A popular party store and deli in Milford that burned to the ground last year is poised for a grand re-opening. The early morning blaze broke out last September 2nd at Holdenâs Party Store and Deli on Milford Road, near Kensington Metropark. The fire was said to be caused by a grease fryer and while no injuries were reported, the building was destroyed along with everything inside. It was devastating news for locals and nearby campers. The family owned party store and deli has been serving the community for decades and is well known for its famous breakfast pizza and fried chicken. The family decided to rebuild and a lengthy renovation process has followed but itâs anticipated the store will finally re-open Friday. Regular updates detailing progress are posted on the Holdenâs Deli Facebook page. That link is below. (JM)
Holden's Party Store & Deli To Re-Open In Milford After Fire Holden's Party Store & Deli To Re-Open In Milford After Fire
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Brighton Fire Authority Asking For Quarter-Mill IncreaseBrighton Fire Authority Asking For Quarter-Mill Increase
Residents in the area covered by the Brighton Fire Authority will be asked to approve a millage increase on the upcoming ballot. The current 1.25 mill fire millage is expiring on December 31st. The Fire Authority, which serves the city of Brighton, Brighton Township, and Genoa Township is asking for a quarter-mill increase to 1.5 mills at the August 2nd primary election. According to Brighton Fire Chief Mike OâBrian, the new millage would equate to around a $25-$30 raise in taxes for most people. OâBrian said that the increase is needed to help balance off the rising cost of day-to-day operations. He said that the recession hit the department hard, like most people, and that they are trying to run in 2016 at what levels were in 2006. The Fire Authority has seen an 11% increase in runs over the past year and had to add some 24-hour staffing, which has added to the cost of running the department. OâBrian said that the millage increase in a very conservative one, and that he believes they have been a great steward of the publicâs money. He was proud that the department has found alternative routes for raising money throughout the years, like securing a $90,000 grant to help buy, distribute, and install fire detectors in homes. They have installed nearly 4,000 detectors in the area, and have had 18 saves from units theyâve put in. The chief said that they go all life-threatening, high priority EMS calls, and are the first on the scene more than 50% of the time. OâBrian put a large importance on education within his force, too. He wants his staff to be visible and engaged with the community in as many ways as they can, so that if anyone approaches them with a concern or question, they can properly address it. More information on the Authority and the millage request can be found on their Facebook page, or at www.supportbrightonfire.org. (MK)
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Company Rep Says Sulfolane Contamination Is Contained, But Unsure How It Got ThereCompany Rep Says Sulfolane Contamination Is Contained, But Unsure How It Got There
A public meeting in Hartland Township Tuesday night served to provide information and answer questions regarding the discovery of a potentially deadly chemical found at the local site of a former gas processing plant. The plant, owned by Merit Energy, was dismantled last summer and during that time it was discovered that a chemical called sulfolane had leached into the groundwater. Monitoring wells were installed at the site in early June as the company works to identify just how far the contamination reached. According to a letter from Hartland Township Supervisor Bill Fountain, 15 nearby residential wells around the former plant have since been tested and showed no impact from sulfolane. Merit believes the groundwater contaminated with the chemical is contained to the original five acre parcel where the plant operated. The remediation process is being overseen by the Michigan Department of Environmental Qualityâs Office of Oil, Gas and Minerals. The MDEQ is acting as a regulatory agency to make sure state regulations are followed. MDEQ Geologist Shaun Lehman says Merit held the meeting to inform the public of their work on the issue so far and whatâs ahead. Lehman says the company is currently delineating the extent of the contamination and working quickly to design a plan to clean up the site. Lehman says so far, Merit has done everything the MDEQ expects them to do but says âthereâs a lot of work to be done.â An environmental specialist who is consulting Merit said in regards to the chemical, they âdonât know how it got thereâ and couldnât explain why it was in the soil. That didnât sit well with residents, nor did Meritâs refusal to allow the meeting to be taped or recorded. That request was reportedly contingent on Meritâs agreement to hold the meeting, which township officials agreed to. Merit representatives declined to comment on the meeting or situation to WHMI, though they say they are being âcompletely transparent.â (DK)
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Pathway Project In Green Oak Township Awarded Grant Funding Pathway Project In Green Oak Township Awarded Grant Funding
Projects in Green Oak and Highland Townships are among 15 selected to receive funding to better connect the southeast Michigan regionâs system of trails and bike paths. The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments has awarded over $6.2 (m) million in Transportation Alternatives Program funding for fiscal year 2017. The money goes toward projects to improve walking and bicycling access to schools, fill gaps in trails and improve walkability of downtowns. Two local projects are among 15 that span seven counties in southeastern Michigan. In Green Oak Township, a pathway project for Lemen Road and M-36 has been awarded $559,000. The other local grant award was in Highland Township, where a Huron Valley Schools Safe Routes to School project will get $360,900. (JM)
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New Howell Township Master Plan To Go To Board Of TrusteesNew Howell Township Master Plan To Go To Board Of Trustees
One local township is putting the finishing touches on their 2016 Master Plan. The Howell Township Planning Commission made what they hope will be the final amendments to the document that represents how they plan to steer development in the area over the next 5 years. Planning Commission Chairman Andrew Sloan said they started this process nearly a year ago and wanted the community to be a big part. He said they sent out surveys and used the 150 they got back as advice for what the community was wishing for. Sloan said the future land use map had changed quite a bit from the last Master Plan which was drafted in 2009. The biggest change is the area around the airport. Airport zoning will now allow businesses that work with the airport to go up there. This could potentially include car rental companies, hotels, and restaurants. The Planning Commission voted to send the document to the Howell Township Board of Trustees with the recommendation for it to be sent it out for review. If the board of trustees is agreeable with it, the final draft of the new Master Plan will be sent out to neighboring townships, utility companies, the county, and railroads for their review. Those entities have 63 days to approve the plan, before it goes back to the Board of Trustees for a public hearing and formal adoption.(MK)
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Livingston County Veterans Millage On August Primary Ballot Livingston County Veterans Millage On August Primary Ballot
One proposal that will appear before all local voters on the August 2nd Primary ballot is an operational millage to support the Livingston County Veterans' Services program. The point-139 mill proposal would cost the owner of a home with a market value of $150,000 about $10 a year for a term of six years. The millage would be levied from 2017 through 2022 and if passed, would generate slightly over $1 (m) million annually to provide support for veterans and their dependents in Livingston County. Veterans Relief counselor Josh Parish says the millage creates opportunities for local Veterans and would help the department offer necessary services to the more than 12,000 veterans in Livingston County. Heâs very optimistic it will pass, saying with a dedicated millage, the department would not be limited in helping war-time veterans and could assist any honorably discharged Veteran that has 90-days of active duty service. Parish tells WHMI one of the most important things about having a service office in the area is the accessibility, reliability and convenience it offers to local Veterans, especially considering the wide array ranging from WWII to the current Iraq/Afghanistan War. Parish says there is a lot the office does informally they would like to do more of, including assisting with the transition from military to civilian life and expanding outreach, especially to the older generation of local Vets. He sees a lot of the younger generation coming home from a war/combat situation but really not fitting back in with the community, which can lead to trouble with the law, but says the older generation has a different set of struggles. Parish noted that many people might not be aware of the current homeless Veteran population in Livingston County and annually, theyâre seeing a higher number. He says the Veterans Relief Fund shelters homeless Vets at local hotels until they can assist them with finding more long term suitable housing. Parish feels the homeless population has always been here, they just havenât been able to access them but with expanded outreach, he believes theyâll be able to better identify the reasons why and assist. In addition to expanded outreach, Parish says the millage funds could increase the number of benefit counselors to help streamline processes for Veterans, allow for the creation and assistance of mental health services, aid in upgrading IT infrastructure, expand transportation services and better assist Veterans with job placement and resume services. More information about the proposal including a power point presentation is available through the links below. (JM)
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Dansville Man Enters Plea To 2009 Rape At WaldenwoodsDansville Man Enters Plea To 2009 Rape At Waldenwoods
A Dansville man has pleaded to charges related to a 7-year-old rape case from Hartland Township. 36-year-old Christopher Craig Bennett was originally charged with two counts of 3rd degree criminal sexual conduct for an incident that allegedly occurred in May of 2009 at the Waldenwoods Resort. Authorities say Bennett, who worked as a park ranger at the resort, raped a then 16-year-old female who was staying at the campgrounds. Last week, Bennett pleaded no contest to one count of seduction in exchange for the dismissal of the two original charges. A no-contest plea is not an admission of guilt but is treated as such at sentencing, which is set for August 25th. (DK)
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Several Local School Board Races Will Be Contested In November Several Local School Board Races Will Be Contested In November
Tuesday marked the filing deadline for candidates looking to serve on local school boards. In Brighton Area Schools, four seats are up for election. Board of Education President Jay Krause and Secretary Beth Minert are not running for re-election while Trustees Bill Trombley and Andy Burchfield filed in late June and early July. The other candidates that filed for seats on the Brighton board include James Alexander Jr, Gerry Mann, Alicia Reid, William Rockwell, Jason Tracey and Roger Myers. Myers is an attorney who represents Livingston Christian Schools in a lawsuit it filed against Genoa Township that was dismissed but is now being appealed. Another largely contested race will be for the Howell Board of Education. Incumbents Mike Yenshaw, Marcus Wilcox and Stacy Pasini have filed for re-election. The other candidates seeking open seats include Leslie Bohnett, Colleen Ontko, Courtney Tarara and Mitchell Zajac. The complete list of candidate filings for Fowlerville, Hartland, Pinckney, Brighton and Howell school board offices is attached below. (JM)
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New Chief Selected For Highland Township Fire DepartmentNew Chief Selected For Highland Township Fire Department
The Highland Township Fire Department has found a new fire chief, after nearly a year of searching. Richard Cole has been serving as the fire departmentâs acting and assistant chief since former Chief Jim Crunk retired unexpectedly last August. Chief Cole says the position has been officially offered to Ken Chapman, following an approved recommendation by the Highland Township Board of Trustees earlier this month. Cole tells WHMI Chapman is no novice to the fire service. Chapman formerly served as chief of a fire department in Fostoria, Ohio. He began his career in the fire service in the Westland area in Michigan approximately 30 years ago. Cole says it was Chapmanâs experience, credentials and desire to learn about the new department he would serve that made him the top pick among a list of good candidates. Additionally, Chapman has family and friends that live in Michigan which Cole believes will keep him around for a while. Chapmanâs expected salary is set at $67,500 plus benefits. The soon-to-be chief is excited to get started, but WHMI had difficulty getting in touch with him as he is currently moving his family from Ohio. Cole says Chapman is hoping to get settled in and begin his new position August 1st. Chief Cole plans to return to his previous position as the departmentâs Assistant Chief. He believes Chapman will make a good addition and team member and is looking forward to bringing him on board. (DK)
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Howell Man Charged With Assaulting Girlfriend Also Suspect In Possible ArsonHowell Man Charged With Assaulting Girlfriend Also Suspect In Possible Arson
A local man who allegedly assaulted his girlfriend and may have started a fire after the altercation in the garage of the home they shared has been charged. 55-year-old Donald Ray Baggett of Howell is charged with assault with intent to commit sexual penetration, assault by strangulation and domestic violence. The charges stem from an incident that occurred last Thursday that involved Baggettâs girlfriend, a fight and a suspicious fire. It all began when Baggett allegedly threatened his girlfriend at their home in Marion Township and asked if she had ever cheated on him. He then reportedly strangled her while demanding to know if she had ever slept with any African American men. The victim says Baggett then sniffed her to see if she had had sex with someone else and tried to remove her pants. Baggettâs girlfriend kicked him out of their house, though he was reportedly seen driving in the area later that day. Authorities say as Baggett was driving by the home around 11:30 that evening, he called to report a fire in their garage. He has now been identified as a person of interest in that fire which police said was deemed suspicious because there was nothing in the garage to indicate the cause of the fire. No charges have been filed against Baggett in relation to the fire at this time and the fire is being investigated as arson. Baggett is due back in court August 3rd for a probable cause conference. He is currently being held in the Livingston County Jail on a $500,000 cash/surety bond. (DK)
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Enforcement Options Still Being Explored For Thompson Lake & Boat Launch Enforcement Options Still Being Explored For Thompson Lake & Boat Launch
The City of Howell is taking a two-pronged approach when it comes to potential enforcement on Thompson Lake and the boat launch. The Howell City Council met recently and introduced amendments revising sections of ordinances related to noise control and disorderly conduct. The City has been working through the challenge of loud boats and other complaints on Thompson Lake for the last couple of years. City Manager Shea Charles says theyâve gotten some resolution by working with property owners and boat operators but some issues remain. Amendments were introduced that propose to amend noise control and disorderly conduct ordinances currently on the books to incorporate and clarify that they would also apply to waterways in the city, specifically Thompson Lake.
Council has also discussed options to address operators and equipment on the lake consistently violating the law and being a challenge. Thus, City staff will also be bringing forward administrative rules for the boat launch, which would be similar to being at the beach where certain rules and a code of conduct apply. Those would deal with expectations of behavior on the lake but if people have violated those and there is documented evidence, Charles says they could look at banning the piece of equipment from the lake for a period of time. Tickets would be civil infractions, with initial fines starting at $150 that could increase up to $500 for subsequent violations. One resident spoke up to thank Police Chief George Basar for meeting with property owners and residents on the lake, noting there has been improvement with one particularly loud boat. Itâs anticipated another meeting will also be held with that same group. The amendments to noise control and disorderly conduct will be up for approval at the next City Council meeting. Photo: Google Street View. (JM)
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"Amazing" Response To First Responders Donation Drive"Amazing" Response To First Responders Donation Drive
A fundraiser in Brighton this week collected hundreds of dollars in donations for an organization that stands in support of first responders. Brighton Area School teachers and staff gathered at Duncan Chiropractic Group on Hilton Road Wednesday to collect monetary donations and gift cards for the countyâs Disaster Assistance Response Team, or DART. The nonprofit group aids first responders at emergencies and large-scale incidents by providing drinks and snacks, as well as blankets or stuffed animals for adults and children at the scene of a fire or other incident. Brighton teacher Karen Storey headed up the fundraiser and says in just two hours they raised $552.76 in the form of gift cards and cash. She called it âan amazing community turnout.â Storey says the original idea was to collect donations directly for local emergency responders, but because those authorities are not legally allowed to accept donations of a monetary value, a police officer suggested DART as a next option because the team operates solely on donations. (JK)
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New Hudson Inn Celebrating 185th Anniversary New Hudson Inn Celebrating 185th Anniversary
A big celebration is planned for a small landmark structure in Lyon Township that has served a local community for more than 100 years. A special 185th anniversary breakfast and ribbon cutting event is planned at the New Hudson Inn on Monday, August 1st. The historic building is the oldest business in Lyon Township and underwent a renovation earlier this year. Breakfast will begin at 8am and the ribbon cutting will follow at 9am with L. Brooks Patterson presenting an Oakland county proclamation. State Senator Mike Kowall presenting a State Tribute recognizing the 185th anniversary. There will also be opportunities for attendees to have photos taken with a "This Place Matters" banner, which officials say is slated to be placed into Prosper Magazine. (JM)
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Fundraiser Will Support Brighton Marching Band's Chance To Play At Outback Bowl Fundraiser Will Support Brighton Marching Band's Chance To Play At Outback Bowl
A local high schoolâs marching band is seeking the communityâs help through a fundraiser that will support their shot at the big time. A scramble golf outing at Whispering Pines golf course in Pinckney will be held Sunday, August 7th starting at 9am. The event will benefit the Brighton High School marching band, who applied and was accepted to perform at the Outback Bowlâs halftime show. The college football game on New Yearâs Day is held in Tampa, Florida and only 15 high school bands from across the country are invited to perform. Prior to game day, Brightonâs band will also get to compete against the other schools for a chance to perform during the Outback Bowlâs pregame which will be shown on national television. Director of Bands for the Brighton school district, Gabriel Hoffman, has confidence in her students. She tells WHMI they are already an exceptional group, even before this latest achievement. Hoffman says the golf outing is the bandâs major fundraiser to support the trip and that the event desperately needs more golfers. She is hoping the community will rally around the program because the opportunity for the students to compete and perform is one they may never have again. Golf, food, prizes, raffles and an auction will all be a part of the fundraiser. Youâll find more information about the golf outing in WHMI's events section. (DK)
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Howell Public Schools Ratifies ContractsHowell Public Schools Ratifies Contracts
For the first time in several years one local district will start the school year with all of its contracts ratified.
The Howell Public Schools Board of Education approved contracts for two bargaining units Monday night. Contracts for the Howell Administrative Association and the Howell Custodial/Maintenance staff were ratified. Both contracts included 1% wage increases. Superintendent Erin MacGregor says although the increases are not significant, the board wanted to acknowledge the importance of the staff. He says several of the employee groups had not had increases at all, so when they spoke of a 1 percent increase it was not anything earth shattering. MacGregor says in the past six to 7 years there has been very little movement when it came to salary, so even though it is small, the increase is something. He thanked the community for their support with the recent technology bond as well as the Livingston Educational Service Agency millage, adding both of those provided some additional funds in the general fund that would not have been available otherwise. He says if it hadn't been for the support of the community the district would have been hard pressed to provide the increase. The Administrative Association contract is for three years and includes a $750 onetime or off-schedule payment. The custodial contract is for one year and includes longevity, which MacGregor says brings the bargaining unit up to the same level as the rest of the support staff. He says last year the custodial contract included a wage re-opener, which allowed the district to take another look at the contract this year. MacGregor says with these contracts all of the districtâs employees will start the school year with up to date contracts and for 2016/17 school year there will be no new negotiations. (DS)
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Local Cub Scouts Create Quilts Of Comfort To Be Carried In Patrol Vehicles Local Cub Scouts Create Quilts Of Comfort To Be Carried In Patrol Vehicles
Local Cub Scouts recently took part in a project that will serve as a means of comfort for individuals who find themselves in potentially difficult situations. CSI or Cub Scout Investigation was the theme for the Three Fires District Annual Day Camp. Approximately 100 Cub Scouts worked together as a team on a camp service project that involved decorating quilt squares. The squares were then sewn into quilts, knotted and finished by the Cubs. This year a total of 8 quilts were created and have been donated to support individuals in need of comforting. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Office was said to be very supportive in assisting with the program. The quilts will be carried in deputy patrol vehicles to be distributed as needed. The Scouts were representing Packs 3309, 3315, 3330, 3336, 3357, 3362, 3363, 3365, 3371, 3384, 3385, and 3395. Pictured from left: Sergeant Cory Rosenbergh, Boy Scout Day Camp Staff Member Paul Corder and Livingston County Undersheriff Mike Murphy. (JM)
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Naloxone Training To Help Prevent Opioid Overdose DeathsNaloxone Training To Help Prevent Opioid Overdose Deaths
Training for local law enforcement officers is planned next week with an underlying goal to reduce the number of fatalities involving opioid overdose. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Office, Community Mental Health and Emergency Medical Services are all partnering in the ongoing battle against opioid overdose deaths throughout the community. The Sheriffâs Office has acquired a supply of intranasal Naloxone or Narcan®, which is an opioid antagonist that when utilized can counteract the effects of an opioid overdose. Livingston County EMS will be conducting training for deputies on the use of Naloxone on August 2nd and 3rd. Itâs described as a valuable tool for deputies in reducing opioid overdose fatalities, which have steadily increased in Livingston County over the past several years, and a number of local departments have begun using it. (JM)
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6th Annual LeConcours de Livingston Helps Local Families in Need6th Annual LeConcours de Livingston Helps Local Families in Need
For the sixth year a high end classic car show is planned to help local people in need. LeConcourse de Livingston is returning to Whispering Pines Golf Course in Pinckney on Saturday, August 6th and will benefit Love INC. Executive Director of Love INC, Katherine Janego says the popular event will showcase a variety of juried antique automobiles and motorcycles. She says it is the only LeConcours in southeast Michigan, and when they talk about the event they're talking about pre-war vehicles like 1920 Deusenburgs, 29 Packards and several Model-Ts, Model-As and 1931 Studebakers. She says its an incredible display of vehicles that usually are seen in the Henry Ford Museum. Janego says the event is the largest fundraiser for Love INC. The organization provides furniture, clothing and vouchers for services to people in need across Livingston County. She says the organization is continually adding to the services it provides with the help of Le Concours. Along with the antique automobiles taking over the 18th hole of the golf course, Janego says there will be entertainment provided by The Leaky Tikis, an Elvis impersonator and a Marilyn Monroe tribute artist. There will also be live and silent auctions including vacation packages and the raffle for a diamond pendant. Tickets for Le Concours de Livingston are $50 each and can be purchased online through the link below. (DS)
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Several Street Repair Projects Approved By Brighton City Council Several Street Repair Projects Approved By Brighton City Council
The Brighton City Council has approved several street projects for the current construction season. Action approving the street repair and upkeep work came during last Thursday nightâs meeting. Council unanimously approved $87,000 worth of work, with the successful bidder out of three submitted by One Way Asphalt, Paving, and Excavating of WIlliamston. City Manager Nate Geinzer tells WHMI that the work will include mill-and-fill, road patching and a new overlay where necessary. The major beneficiary of the work will be the roundabout at West Main and Third Streets, which will get a new layer of pavement. In addition, patching work will take place on Rickett Road and Library Drive. Geinzer says that crack-sealing, which extends the life of the pavement, will be done at scattered locations around town. City DPW Director Dave Blackmar says that the work barely scratches the surface of Brightonâs street work needs, but more canât be done at this time because of limited funding. In fact, Blackmar says the bulk of the money will come from a recent one-time M-DOT appropriation to assist local agencies in upgrading their streets. The street repair work is scheduled to begin in late August. (TT)
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Funding And Renewed Contract Approved By County For CASA ProgramFunding And Renewed Contract Approved By County For CASA Program
Funding and a contract have been authorized for a local family court advocacy program. LACASAâs Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA, is a group comprised of community volunteers who advocate for local children in the court system for cases of abuse and neglect. On Monday, the Livingston County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution to renew a contract between LACASA and CASA. Commissioner Steve Williams says the program has been successful in the Circuit Court system and has âserved the participants very wellâ. He feels the relationship between the two is a nice integration of community service groups in a county court structure. Commissioners also unanimously passed a resolution to authorize funding for CASA for Livingston Countyâs Circuit Court Family Division Juvenile Unit. Williams tells WHMI that will be used for child care.
Funding for the contract is up to $105,000 including $30,000 in the approved contribution agreement, which will be available in the 2017 child care fund budget. The CASA initiative began in 2011 to help protect the rights of children, many of whom are in foster care, as they interact with the stateâs court system. It assigns each child an individual volunteer caseworker, whose sole duty is to make sure that childâs best interests are being served by all parties. The LACASA-CASA program now advocates for 40 out of a total 135 children in the Livingston County foster care system. (DK)
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