 ramp to eastbound I-96 will be closed
Westbound I-96 ramp to southbound US-23 will be closed
From 10pm Tuesday through 5am Wednesday:
Northbound US-23 at I-96 will be closed
Eastbound I-96 ramp to northbound US-23 will be closed
Northbound US-23 ramp to westbound I-96 will be closed
From 10pm Wednesday through 5am Thursday:
Southbound US-23 will be closed at I-96.
Southbound US-23 ramp to eastbound I-96 will be closed.
Westbound I-96 ramp to southbound US-23 will be closed.
On Friday July 29th From 9pm through 5am Monday:
Old US-23 at I-96 will be closed
↧
Emagine Theater Could Be Coming To Hartland Towne Square Emagine Theater Could Be Coming To Hartland Towne Square
A potential movie theater is the latest in development news for the Hartland community. An Emagine Theater is said to be in the works for the Hartland Towne Square shopping center off Hartland Road and M-59. Ramco-Gershenson, developers of the Meijer store and shopping center, disclosed that they have entered into a purchase agreement with Emagine Theater and it was something that could be made public according to Hartland-based Real Estate Broker John Luke. The proposal is said to include a 12 screen complex with a restaurant and bar. Luke tells WHMI no site plan have been brought before the township and the project is in the infant stages but it would be a nice addition. Luke says the theater could open up other opportunities and help draw businesses to the area, possibly franchise restaurants and retailers that might be interested in that center and has a lot of space for development and expansion. In addition to the potential theater, Luke says there are a number of other exciting things happening in the Hartland area and a number of new local businesses opening up and projects in the works. O'Malley's Pub on Old US-23 was sold to a well-known community member, Hartland resident Joe Mackle. The new family venture is called Mackle's Tables and Taps. In that same center, Luke says two other new businesses have opened up. Those include a gaming store and a robotics store that will sell supplies and hold classes for middle and high school students involved in that field and competitions. In a post on social media, Luke noted that Tractor Supply Company is approved and moving into the vacant space next to the Dollar Store in the Walmart shopping center. Additionally, he says the vacant Walmart building has been sold to Rural King - a tractor supply company out of Illinois. He says they will be occupying the western 100,000-square-feet and are currently negotiating with a user for the eastern 75,000-square-feet. Photo: www.Emagine-Entertainment.com (JM)
↧
Livingston County Resident First Human Case Of West Nile Virus For 2016 Livingston County Resident First Human Case Of West Nile Virus For 2016
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services today confirmed the stateâs first human case of West Nile virus for 2016. The resident is an older adult from Livingston County and is currently recovering. Dr. Eden Wells, Chief Medical Executive at the Department of Health and Human Services, says hot, dry summers are ideal for the mosquito that transmits the virus. Most people who become infected with West Nile virus will not develop any symptoms of illness. However, some become sick three to 15 days after exposure. About one-in-five infected persons will have mild illness with fever, and about one in 150 infected people will become severely ill. Dr. Wells encourages residents older than six months of age to use repellent and to take extra care during peak mosquito-biting hours between dusk and dawn. Residents should also maintain screens on windows and doors, use nets or fans over outdoor eating areas and empty water from mosquito-breeding areas around the house. You can find more information about virus activity through the link below.
↧
Brighton District Library Selects New DirectorBrighton District Library Selects New Director
The Brighton District Libraryâs recently hired Director is a woman who is passionate about librarianship and serving the community. Cindy Mack will begin her new role as director on August 3rd. Mack, a respected library administrator, received her bachelorâs degree from Northern Michigan University and masterâs degree in Library and Information Science from Indiana University. For the last nine years, Mack has served as Library Director at the Wixom Public Library, and prior to that, at the Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library in Michiganâs Upper Peninsula. Mack says she believes that libraries are an integral part of a communityâs success and provide lifelong learning opportunities and cultural enrichment to all of its patrons. In addition to overseeing the library budget, collection and more, Mack will respond to community needs and changes for the 42,000 residents that the library serves. A search and selection process for a new director began in late 2015 when Dr. Nancy B. Johnson retired, after leading the library for eight years. Mack says she is humbled and honored to receive the position and is looking forward to joining a âvibrant library organizationâ.
↧
↧
Detroit Brothers Get Prison For Role In Genoa Twp. Home InvasionDetroit Brothers Get Prison For Role In Genoa Twp. Home Invasion
Two brothers charged in connection to an armed robbery of a Genoa Township home have been sentenced. 26-year-old Tyler Terrill Ayers and 22-year-old Terence Montrel Ayers of Detroit were sentenced Thursday in Livingston County Circuit Court for their role in the June 2015 incident. Tyler Ayers has been sentenced to 14 years and three months to 40 years in the Michigan Department of Corrections for home invasion and 13 counts of armed robbery. He also received a concurrent sentence of five to eight years for felony firearms, with a credit of 401 days served in the county jail. Terence Ayers has been sentenced to six to 50 years for 13 counts of armed robbery and a concurrent sentence of five to 20 years for first degree home invasion. He was also sentenced to 2 years with a credit of 412 days for 14 counts of felony firearms, which runs consecutively to his aforementioned sentences. The brothers were among 5 men who robbed the residence on Crystal Valley Drive at gunpoint last summer. Authorities say a victim was struck in the head with a metal baton during the home invasion and the men took cash, jewelry, car keys and cell phones before fleeing on foot. The 3 others charged in the incident have already been sentenced and are currently serving time in prison. (DK)
↧
Mobile Secretary Of State Office Coming To South LyonMobile Secretary Of State Office Coming To South Lyon
The Secretary of State Offices are coming to South Lyon for a one-day engagement. Next Tuesday, July 26th, the Secretary of State Mobile Office is coming to the Salem-South Lyon District Library from noon to 6pm. Visitors will be able to take advantage from the mobile office all of the services that can be found at traditional, permanent offices. Vehicle needs like renewing tabs and applying for new driverâs licenses or renewals will be offered. Residents will also be able to register to vote, make address changes, acquire instant titles, and even sign up on the Michigan Organ Donor Registry. The Salem-South Lyon District Library is located at 9800 Pontiac Trail.(MK)
↧
Brighton Council OKs 2% Wage Hike for Patrol OfficersBrighton Council OKs 2% Wage Hike for Patrol Officers
The Brighton City Council has approved a 2 per cent wage hike that goes beyond a simple wage reopener for the Brighton Police patrol unit. Following a closed session at Thursday nightâs meeting, council voted unanimously to approve provisions of the wage reopener, which, according to city labor attorney Dennis Gabrian, provides the patrol officers with a 2% wage increase, as well as other âperksâ. Some 11 patrol officers are covered under the agreement, which is retroactive to expiration of the old agreement on June 30.Gabrian explains that the city will implement plans that will require the patrol officers - as well as command officers - to contribute less in the way of employee contributions in the future than they have been paying toward their health care costs. The city approved a new contract with the command officers unit, involving five command officers, at its meeting on July 7. Yet to be settled are contracts with the city DPW and clerical staff. (TT)
↧
Water And Sewer Rate Increase Approved For Handy Twp., FowlervilleWater And Sewer Rate Increase Approved For Handy Twp., Fowlerville
An increase in water and sewer rates has been approved for the Village of Fowlerville and Handy Township. Currently, Handy Township has a cooperative agreement with the Village of Fowlerville in which the Village provides water and sewer services to the Silver Springs development. Though the Village provides the services, the development is owned by Handy Township. Sewer and water rates are increasing for the fiscal year 2016 through 2017 in the Village, except for Silver Springs. Instead, Silver Springs will be subject to Handy Townshipâs increase, which is significantly less than the Villageâs. The combination of sewer and water rates per 1,000 gallons will increase in the Township by 73 cents for the next fiscal year, while the Villageâs will jump $1.09. Handy Township Supervisor, Ed Alverson, says the Board acknowledged the increases that were discussed and approved the Village of Fowlervilleâs recommendation through a motion at their meeting last week, meaning the rates will go into effect. The rates are projected to continue to increase in both municipalities each year through 2019. (DK)
↧
↧
Local Residents Not In Favor Of Proposed Apartments At Hamburg Elementary Local Residents Not In Favor Of Proposed Apartments At Hamburg Elementary
The Hamburg Township Planning Commission and some residents are not seeing eye-to-eye on a proposal to redevelop an elementary school into apartments. The proposed complex, called The Crossing at Lakeland Trail would be comprised of 208 units with a clubhouse. The complex would be located on five parcels, four of which are the former Hamburg Elementary School and owned by Pinckney Community Schools. The Hamburg Township Planning Commission has recommended approval of the developmentâs preliminary site plan, despite many residentsâ disapproval voiced during the public hearing. Some concerns were sewer and water services for the complex, neighboring businesses and homes that may be affected, extra noise and the increase in population. Additional traffic was brought up numerous times by residents who worry about congestion. Executive Vice President of McKenna Associates, John Jackson, said a traffic study will be done prior to any final approval to determine how adjacent intersections will be affected and make necessary improvements. The preliminary plan will now move on to the township Board of Trustees for approval, where the Planning Commissionâs decision and residentsâ comments will be taken into consideration. Township Trustee Chuck Menzies says some of the citizensâ concerns are out of the Commissionâs hands, but he says many of the issues brought up, âdo need to be addressed.â (DK)
↧
Brighton Adds Temporary Restrooms to Downtown AreaBrighton Adds Temporary Restrooms to Downtown Area
To accommodate the increasing number of people in the downtown area, the city of Brighton has installed two temporary restrooms to supplement the two already in use at the pavilion on Mill Pond Lane. Thus, the added restrooms will effectively double the number of public restrooms in the downtown area. There are two permanent public bathrooms, located in the pavilion next to city hall and the Imagination Station playground. City Manager Nate Geinzer tells WHMI that the temporary restrooms will be available all summer long for shoppers, as well as families taking advantage of the downtownâs recreational facilities, such as the playground and Mill Pond. Also, the city has responded to citizen complaints about unkempt public restrooms at the pavilion by adding extra work details to make sure the facilities are clean. However, staffers note that since they cannot monitor the bathrooms every minute, itâs up to the public to do its own part by making sure the restroom is clean after they use it. (TT)
↧
Kindness Comes Full Circle With Upcoming Fundraiser To Benefit DARTKindness Comes Full Circle With Upcoming Fundraiser To Benefit DART
Some of Livingston Countyâs less prominent, but no less important heroes will be on the receiving end of an upcoming fundraiser. From 9 to 11am on Wednesday, July 27th, Brighton Area Schoolsâ teachers and staff will be stationed at Duncan Chiropractic Group on Hilton Road in Brighton. The group is collecting monetary donations and gift cards for DART - Livingston Countyâs Disaster Assistance Response Team. Karen Storey, a Brighton Teacher who helped create the fundraiser, tells WHMI it is important to take care of this team because they are usually the ones taking care of others. DART is a nonprofit group that aids first responders at emergencies and large-scale incidents. The team provides relief to first responders in the form of drinks, snacks, and blankets or stuffed animals for children at the scene. Storey says the original idea was to collect donations for local emergency responders in light of recent events across the country. Unfortunately, those authorities are not legally allowed to accept donations associated with monetary value. Storey says a police officer suggested DART as a next option because the team operates solely on donations. Storey says she hopes the entire community attends the event to be a part of kindness coming full circle. Coffee and donuts will be available at the collection site, and the fundraiserâs organizers, some local emergency responders and DART will be present as well. (DK)
↧
More Pages to Explore .....
