Military vehicles and an all-you-can-eat breakfast return to Fowlerville for a popular family event on September 11th. The Dawn Patrol returns with their annual event hosted by the Fowlerville Rotary Club to honor our veterans from 7am to noon that Sunday. Dawn Patrol Chairman Doug Bernie is excited that their annual show has become a popular attraction around the village. This is the 66th year the event, which Bernie says has become a community event for Fowlerville, is taking place. Last year 150 planes showed up for the event and this year Bernie expects there to be at least that many, if not more. There will be war birds, war dogs, a restored jeep, and skydivers. The Michigan Vietnam Veterans Travelling Memorial Wall will also be on the grounds that day with the names of all the serviceman who gave their lives in the war. An all-you-can-eat-breakfast will be served throughout the morning featuring pancakes, a ham-and-egg scramble, biscuits and gravy, and more. The breakfast is $8 for adults, $5 for children 5-12. Last yearâs popular golf ball drop raffle will happen again, with 5 out of 500 tickets sold winning cash prizes up to $1,000. Camping is allowed and encouraged the whole weekend leading up to the event which takes place at Maple Grove Airport, north of the village, at Sherwood and Robb Roads. (MK)
Fowlerville 66th Annual Dawn Patrol Event Coming In SeptemberFowlerville 66th Annual Dawn Patrol Event Coming In September
↧
↧
Fenton, Linden School Buses Being Repaired For New School YearFenton, Linden School Buses Being Repaired For New School Year
School buses failing inspection are being repaired in anticipation of the students returning to class on Tuesday. Each year the Michigan State Police inspects all of the school buses in the state and marks them on a pass, yellow, or red scale. The report from September 2015 to May 2016 showed that 12% in the state were not safe. The Tri-County Times is reporting that 36% of Fentonâs and 17% of Lindenâs buses failed inspection. When the MSP deems a bus âred,â the school must fix it before it allowed to be used again. Fenton Superintendent Adam Hartley stated that the district works hard to make sure students are riding safely and that they will fix the 9 buses that need it immediately. He continued to say that are numerous reasons that a bus could be tagged red, and that they have a competent staff that is able to fix any issues they have. For parents who are concerned with the safety of their childrenâs bus, there is a QR code on ever bus door that can be scanned with a smartphone. Information on the bus and contact information for if concerns arise will be delivered to your mobile device. (MK)
↧
Some Fenton Residents Not Happy With Finished ResultSome Fenton Residents Not Happy With Finished Result
Some local residents donât like the view from the recently replaced bridge over the Shiawassee River in Fenton. The bridge on Silver Lake Road in Fenton has been open for some time, but finishing touches were recently completed, which included painting the concrete walls across the span. Construction on the bridge took five months to complete between February and June, when the deck and a water main beneath it were replaced. The project, which cost just over $1 million, was partially funded through a bridge replacement grant from the State of Michigan. An old fence with overgrown vegetation was removed and the new bridge has concrete rails and a sidewalk across it. Recent finish work included staining the concrete on the exterior of the bridge to look like rock. Some local residents are upset because the river isnât visible from the bridge, but Public Works Director Dan Czarnecki says drivers should be focused on the road ahead and not distracted by the river. Czarnecki suggests anyone who wants to see the river or the exterior of the bridge should park the car and walk across. (DS)
↧
Closures Start Again Next Week At I-96/US-23 Interchange Closures Start Again Next Week At I-96/US-23 Interchange
Various ramp and freeway closures will greet motorists after the holiday weekend at the I-96/US-23 interchange in Brighton. The Michigan Department of Transportation has scheduled various closures so that crews can set beams. Starting at 11pm next Tuesday and lasting through 5am Wednesday, the following will be closed so that crews can set beams:
- northbound US-23 at I-96
- the eastbound I-96 ramp to northbound US-23
- the northbound US-23 ramp to westbound I-96
The posted detour will be eastbound I-96 to Kensington Road to westbound I-96 to US-23. Then starting at 10pm next Wednesday through 5am Thursday, Old US-23 will be closed at I-96 also for beam setting. The posted detour will be Grand River Ave to Pleasant Valley to Spencer Road. Also next Wednesday, the ramp from southbound US-23 to westbound I-96 will be closed for nearly one week for paving and upgrades. That work starts 5am Wednesday and lasts through 5am Tuesday, September 13th. A detour will be posted when the ramp is closed that uses eastbound I-96 to Kensington Road to westbound I-96. (JM)
↧
Howell Residents Encouraged To Register For Citizens' Academy Howell Residents Encouraged To Register For Citizens' Academy
The City of Howell has announced another session of the Citizens' Academy. The seven-week program is described as an exciting way for residents to learn about City government, become involved in community issues and gain knowledge of the various departments and services in the City. Informative sessions take place Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 9:30pm, October 6th through November 17th. A graduation ceremony will conclude the program during the regular Howell City Council meeting on Monday, November 21st. Those that would like to register or learn more about the City of Howell Citizensâ Academy are asked to contact Deanna Robson at (517) 546-3502 or drobson@cityofhowell.org. The deadline to enroll in the program is Wednesday, September 28th. (JM)
↧
↧
South Lyon Man Who Stole Car With Child Inside Bound Over For Trial South Lyon Man Who Stole Car With Child Inside Bound Over For Trial
A local man is heading to trial on various charges after stealing a car with a 1-year-old boy inside. 52-year-old Eric Lynn Scheffer of South Lyon was arrested following the incident on August 16th after escaping from a vehicle police say he stole that had a child in the back seat. Scheffer appeared in 52-1 District Court in Novi on Wednesday for a probable cause conference. An exam was waived and he was bound over to Oakland County Circuit Court for arraignment September 7th on charges that include unlawful driving away of an automobile and stealing a financial transaction device. Scheffer is accused of stealing a car on Hagadorn Street in South Lyon. The owner momentarily left his son inside the car with it running while he ran in his father-in-lawâs home to retrieve some items. The father saw the car being driven away and called the police before jumping in his father-in-lawâs truck to give chase. Police said Scheffer eventually abandoned the vehicle on Calkins Road, north of 10 Mile with the 1-year-old still inside. The father and son were reunited and South Lyon Police Chief Lloyd Collins soon spotted Scheffer in the area. He claimed to be in the area looking for his cellphone, which was later found inside the stolen vehicle. Police allege Scheffer also stole the fatherâs wallet and cigarettes, which were also retrieved. Police say Scheffer later confessed, claiming he didnât know there was a child in the car when he stole it. He also allegedly confessed to stealing a truck left running on August 16th near the South Lyon Bakery. (MK/JM)
↧
Senior Housing, Apartments & Kroger Addition Proposed In Brighton Township Senior Housing, Apartments & Kroger Addition Proposed In Brighton Township
The Brighton Township Planning Commission will hold public hearings on three large development projects later this month that involve housing and a retailer expansion. The commission will host its regular meeting on Monday, September 12th. The first public hearing will be for reconsideration of a rezoning request presented by Manchester Brighton LLC. The applicant is proposing a rezoning from OS or office service to conditional rezoning of property located along E. Grand River, between Pleasant Valley Road and US-23. The developer is reportedly proposing a 393-unit apartment complex as well as a three-story senior citizen housing facility (rendering pictured here) that would be called Encore Village. The second public hearing is for consideration of special land use permit requests presented by The Kroger Company of Michigan. The applicant is requesting special land uses to expand their current Brighton Township location at 9968 E. Grand River to exceed 30,000-square-feet, including a pharmacy with drive thru and outdoor sales in a B-2 or general business district. The Brighton Township Planning Commission meeting starts at 7pm September 12th at the Brighton Township Hall on Buno Road. (JM/JK)
↧
South Lyon High School Dedicates Athletic Fields To Fallen GraduateSouth Lyon High School Dedicates Athletic Fields To Fallen Graduate
Before the kickoff to South Lyon High Schoolâs first football game of the year, a special ceremony was held on the field. Superintendent Melissa Baker was joined by members of Lance Corporal Dominic Ciaramitaroâs family and a Marine color guard to honor the young man, who lost his life in Afghanistan in April, 2011. The district recently completed renovations on its athletic complex and chose to name it after Ciaramitaro, who was a 2009 graduate and football player. Assistant Superintendent Maureen Altermatt says it was a community effort. She says the VFW came to them last year, and they put together a committee of stakeholders and there was a unanimous feeling that they wanted to name something after Ciaramitaro. She says he was a student of the district and played football in South Lyon, so they felt it was very appropriate to name the athletic field after him. He gave his life over in Afghanistan so they are commemorating him and honoring his service to our country. Baker says Ciaramitaro was a friend of her daughterâs and she became emotional during the brief dedication ceremony held just before the districtâs varsity football game against the Howell Highlanders. She says the event spoke to the strong ties in the small community in Western Oakland County. She says South Lyon is a great community that just wants to celebrate Ciaramitaro and all of his service as well as those who served in the past, now and in the future. She says she was very blessed to know Dominic personally, he was a close friend of her daughter's. She says she thinks that what South Lyon represents as a community is that it's a community of relationships; so all of the kids touch their hearts in some way. She says the ceremony was an opportunity to honor Dominic and his family for their service. As part of the dedication the coin to determine which team would kick off the game was tossed by Ciaramitaroâs sister Grace. The family was joined by several Marines from the Third Battalion 9th Marines who served with Ciaramitaroâs . There were also several public officials including the mayor and city manager of South Lyon. Retired Lt. Colonel John McMahon, Jr. from the South Lyon Veterans of Foreign Wars Post says he petitioned the Board of Education to name the complex in honor of the fallen hero. He says the granite monument that stands in the courtyard outside the football field will eventually have an addition on top to include all branches of service and represent all those who served from Operation Desert Storm until today. (DS)
↧
Brighton Fire Authority to Host Memorial 5KBrighton Fire Authority to Host Memorial 5K
Events in Brighton next weekend will commemorate the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks. Firefighters from all over the state of Michigan are expected to participate in whatâs being touted as the largest memorial event in the state. The firefighters will run or walk in full turnout gear in the Brighton Area Fire Authorityâs annual 5K to honor the victims of the 9/11 terror attacks in New York, Washington DC and Pennsylvania. Brighton Fire Chief Michael OâBrian says typically they have firefighters, who in memory of the the events that happened on September 11, 2001 and specifically the 343 firefighters that perished that day will walk, run or jog in turnout gear with their packs. He says many communities do stair climbs as a day of remembrance kind of thing, but in Brighton there isn't anything that's that tall, so over the years they've done the 5k to help bring that awareness and remember that day. OâBrian says the event is being held in conjunction with the Smokinâ Jazz and Barbecue Blues festival in Downtown Brighton. He says it is not just for firefighters, but says there will be runners and walkers from all skill levels. He says he expects somewhere around 300 people to participate, but is hoping for at least 500. OâBrian says proceeds from the event will be used to complete the Memorial at the Brighton Fire Authority on Grand River. He says a portion of the funds collected will also be used for scholarships and other charities related to the 9/11 incident. On Sunday evening there will be a memorial ceremony at Brighton Fire Station 31 to honor those who lost their lives. For information on registration visit BrightonFireAuthority.com. (DS)
↧
↧
City Of Brighton Supports Creation Of Transportation AuthorityCity Of Brighton Supports Creation Of Transportation Authority
The city of Brighton is showing its support for the creation of an authority dedicated to building the local public transportation system. The Livingston County Transportation Coalition is on a mission to expand public transportation services in the region. Dr. Leo Hanifin, Chair of the Coalition, says the first step to creating a multi-modal transportation system is to establish an authority that will engage the public in the systemâs planning process. The Coalition has a vision to expand the Livingston Essential Transportation Services capacity, bus service, Michigan Flyer commuter service and non-motorized transportation amenities. LETS is the only form of public transportation in the county and Hanifin says thatâs not enough to meet the demand. The Coalition is hoping that by receiving support from local municipalities, the countyâs Board of Commissioners will enable the creation of the Livingston County Transportation Authority. After a presentation from the Coalition, Brighton City Council unanimously approved a resolution Thursday that supports the Authorityâs creation. Hanifin says once the authority is created, the way forward in building public transportation is to create a plan, get community input and then perform cost and travel analysis. City Councilâs support does not involve any funding for the authority at this time. (DK)
↧
Appeals Court Overturns Decision To Toss Out Local Drunk Driving ChargeAppeals Court Overturns Decision To Toss Out Local Drunk Driving Charge
The Michigan Court of Appeals has overturned a ruling that tossed out a drunken driving charge against a Livingston County woman. Circuit Court Judge Michael P. Hatty ruled last November that the only evidence Tami Sue Livingston drove her vehicle while intoxicated the previous May was her own confession and that could not be used against her at trial without corroborating evidence to back it up. Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt filed an appeal with the Court of Appeals which today released a ruling in his officeâs favor. Livingston was charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated after she was discovered at about 9pm on May 3rd of 2015 passed out in the passenger seat of her vehicle, which was parked with the engine running, in the parking lot of O'Malley's Irish Pub & Restaurant in Hartland Township. Livingston reportedly told a sheriffâs deputy that she had been drinking alcohol since that morning and had pulled into the parking lot while trying to drive home. In its decision, the court said that there was sufficient proof of Livingstonâs intoxication apart from any statements she made, noting that, âShe appeared intoxicated, failed the field sobriety tests, and her blood alcohol level was found to be 0.21,â which was more than double the stateâs legal limit to drive. The case now returns to district court for trial. (JK)
↧
Eastbound 96 Lanes Closed For Hours By Truck Crash Eastbound 96 Lanes Closed For Hours By Truck Crash
An accident involving two semis and a pickup truck closed down eastbound I-96 near Brighton for several hours, snarling the morning commute. The crash happened at about 6:15am and forced the closure of the eastbound lanes of I-96 between US-23 and Pleasant Valley Road, which backed up traffic for miles. The collision between the semis and box truck left debris scattered across all lanes. At least three injuries were reported, but State Police say none of them are thought to be life-threatening. The closure also caused problems on southbound US-23, which also experienced multi-mile backups and several related fender-bender crashes. While various lanes of the freeway were reopened with two hours, the entire area wasnât clear until around 11am. Picture courtesy of ClickOnDetroit.com. (JK)
↧
New Uniform Rate At Register Of Deeds Office New Uniform Rate At Register Of Deeds Office
A new flat fee will go into effect next month at the Livingston County Register of Deeds Office. Starting October 1st, the cost of documents recorded in the countyâs Register of Deeds Office and throughout the State of Michigan will be a flat rate of $30, regardless of the number of pages. The only exceptions will be if the document assigns or discharges more than one instrument. That will be a $3 fee for each additional instrument. Register of Deeds Sally Reynolds says âit was practical to create a flat feeâ and that it should create a more smooth land title closing which only benefits constituents and the economy. Michigan is the only state to have a true flat fee which Reynolds says is the result of collaboration between a number of groups and associates and nine bills.
↧
↧
Men Charged In Alleged 2015 Sexual Assault Of 17-Year-Old Men Charged In Alleged 2015 Sexual Assault Of 17-Year-Old
A Williamston man and a Stockbridge man are facing various charges in connection with an alleged sexual assault. The Ingham County Sheriff's Office says it received a report on March 4th, 2015 that a 17-year-old female had been sexually assaulted by two men in Stockbridge Township. After a lengthy investigation, the office states warrants were authorized and the 1st District Michigan State Police Fugitive Team assisted in the apprehension of 25-year-old Vincent Albert Gentilozzi of Williamston and 32-year-old Jon McClain Martin of Stockbridge. A preliminary exam was held September 1st and both defendants were bound over to Ingham County Circuit Court on multiple charges. Gentilozzi faces three counts of criminal sexual conduct and one count of furnishing alcohol to a minor. Martin has been charged with two counts of criminal sexual conduct. (JM)
↧
Howell Nature Center 5K Run/Walk To Support Wildlife ClinicHowell Nature Center 5K Run/Walk To Support Wildlife Clinic
A fundraising run is being held to help a local wildlife rehabilitation center. The Howell Nature Centerâs Save the Wildlife 5K run/walk is scheduled for Saturday, September 17th. Director Dana DeBenham said it is events like this that help support their Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic which recently had to close for a week to care for a record number of injured and orphaned animals. Proceeds from this event will further help them continue to give care to the injured birds, reptiles, and mammals they take in. The clinic was able to reopen recently thanks to the support of the community and this run will help raise more funds to further help their animals-in-need. Debenham said the course is a 3-mile trail run and not on concrete. It will take runners and walkers through much of the centerâs 300 acres of oak and hickory woods, and many fields. A 1-mile Little Critter walk is also available for families to participate in. $25 early registration for the 5K run or 5K walk ends at noon on September 15th, with the cost going up to $30 after. The 1-mile walk is $15 before the 25th, $20 after. The 5K run features awards to be given following, while the walks are non-competitive. To register or find more information on the course, visit the link below. (MK)
↧
Local Dems Say Howell Township Trustee Candidate Ineligble To Serve If ElectedLocal Dems Say Howell Township Trustee Candidate Ineligble To Serve If Elected
One of four Republican candidates running for a seat on the Howell Township Board appears to be ineligible to serve but her name will remain on the November ballot. The Livingston County Democratic Party issued a press release that states candidate Elizabeth Dean is moving to California due to an unfortunate family circumstance thus will be ineligible. It states her house is currently under contract and since Dean has not changed her Michigan voter registration, her name will remain on the ballot. With ballots already being printed, local Democrats felt the best option is to get the word out. Sitting Trustee Mike Tipton, who is running opposed for the clerk seat in November, says while Deanâs situation is understandable, he feels itâs important Howell Township voters know Dean will be unable to fulfill the duties. He tells WHMI it basically amounts to a wasted vote as there are four good candidates ready to accept the job. Calls for comment have been placed by WHMI with Dean. As for her background, Dean is said to have worked in politics for four years at the federal level but was also very involved with local politics and served as the constituent services coordinator for former Congressman Mike Rogers. The press release issued by local Democrats is attached. Facebook Photo. (JM)
↧
Authorities Seeking Information On Fatal Pedestrian Hit And Run In Green Oak TwpAuthorities Seeking Information On Fatal Pedestrian Hit And Run In Green Oak Twp
Local authorities are investigating a fatal hit and run pedestrian collision in Green Oak Township. Green Oak Charter Township Police and Fire and Rescue Personnel responded to a call for an unresponsive man on Whitmore Lake Road, north of Eight Mile Road, just before 6pm on Friday. The victim, who is a 19-year-old male from Northfield Township, was found deceased on the shoulder of the roadway. Police believe the victim was struck around 2am on September 1st as he walked home from his employment at the Whitmore Lake McDonalds. The incident is being investigated by Green Oak Police and the Livingston County Accident Reconstruction Team. Police believe there is damage to the vehicle that struck the victim and that the driver may have thought he or she had struck an animal or other object in the road. Authorities are also looking to speak with any drivers who may have been in that area during the early morning hours of September 1st. Anyone with information is asked to call Green Oak Police at 810-231-9626. (DK)
↧
↧
Arraignment Scheduled For Suspect In Ring Of Car Break-InsArraignment Scheduled For Suspect In Ring Of Car Break-Ins
Arraignment has been scheduled for a New Hudson man believed to be involved in hundreds of car break-ins that span across three counties. 20-year-old Deionte Glass will be arraigned September 21st on one count of breaking and entering a vehicle to steal property $200 or more but less than $1,000. Glass and John Garcia-Stowe, also of New Hudson, were arrested in Brighton the morning of August 10th. Police had noticed several vehicles with their dome lights on and personal items strewn throughout the cars in a Brighton neighborhood. Officers then came across a woman sleeping in the backseat of a car, which they felt was suspicious. She was asked to call her friend and Brighton Police Chief Tom Wightman says several suspects were apprehended for Larceny from Auto. Charges have been sent to the Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office regarding the juvenile female who was found and released at the scene. Charges have also been filed against a third male, though Wightman says he is not sure of that suspectâs status. Brighton police passed on a license plate number to Hamburg Township police, which turned out to be registered to a vehicle that police had been looking for in relation to car thefts in the Hamburg area. Hamburg Police reportedly searched the residence of one of the suspects, where they recovered hundreds of items believed to have been stolen by the suspects. Wightman feels there are more thieves involved in the break-ins that occurred throughout Livingston County and the Metro Detroit area, possibly dating back as far as two years. The thieves targeted unlocked cars so many victims may not have even realized at the time that someone had been in their car. Anyone who has had property stolen from their vehicle over the last two years and is interested in whether it has been recovered is asked to contact Sgt. Gary Harpe at the Hamburg Police Department at 810-231-9391, ext. 315 or via email at gharpe@hamburg.mi.us. (DK)
↧
Proposal Would Merge Lyon Township & South Lyon Fire DepartmentsProposal Would Merge Lyon Township & South Lyon Fire Departments
The possible merger of two local fire departments will be a topic of discussion at a meeting next week. South Lyon Fire Chief Mike Kennedy and Lyon Township Fire Chief Ken Van Sparrentak will address the Lyon Township Board of Trustees on the status of a proposal that would essentially have the townshipâs department provide fire services to the City of South Lyon. While officials say a final decision is far in the future, the issue is gaining traction after South Lyon City Council discussed it last week and gave approval for talks to continue. Kennedy has said the proposal would be one solution to the lack of general response heâs received when trying to recruit new firefighters and retain current ones. Although he was the one who approached Van Sparrentak about a possible merger, it's expected Lyon Township would be the entity to provide services for South Lyon if an agreement is eventually reached. There would be no station closures or layoffs, but because Kennedy is only a part-time employee, he would become an assistant chief, while his deputy chief would become a lieutenant. Current South Lyon captains and lieutenants would then transition to the rank of sergeant with their seniority based on years of service. South Lyon council members seemed interested in the idea, although everyone concerned acknowledges there is a lot of work to do before it could move forward. The Lyon Township Board of Trustees will next meet on Tuesday, September 6th at 7pm. (JK)
↧
Shkreli "Not Afraid" For "Tough Fight" In 8th District RaceShkreli "Not Afraid" For "Tough Fight" In 8th District Race
Political newcomer and Democrat Suzanna Shkreli says she is running a full campaign, hoping to win the vote of Michiganâs 8th District for Congress. After Melissa Gilbert withdrew from the Congressional race, Shkreli, Macomb Countyâs Assistant Prosecutor, was chosen to replace her on the ballot. Shkreli says she was thrilled when she was recruited to run by the national party and Michigan Democratic Party and took the opportunity on willingly. She hopes to unseat Republican Congressman Mike Bishop, who she feels doesnât stand up for the middle class and continues to fight for special interests. Though the 8th Congressional District historically has tended to lean more towards the GOP, Shkreli feels voters are ready for someone new. She tells WHMI Bishopâs support of Donald Trump in the presidential election wonât help his case either. Shkreli says she has had the chance to speak with voters in every county and believes she understands what some of the main issues that they are facing are. To narrow those down, Shkreli says her first concern is creating and preserving good paying jobs, instead of shipping them overseas. Next, she says she wants to protect social security and Medicare. The third major issue she hopes to tackle is college affordability and feels Democrat Bernie Sanders started an important discussion about that during his presidential campaign. Shkreli says this yearâs election is certainly unique but is confident she will have the resources and votes to win it come November. (DK)
↧
More Pages to Explore .....
