Brighton Superintendent of Schools Greg Gray told the board early projections are that enrollment numbers will be up this year, especially at the kindergarten level, for all three programs: junior âkâ, half-day kindergarten classes and all-day kindergarten. Gray says that â although itâs a bit too early to tell for sure - the Brighton Area Schools will likely have an enrollment of over 6,000 students. That would be about 200 more than last yearâs 5,800-plus. He says enrollment in the Shared Services program â in which Brighton provides academic courses for students in other districts using certified teachersâ is also up over last year. Finally, most encouraging of all are the kindergarten numbers. Gray says Brighton this year has six full sections of junior âKâ, along with 15 sections of all-day and one section of half-day kindergarten. Gray has said that a major factor in attracting students to Brighton is the districtâs excellent academic reputation and another is the many improvements to district facilities that have occurred as a result of the nearly $89 million bond issue passed by the voters in 2012. The upgrades have been to the physical facilities, technology, a new swimming pool building, a new football field and track at the high school fieldhouse and numerous other improvements. Brighton High School was recently placed in an elite group among the top 3% of high schools across the country academically and the district performed very well overall in the stateâs M-STEP testing program that replaced the MEAP test. (TT)
Enrollment Projections Are Up For Brighton Area Schools Enrollment Projections Are Up For Brighton Area Schools
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Howell Railroad Crossing Repair Approved Despite "Extremely High" CostHowell Railroad Crossing Repair Approved Despite "Extremely High" Cost
A company contracted to repair a railroad crossing in the City of Howell is asking for more than double the projectâs original estimate. The CSX railroad crossing on McPherson Park Drive is the final part of a three phase rehabilitation project funded by a grant from the Michigan Department of Transportation. On Monday, Howell City Council discussed a contract with CSX Transportation, the only company authorized to repair the crossing. A consultant with CSX has estimated the project will cost nearly $135,000 dollars, which is more than twice what the city had budgeted. The city had allocated the amount they did because they had received a previous estimate of $65,000, and even that was $25,000 more than what a CSX representative had first guessed. City Manager Shea Charles says he has no idea how CSX came to the final number that they did, but is suspecting the consultant is from out of state and made his estimate based on an aerial view of the crossing. City Council approved the contract because once they submit the contract and payment, design work can begin. If the final project cost is less than the estimate, and Charles assumes it will be, the city will be refunded. Charles expects the final cost will likely be around $50,000. Mayor Pro-Tem Steve Manor says itâs an interesting way for the company to do business. Charles tells WHMI even though the crossing is CSX property, the city still gets stuck footing the bill because they cross the railroad. The repair work will also include pavements and paths on either side of the crossing. The work is expected to take two to three days. Many council members agree itâs an unfortunate situation, but Charles says at the very least, it âdemonstrates the effectiveness of monopolies.â Picture courtesy of Google Earth. (DK)
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Brighton Township Planning Tables New Development Brighton Township Planning Tables New Development
A public hearing for a potential development project in Brighton Township resulted in the item being tabled after nearly 2 ½ hours of discussion. Encore Village, a planned development that would have 555 new leased condos on Grand River near Pleasant Valley Road didnât get the conditional rezoning to move forward. Brighton Township Planning Commissioners opted to table the issue until at least the October 2nd meeting. After the developers and engineers representing Manchester Brighton, gave an overview of the project, several members of the public weighed in, particularly on traffic at Grand River and U.S. 23. Christine Weisenberger says she already avoids the area. She told the planning commission that when they look traffic that they look at not just at the impact on Grand River. She says as a resident of the township north of the freeway, when she has an opportunity to avoid, during peak hours, Old U.S. 23 and Grand River, she drives up Pleasant Valley Road to Spencer. She says she'd like the planning commission to consider a traffic impact study on both Pleasant Valley and Spencer Roads for those residents who are going to now bypass what is already a congested area without the developments. Other residents were concerned about wetlands and lake preservation, as well as the setbacks between the homes and the wetlands. The project, which spans 147 acres, including Pickerel Lake and a portion of Woodruff Lake, will have views of the lakes, but only access to Pickerel Lake. Itâs planned to be built in three phases; the first being a multi-level senior facility featuring independent living, assisted living and memory care. Vice President of Boss Engineering, Brent LaVanway says as the market bears, the second and third phases will be built, which include the ranch style condominiums and clubhouses. LaVanway tells WHMI despite the setback, they will move forward. He says they received good comments from the planning commission and the public. They will add to the information they've already submitted and traffic is one of the items, they are going to add some information to the site plan and talk further about the natural features. He says they will get back to the planning commission as quickly as they can because they want to keep the project moving. The Planning Commission will also be looking to hear who will be responsible for the roads inside the development, as well as answers to questions about traffic patterns. LaVanway says the developers hope to be able to start construction next spring. (DS)
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City Of Howell Joins In Support Of Continuing Parks And RecCity Of Howell Joins In Support Of Continuing Parks And Rec
The Howell City Council has approved a resolution for the continuation of the Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority. The Authority put an operational millage before voters in the August Primary election but it failed to pass. It would have provided the Authority with a stable funding source to provide programs, activities and a new recreational facility, as it is funded through contributions from participating municipalities. Articles of Incorporation state that in the event a levy is not approved by voters, then the Authority will dissolve unless two-thirds of the participating municipalities determine, by resolution, it should continue. On Monday, Howell City Council approved a resolution supporting the continuation of the Authority. Genoa, Marion and Howell Township have all already approved a similar resolution. Oceola Township plans to discuss the resolution at their meeting next month. Participating municipalities have 90-days to take up resolutions. (DK)
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Brighton Kroger Plans Expansion Brighton Kroger Plans Expansion
A local business got approval to expand during last nightâs Brighton Township Planning Commission. Kroger in Brighton asked for approval to add 40,000 square feet to its Grand River location. Kroger Real Estate representative Tom Ross says the additional space will allow for more products and a drive through pharmacy. The store is already 60,000 square feet, and Ross says the addition will make the location an upper scale store with room for specialty items. During a public hearing concerns were raised about traffic congestion on Grand River and Old U.S. 23, but Ross says that shouldnât be a concern. He says what they generally find with Kroger, and he tried to explain to the board is that just because they increase their size doesn't necessarily mean they increase their traffic counts. There is a finite amount of people in the area and they only go a certain number of miles for groceries, so what they generally find is not a large increase in traffic, but basically people just buy more stuff because they have more to offer. Ross told planning commissioners the company would likely appeal the need to increase the number of REUs it is required to purchase on the township's sewer system as well. He says the store is expanding square footage, but will still need about the same amount of sewage treatment. He says the now that they have final approvals from the township they can get the permits in place to start construction early next year. (DS)
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St. John's Providence Celebrates a Milestone in Howell Facility ConstructionSt. John's Providence Celebrates a Milestone in Howell Facility Construction
Progress on a local medical facility hit a milestone this afternoon in Howell. Officials from St. Johnâs Health System and Providence Hospitals held an open house to place the final beam atop the new 60,000 square foot facility on Latson Road. Before raising the beam a few dozen people, including the tradesmen working on the building signed it as a way of blessing and good luck as the building progresses to the next phase. Over the next few months the outside of the building will be enclosed. President of Providence and Providence Park Hospitals Joe Hurshe says this milestone is the result of work done over the last few years, particularly in cooperation with Howell Public Schools. The new facility sits on the location of the former Latson Road Elementary near the I-96 interchange. Hurshe says it is what the community has been looking for. He says the city of Howell and Genoa Township have been really welcoming. The residents of greater Livingston County told them that theyâre very interested in having choice. He says theyâve heard that for years and they currently have over 20 physicians that are currently affiliated with the healthcare system that work and practice locally in the area, and this is just an extension of the plans that theyâve been working on over the last 2 years. He says theyâre delighted and excited to be here and bring that plan to fruition. Hurshe was joined by the CEO of St. Johnâs Healthcare Systems, Jean Meyer, who says the $3.5 million outpatient facility will give patients a place to get high quality service closer to home. She says patient care has become more outpatient centered and phase one of this facility will give them more options. Hurshe says the facility will employ about 200 people from radiology and imaging to lab and pharmacy. He says there are also a number of local physicians already on staff at Providence Park in Novi, who will be able to work closer to home. A completion date has been tentatively set for May of 2017 for phase one. Hurshe says depending on patient demand the second and third phases will be completed over the next few years. Phase two of the project will include an outpatient surgery facility. (DS)
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Trial Date Set For Tyrone Man Charged In Multimillion Dollar EmbezzlementTrial Date Set For Tyrone Man Charged In Multimillion Dollar Embezzlement
An accused embezzler from Livingston County is set to go to trial in December. 37-year-old Michael LaJoice of Tyrone Township was in Oakland County Circuit Court Monday for a pre-trial hearing, at which time it was determined that no plea deal has been worked out and unless one is forthcoming, he will stand trial December 12th for allegedly embezzling millions of dollars from a Clarkston credit union. Oakland County authorities charged LaJoice with 14 counts of embezzlement after they say he admitted to stealing millions of dollars while serving as the chief financial officer for the Clarkston Brandon Community Credit Union. He turned himself in last January and has been jailed since then. His attorney says LaJoice is trying to make restitution by selling off properties including his $1.3 million dollar home. The sale of the 5,800 square foot home in the northeast corner of Tyrone Township is scheduled to close by October 7th. In July, more than $1.1 million in properties LaJoice owned in the Fenton area, including the now-closed Chasse Ballroom and Latin Dance studio, were sold. All motions in the case, including any possible plea deals, must be made by Nov. 30. LaJoice also faces federal bank fraud charges. (JK)
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Hartland Planning Commission Restricts Fence-Topped Walls For Tractor Supply StoreHartland Planning Commission Restricts Fence-Topped Walls For Tractor Supply Store
Renovations to a building in Hartland Township that will soon be occupied by a tractor supply store are moving forward, but with conditions. Tractor Supply Company (TSC) is looking to occupy the vacant Foodtown store within the Wal-Mart/Hartland Marketplace Planned Development that sits adjacent to the Dollar Tree Store. TSC has plans to renovate the building and add an outdoor garden area. Their site plan was approved earlier this year, but Hartland Plaza, LLC, wants to amend it. The company is requesting to install a decorative screen fence on top of screen walls that are located immediately in front of the store and outdoor garden center. The walls measure four foot in height and the applicant is proposing to install a four foot fence on top of the wall for a total height of eight feet. The townshipâs Planning Department felt the proposal was not consistent with the Planned Developmentâs agreement and Zoning Ordinance, and suggested a compromise of a four foot wall and two feet of fencing. Hartland Township Planning Commission Chairperson Larry Fox agreed. He was concerned too much fencing on top of the walls might give the building a âprison-likeâ look. The Planning Commission approved an amendment to the original site plan, but not to the extent the company was seeking. A total maximum height of 63 inches has been approvedâ four feet of brick wall and 15 inches of fence. Plans for the tractor supply store to occupy the subject building were approved in May. (DK)
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Demonstration Held To Try Out Device That Assists Disabled VotersDemonstration Held To Try Out Device That Assists Disabled Voters
Community members learned about a new way to vote at an informational event in Howell Tuesday. The Abilities Alliance, a work group of the Livingston County Human Services Collaborative Body, wanted the community to get to know more about the AutoMARK voting machine. Roughly 65 people turned out to the Livingston Educational Service Agency (LESA) to try out the machine. The AutoMARK is a touch-screen device that provides another method of voting for disabled people. The majority of the crowd at the event was community members from Excel Employment Options and students from LESAâs adult transition programs. Arc of Livingston Executive Director Anne Richardson says the group was very interested in learning how to vote using the machine and thought it was fun and easy to use. Richardson says the goal of the event was to draw attention to the machine because many are not aware it exists and to inform voters of their rights, specifically those with disabilities. She tells WHMI in addition to testing the machine by answering fun questions, guests were encouraged to vote in the upcoming election. One individual looking forward to voting in November was Rachel Gerutta. Gerutta says she voted in the primary election in August and used the typical ballot method. She says she enjoyed using the machine because it was clearer to her and easier to use. (DK)
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Identification Sought Of Suspect In Brighton Twp. Gun TheftIdentification Sought Of Suspect In Brighton Twp. Gun Theft
Police are asking for the publicâs help in identifying a suspect who stole guns and other items from a Brighton Township home earlier this month. On September 5th, the Livingston County Sheriffâs Office responded to a residence on Kriss Crossing Drive for a burglary investigation. The homeowner had several items stolen from his attached garage, which was unlocked, and believes the incident occurred the prior evening. Stolen were two shotguns, one long rifle, one hunting bow, and a Dewalt drill and reciprocating saw. A nearby security camera captured images of the suspect. While the suspectâs face is covered, he was wearing a unique gray and black backpack over a dark red hooded sweatshirt. Anyone with any information about the thefts or who might recognize the backpack or clothing is encouraged to contact Detective Curt Novara at 517-540-7952 or CRIME STOPPERS at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. (JK)
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Sentencing Delayed For Linden Man Charged With School Shooting PlotSentencing Delayed For Linden Man Charged With School Shooting Plot
Sentencing has been delayed for a Linden man charged with plotting to shoot up a school. 19-year-old Ryan Stevens was set to be sentenced Tuesday in Genesee County Circuit Court for false report or threat of terrorism, which he pleaded guilty to in August as part of a plea deal that dismissed a more serious charge of conspiracy to commit murder. The deal required Stevens to testify against co-defendant 16-year-old Cody Brewer of Wolverine Lake. But doubts were expressed in court yesterday that Stevensâ testimony would be consistent with the plea deal, prompting the judge to delay sentencing. Brewer is set for trial October 12th. Stevens and Brewer, along with16-year-old Lamarr Dukes, were charged after the incident last October in which authorities say they conspired to bring guns to Linden High School, kill a student Stevens felt had disrespected him online and then shoot the school up. The threats came to light after the student being targeted by the three contacted authorities. Argentine Township Police then discovered social media postings about carrying out a potential school shooting. Dukes is expected to enter a similar plea in juvenile court September 26th. Brewer rejected a plea offer. (JK)
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Program That Helps Foster Kids Through Court System Set To Expand Volunteer BaseProgram That Helps Foster Kids Through Court System Set To Expand Volunteer Base
A local non-profit organization is seeking volunteers to help children through the foster care court system. LACASA Centerâs Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA, program has received additional funding that will allow them to help more children-in-need throughout Livingston County. The CASA program specializes in being a voice and friend for foster children, advocating for their needs while their cases work their way through the court system and also simply providing a consistent adult presence in their life. Research also shows children represented by court appointed special advocates are half as likely to languish in foster care. The new funding will allow CASA to bring on an additional 15 volunteers and help up to 30 more children. Currently they have 47 CASA volunteers working with only 50 of the over 130 foster kids in the system. Anyone interested in making a difference in this field is welcome to apply for training. No background in law or social work is required. Fall training begins in early October and takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays for roughly 3 hours each day. CASA Director Sara Applegate said everything you need to know to be a CASA will be covered from child development to working within the court system. There will be guest speakers like a local referee and a representative from the prosecutorâs office, in addition to continued support and training following completion. The training program application deadline for this fall is Friday, September 23rd. Applications and more information can be found online through the link below. Interested parties may also contact Applegate at (517) 548-1350, or email her at sapplegate@lacasacenter.org (JK)
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Donation Helps Dementia Therapy ContinueDonation Helps Dementia Therapy Continue
A generous donation has allowed one charitable outfit to continue serving patients suffering from Alzheimerâs and other forms of dementia. Livingston County Catholic Charities received a boost to help their Music and Art Therapy programs within their Be Our Guest Adult Day service. The boost came in the form of a $5,000 gift from the Robert W. And Maxine C. Parker Foundation earlier this month. The program offers a welcoming environment for dementia sufferers that includes therapeutic recreation and social activities. In addition to art and music, patients have the opportunity to garden, cook, interact with pets, and much more. The Be Our Guest club also offers caregivers a break from 24 hour care, specialized support services, and reassurance that their loved one is in a safe environment. The program operates on a flexible, sliding scale fee. The service is open weekdays 8am to 6pm and serves guests from 55 to 100-years-old at their building located at 2020 East Grand River in Howell. For more information, call (517) 546-9910.(MK)
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Brighton Architectural Firm Honored For Community CommittmentBrighton Architectural Firm Honored For Community Committment
A local company has been recognized for its commitment to community involvement. The Michigan Association of United Ways honored Lindhout Associates Architects as the recipient of the 6th annual Spirit of Michigan award. The Brighton-based company was rated the best among small-sized companies for effectively addressing community needs in the areas of education, income and health. Scott Dzurka, President and CEO of the association, said that Lindhout Associates âimpressive track record stood out from the rest in the Small Companies and Institutions category.â The company has long had a strong relationship with the Livingston County United Way, serving as a major sponsor of the annual Day of Caring along with many other partnerships. Dan Danosky, President of Livingston County United Way Board of Directors, said Lindhout Associates, ââ¦has stayed true to its philanthropic mission to better the communities with their time and dedication, further demonstrating its commitment to county residents.â Photo l-r: Livingston County United Way Director Nancy Rosso, Piet Lindhout, Community Investments Council Chairperson Jeff Blagg. (JK)
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Handy Township Accepts Bid To Demolish 20 Acres Handy Township Accepts Bid To Demolish 20 Acres
Handy Township is cleaning up a large parcel of land that officials believe could be an attractive purchase to the right buyer. The Board of Trustees reviewed three bids they received for the demolition of 20 acres of overgrown land that is housing a couple of buildings near downtown Fowlerville. The former Whitehead and Thatcher property is on the corner of Grand River Avenue and Thatcher Road. Culver Excavation was the low bidder and won the project with a bid of $18,690. Township Supervisor Ed Alverson was pleased to come in under the budget they set of $20,000 for the project. He said the property in its current state is an eye sore and that the Board canât wait to get it cleaned up. Township Clerk Laura Eisele helped make the recommendation for Culverâs saying that the township has worked with them in the past and theyâve done a great job. After the destruction and removal of the buildings, excess vegetation will be taken care of, the land will be filled in, and finally seeded. With large acreage, frontage to two major roads, and 40 REUs, Alverson said the property would be ideal for anyone looking to develop. The property was earlier purchased by former supervisor and current State Representative Hank Vaupel a couple years ago. The township then sold it to Green Grid LLC, but then received it back earlier this year. Later in the Boardâs regular meeting, Tuesday, they voted to withhold the special assessments on the property from the 2016 winter tax bill. (MK)
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Classic Car And Bike Show To Honor VeteransClassic Car And Bike Show To Honor Veterans
A car and motorcycle show is returning to Livingston County this weekend to honor disabled servicemen. The 3rd annual Classic Car and Bike Show will roll into town Friday, September 16th through Sunday the 18th. The event which is hosted by Disabled American Veterans Chapter 125 out of Howell will be held at the Kent Lake Beach Area inside Island Lake Recreation Park. The Michigan Moving Wall, a mobile memorial with the names of all of the stateâs veterans who gave their lives in the Vietnam War will be on display all weekend. Friday evening there will be a POW-MIA Ceremony. At 10am Saturday, many vendor booths with open up with displays and military information. A life flight helicopter that is used to transport injured troops will fly in before the official opening ceremony presentation begins at noon. Families will be able to prowl the grounds and view many military vehicles, classic cars, and motorcycles from several bike organizations. There will also be musical entertainment from Fast Eddieâs Band and Kendall Trinka. Park admission and vehicle registration is free, and all proceeds made throughout the event will go to benefit veterans and their families in the state. (MK)
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Howell Dentist To Once Again Hold Free Dental DayHowell Dentist To Once Again Hold Free Dental Day
A Howell dentist will again give back to the community with a yearly event next week. Kellogg Dental in Howell will hold Free Dental Day on Saturday, September 24th. The first-come, first-served program provides dental services to those who cannot afford regular check-ups or donât have health insurance. Guests have their choice of receiving one free dental service - a cleaning, filling or extraction. The event begins at 7am but anyone attending may want to arrive early to get a good spot in what usually is a long line. The dentistry says last year they were able to see everyone who came, but there have been years where they had to turn some patients away for lack of time. Dentists are planning to see patients until around 2pm. The event also includes fun things on site like giveaways, drawings, a DJ and food. The dentistry is located on Byron Road in Howell Township. More information about Free Dental Day can be found through the link below. Facebook photo. (DK)
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Flushing Woman Heading To Trial On Escape ChargesFlushing Woman Heading To Trial On Escape Charges
A Livingston County Jail inmate who attempted to escape near the Brighton Mill pond has been bound over for trial. 40-year-old Nicole Vermeylen of Flushing is charged with home invasion and stealing or retaining a financial transaction device without consent. She was bound over to Circuit Court on those charges on Tuesday. Vermeylen and 32-year-old Lisa Finlayson of South Lyon are also both charged with one count of escape while awaiting trial for a felony. The two female inmates had been transported over to the 53rd District Court in Brighton August 3rd for hearings. Finlayson had been in custody for operating while intoxicated causing death. Vermeylen had charges of 2nd degree felony child abuse and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Livingston County Undersheriff Mike Murphy says a deputy was escorting them from the court building and into the patrol car when they made a break for it. Both shed some of their jail attire in an attempt to better blend in and stripped off their clothing while running. Finlayson took off toward the Mill Pond and jumped in but they were able to pull her out shortly after using a dredger. After Vermeylen took off, she broke into a house and helped herself to a change of clothes but was arrested as she was leaving the home just after noon. The break-in resulted in the additional charges. Vermeylen and Finlayson are due back in court September 23rd for a hearing regarding the escape charges. (DK)
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Residents In Oceola Subdivision Seek End To Continuous Gunfire Residents In Oceola Subdivision Seek End To Continuous Gunfire
For several months now residents in a local neighborhood have been bothered by the continuous sound of gun fire, and township officials have yet to act on the issue. A neighbor who lives adjacent to the Woods of Forest Ridge Subdivision in Oceola Township has reportedly turned his property into a gun range of sorts. Residents are growing irritated with the ongoing sound of gun fire, which has apparently only gotten worse in recent months. The gun fire now goes on for hours at a time and sounds as though itâs coming from a automatic machine gun or from multiple weapons at once. Larry Gulick, whose backyard adjoins the property in question, says he originally contacted the Sheriffâs Department. They sent him to the Board of Trustees because it is the township that generally deals with noise complaints. Gulick and several other residents were told to file formal complaints in July, which they did. Those complaints went unanswered so they filed again late August. The residents had planned to speak at the Board of Trustees meeting September 1st, but that was cancelled. Gulick is a retired Marine and says he is completely pro-gun. He tells WHMI itâs not guns that he has a problem with, but the noise and possible safety hazards. Gulick called the township after the September meeting cancellation and they suggested he attend the boardâs next meeting, scheduled for October 6th. In the meantime, the township and their lawyers are reportedly looking into the issue but declined to give Gulick any more information other than that. Gulick and his neighbors plan to speak at the October meeting and are hoping the township will address the problem then. Gulick says if they donât, he has not considered what his next plan of action will be. (DK)
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Opiate Awareness Forum Brings Community Together To Combat Drug Abuse Opiate Awareness Forum Brings Community Together To Combat Drug Abuse
The community learned some hard truths about opiate abuse in Livingston County at a seminar in Fowlerville last night, but also how they can break the stigma. The 2nd annual Opiate Awareness Forum was held at the Fowlerville United Brethern Church and had a variety of guest speakers. Some were from informational organizations, like the Livingston County Community Alliance, who spoke about properly disposing medication through their Big Red Barrel program. Their goal is to keep unwanted prescription drugs out of the hands of someone who might abuse them. Peer recovery coaches and programs offered advice and support for anyone struggling with addiction or know someone who is. Varying units of government were also represented. State Representative Hank Vaupel spoke and shared his perspective from a legislative standpoint. Vaupel tells WHMI his message was that the community will ultimately be the ones to make a difference. The forum was also interlaced with heart breaking stories of people who have experienced an opiate addiction and lost someone to it. They spoke quite candidly about their experience, which highlighted just how relevant opiate abuse is in the area and that anyone can fall victim to it. As one former addict described it, âAddiction does not discriminate.â Vaupel says the main message that everyone can agree on, is that fighting and ending drug abuse problems begins with the community stepping forward and taking action. More people seem to be getting involved with doing just that-
Fowlerville Police Chief John Tyler, who presented the event, says the 2nd annual forum attracted even more people this time around. Photo courtesy of Mary Helfmann (DK)
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