A development in the Village of Fowlerville is being rezoned to allow for larger homes to be built. The Handy Township Board of Trustees has unanimously approved a motion to rezone property in the Silver Springs Development. The township was deeded over 114 lots from Silver Springs and owns the rest of the phases as of last fall. The land was originally a mixed zoning between residential and agricultural, which would have only allowed for 20% of the lot to be taken up by a home. Handy Township officials say that worked well for the first phase, but phases two through five of the development will be rezoned to rural business, which will allow for bigger homes to be built on the property. Township Supervisor Ed Alverson says the new zoning will be heard by other government entities and residents before it becomes official. The Handy Township Planning Commission has set a public hearing for August 4th. Any residents living within 300 feet of Silver Springs is invited to the meeting to see how the rezoning impacts their property, as well as have any questions and concerns addressed. The issue will then go before County Planning before it comes back to the township board for final approval. (DK)
Site plan picture courtesy of Professional Engineering Associates Inc.
Hearing Set To Re-Zone Fowlerville's Silver Springs DevelopmentHearing Set To Re-Zone Fowlerville's Silver Springs Development
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Police Identify Man Struck By Trains In Argentine Twp.Police Identify Man Struck By Trains In Argentine Twp.
Police have identified a man who died after being struck by a train last month in Argentine Township. According to the Tri-County Times of Fenton the man, identified as Charlie Wells, 40, of Lake Charles, Louisiana, was hit by two trains passing through a wooded area between Hogan and Lahring Roads on Saturday, June 25th. Wells was apparently using the rail system to flee police after an alleged assault on a 13 year old. He had previously been lodged in a half-way house in Waco, Texas after serving a sentence for assault on a police officer. Police in Argentine Township reported that Wells was struck the first time at about 3:40 am. Later that day railroad workers spotted him, already dead, on the tracks. Empty alcohol bottles were found near the body. (DS)
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Howell's Parker Middle School Has New PrincipalHowell's Parker Middle School Has New Principal
A new principal has been hired to take over administration of one local middle school. Last week the Howell Public Schools Board of Education agreed to hire Trish Poelke as the principal for Parker Middle School. Formerly assistant principal of Grand Blanc High School, Poelke says she looks forward to her new position. She introduced her family to the board saying Howell is a good place to raise children. Poelke says she wants to be part of the community. She says when she was in Grand Blanc it was a 45 minute commute, and although she loved her experience there, she was not able to be as much a part of the community as she would have liked. She says when she taught in California she also lived nearby the school and as a big part of the community around her; and she liked that. She says she likes it when the kids can see her, when she's at Target our out at events like The Legend of Sleepy Howell. She says she has attended that event every year and it would be good to see her students when she goes this year. She wants to be a part of the community and this position allows her to do that. Poelke was chosen over 53 other candidates for the position, including two from within the district. She is a California native but came to Michigan with her husband who is from the area. She lives in the Brighton area and says she looks forward to working closer to home. Poelke says she enjoys working in the middle school because students there are just learning who they are. Poelke says one of her priorities is to continue to improve student achievement in the school but wants to get to know the students, staff and parents. Meanwhile, the Howell board is expected to hire new principals for Northwest and Hutchings elementary schools at a special meeting tonight at 6pm. (DS/JK)
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Putnam Township Asking For Fire Millage Renewal And IncreasePutnam Township Asking For Fire Millage Renewal And Increase
Putnam Township will be asking residents for a renewal and raise in the fire millage when they vote during the August 2nd primaries. 1.25 mils for the fire department was awarded by voters in 1998, but because of reductions from the Headlee Amendment, has been brought down to 1.1787 over that time. The last time the fire millage was up, 8 years ago, the township felt they could afford to keep it the same by covering what was needed from the general fund. This saved residents from an increase in taxes, but now because of increased expenses over two decades, they are asking for an additional .5 mils with the renewal to cover costs. Township Treasurer Pat Carney believes this is an important vote to pass because more often than not, firemen are the first on the scene of any home emergency. He said they are usually there 5 minutes before EMS, and that time can be a lifesaver. Fire runs since the 1998 millage have increased from around 200 to over 550 a year. In addition to the added fuel needs and equipment wear the increased need has caused, newer state laws are adding to the departmentâs costs, as well. Fire gear, which costs $2,000 per set and could once be used until it wore out, now needs to be replaced every 10 years. Every vehicle must also now be inspected by the Department of Transportation and be repaired to their specifications. Maintaining these requirements will help maintain the townshipâs Insurance Service Office rating which has gone from a 9-10 to a 7 in the township and 6 in the village. Carney said these lower numbers save homeowners around $100 per year in insurance. The .5 mil increase, according to the treasurer, would only add $50 in yearly taxes to a home with a $100,000 taxable value. More information on the current and proposed millage can be found by calling the Putnam Township Offices, fire department, or on their website. (MK)
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Would-Be Democratic Challenger Raises More Than $100,000 In First WeekWould-Be Democratic Challenger Raises More Than $100,000 In First Week
The Clarkston resident seeking to replace Melissa Gilbert as the Democratic candidate for the 8th Congressional District says she has raised more than $100,000 during the first week of her campaign. But Suzanna Shkreli is still well behind Republican incumbent Congressman Mike Bishop, who is reporting more than $855,000 in cash on hand. In announcing her fundraising totals, Shkreli, who currently serves as a Macomb County assistant prosecutor in the Child Protection Unit, said she was honored by the âbroad supportâ her campaign has received. On the other hand, Bishop's campaign spokesman Stu Sandler said that they are receiving support from families across the 8th District and that, âMike Bishop has momentum, resources, and continues to work hard for his constituents.â While Melissa Gilbert is still officially the Democratic candidate for the August 2nd primary, she earlier said she was dropping out of the race for health reasons. Itâs expected the child star and Brighton-area resident will officially request to be dropped from the ballot after the primary, so that Shkreli can take her place for the November election. The decision to allow Gilbertâs removal will ultimately be up to Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson. (JK)
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Green Oak Planning Hashes Over Development PlansGreen Oak Planning Hashes Over Development Plans
Planners in one local township hashed over plans for a new development last week that would bring not only residential, but retail space. In Green Oak Township the Planning Commission spent time reviewing and making changes to plans for some 285 acres near The Legacy Center sports complex. Developers are beginning to submit plans for the area bounded by Rickett, Whitmore Lake, Winans Lake Roads. Planning Commission Chairman Lamberto Smigliani says plans have been in the works for some time. He says originally in 2008 it was a concept plan, but what's happening now is that there are developers starting to move forward with different pieces of it. There is one overall developer for the entire site, which is the entire Legacy Center area, and then there are several sub-developers. He says part of what they're doing now is to further define and understand what the developers are starting to submit and go forward with what they might propose for the site. Smigliani wouldnât comment as to who the developer or developers are, but says the Planning Commission is working closely with them to help them understand the concept of Village Mixed Use. He says what the township hopes to see is a graduated development that includes multi-family and single family homes along with retail businesses that can also have residential as part of them. One of the commission's first concerns is the additional traffic in an area that already has problem. Smigliani says road improvements will need to be done, which will include round-abouts on Rickett and Whitmore Lake Roads and diverting traffic through the development more smoothly. The Planning Commission will be in contact with the Livingston County Road Commission and the Michigan Department of Transportation before taking their suggestions back to the developer. Smigliani says there is no particular timeline yet as to when construction on the development will begin. He says it depends on the dialog with the developers and how well the process goes back and forth. (DS)
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"Friend Raiser" Seeks To Raise Funds & Awareness For Local Nonprofit"Friend Raiser" Seeks To Raise Funds & Awareness For Local Nonprofit
A first-time event to raise friends and funds for The Arc of Livingston will be held next week in the Howell-area. Called a âFriend-Raiserâ the outdoor dining and auction experience is being held in the gardens of the Haggerty-Bearden estate in Marion Township. Anne Richardson is the Executive Director of The Arc of Livingston and says theyâve added this event to their already-successful annual fall fashion show as a way to raise both the funds and awareness they need to carry out their mission of providing support to families with children in need of special education services through dedicated advocates that help parents understand the laws and rights that protect their kids. The Arc also provides information and consultation to people with developmental disabilities and their families. The âFriend Raiserâ will be held Friday, August 5th from 6:30-9:30pm. The evening includes live entertainment, carriage rides and an auction, with items such as a private cooking lesson for 7 with The Great Foodini, a three-hour mobile video game party, a fishing charter trip on Lake St. Clair and a gourmet dinner at the Haggerty Bearden estate. Tickets are $75 each and can be purchased online through the link below. (JK)
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Hamburg Township Among Safest In Michigan Hamburg Township Among Safest In Michigan
Hamburg Township is among the top ten safest communities in Michigan. SafeWise has released its annual 20 Safest Cities in Michigan report. Hamburg Township ranked number 10 again, holding steady from last year. Clerk Jim Neilson tells WHMI Hamburg Township is actually ranked the number one safest community of all large communities in Michigan with a population of over 20,000. He says the first nine are all small or mid-sized communities with a population of 5,000 to 20,000. Meanwhile, other local communities that ranked in the top 100 include:
Milford 12
South Lyon 14
Chelsea 22
Green Oak Township 34
Northfield Township 55
Howell 86
Brighton 97
The most recent FBI crime report statistics were reviewed along with population data to identify the ten safest cities. The remaining were evaluated and narrowed down based on the number of reported violent crimes and property crimes. The likelihood of those crimes occurring out of 1,000 people in each community was also calculated. All have a minimum population of 5,000 people and SafeWise analysts say the vast majority, 80%, appeared on last yearâs list. SafeWise is a home security and safety brand committed to increasing safety education, awareness and preparedness in American communities. The link to the full report is available below. (JM)
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MSP Brighton Post Cares For Dog After Owner Involved In Rollover Crash MSP Brighton Post Cares For Dog After Owner Involved In Rollover Crash
A dog has been reunited with family after being temporarily adopted by the Michigan State Police Brighton Post following a morning car crash. Trooper Christopher McIntosh was dispatched at approximately 5:14am for an one car rollover crash. Police say preliminary crash investigation indicates a 2002 Oldsmobile was traveling southbound on US-23 near M-14 when it left the roadway and rolled over. The driver was identified as 59-year-old Maureen Wicker of Okemos, who sustained serious but non-life threatening injuries and was transported to the University of Michigan Medical Center. Meanwhile located inside the crashed vehicle was a pet carrier containing a small dog, later identified as a Golden-Doodle named Stella. Rather than take the dog to a kennel, Trooper McIntosh brought Stella to the Brighton Post for safe keeping and attempted to contact Wickerâs family members. Stella was quickly adopted by Post personnel and was recruited for patrol duty, but was said to be found taking a nap on the secretaryâs desk. Troopers were able to contact members of Wickerâs family later in the day, advised them where Stella was located and that they could pick Stella up after going to the hospital to check on Wicker. Stella was reunited with the Wicker family later this afternoon. (JM)
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Island Lake Road Closed Wednesday between Dancer & Dexter Townhall RoadsIsland Lake Road Closed Wednesday between Dancer & Dexter Townhall Roads
A daytime road closure could impact traffic in Dexter Township tomorrow. The closure on Island Lake Road between Dancer Road and Dexter Townhall Road is needed to replace two culverts. The Washtenaw County Road Commission advises that through-traffic will be restricted during the daytime activities. Local access for properties within the road closure will be maintained, but delays are possible. The culvert replacement is expected to be complete by the end of the workday Wednesday but the road commission notes dates are tentative and subject to change due to weather conditions. (JM)
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Utility Rate Increase, Building & Planning Fee Updates Approved In City Of HowellUtility Rate Increase, Building & Planning Fee Updates Approved In City Of Howell
The Howell City Council met Monday night and took action to update different fees and adjust utility rates. Although not particularly pleased about it, Council approved implementing water and sewer rate increases. Rate advisors earlier recommended the hike. City Manager Shea Charles tells WHMI the net effect is a 5.5% increase, which is part of a multi-year rate track. Charles says they identified the system was underfunded a number of years ago but instead of implementing one large rate change at once, the City has been breaking it up over a number of years. He says the reasoning was two-fold; to avoid rate shock but also because with rate designs, there are a lot of assumptions with usage. He says Council opted for taking an incremental approach and breaking it up over a number of years to make sure the system is performing the way they thought it would. Detailed information about the utility rate adjustments and a history of the system is available on the City of Howellâs website, through the link below. Council also adopted two other separate resolutions updating other rates and fees. One modified planning and building fees, which had not been comprehensively reviewed in many years. The updated ordinance eliminates fence permits, makes changes related to performance bonds and others so permit fees reflect actual costs. The City was said to have been subsidizing the costs of many permits, especially roofs and decks, signs and some planning reviews, as the costs of reviews and inspections were not being covered by permit fees. Meanwhile, the other resolution approved updated the fee structure for compactor usage in the central business district. Officials have said the rates are essentially remaining the same and the intent of the resolution was to adjust the fee criteria. (JM)
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Suspicious Fire Under Investigation In Marion Township Suspicious Fire Under Investigation In Marion Township
The investigation continues into a suspicious fire last week in Marion Township. The fire was started in the garage of a home on Alstott Drive off Peavy Road, where a woman had apparently kicked out her 55-year-old boyfriend earlier in the day. The fire was reported around 10:30pm Thursday. Livingston County Sheriff Bob Bezotte tells WHMI the Howell Area Fire Department responded and found it to be very suspicious. He says responding detectives found the fire was started in the garage but noted there was no source for the fire or any rhyme or reason why it should have been in the garage. Bezotte says they also learned that the woman had kicked out her boyfriend earlier that day, who just happened to be driving by the home at the same time neighbors discovered the fire and alerted everyone inside to get out. He says it is a suspicious fire they believe to be arson but it remains under investigation. The garage was destroyed and a cat died as a result of the blaze. A portion of the roof also sustained damage but no injuries resulted. Further information is not being released due to the ongoing investigation. Picture courtesy of Roy Seifried. (JM)
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County Contributes Funds To Connect Putnam Fire Dept. To Fiber NetworkCounty Contributes Funds To Connect Putnam Fire Dept. To Fiber Network
Livingston Countyâs public safety fiber optic network will be expanded to include the Putnam Township Fire Department. On Monday, the Livingston County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution to extend the network by authorizing $45,000 from the countyâs general fund to be contributed to the project. That money will match grant funds the Local Planning Team currently has towards connecting Putnamâs Fire Department. The project began in 2009, with a goal 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. Commissioner Steve Williams says the publicity surrounding the project has drawn attention from some commercial providers and he has had recent conversations with them about ways to save money by running the fiber optic line in such way that it would reduce construction costs. Williams says this is important because the brunt of the cost comes from construction, not the materials. Williams says in this money-saving venture, if the county can partner with the companies who provide high speed internet to homes and businesses, they would be âmore than happy to do thatâ. He says the county recognizes the importance of high speed internet accessibility and wants to help promote that. The Unadilla Township Fire Department is now the last public safety group not connected to the network. Williams tells WHMI partnering with these providers could be the best way to complete the projectâs expansion. He says the extension to the Unadilla Fire Department wonât happen for at least another year, but feels connecting them is extremely important. Williams says the county is looking into grants and other means of affording their inclusion. (DK)
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Charges Sought Against Man For Shooting Wife's Car During Domestic Dispute Charges Sought Against Man For Shooting Wife's Car During Domestic Dispute
Criminal charges are being sought against a man following a domestic dispute that turned physical in Tyrone Township. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department received a call through 911 around 9:30pm last Thursday in regard to a domestic violence incident in the 8000 block of Denton Hill Road, where there were also reports of gunshots fired. Sheriff Bob Bezotte says there was a physical domestic incident, which led to the 21-year-old suspect shooting up his wifeâs car in the driveway. Bezotte tells WHMI the woman was okay but the suspect had already fled by the time deputies arrived. Bezotte says the suspect shot up his girlfriendâs car but left the gun at the scene. The suspect fled to his fatherâs home and then in the woods but Bezotte says they didnât try to find him, noting he did not have a weapon and had been in the woods for quite a while. Although the suspect was not arrested that night, the department has since requested two warrants. Charges being sought through the Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office include domestic violence and reckless discharge of a firearm. (JM)
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LESA Gears Up For Annual Backpacks For Kids HandoutLESA Gears Up For Annual Backpacks For Kids Handout
The Livingston Education Service Agencyâs yearly Backpacks for Kids campaign is fast approaching and collection events have been scheduled to support the program. The âStuff the Busâ event collects school supplies and backpacks for children of families facing financial difficulties in Livingston County. On Friday, August 5th, the LESA bus will be parked at the Howell Wal-Mart from 10am to 2pm. Shoppers and anyone wishing to donate to the campaign to fill backpacks for kids can drop items off at that time. LESA has also partnered with the Five Below store, located at the Green Oak Village Place Mall, for a fundraiser August 5th through the 7th. During that weekend, 10% of every dollar spent will be donated to the backpack program. Great Start Livingston coordinator Robin Schutz says shoppers interested in contributing through Five Below need to have a flier to turn in at the time of the purchase for the donation to be made. That can be found at Livingstonesa.org. The fundraisers both lead up to the main event on August 18th, when the filled backpacks will be distributed to the kids at the LESA Education Center. Schutz tells WHMI there is a lot that goes into making this event a success, but seeing the recipientsâ reaction makes it all worth it. Last year, approximately $20,000 in supplies and monetary donations were made which helped distribute over 1,000 backpacks to students. Schutz says LESAâs goal this year is to hand out over 1,500 backpacks. More collection events, wish lists and other information about the Backpacks for Kids campaign can be found at the link below or call the backpack hotline at 517-540-6833. (DK)
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Hiking Trail Being Developed At Island Lake Rec AreaHiking Trail Being Developed At Island Lake Rec Area
A 5-mile hiking trail being constructed at Island Lake Recreation Area is designed to be separate from the area's mountain biking trails. The trail in Green Oak Township also will be used by cross-country skiers in the winter. Rick Pearsall of the Sierra Club, one of the organizations spearheading the project, says the trail was created in part because hikers would complain the bikers would be in their way and bikers would complain that hikers would slow them down. About 30 volunteers have been helping to clear the trail for the past month and roughly 3 miles is complete. Island Lake got a $10,000 grant that was used to help pay for tools. (AP)
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Milford Police Millage On August Primary Ballot Milford Police Millage On August Primary Ballot
A millage to support the Milford Police Department will appear on the August 2nd Primary ballot. The millage request would continue funding for the Milford Police Department and replace two current levies set to expire in 2017. A new reduced levy of 3.8250 is being proposed for a period of 15 years. The department serves a population of approximately 17,000 residents and if approved, the millage would generate roughly $3.2 (m) million starting in December 2017. The request was based on the findings of a joint committee comprised of both Milford Village and Milford Township officials, as well as a representative of the community. After a review of information and multiple discussions on the future of the community, the committee determined a millage rate slightly lower than the current combined rate of 3.8389 mills would be sufficient to maintain current police operations. Officials say it could also potentially allow for the addition of expanded patrol operations and community services in the future, depending on local economic conditions. A summary report of the committee's findings and recommendation is available on the Milford Police website and in the attachment below. (JM)
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New Times For Ramp Closures At I-96/US-23 Interchange New Times For Ramp Closures At I-96/US-23 Interchange
Motorists are being advised of some changes with scheduled ramp closures at the I-96/US-23 interchange in Brighton. The Michigan Department of Transportation says there has been an adjustment in time for ramp closures tonight and tomorrow night at the interchange. Tonight, the northbound US-23 ramp to westbound I-96 will be closed starting at 8pm, lasting through 6am. Then on Wednesday, the ramp from southbound US-23 to eastbound I-96, and the ramp from northbound US-23 to westbound I-96, will be closed from 7pm through 5am the following morning. The ramp closures are needed for bridge demolition at the interchange. Detours will be posted. (JM)
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Oceola Bicyclist Killed In Crash Near HomeOceola Bicyclist Killed In Crash Near Home
An Oceola Township man was killed while riding his bicycle near his home Monday night. Livingston County Sheriff Bob Bezotte says they were called to a report of a car/bicycle crash around 11:20pm on North Latson Road, south of Clyde Road. Upon arrival, deputies found 39-year-old Kevin Unverzagt dead at the scene. A preliminary investigation indicates he was hit from behind by an SUV driven by a 61-year-old Linden man, who was not injured in the incident. Bezotte says itâs unknown at this time whether alcohol, drugs or distracted driving were factors in the crash, but noted that Unverzagtâs bicycle did not have reflectors and he was wearing dark clothing. He says the Linden motorist likely didnât see Unverzagt until the last second. Per procedure, they will forward a report to the prosecutor's office, but Bezotte didn't expect any charges would be filed from the incident. The roadway was closed for about three hours overnight while authorities investigated. Bezotte says they were assisted at the scene by the Howell Area Fire Authority and Livingston County EMS.
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Howell Condo Developer Given Final Site Plan Extension Howell Condo Developer Given Final Site Plan Extension
A housing developer has been granted an extension to their preliminary planned unit development agreement in Howell Township. The township Planning Commission approved the PUD that would potentially add around 100 condominiums off of Brewer Road last year. However, the preliminary PUD expired 6 months ago with the developer yet to present a final site plan. Township Clerk and Zoning Administrator Carol Eaton said that she had been working with them at one time. They had purchased property and planned on going forward, but Eaton said communications had stopped until she had received the request for this extension. Speculation to the that is that the developer didnât want to start building until 2017, hence the delays on their part. The board is interested in seeing the condos go up, as it means more housing tapping into the sewer and water systems, benefiting the townshipâs water treatment operation. The developers asked for an 18 month extension, but the township granted them one year from the day of Tuesdayâs meeting.(MK)
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