UPDATE:
Salvation Army officials say response was overwhelming and volunteer spots are filled for car show but many are needed for the upcoming Red Tie Gala.
A local non-profit is in need of volunteers for a festive fall event this weekend. The 9th annual Great Pumpkin Car Show is this Saturday at the Livingston County Airport in Howell and officials say theyâre short a few volunteers. All proceeds from the annual fundraiser benefit the Salvation Army of Livingston County, which is hosted by Paulsonâs Construction. Officials say theyâve been able to raise over $99,000 dollars to help the community through the Salvation Army and with the 9th annual car show, are hoping to get that number up past $120,000. Saturdayâs event will run from 10am to 3:30pm and feature various classic cars, entertainment and family fun, door prizes and a 50/50 raffle. Anyone looking to help out during the event or with set up and tear down should contact Liz Welch at the Salvation Army at: liz_welch@usc.salvationarmy.org. (JM)
Great Pumpkin Car Show To Benefit Salvation ArmyGreat Pumpkin Car Show To Benefit Salvation Army
↧
↧
Howell Doctor Enters Plea In Controlled Substance CaseHowell Doctor Enters Plea In Controlled Substance Case
A Howell-based orthopedic surgeon charged with delivering controlled substances has entered a plea. Dr. Michael Holda, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, practiced in the Howell community for more than three decades. He turned in his license following a raid on Livingston County Orthopedics in May of 2013 by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Holda was charged with six counts of delivery of a controlled substance and one count of possession of marijuana that year. DEA agents, who were acting as patients, testified Holda prescribed pain medications and other drugs, including Xanax, beyond what would have been medically necessary. Holda insisted that he wrote the prescriptions in good faith and properly questioned them about their symptoms. His trial had been on hold while the Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office appealed a local judgeâs ruling that they could not introduce evidence of other acts committed by Holda to prove that he did not act in good faith. In May, the Michigan Supreme Court declined to hear that appeal, which put the case back on track for trial. Holdaâs defense attorney Dennis Brewer sought to have the case dismissed entirely, alleging a speedy trial violation and prosecutorial misconduct. That motion was denied in June. On Monday, Holda pleaded no contest to one count of delivery of a controlled substance. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to dismiss five counts of the same charge and one count of possession of marijuana. A no contest plea is not an admission of guilt, but will be treated as such when he is sentenced on November 3rd. A jury earlier found Holda guilty in a separate, but related case, involving two counts of manufacturing prescription forms for which he served 30 days in the Livingston County Jail. (DK)
↧
MDOT Ready To Kickoff "Flex Route" Project To Reduce US-23 Congestion MDOT Ready To Kickoff "Flex Route" Project To Reduce US-23 Congestion
The Michigan Department of Transportation will soon take the first step in reducing traffic build up on US-23 with a unique solution. Traffic congestion on US-23 between Livingston and Washtenaw County can become nightmarish, as most motorists who use it during their daily commute know. Thatâs why MDOT wants to create a third lane of sorts from 8 Mile Road to M-14. MDOT officials say to completely reconstruct that corridor and add a third lane wouldâve cost between $5 and 600 (m) million dollars. Instead, they plan to convert the left shoulder into a traffic lane that motorists can use at specified times. The lane will be open to traffic during the morning and afternoon rush, in the event of an accident or on days when special events and games are going on in Ann Arbor. Signs every half mile will indicate when the lane is legally usable with either a green arrow or a red âXâ. Region Design Engineer Jack Rick tells WHMI the corridor will be the first in the state where Flex Route technology will be implemented. Including design and construction costs, the project is expected to cost approximately $120 (m) million dollars. Officials say the âinnovative solutionâ is an efficient use of resources and has received positive feedback. MDOT is letting the project to bid Friday and hope to award a contractor sometime this month. The majority of the work will begin in spring of 2017 but officials say some minor deconstruction work will take place this winter. More information about the Flex Route system and US-23 project can be found by visiting www.FlexRoute23.com. (DK)
↧
Community Drum Circle Forming In Fenton, Event Sunday In Millpond GazeboCommunity Drum Circle Forming In Fenton, Event Sunday In Millpond Gazebo
An event that aims to help individuals forget their life troubles and stresses while building a strong, healthy community through music is set Sunday at the Fenton Millpond Gazebo. Community members are being invited to experience the joy of drumming and participate in a new, monthly community drum circle. The River Rhythms Drumming Circle of Fenton group was founded by Melanie Hein and Lisa Pearson. Pearson is a music therapy specialist in Fenton who works with senior citizens and others while Hein is a piano teacher who has also taught pre-school music and attended drum circles. The two put their idea into action and the event series has been roughly a year in planning. The drum circle is open to any and all ages, regardless of musical or rhythmic talent or perhaps lack thereof. Hein says the drums have a fun way of connecting people and this is a form of music where everyone can participate so sheâs excited to see the drum circle bring the community together. Hein tells WHMI drumming is very healing and promotes health and wellness while offering community fun with the Shiawassee River in the background. The public is encouraged to bring a chair to Sundayâs event, which starts at 5pm in the Fenton Millpond Gazebo. Participants can take advantage of various drums provided on site or bring their own. Hein says they have lined up an indoor venue in Fenton to keep the drum circle going through the winter. Details are available on The River Rhythms Drumming Circle of Fenton Facebook page. A link is posted below. (JM)
↧
Speaker Ryan Stumps For Mike BishopSpeaker Ryan Stumps For Mike Bishop
The countryâs top Republican was in Michigan campaigning Monday for Congressman Mike Bishop. House Speaker Paul Ryan joined Bishop at Oakland County International Airport in Waterford to meet with reporters prior to attending a fund-raising event. Ryan used the occasion to offer strong support for Bishop, a former Michigan Senate majority leader who is seeking re-election to Congress after one term in office. Bishop is being challenged by Clarkston Democrat Suzanne Shkreli, an assistant Macomb County prosecutor. Her campaign manager Brian Lenzmeier said the visit was not a surprise as Bishop had voted for what he called, âSpeaker Ryanâs plan to privatize Medicareâ in which, âWall Street and the insurance industry would make billions.â In contrast, Ryan called the Rochester Hills Republican, "a workhorse and one of our stars in our conference" and said that Bishop had, âhit the ground runningâ in his first term. (JK)
↧
↧
Parents Unhappy After Indoor Gun Range Approved Near Elementary School Parents Unhappy After Indoor Gun Range Approved Near Elementary School
An indoor shooting range has been approved in Lyon Township despite pleas from parents concerned about its close proximity to an elementary school. The Lyon Township Board met Monday night and voted 6-1 to approve a special land use request for Huron Valley Guns & Indoor Range. The gun range will be a recreational and educational center. The wooded 18-acre parcel is located on Grand River, a quarter-mile east of Milford Road. A number of parents who fear for the safety of their children due to the close proximity to Dolsen Elementary School at Grand River and Milford Roads turned out for Mondayâs meeting. Many voiced concerns about the range being only 750-feet away from the playground outside and hundreds signed a petition seeking to stop it. Proponents countered the state-of-the-art indoor facility will be safe and bring business to the area, serving as a destination not just for gun enthusiasts but for police, military and others in the public safety arena. The planned 39,500-square-foot facility will have lanes for individual use as well as training lanes for local police departments. A multi-acre 3D archery course set in a natural environment is also planned. A grand opening is tentatively set for April 2017. A rendering is pictured and detailed plans can be found the Huron Valley Guns website. (JM)
↧
Parker Middle School Students Chosen To Perform With Honors ChoirParker Middle School Students Chosen To Perform With Honors Choir
A group of local middle schoolers have been chosen to perform with a regional honors choir later this month. Eight students from Parker Middle School in Howell have been selected to perform with the Michigan School Vocal Music Association (MSVMA) Regional Honors Choir on Saturday, October 22nd. The event will be held at 12pm at South Lyon East High School. Each student that was chosen had to audition with Kelli Falls, Parker Middle School vocal music director. At the performance, the students will also audition for the MSVMA State Honors Choir. The students will be staying after school twice a week to rehearse as they prepare for the upcoming event. The students chosen for the Regional Honors Choir are Lola Dombroski, Hailey Douglas, Shaine Godfrey, Carson Harris Matteah Kersanty-Hufano, Rya Kirchberg, Isis Lemanski and Erica Makowski.
↧
Local Man Charged In Multiple Vehicle Thefts Sentenced Local Man Charged In Multiple Vehicle Thefts Sentenced
Sentencing has been handed down to a Livingston County man who admitted to stealing from several vehicles in Brighton and Howell. 26-year-old Adrian Ortega pleaded guilty last month to five counts of larceny from a motor vehicle and one count of larceny of $1,000 or more. He was sentenced on Thursday to one year in the Livingston County Jail with a credit of 56 days served and three years of probation. He will also be required to pay more than $2,900 restitution. Ortega, along with three other young adults from Howell, were charged with 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. As for the others charged in the case, 17-year-old Kendra Keranen was sentenced last month to two years of probation. A competency evaluation has been ordered for 25-year-old Catherine Barrera. A tentative final settlement conference and jury trial has been scheduled for the final suspect, 24-year-old James Juel, in November. (DK)
↧
Hamburg Twp. Board Looks at Possible Trail Through TownshipHamburg Twp. Board Looks at Possible Trail Through Township
A feasibility study that officials say may result in a new trail in Hamburg Township was approved at Tuesdayâs Board of Trustees meeting. The trail, called the Iron Belle Trail, will run throughout the entire state, starting at Pointe Mouilee State Game Area on Lake Erie in Monroe County and go all the way to Ironwood in the western Upper Peninsula. It is about 70% complete, and is designed to go through Livingston and Washtenaw Counties as it wends its way westward and northward. But it doesnât come cheap. The price tag for Hamburg Township would be whopping $2.9 million, as estimated by the Livingston County Road Commission. Township Supervisor Pat Hohl told the Board of Trustees at its meeting Tuesday that the township wouldnât be able to afford the cost of the trail so the money will have to come from grants. However, the township would still be required to pay the long-term maintenance costs, and that could be considerable. The board approved a motion authorizing the feasibility study, which will cost $22,800. Hohl says it will cost the township only $2,000, since $16,800 will be coming from the DNR in the form of a grant, the Washtenaw County Dept. of Parks and Recreation will be chipping in $2,000 and Hardwood Solutions, a Chelsea-based company, another $2,000. Hohl says the trail would connect with the Hudson Mills Metropark in Washtenaw County on North Territorial Road and from there go through Hamburg Township, taking one of four proposed routes. If approved, the local portion of the trail will connect to the Lakelands Trail State Park in Hamburg Township, which runs 26 miles from Livingston County to Stockbridge in Ingham County. Hohl says the reason for the study is to determine the most feasible, and most economical, route through the township. Hohl emphasizes that this is just a study and in no way commits the township to participating in the project. He says after the study is completed the board will give the public the results, and there will be plenty of time to weigh in on the proposed project. (TT)
↧
↧
Annual Vigil Remembers Victims, Lights The Way For HopeAnnual Vigil Remembers Victims, Lights The Way For Hope
A large crowd gathered under the glow of candles and purple lights at the historic Livingston County Courthouse last night to bring awareness to the issue of domestic violence.
LACASAâs 20th Annual Domestic Violence Candlelight Vigil began with a performance from the Howell High School a Capella Choir as community members filled the courthouse amphitheater. Candles and luminaries were lit to remember lives lost to domestic violence and to show support for survivors. Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt, LACASA staff members and their Teen Advisory Council spoke about the need for awareness and whatâs being done to combat the problem. Emmaly Badgett, Howell High School Senior and member of the Teen Advisory Council, tells WHMI being young only heightens the impact of the groupâs efforts. Advocates against domestic violence at an early age will someday be the community's leaders with the same goal, according to Badgett. Some of the council members shared their personal stories in facing domestic violence and why it gave them strength to speak out. Brighton High School senior Jessica Caltrider is also a member of the Teen Advisory Council and says she felt encouraged to see the communityâs show of support at the event. 120 luminaries were lit and placed in the amphitheater to recognize the number of lives lost last year in Michigan to domestic violence. Two of them represented individuals from Livingston County. The vigil is one of several events LACASA will host throughout the month and highlights their Shine the Light campaign. A community forum to further delve into the issue of domestic violence will be held this evening in Fowlerville. Youâll find details at lacasacenter.org. (DK/JM)
↧
Weekend Pavement Maintenance In City Of BrightonWeekend Pavement Maintenance In City Of Brighton
Crews will be performing pavement maintenance this weekend in the City of Brighton. In order to extend the life of the pavement surface, the City of Brightonâs contractor will be performing crack sealing along various roadways at scattered locations around town. The work will be done between 8am and 4pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday. City officials say no detours will be needed but some minimal vehicle interruptions can be expected. (JM)
↧
Free Flu Shot Clinic In Pinckney Saturday Free Flu Shot Clinic In Pinckney Saturday
Flu shots will be available at a local student-run clinic this Saturday. Medical students from the U of M Student-Run Free Clinic say getting the annual flu shot is the easiest and most effective ways to protect onesâ health this fall and winter. The clinic is located on East Main Street in Pinckney and will have about 50 flu shots available on Saturday from 9am to 1pm. Patients interested in getting their flu shot are asked to call in advance so that the clinic can be prepared to turn away people if necessary. Medical student Maya Faison works at the clinic and expects getting the shot this weekend will be a fairly quick process. Faison says the clinic can also provide documentation for work purposes if needed. The clinic targets adults with no insurance or minimal coverage. Faison tells WHMI the clinic offers free primary healthcare every Saturday morning, as well as a number of services. The clinic generally sees more patients with chronic diseases but also sometimes deals with acute illnesses as well. Uninsured adults are able to receive free primary healthcare from the clinic every Saturday morning and the clinic hosts two specialty days a month like Womenâs Health Day and days dedicated to treating psychiatric needs. The center also provides insurance counseling for anyone without insurance who is looking for coverage. Reservations for this weekendâs flu shot event can be made by calling 734-680-0804. More information can be found by visiting the web link. (DK)
↧
Governor Snyder Cuts Ribbon At Eberspaecher's Brighton ExpansionGovernor Snyder Cuts Ribbon At Eberspaecher's Brighton Expansion
Governor Rick Snyder was in Brighton Tuesday to help celebrate the grand opening of a local manufacturerâs expanded facility. Eberspaecher is globally recognized as a tier 1 leader in the development and manufacturing of exhaust system technologies, vehicle heaters, and bus air-conditioning systems. The 100% family owned company operates in 25 countries worldwide and made over $5 billion in revenue last year. The Governor, along with other state and local leaders cut the ribbon on the newly built expansion which tripled the size of the facility to 340,000 square feet. The new plant was designed to decrease the companyâs environmental footprint by incorporating energy-saving measures and systems. Heinrich Baumann, a 5th generation managing partner for the Eberspaecher Group, said the Brighton plant was an easy choice to invest in for how close it was to the heart of the auto industry. Governor Snyder joined in, complementing the quality of work being done by Michigan laborers. Snyder said the state has the most talented manufacturers in the world, and that âwe know how to make products in Michigan. Thatâs who we are and we should be proud of that.â The expansion has also opened up many new job opportunities for the area. President of Eberspaecher North America Greg Sibley said they have recently hired around 235 new employees and are still looking for 50 more in administration, machine operation, and welding. With 6 facilities in North America, the Brighton plant currently employs roughly 36% of Eberspaecherâs stateside workforce. (MK)
↧
↧
Two Men Admit To Charges In Marijuana Growing OperationTwo Men Admit To Charges In Marijuana Growing Operation
Two of the four men charged in Livingston County in an alleged marijuana growing operation have entered a plea. Dennis James of Howell and Joseph Zubor of Gregory pleaded guilty to possession of marijuana with the intent to deliver. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to dismiss felony firearms and delivery or manufacture of a controlled substance charges against each. James, Zubor, Jeffrey Allen Michael of Fowlerville, Darryl Scott Berry of Howell and Johnny Glen Cooper of Fenton, were all charged following the investigation into an alleged marijuana growing and distributing operation. Authorities believe it was carried out under the pretense that it was for use as medical marijuana. 15 pounds of marijuana, almost $200,000 in cash and around 550 plants were seized from the menâs homes. The case against Cooper was dismissed in July without prejudice, after a 67th District Court Judge granted a motion to suppress evidence due to spoilage. Michael and Berry are due back in court for an evidentiary hearing October 27th. Berry, who police have said was the operationâs ring leader, is charged with conducting criminal enterprises, five counts of a controlled substance for delivering or manufacturing marijuana and two counts of conspiracy. James and Zubor will be sentenced November 10th. (DK)
↧
LACASA Holds Community Forum TO Educate About Domestic ViolenceLACASA Holds Community Forum TO Educate About Domestic Violence
One local nonprofit organization is helping educate the community for October which is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The LACASA Center has provided help for adults and children who have been victims of abuse and interpersonal violence for 35 years in Livingston County. Wednesday night they held the first of their two scheduled âLetâs Talk About Itâ community forums at the United Brethren Church in Fowlerville. The forum was focused on recognizing signs of dating and domestic abuse, how to end it, and shattering the stigmas that surround it. LACASA volunteer Mark Dunny and Youth Prevention Services Coordinator Kayla Grant explained how domestic abuse is based on power and control. It does not discriminate based on socioeconomic status, ethnicity, age, gender, or other variables. The forum delves into informative topics like methods batterers use to keep that power and control over victims, and the cycle of abuse. Forum leaders look not only at the physical forms of it, but also the emotional. A discussion of Relationship Equality Wheel highlights positive signs of healthy relationships. There are also tips for spreading awareness and options for getting help. The second event is scheduled for Tuesday, October 11th, at 7pm at the First Presbyterian Church of Brighton. The event is free and open to the public. More information on it or any of LACASAâs services can be found online at www.lacasacenter.org. (MK)
↧
Fees Collected At Local Paintball Field To Be Donated To "Shop With A Cop" ProgramFees Collected At Local Paintball Field To Be Donated To "Shop With A Cop" Program
A holiday program for local children in need will be the beneficiary of a one-day fundraising event next weekend. Hell Survivors paintball playfield in Pinckney and the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department are teaming up to raise money for the sheriff departmentâs Shop with a Cop program. Shop With a Cop is an annual event where police officers from across Livingston County are paired with a child to do $125 worth of holiday shopping. On average, each year 120 kids have the opportunity to participate. But it costs money to make that happen and next Saturdayâs fundraiser will assist in that effort. Hell Survivors will donate paintball equipment rental fees to the Shop With a Cop program that are collected October 15th between 9am and 5pm. The rental fee is $20 and admission is as well. (DK)
↧
More Ramp & Lane Closures At I-96/US-23 Interchange More Ramp & Lane Closures At I-96/US-23 Interchange
The Michigan Department of Transportation has announced more closures needed for work at the I-96/US-23 interchange. M-DOT has scheduled both ramp and lane closures starting tonight, stretching into Friday morning. The eastbound I-96 ramp to northbound US-23 will be closed between 10 tonight and 5am Friday. The detour will be eastbound I-96 to Kensington Road (Exit #151) to westbound I-96 to northbound US-23. Additionally, M-DOT advises there will be a single lane closure on northbound US-23 at I-96 starting at 9 tonight, lasting through 7am Friday. (JM)
↧
↧
New Board To Assist With Redevelopment Of Hoskins Site In Hamburg TownshipNew Board To Assist With Redevelopment Of Hoskins Site In Hamburg Township
The Hamburg Twp. Board of Trustees has approved formation of a Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board to assist in the redevelopment of the old Hoskins Manufacturing site on Hall Road. The plant, which made thermoelectric nickel and chromium alloy wire and ribbon, closed in 2001. Subsequently, the company was investigated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and the EPA removed over 50, 55-gallon drums of unknown chemicals and two large transformers containing polychlorinated biphenyls, known commonly as PCBs. Township Supervisor Pat Hohl tells WHMI that the board is looking for volunteers to serve on the authority board. Hohl says the site was purchased after Hoskins abandoned it but the buyers did nothing with the property. He says a new owner has come along and is serious in wanting to redevelop it. Brownfields are properties that may have hazardous substances or contaminants present, but Hohl says while the site does contain some contaminants â specifically, heavy metals â no hydrocarbons were found in the soil samples tested. Brownfield programs provide grants and technical assistance to communities to assess, clean up and reuse the properties, putting them back on the tax rolls and providing local employment. The program provides technical assistance, regulatory guidance, liability protection, tax incentives, loans, as well as funding for job training and cleanup. (TT)
↧
Scranton Middle School Student Wins ScholarshipScranton Middle School Student Wins Scholarship
A middle school girl from Brighton has been awarded a scholarship to help pay for additional studies. Jade Redmond was named the third recipient of the Academic Enrichment Scholarship from the Brighton Rotary Foundation. Redmond is a 7th grade student at Scranton Middle School. She won the $250 award from a random draw of all middle school students who registered and completed the SAT Practice Test earlier this month. The scholarship will help fund Redmondâs attendance to an approved enrichment class of her choice this current school year. She said she plans on using it to attend a 2-week engineering and physics camp sponsored by the Gifted and Talented Program through Michigan State University. Another scholarship drawing for students in 6th through 8th grade will take place following the SAT Practice Test on February 4th. More information on that can be found at www.BrightonRotaryEvents.org.
↧
Green Oak Twp. Passes Audit with Flying ColorsGreen Oak Twp. Passes Audit with Flying Colors
The Green Oak Township Board of Trustees got a glowing audit report at Wednesday nightâs meeting. Auditors from the certified public accounting firm Pfeffer, Hanniford and Palka informed the township that it received an unqualified audit again this year, meaning there were no red flags and the townshipâs financial transactions and record-keeping are in line with standard practices and procedures. At the end of the 2015-16 fiscal year on March 31st. Green Oak had a healthy, $5.6 million fund balance. Thatâs an improvement over last year, when the fund balance stood at $4.7 million. St. Charles says the fund balance, which was only $900,000 in his first year as supervisor, has steadily increased in the last 15 years. The police fund, which operates on a separate, voter-approved millage, had a fund balance of $2.1 million, while the fire dept. fund - also a separate, voter-approved item - had a fund balance of $963,000 at the end of the fiscal year. Supervisor Mark St. Charles said that he is âpleasedâ with the audit results. The final adjusted township general fund budget for 2015-16 was $2.9 million. St. Charles says that all township budget information will be available online by Dec. 15th or sooner. (TT)
↧
More Pages to Explore .....
