August jobless rates fell seasonally in Livingston County and all regional labor markets. Livingston Countyâs August jobless rate stood at 4.6%, dropping three-tenths of a percentage point from July. Livingston currently ranks 36th among Michiganâs 83 counties. The Bureau of Labor Market Information & Strategic Initiatives reports 80 of Michiganâs 83 counties including Livingston recorded seasonal jobless rate reductions in August. The remaining three recorded no change. The state says employment rose moderately in many regions, while the number of unemployed individuals actively seeking summer jobs declined. (JM)
Local & Statewide Jobless Rates Fall In August Local & Statewide Jobless Rates Fall In August
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Former State Party Chair Discusses Straight Ticket Legal WinFormer State Party Chair Discusses Straight Ticket Legal Win
The man who led the fight to keep straight ticket voting as an option for voters this November shared his success story with local Democrats in Genoa Township last night. Mark Brewer, former chairman of the Michigan Democratic Party, has been in and out of courtrooms all summer in his fight to preserve straight ticket voting in the state. Straight ticket voting allows voters to select all members of a particular party by filling in a single bubble instead of selecting individual candidates on the ballot. Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette had fought to ban the voting option, however Brewer says Schuetteâs arguments were âspeculativeâ and ânot worthy of considerationâ. Schuette cited other states as examples in his promotion of the ban, but Brewer says Michigan is not like other states because of its history with the issue. Schuetteâs team also argued that those who donât use the straight ticket option are more engaged and intelligent voters, but Brewer says that claim has not been substantiated. Brewer and his team were successful in their lawsuit and he updated Livingston County Democrats about where the ballot stands at their meeting last night. Brewer says despite the back and forth litigation and varying media reports, the straight ticket option will absolutely be on the ballot in November. Brewer tells WHMI he does not think Schuetteâs ban on straight party voting would have been upheld, even if the legislature had approved no-reason absentee ballots. No-reason absentee voting is a system where anybody can get an absentee ballot without needing a reason. Brewer says heâs hoping now, more than ever, that people will use the straight ticket option because of how hard he and his team fought to protect it. (DK)
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Ramp & Lane Closures Set For I-96/US-23 Interchange This WeekendRamp & Lane Closures Set For I-96/US-23 Interchange This Weekend
There are more ramp and lane closures for commuters to deal with this weekend in the Brighton area. The Michigan Department of Transportation says that overnight on Saturday, various ramps and lanes will be closed at the I-96 and US-23 interchange so crews can place traffic into its normal lanes on westbound I-96 and the westbound I-96 Collector Distributor lane. Work includes placement of permanent pavement markings, however, there will be future closures to complete all of the work. Starting at 11am on Saturday and lasting through Sunday at 8 am, the ramp from westbound I-96 to southbound US-23 will be closed. The detour will be westbound I-96 to the Grand River exit. The ramp from northbound US-23 to westbound I-96 will also be closed, with a detour of eastbound I-96 to Kensington Rd to westbound I-96. In addition, the westbound I-96 Collector Distributor lane from the northbound US-23 entrance ramp to the southbound US-23 exit ramp will be closed, with traffic detoured to westbound I-96 to Grand River. Then starting at 8pm Saturday until midnight, the ramp from southbound US-23 to westbound I-96 will be closed. That detour will be eastbound I-96 to Kensington Rd to westbound I-96. Also, the ramp from westbound I-96 to northbound US-23 will be closed with a detour of westbound I-96 to Spencer Rd to eastbound I-96 to northbound US-23. And finally, from Saturday at midnight to Sunday at noon, westbound I-96 at US-23 will have a single lane closure. Stay tuned to 93-5 FM for the very latest traffic information. (JK)
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Former Howell Teacher To Enter Plea In Child Pornography CaseFormer Howell Teacher To Enter Plea In Child Pornography Case
A plea has been scheduled for a former teacher and coach at Howell High School charged in a child pornography case. 59-year-old Duane Millar is currently charged with two counts of possession of child pornography in U.S. District Court in Grand Rapids. His trial had been set to begin October 3rd, but court records show that a plea hearing has been scheduled for Monday. Itâs expected that Millar will enter a guilty plea to a single count of receiving child pornography. In exchange, the two possession counts will be dismissed. The charges were filed following a search of Millarâs East Lansing home in March after a three-month investigation by the Michigan State Police Computer Crimes Unit and Michigan Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The U.S. Attorney's Office says Millar had child pornography in an email account and on various computers and media storage devices. Soon after the charges were filed, Millar resigned his position with the Howell district, where he had taught world language and coached cross country and track. The plea agreement with Millar stipulates that he will face between 5 and 20 years in prison, a minimum of five years of probation and up to $250,000 in fines. (JK)
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Cleary University Museum Wins GrantCleary University Museum Wins Grant
Cleary University has been awarded a grant that will support their arts and cultural affairs program. The Arthur Secunda Museum at Cleary University has been awarded the $1,000 grant from the Arts Alliance. The Arts Alliance is one of 10 regional agencies that re-grants dollars from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. The MCACA received 558 applications this year, and while the Arts Alliance primarily awards to Washtenaw County, the Arthur Secunda Museum was the lone awardee from Livingston County. The museum was named for an international artist who began his career in Detroit back in the 1940s and is best known for his landscape portraits from the â70s and 80âs. His work has been on display and can be seen in not only across the United States, but also in Australia, France, and Sweden. (MK)
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Deadline Draws Near for Livingston County Photo ContestDeadline Draws Near for Livingston County Photo Contest
A Livingston County Department is taking photographs for just one more week to be incorporated into an updated master plan. Livingston Countyâs Planning Department hopes to make the updated master plan more visual, and is looking for photographs of both the natural and constructed areas of the county. The department is offering a chance to win one of six gift cards worth $20 along with featuring the photographs in the Livingston County Master Plan document. Director of the Planning Department, Kathleen Kline-Hudson says one winner will be chosen from each of six unique categories, including Natural Resources, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation, Development and Placemaking. Photos can be posted to the Livingston County Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/LivCoGov along with a brief caption stating where it was taken and into which category it should be judged. More information can be found by clicking the link below. Deadline for entry is September 30th. (DS)
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Community Says Resources Lacking To Address Hoarding In Livingston CountyCommunity Says Resources Lacking To Address Hoarding In Livingston County
Participants in a hoarding training seminar in Howell yesterday say Livingston County is lacking resources when it comes to addressing the problem. The seminar, held at EMS Headquarters, was attended by a much larger crowd than what organizers had anticipated. Planners guessed there would be 15-20 attendees, but were astounded when over 90 registered. An estimated 75 people showed up, many of whom know someone or are struggling themselves with hoarding and chronic disorganization. The Washtenaw County Hoarding Task Force discussed their efforts in addressing the problem in their region. That has inspired local leaders who say a similar task force will soon be created in Livingston County. A meeting to create the team will be held within the next month and a half, and organizers are looking for team members who can add perspective. Livingston County Catholic Charities Executive Director Mark Robinson says the Task Force is necessary because itâs clear people are feeling hopeless. Those who want to help arenât sure who to contact or even where to first turn. That could be a neighbor or family member, but local professionals are feeling the lack of resources as well. Social Worker Jamie Sultana says she attended the event to gain more knowledge about hoarding, but also what can be done to increase local resources that will help tackle the problem. Speaking in specifics, Sultana says the resources needed are someone who can spend time with individuals struggling with hoarding and find out just how committed that person is to changing their habits. Once thatâs done, a worker would be needed to physically go into the residence and help the homeowner develop organizational fixes like incorporating recycling and trash bins. (DK)
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Panel Discusses Recently Introduced "B-Corps" Bills In HowellPanel Discusses Recently Introduced "B-Corps" Bills In Howell
Bill sponsors led a presentation in Howell this morning to discuss legislation that gives protection and certification to for-profit corporations striving to make a difference. The bipartisan Benefit Corporations or âB-Corpsâ bills were recently introduced to legislation. A benefit corporation is a for-profit company that also has a focus on a social or environmental mission. A panel session was held at Cleary University with state representatives Hank Vaupel of Handy Township, Christine Greig of Farmington Hills and Rob Fowler, President and CEO of the Michigan Small Business Association. The panel discussed the B-Corp bills, why they are needed and how they impact businesses. The bills are a form of protection against potential liability from investors. More than that, they give corporations the opportunity to define their goals which are traditional ones like maximizing value for stakeholders but also include a mission to make a social or environmental impact. Vaupel feels Michiganâs economy and opportunities make it a perfect place for B-Corps. He says Livingston County is a classic example because there are several companies in the area that do have a social mission. If they wanted to become B-Corp certified, they could continue that mission without risking shareholder lawsuits. The bipartisan package is bringing democrats and republicans to work together at a time when the division between them is much more pronounced. The caucus behind the bills is comprised of two representatives from each party. Rep. Grieg says their efforts are moving the state forward in a positive direction, with a goal that everyone can âreally get behindâ. (DK)
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Additions Approved For Green Oak Twp Development With Conditions Additions Approved For Green Oak Twp Development With Conditions
Lighting and water issues with a development in Green Oak Township will need to be fixed before two more buildings can be added onto it. Blue Heron Place, owned by South Lyon resident Dennis Dubuc, is located on Rushton Road between Ten and Nine Mile Roads in Green Oak Township. The nearly three acre parcel is currently developed with five structures and a 43 space parking lot. The structures are used for indoor storage, office space and a fitness center. Now, Dubuc wants to add two more buildings onto that site. Dubuc came before the Planning Commission Thursday, seeking site plan approval for the two building additions. The site plan was approved, but with conditions. Planning Commission Chairperson Lamberto Smigliani says Dubuc must make sure the siteâs lighting does not disturb the neighbors and will be required to have shielded lighting for the current development and any potential areas he constructs. The townshipâs engineer has also recommended a review of the siteâs water drainage and retention. Dubuc must prove that the current conditions do not pose an impact to the property or those adjacent. If water drainage and retention is an issue, remedial actions must be taken to fix it. Dubuc will be required to adhere to these conditions before the site plan can come before the townshipâs board of trustees. (DK)
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Marion Township Continues Talks On Ordinance LanguageMarion Township Continues Talks On Ordinance Language
One local township continues to hash over language in its Special Events Ordinance to make it is clear. In Marion Township the topic of special events comes up frequently, especially since a few residents have wanted to host weddings in barns. Although the township has an ordinance in place that sets limits on the number of events per venue and defines when a permit is required, the Township Board wants more clarification. Thursday night trustees asked for time to consider the definition of âfamily,â and to decide how many people a permit covers. Township Supervisor Bob Hanvey says originally the ordinance was drafted because of people wanting to use buildings on their property for other things. He says if someone has a large polebarn and wants to have meetings in it, or some other event, like a birthday party, township officials felt the need to have some sort of regulation on those things. However, it also includes mud bogs, so the mud bog has been regulated under the special events ordinance and Hanvey thinks it's been pretty successful. He says what the ordinance basically says is if someone wants to have an event that is something out of the ordinary, like a mud bog, and they want to do two or three a year, it has to be done in a way that is not going to create an undue burden on the neighborhood. The ordinance currently defines a special event as any event with a participation rate of 300 people or more, but the board says that number is too high. They may look at lowering it to as few as 50. Hanvey says the ordinance is working well for a property owner who hosts 2 to 3 mud bogs a year because it requires them to have police and fire personnel on the property. The ordinance restricts the use of barns when there is no fire suppression or there are safety hazards that donât meet building codes as well. (DS)
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Adult Immunizations Latest Focus Of "Road To Community Health" Series Adult Immunizations Latest Focus Of "Road To Community Health" Series
Local health officials are reminding the community that vaccines are still needed throughout ones adult life. Adult immunizations is the latest volume in âLivingston Countyâs Road to Community Healthâ informational series. The Livingston County Department of Public Health has been releasing various volumes so the community can focus on the implications of one health issue or a group of related issues at a time. It says vaccines are especially important for those with chronic conditions and suppressed immune systems, who are more likely to develop complications from certain vaccine preventable diseases. Health Promotion Coordinator Chelsea Moxlow tells WHMI flu season is here and theyâve already heard about some cases so itâs important for individuals to start thinking about getting the flu vaccine. She recommends individuals talk with their health care providers about the different vaccines for adults but notes the flu and pneumonia vaccines are an important first step in preventing the contagious illnesses. Moxlow added that while the rate of vaccine waivers for school entry children is coming down compared to past years, the rates are still too high. She says Michigan is doing really well at tracking childhood vaccines but thereâs a lot of work to be done when it comes to having a good way of tracking adult vaccines. Since there is not a solid historical database for that, she says it really depends on records that are kept by an individual or physician. The Centers for Disease Control recommends the flu vaccine for everyone, at any age annually. For adults, a T-dap booster is recommended every ten years and at the age of 60, Moxlow says a shingles vaccine is very helpful preventing that. She says the vaccine that prevents pneumonia is also important, especially for those older than 65. While there are a host of other vaccines recommended for individuals who didnât receive them as a child, Moxlow says thatâs best discussed with a physician. Health officials say regular health exams and tests are also important for an individualâs preventative health, which includes proper immunization practices. The full publication related to adult immunizations is through the link below. (JM)
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Pinckney Community Mourns Loss Of Well Known Store Manager Pinckney Community Mourns Loss Of Well Known Store Manager
Funeral arrangements have been released for a familiar face in the Pinckney community who passed away unexpectedly. Bernard Paul Anderson of Howell passed away at his home Tuesday evening at the age of 61. Known to many as Paul, the Michigan State University grad worked in parks and recreation before moving on to retail management for many years, most recently for Rite Aid Pharmacy in Pinckney. He is said to have enjoyed all sports, camping, spending time with his family and helping others. Some local residents told WHMI Anderson was a very caring, giving man who always took time to talk with people and was always doing something at his church or in the community. He was known for donating to various causes, as well as the schools and the Pinckney Senior Center. Funeral arrangements are being handled by MacDonaldâs Funeral Home in Howell, where visitation will be held Sunday from 2-4 and 5-7pm. Funeral services will be held Monday at 11am at Cornerstone Evangelical Presbyterian Church on Hilton Road in Brighton. Memorial contributions may be made to the church. A link to Andersonâs obituary is available below. (JM)
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Brother Charged In Crash That Killed Hamburg Police Sgt. Heads To TrialBrother Charged In Crash That Killed Hamburg Police Sgt. Heads To Trial
A Dearborn Heights man has been bound over on charges connected to an incident that resulted in the death of a Hamburg Township police sergeant. 50-year-old Michael David Kelty is the brother of Steven Kelty. In May, Steven Kelty was sentenced to serve 15 to 30 years in prison after being convicted of causing the car crash that claimed the life of Hamburg Police Sergeant Jim Sanderson. The crash occurred on September 26th, 2014 when Steven Keltyâs Chevy Trailblazer collided with Sandersonâs motorcycle at Latson Road and Figurski Drive in Genoa Township. Authorities said Steven Kelty was driving even though his license had been suspended for six prior drunk driving convictions. He has not had a license since 2002. Stevenâs brother Michael Kelty is now facing charges for allegedly purchasing and registering the vehicle for Steven that he was driving when the fatal crash occurred. On Wednesday, Michael Kelty was bound over for trial on one count of allowing a suspended person to operate a vehicle causing death. Prosecutors say Steven had his brother purchase and register the car for him because an unlicensed driver cannot have a registered vehicle. (DK)
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District Set To Hold Annual College & Technical Education NightDistrict Set To Hold Annual College & Technical Education Night
Howell students and their parents have an opportunity to learn about higher education options available to them at an event next week. Howell High School will hold its annual College and Technical Education Night on Tuesday, featuring representatives from more than 50 colleges, universities, technical schools and the military. Principal Jason Schrock says the annual College Night provides students with an opportunity to interact with representatives from various post-secondary institutions, who can answer questions about the application process, admission requirements, academic programs and costs. New this year is an option for students to complete a student profile before College Night through the link below. Officials say itâs a useful tool in promoting more meaningful conservations between students and college representatives. (JK)
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Pinckney Community Schools Adds Girls' Field Hockey Pinckney Community Schools Adds Girls' Field Hockey
A new girlsâ varsity fall sport was added to the fall offerings in one local school district. A group of 24 girlsâ started the year playing field hockey in Pinckney. The team got its start when one of the coachesâ daughters got involved in the game a few years ago and brought the team to Pinckney. Last spring Coach Alison Wink asked to have the sport added to the fall roster as a way to get girls involved who wouldnât otherwise play a fall sport. Coach Alison Wink says the game is complex and the team is still working toward its first win, but sheâs proud of the teamâs dedication. She says the game is competitive and the girls understand it will take hard work to compete with more experienced teams. Pinckney will host Clarkston on September 28th and Gabriel-Richard on October 5th at 7 pm. (DS)
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Brighton Area Schools Transportation Director RetiresBrighton Area Schools Transportation Director Retires
The long-time director of the Brighton Area Schools Transportation Dept. has retired. Betty Clohosey, who started out as a part-time bus driver, was promoted after 17 years in different positions as the Brighton Schools Transportation Director and held that position for 14 years. She effectively retired at the start of the 2016-17 school year earlier this month. Technically, Clohosey was working for the Livingston Educational Service Agency the last several years because the Brighton Area Schools decided to contract with LESA â the countyâs intermediate school district â to run the districtâs bus program. As a result, the bus drivers are now hired and paid by LESA and are no longer district employees. However, the Brighton school district has continued to own and maintain the school buses. Clohosey says bus drivers in the Brighton Area Schools have totaled over 7 million miles in the last several years without a single serious accident, and she is proud of the record they have amassed. Brighton has about 35 buses on 30 runs, and has been gradually replacing all of the older buses that have high mileage with new buses. This year, the district bought four new buses, and the oldest ones are being kept as spares, giving the district a total of 7 spares. Clohosey says she will greatly miss the bus drivers, mechanics and other employees. Her replacement as transportation director is Paula Halstead, a former dispatcher who has worked at the Brighton Schools Transportation Center for 28 years. Clohosey says she is confident that Halstead will do an âexcellentâ job. As she enters retirement, Clohosey plans to travel extensively with her husband, who is also retired, and the couple plan to see much more of their grandchildren. (TT)
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Health Officials: Mosquitos That Transmit West Nile Virus Hanging Around This Fall Health Officials: Mosquitos That Transmit West Nile Virus Hanging Around This Fall
Although autumn has arrived, it doesnât mean the mosquitoes are gone and Livingston County residents are being reminded to protect themselves. West Nile Virus activity in Michigan has increased since late August and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reports that to date, health officials have identified 22 confirmed and probable human cases and five blood donors. Michiganâs first human case of West Nile virus in 2016 was confirmed this summer in an older adult in Livingston County and positive mosquito pools have been detected in at least seven counties. Hot, dry summers are ideal for the mosquito that transmits the virus. The Livingston County Department of Public Health says the cool nights might be good for sitting around a bonfire but the mosquitos are probably still sticking around. Health Promotion Coordinator Chelsea Moxlow tells WHMI the mosquito that transmits the virus like wet areas to breed and the warmer the better so with the extended summer, residents should protect themselves. State health officials advise that most people who become infected with West Nile Virus will not develop any symptoms of illness. However, some become sick three to 15 days after exposure. About one-in-five infected persons will have mild illness with fever, and about one in 150 infected people will become severely ill. Residents older than six months of age are encouraged to use repellent containing DEET and to take extra care during peak mosquito-biting hours between dusk and dawn. Moxlow recommends bringing pets and horses indoors in the early evening. Residents should also maintain screens on windows and doors, use nets or fans over outdoor eating areas and empty water from mosquito-breeding areas around the house. (JM)
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Terrorfied Forest & Manor In Pinckney Among Nation's 25 Scariest Terrorfied Forest & Manor In Pinckney Among Nation's 25 Scariest
A popular local haunted attraction has been named one of the best and scariest you can find in America. The Terrorfied Forest and Manor off D-19 and Swarthout Roads in Pinckney opened earlier this month for the Halloween season. While well known by locals, itâs now among 25 attractions listed on www.Buzzfeed.com as the best haunted houses and mazes across the country - according to people who survived them firsthand and rated their scare factor. Those chosen were based on an algorithm that weighed the number of reviews plus the star rating for each local attraction on Yelp. One reviewer commented âThis trail is a good combination of a sense of generalized dread and the kind of startle scares that haunted houses are known for.â (JM)
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Vietnam Memorial Wall Stops In BrightonVietnam Memorial Wall Stops In Brighton
Brighton was the location for a visit and public display Saturday of the Vietnam Veterans Traveling Memorial. The memorial wall and a related car show were held at the Home Depot store in the Brighton Towne Square shopping center. In charge of the memorial visit was David Schoenerr, the chairman of the Michigan Vietnam Veterans Traveling Memorial, chapter 154 of the Vietnam Veterans of America. Schoenerr says the memorial was begun as a tribute to the men and one woman who were killed in action during the war. The conflict resulted in 58,220 American casualties. Schoenerr tells WHMI that 2,655 Michiganders - among them one woman - died in Vietnam, making Michigan one of the seven states which sacrificed the most lives. The memorial consists of five âpanesâ with the names, rank and other information on the soldiers from Michigan who died in Vietnam, in alphabetical order. The panels are on eight tables that are covered by a black cloth. The display also contains photos and bios of all of the casualties from the state. The tables are flanked by the American flag and the POW/MIA flag. There is also a POW/MIA table and a display on the eight Michigan soldiers who received the Medal of Honor. From Brighton, the Vietnam Veterans Traveling Memorial was scheduled to go to the Detroit Country Club for an exhibit and then to Sanford, which is near Midland. The Vietnam Veterans Traveling Memorial, conceived and built about a decade ago, has been shown all over the state, from the western Upper Peninsula to the Ohio border. (TT/JK)
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Livingston County's 53rd District Court Awarded Mental Health GrantLivingston County's 53rd District Court Awarded Mental Health Grant
Livingston County is among the recipients in line to receive mental health court grant funding. Livingston Countyâs 53rd District Court is among 28 courts statewide that have been awarded more than $4 (m) million to fund the operation of mental health courts. The grant announcement from the Michigan Supreme Court coincides with the observance of National Recovery Month, which is held every September. The process of awarding the grants is said to be highly competitive and funding is limited. Instead of costly incarceration, officials say the problem-solving courts closely supervise offenders who are required to enroll in treatment. Extensive follow-up analysis shows that participants are far less likely to reoffend and much more likely to find a job and improve their quality of life. Justice Joan Larsen, the MSC liaison to problem-solving courts, says âIndividuals with mental illness regularly come into contact with the criminal justice system, and they account for a startling number of prison inmates. But mental health courts are working to change this by offering alternatives to incarceration for non-violent offenders. She says funding from these grant programs is vital to Michiganâs mental health courts because it enables them to continue doing what they do best: saving lives, saving money, strengthening families and building stronger communities. (JM)
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