Plans to build an airsoft field in Hartland Township have been nixed after unanimous disapproval from officials. The Hartland Township Planning Commission seemed to be on the same page Thursday night when discussing a Special Use Permit and Site Plan application for an airsoft field. Business partners Vince Nash and Michael Erisman of 82nd Airsoft LLC had proposed the private recreational facility to be built on two parcels totaling 48 acres on Pleasant Valley Road in Highland. Their project received negative feedback from residents who spoke at the Planning Commissionâs meeting, most of whom cited noise as their main reason for concern. Township Planner Troy Langer says commissioners were hesitant to recommend approving the application to the townshipâs Board of Trustees for many reasons. Langer says when the Planning Commission is debating to recommend an application for approval, they check the project against a list of standards. Officials look to see if the project would be harmonious with set ordinances, compatible with the environment and not detrimental or disturbing. Erisman told the board he and his business partner were âopen to changesâ, but it still wasnât enough. Though three commissioners were missing, it soon became clear that all of the members present would not recommend approval to the Board of Trustees. At that point, Erisman and Nash chose to withdraw their application. Erisman says he thinks officials based their decision on the âfear of the unknownâ. Several commissioners noted that they werenât against the concept of an airsoft field, but felt the location in question was not right for it. Commissioner Joe Colaianne, who called Hartland Township a âbedroom communityâ, says the project just wasnât âcompatible with the environment.â (DK)
Application For Airsoft Facility Withdrawn In Hartland Township Application For Airsoft Facility Withdrawn In Hartland Township
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Accessible Voting Event Will Navigate Voter Registration, Options And ProcessAccessible Voting Event Will Navigate Voter Registration, Options And Process
A local organization is hoping to draw attention to the importance of voting and disabled peopleâs rights at an event in Howell. On Tuesday, from 1 to 6pm at the Livingston Educational Service Agency, a voting machine created for people with disabilities will be available for the public to try out. The AutoMARK machine is a touch-screen device that provides another method of voting for disabled people. Executive Director of the Arc of Livingston, Anne Richardson, says if a disabled person cannot hold a pen, for example, and therefore could not vote using the typical method, the AutoMARK provides them that voting opportunity. The Abilities Alliance, a work group of the Livingston County Human Services Collaborative Body, is hoping to create awareness about the machine and disabled peopleâs rights at Tuesdayâs event. Richardson tells WHMI no one should be denied the right to vote. The entire community is invited to the Accessible Voting for All event to gain insight about voting options available and receive help with online voter registration if needed. Guests are asked to bring a photo identification card. Richardson says volunteers will also have sample ballots on hand, explain the voting process and hold a raffle for free Livingston Essential Transportation Services tokens. (DK)
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Brighton Fire Authority To Host 9/11 Memorial CeremonyBrighton Fire Authority To Host 9/11 Memorial Ceremony
In Brighton one local organization will again remember the tragic events of 9-11-2001. The Brighton Fire Authority plans to host the annual memorial on Sunday evening at Fire Station 31 at 615 Grand River, which is also home to a piece of twisted metal from the World Trade Center in New York. Brighton Fire Chief Michael OâBrian says the hour long ceremony is a way to remember those who died 15 years ago not only at the World Trade Center in New York, but at the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania as well. OâBrian encourages everyone from the community to attend. He says the event will feature local fire chiefs, public safety officials as well as other public officials speaking to help the community remember and honor those who lost their lives. He says the event is about an hour long and is open to everyone. OâBrian says the event will be held in front of the fire station near the memorial. He says there will be ample parking in the lot adjacent to the fire station as well as in community lots. He suggests anyone who attends should bring a chair. (DS)
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Howell School Board Candidate Can't Serve If Elected Howell School Board Candidate Can't Serve If Elected
A candidate for a local school board has confirmed that she cannot serve if she is elected in November. Colleen Ontko filed to run for the Howell Public Schools Board of Education back in February. But when the Howell Education Association, which represents the districtâs teachers, began to set up candidate screening interview, Ontko indicated to HEA President Zach Kasprzak that due to a family-related issue, she would not be able to serve if elected. Several attempts were made to contact Ontko, who is the director of religious education at Our Lady of the Woods Catholic Church in Woodhaven, but went unreturned until Friday. In an email to WHMI, Ontko indicated that she would be unable âto make the time for that commitment,â but offered no further explanation. However, Kasprzak is concerned because the deadline for school board candidates to withdraw from races passed on July 29th. That means her name will still be on the ballot. Kasprzak says that out of fairness for the other candidates and voters of Howell Public Schools, the information needed to be made public. He says there are four open seats on the school board â two incumbents are running along with one appointee who is trying to retain his seat so there will be at least one newcomer. Kasprzak says the HEA has been speaking with the various candidates and will ultimately be making a recommendation to members. (JK)
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Howell Man Accused Of Embezzling From Harley Dealership In Parts Scheme Howell Man Accused Of Embezzling From Harley Dealership In Parts Scheme
A Howell man is accused of embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from a Harley dealership by selling parts on the side. 51-year-old Stephen Elliott is charged with embezzlement of $100,000 or more and accused of selling parts on the side from Capitol Harley-Davidson in Dimondale. The Lansing State Journal reports employees apparently became concerned about sales and abnormalities with inventory records, prompting an internal investigation. Elliott is accused of embezzling an estimated $280,000 over the course of a five-year period from 2009 to 2014, when the owner is said to have transitioned away from daily involvement and Elliott basically took over running the business. 2014 was the last year he worked at the dealership. Elliottâs defense attorney has argued that prosecutors are relying too heavily on the internal investigation and since the owner allowed Elliott to run the business, they need to prove his client didn't have permission to sell parts through other means. Prosecutors maintain there is evidence Elliott was involved in changing records to take parts off inventory and testimony showed the business was suffering. The case is set for a motion hearing in October in Eaton County Circuit Court. (JM)
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CO Poisoning Blamed For Crash With School Bus CO Poisoning Blamed For Crash With School Bus
Four students from Howell were involved in a car and school bus collision Friday morning as a result of a carbon monoxide leak. The students say they started to feel dizzy as they made their way to school. Thatâs when the driver blacked out and swerved into a bus. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department says they believe a leaky muffler hole in the firewall caused the vehicle to fill with carbon monoxide. The incident occurred near Brewer and Highland. No injuries were reported. Undersheriff Mike Murphy says EMS responded and checked out the driver. The four students were cleared and allowed to leave the scene, but later went to the hospital because they were still feeling sick. Hospital records indicate all four had some level of carbon monoxide poisoning. Firefighters tested the vehicle and found high levels of carbon monoxide inside. The driver was reportedly ticketed for careless driving. (DK)
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Pavement Maintenance Monday and Tuesday in Brighton Pavement Maintenance Monday and Tuesday in Brighton
Road work is scheduled around the City of Brighton early next week. The City of Brightonâs contractor will be repairing various sections of streets and roadways with asphalt patching throughout the city. The pavement maintenance is anticipated to occur between 7am and 7pm on Monday and Tuesday. The streets that will be affected are:
Rickett Road (from East Grand River to Oak Ridge)
Library Drive (from Orndorf to: Challis)
Peppergrove Drive (from Lee Road to Durwood Court)
North Fourth Street (from W. Main to Chestnut)
City officials advise that there could be some traffic inconveniences during the work. (JM)
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Meeting Will Discuss Proposed Brighton Twp. Apartment & Senior HousingMeeting Will Discuss Proposed Brighton Twp. Apartment & Senior Housing
The Brighton Township Planning Commission will hold public hearings Monday on a proposed senior housing development, an apartment complex and an addition to Kroger. 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 reportedly wants to build a 393-unit apartment complex as well as a three-story senior citizen housing facility. The second public hearing is for consideration of special land use permit requests presented by The Kroger Company of Michigan. The grocery retailer is requesting special land uses to expand their current Brighton Township location on 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 Monday at 7pm at the township hall on Buno Road. (JK)
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Local Trump Supporters Open Office in Livingston CountyLocal Trump Supporters Open Office in Livingston County
Livingston County For Trump has opened its campaign office in hopes of securing votes and volunteers. Wes Nakagiri, Director of Livingston For Trump, says the group is looking to persuade citizens who are dedicated, undecided and even those who have already made up their mind for their pick in the November presidential election. The organization has started handing out yard signs, bumper stickers and literature but is using new technology as well to inform voters about their candidate. A member of the stateâs Republican Party attended Livingston for Trumpâs open house to teach volunteers how to operate a phone application that will be used while making their campaign calls. Nakagiri tells WHMI he thinks there is a lot of support for Trump in Livingston County. Nakagiri says the main issues the campaign is focusing on are national security, negotiating trade deals and illegal immigration. Nakagiri says local Trump supporters are concerned about the direction of the country and thatâs whatâs driving them. (DK)
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Whitmore Lake Riverwalk To Connect Athletic Complex To DowntownWhitmore Lake Riverwalk To Connect Athletic Complex To Downtown
A new walkway is being installed in Whitmore Lake help people more easily reach a popular recreation destination. The Riverwalk project is underway with the intent of building a path way that connects Barker Road to the Jennings Road Athletic Complex. The complex is located in center of the residential area of Whitmore Lake and is viewed by township officials as being a valuable asset for Northfield Township. One of the chief concerns being addressed is that the facility is not easily accessible except by car. This walking and biking path will make it easier for many of the residents, especially the younger population, to get from the park to the downtown area and vice versa. Incidentally, part of the Riverwalk project was started last year when an Eagle Scout installed three unique musical stations along the creek at the athletic complex. The Parks and Recreation Board is working on extending this stretch out to Barker Road near the Library. The Riverwalk could eventually extend along Brookside Drive, across Main Street, and then link to the Seven Mile Preserve Park. Benches and trail signage along this path made of limestone or woodchips have been proposed for this part of the project. (MK)
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Local Man Sentenced For Incident At Fowlerville Wal-Mart Local Man Sentenced For Incident At Fowlerville Wal-Mart
A Fowlerville man has been sentenced on charges connected to an incident in which he allegedly asked a young girl to undress at a local retail store. 25-year-old Dandre Fuller has been sentenced to four months in the Livingston County Jail with a credit of 120 days served. He has also been sentenced to 60 months of probation and will be required to complete a sex offender treatment program. Fuller had pleaded no contest to a charge of accosting a child for immoral purposes as a result of an alleged exchange between him and a young girl at the Fowlerville Wal-Mart May 10th. A no contest plea is not considered an admission of guilt, but is treated as such during sentencing. Fowlerville Police say the girl was in the store when she was approached by a man who offered her money if she would âtake down her pants.â The girl immediately left and reported the incident to her parents. They went to the police two days later and Fuller was located in the Fowlerville area and taken into custody. (DK)
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Lee Road Bridge Over US-23 Closed For Construction Lee Road Bridge Over US-23 Closed For Construction
As of today, Lee Road is fully closed over US-23 for construction as part of a larger improvement and repair project. Itâs one of several bridge repair projects taking place this fall along the US-23 corridor, although the Lee Road closure will have the most impact on area businesses, residents and commuters. The bridge is expected to be shut down for 18 days. During construction, the ramps at Lee Road and US-23 will remain open, along with the roundabouts. Michigan Department of Transportation Spokeswoman Kari Arend says motorists and others shopping at any of the businesses should plan extra time when traveling in the area, especially the first few days. Detour routes will be posted when Lee Road is closed and will include Silver Lake Road, Whitmore Lake Road, Fieldcrest Drive, I-96 and Spencer Road. The majority of the bridge repairs should be completed this fall, although there will be some carry over work in the spring. M-DOT is investing $2.2 (m) million into the bridge improvement project that includes deck patching and overlay, beam repair, substructure patching, painting, slope repair, and replacement and approach work. The tentative schedule for all of the bridge closures will be updated on M-DOTâs website. Google Street View Photo. (JM)
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Fenton Fire Department Unveils New 9/11 MemorialFenton Fire Department Unveils New 9/11 Memorial
A local community unveiled a new permanent memorial to the 9/11 terror attacks Sunday. The City of Fenton Fire Department held an official tribute to those who lost their lives 15 years ago in New York at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon in Washington D.C., and a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. City officials and local clergy participated in the dedication. City Manager Lynn Markland became emotional recalling that day when he heard about the tragedy. He says he was personally acquainted with Todd Beamer, who died on Flight 93 and made famous the phrase âletâs rollâ when he and fellow passengers fought back against their hijackers. Fenton Fire Chief Bob Cairnduff says the newly constructed memorial site features three different design aspects, one for each of the three crash sites. He says it is open to everyone as a way to reflect on the events of that day. He says they think the memorial is the perfect way to honor the victims. He says there are lots of walking tours of Fenton, from people who come into town and school children who come to visit the fire station or the library across the street. Cairnduff says they will incorporate those tours into the building to help the children that were not around to during the time of 9/11 to remember and understand. It's in the downtown area where everyone walks now and it is a beautiful walking town. He says people can stop and reflect and there are a couple of benches where people can sit, take a few moments and remember the events of those days. Cairnduff says the memorial commemorates the largest number of firefighters lost in a single event, and serves as a reminder that there are still many who suffer the effects of the cleanup. He says it is difficult to convey the meaning of the memorial to those who were not around at the time, but the message on it is timeless. Cairnduff says numerous hours went into getting the memorial ready, and he was proud of the effort his department put into the site, until recently. He says he was humbled and brought back to reality when he watched a recap of the original event and what he says was the real work of the firefighters at Ground Zero. Following the unveiling, the Rev. Father Gabrial Bilas, pastor of St. Mary Magdalene Orthodox Church prayed over the memorial and blessed it with holy water. (DS)
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Annual Ceremony Marks 15th Anniversary of 9/11 AttacksAnnual Ceremony Marks 15th Anniversary of 9/11 Attacks
A memorial ceremony in downtown Brighton Sunday night commemorated the tragic events of the 9/11 attacks. A series of bells rang out in memory of the 341 firefighters who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks at a memorial ceremony hosted by the Brighton Area Fire Authority. Brighton Fire Chief Mike OâBrian says the fire station on Grand River serves as the central location for the annual event because it is home to a piece of twisted steel from the Twin Towers. Hartland Fire Chief Adam Carroll says the event stands as a way for the community to rally behind the idea of âNever Forget. He says the ceremony goes along way with "reconnecting people, and keeping us focused on where we are supposed to be, where we're headed and what we should be doing." He says we spend a lot of time fighting over some silly things now and then. He says events like this, opportunities like this and sadly, histories like this give people opportunities to pause and go "you know there's a lot bigger things to be interested in and focused on and how we treat each other, take care of each other and how we go in day to day life is far more significant than we give credit for." Carroll was joined by South Lyon Fire Chief Mike Kennedy and Brighton Captain Greg Mowbray who each shared a piece of the 9/11 story. After recalling the events of history, a wreath was laid at the memorial by the local fire chiefs and Undersheriff Mike Murphy. OâBrian says the event will be held every year in remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. It was also noted that in the years since 9/11 hundreds of first responders who assisted in the recovery effort have died and numerous others continue to battle the effects of what is being called 9/11 cancer. (DS)
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Kids Of Veterans Benefit During âOperation BackpackâKids Of Veterans Benefit During âOperation Backpackâ
Livingston County Veterans Services has been on both the giving and receiving end of various fundraisers this summer. Most recently, free backpacks full of supplies were again made available to Veterans in need through Livingston County Veterans Services as part of âOperation Backpackâ. The Coon Lake Homeowners Association had approached the department about hosting a fundraiser and agreed to direct the funds toward backpacks and supplies. Director Jon Waggoner says it held a great fundraiser and picnic for the department featuring a boat regatta with floats. The association presented the department with a check for $500. Waggoner says it worked out well since most of the funds were raised by people in the office last year. All of the backpacks were set up in a conference room at the Veterans Services office and Waggoner tells WHMI they were able to give away about 60 backpacks full of school supplies, noting all of the kids were very happy. Waggoner said âOperation Backpackâ and the distribution capped off a very busy August with various fundraisers, including the âVeterans In the Roughâ golf outing to benefit the Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund and Folds of Honor. (JM)
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Howell Man Admits To Multiple Thefts From Vehicles Howell Man Admits To Multiple Thefts From Vehicles
A Howell man charged in connection with a series of thefts from vehicles in the Howell and Brighton areas has entered a plea. 26-year-old Adrian Ortega pleaded guilty to five counts of larceny from a motor vehicle and one count of larceny of $1,000 or more but less than $20,000 on Friday. Ortega, along with three other young adults from Howell, are all facing the same charges for reportedly stealing from multiple vehicles in Brighton and Oceola Township. Authorities say electronics, cash, purses, wallets, tools, gift cards and sunglasses were taken from vehicles outside residences between July 5th and 8th. The suspects were identified and arrested after a deputy discovered one of the stolen gift cards was used at a local Target store. Ortegaâs sentencing agreement calls for a one year cap in the Livingston County Jail with three years of probation. He will also be required to pay full restitution. As for the others charged in the case, 17-year-old Kendra Keranen is scheduled to be sentenced September 22nd and a competency evaluation has been ordered for 25-year-old Catherine Barrera. The final suspect, 24-year-old James Juel, also appeared in court Friday but rejected a plea offer from prosecutors. A tentative final settlement conference and jury trial has been scheduled for Juel in November. Ortega will be sentenced on September 29th on the larceny charges and on charges in a separate case, in which he is facing one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver. (DK)
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Forum In Fowlerville Will Educate Community About Opiate AbuseForum In Fowlerville Will Educate Community About Opiate Abuse
An event in Fowlerville this week will raise awareness about the opiate epidemic and how the community can help put an end to it. Opiate abuse is an ever-growing epidemic, according to Fowlerville Police Chief John Tyler, and Livingston County is not exempt from it. Chief Tyler, who has made it a personal goal to foster the fight against opiate abuse, will be a part of a community forum on Wednesday at the Fowlerville United Bretheren Church. The Opiate Awareness Forum will include several guest speakers and presentations, and will be held from 7 to 9 pm. Former addicts, families who have lost someone to opiates and recovery coaches are scheduled to speak at the event. State Representative Hank Vaupel will attend as well and the session will conclude with a question and answer panel. The event is open for anyone to attend whether it is someone seeking help, health professionals, teachers or just community members that are interested in what is being done to combat opiate abuse. Chief Tyler says that there are no dumb questions and that the forum is meant to serve as an informational event, not a scare tactic. The goal is to involve the community, explore alternative avenues for fighting opiate abuse and gain new insight. Chief Tyler says because the opiate problem is an issue that law enforcement canât âarrest their way out ofâ, education is key in decreasing overdoses and hopefully someday putting an end to opiate abuse entirely. You can find more information about the forum at the link below. (DK)
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Feds Sue Genoa Township Lighthouse Enthusiast Feds Sue Genoa Township Lighthouse Enthusiast
The U.S. Justice Department has sued a Livingston County man to recover two lenses worth an estimated $600,000 that disappeared from lighthouses on Belle Isle and in Portland, Maine, years ago. The legal battle between the U.S. Coast Guard and antique hunter Steven Gronow of Genoa Township could restore a valuable piece of Detroit history to Belle Isle. Federal court records and interviews describe a decades-long hunt for the lenses and Gronow as a wealthy man whose hobby is finding maritime antiques, occasionally in war zones. Gronow, whose home contains a private collection of maritime antiques which he has dubbed the Maritime Exchange Museum, has declined to say whether or not he still has the lenses. However, Mike Vogel, president of the Buffalo Lighthouse Association in New York, told the Detroit News that he saw one of the lenses when he toured the museum several years ago. Members of the lighthouse community say the Justice Departmentâs actions against Gronow amount to the bullying of a preservationist who has saved rare treasures that the government once treated like junk after it switched from manually operated lighthouses to automated beacons. (AP/JK)
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Local Man Charged In Samurai Sword Attack Rejects Plea DealLocal Man Charged In Samurai Sword Attack Rejects Plea Deal
A Howell man who allegedly attacked another man with a sword has rejected a plea deal. 56-year-old Michael Paul Sefton is charged with assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder and assault with a weapon. He is also charged as a fourth time habitual offender. The charges stem from the July 2015 incident in which authorities say he attacked another man with a samurai sword. On Friday, Sefton was offered a deal by prosecutors to plead guilty to a misdemeanor of assault and battery with no jail time or probation. The original charges, both of which are felonies, would have been dismissed. But Sefton rejected the offer, claiming he is innocent. The complainant in the case told authorities he saw Sefton arguing with his girlfriend and calling her inappropriate names and he intervened. Sefton reportedly pushed the man into a pool and then came at him swinging a samurai sword once the man got out of the pool. The man who intervened suffered multiple injuries as a result of the attack, including lacerations to his nose, arms and neck. Sefton requested a telephonic hearing with his doctor Friday, which was granted by Circuit Court Judge Michael P. Hatty. Sefton is due back in court November 4th for a final settlement conference. If a deal cannot be reached, he is scheduled to go to trial November 7th. (DK)
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Livingston County Awarded Federal Funds To Support Emergency ProgramsLivingston County Awarded Federal Funds To Support Emergency Programs
Livingston County has received federal funding that will support local emergency food and shelter programs. Livingston County has been allocated $12,253 from the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program. The money comes from Michigan Set-Aside funds to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county. The selection was made by a National Board that is chaired by the Department of Homeland Securityâs Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The funds will be distributed by the Local Board to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs directly related to the average number of unemployed individuals. Under the terms of the grant, local agencies chosen to receive funds must be private, voluntary non-profits or units of government, have an accounting system, practice nondiscrimination, and have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency shelter programs. If the agencies are a private, voluntary organization, they must have a voluntary board, and not be debarred or suspended from receiving federal funds. Funding requests for the Set-Aside funds for emergency shelter will be accepted no later than 5pm Thursday, September 22nd at the Livingston County United Way office on Dorr Road in Brighton.
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