An event that takes ideas for a business and helps make them a reality will be held in Pinckney this weekend. Startup Weekend Livingston County is a 54 hour event that teaches attendees about the highs, lows and pressure that make up life at a startup. Guests will learn how to create a real company through the help of local mentors, investors, co-founders and sponsors. The event is a part of Startup Weekend, which is a global network of entrepreneurs, leaders and innovators. Organizers say the workshop connects Livingston County to some of the worldâs biggest names in high-growth entrepreneurship. Over the course of the weekend, participants will work to launch startups by pitching their business ideas to a panel of experts. The best pitches will win prizes. Startup Weekend Livingston County will be held at the new Sentinel Center at Pinckney Community High School on Dexter-Pinckney Road October 21st through the 23rd. Registration and more information can be found by calling 517-295-4008. (DK)
Business Startups To Get Boost At Weekend EventBusiness Startups To Get Boost At Weekend Event
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Forum Set For Brighton School Board CandidatesForum Set For Brighton School Board Candidates
An upcoming event will give voters in the Brighton Area School district a chance to learn more about the candidates running for school board next month. The Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with Voterâs Voice, has scheduled a candidate forum for Tuesday, October 25th at 6pm. It will be held at the Brighton Community Center at 555 Brighton Street. Chamber director Pam McConeghy says they are hosting the forum as a means of supporting the local community and Brighton school district. Voters Voice describes itself as a âmulti-party political committee whose mission is to provide accurate information to encourage the political enthusiasm of the moderate citizens of Livingston County.â The Livingston County chapter is co-chaired by former Republican State Representative Judie Scranton and lifelong Democratic activist Jim Swonk. All eight candidates seeking the four open seats on the Brighton Board of Education in the November 8th election have been invited to the forum, which will be moderated by WHMI News Director Jon King. Each candidate will be given a one-minute opening statement, followed by one-minute responses to a series of eight questions selected in advance and then a one-minute closing statement. Members of the public who wish to suggest a question can do so by emailing them in advance to jking@whmi.com (JK)
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Fowlerville Police Investigating Stranger Danger Incident Fowlerville Police Investigating Stranger Danger Incident
Fowlerville Police are advising the community about an incident in which a young girl was approached by a stranger. The Fowlerville Police Department was notified of an incident Monday morning that occurred in Grandshire Trailer Park while a 10-year-old female was walking to the bus stop. Police say an unidentified male in his mid-thirties with no facial hair, driving a small blue car, approached the girl and asked her if she wanted a ride. The girl ran to a nearby relativeâs house for safety. A canvas of the area failed to turn up any vehicle or suspect matching the description. Officer Jeffrey Soli has conducted Stranger Danger training with all students in grades K-5 this fall and police ask that parents and families remind children of the importance of not speaking with people they do not know. Police say the more people that know about the incident, the safer children and the community will be. (JM)
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Subdivison Residents Unhappy With Township Response To Rapid GunfireSubdivison Residents Unhappy With Township Response To Rapid Gunfire
The sound of rapid gunfire continues to emanate from a property on Latson Road and neighbors are frustrated with what they feel is a lack of action from Oceola Township. Larry Gulick and others who live in the Woods of Forest Ridge subdivision have crowded meetings and filed formal complaints but say nothing has changed and the response at the October 6th board meeting was much lacking. Gulick says the property owner would shoot occasionally in the past but activity increased substantially and a gun range of sorts was constructed this summer. The property is zoned Agricultural-Residential, which allows a resident to shoot on the property but not operate a business. Gulick says they were informed by the township that the property owner was well within his rights, the shooting would most likely continue to happen and there is nothing they can do. Gulick spent 21 years in the Marine Corps and is not against recreational shooting but tells WHMI this has grown into something much more, noting the close proximity to several subdivisions and the township hall playground. Gulick tells WHMI he doesnât think his children should have to spend their weekends playing outside under the sound of continued gun fire and, but noted other issues with stressed out pets and Veterans suffering from PTSD. Township officials have noted noise ordinances are almost impossible to enforce and defend in court and residents attending the last board meeting indicated that no shooting had occurred since the middle of August. Supervisor Bill Bamber tells WHMI the resident has constructed a berm behind his girlfriendâs house so that any shooting is toward their own house and noted a township permit is not required for that type of construction. He says the shooting area has been approved by the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department and the township has notified the resident that a business cannot be operated from the property. Bamber added there is some discussion of the decibel level but even though everyone seems to have a reading, they are not taken with certified equipment or operators. Even if they were, he says most judges would not accept them. Some residents have suggested rezoning the property, since a lot has changed on Latson Road with significant commercial and residential development. Bamber noted the master plan was updated about two years ago and the township does not rezone someoneâs property without their permission. (JM)
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Michigan GOP Vice-Chair From Howell Faces Ouster For Refusing To Support TrumpMichigan GOP Vice-Chair From Howell Faces Ouster For Refusing To Support Trump
The Michigan Republican Partyâs grassroots leader from Howell is facing being ousted for her refusal to support presidential candidate Donald Trump. GOP spokeswoman Sarah Anderson said grassroots vice chairwoman Wendy Day's position is at odds with a bylaw requiring the party's elected leaders to support the entire Republican ticket. Day wrote a letter to state party chair Ronna Romney McDaniel and confirmed she was unable to endorse Trump as a matter of conscience and would not heed calls to resign. Day stated sheâs looking long term and doing her best to try to protect what the party has stood for, noting âOur party deserves leadership that will defend our platform and work to unite the different factions within the party, not divide them.â Day is a well known political activist, having served on the Howell school board and later launching an unsuccessful bid for state representative. She also worked this year as the state director for the presidential campaign of Texas Senator Ted Cruz. Dayâs refusal to resign leaves the decision up to Romney McDaniel, who is awaiting Dayâs letter before making any decision. The GOP has 12 elected officials. Spokeswoman Anderson said she believes theyâll have to remove Day because âIf youâre not supporting our candidate, you really are incapable of doing your jobâ. (JM)
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Local Nonprofit To Be Beneficiary Of Detroit-Based Catering AssociationLocal Nonprofit To Be Beneficiary Of Detroit-Based Catering Association
Local designers will go head to head at a competition tomorrow night that will benefit an area nonprofit. The Table Top Wow Competition is being put on by the Greater Detroit Chapter of the National Association of Catering and Events and is a first-time event in Livingston County. It will be held at Crystal Gardens in Howell from 6 to 9pm. The annual competition allows event planners and designers to go up against the best in the industry as they attempt to create the winning table top display of the year. The competitionâs theme this year is Our World in a Setting and will showcase designs and culinary excellence from across the globe. A portion of the proceeds from the cost to attend the event and silent auction will be donated to Livingston County United Way. United Way Executive Director Nancy Rosso says United Way is âreally pleased to be the local recipientâ of the groupâs efforts. Additionally, she says itâs a great place for designers to network and learn from one another. Three local community members will judge the competition. Rosso says anyone interested in competing must do so advance. More information about the event and registration can be found at the link below. (DK)
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Panel Discusses Opioid & Prescription Drug Abuse IssuesPanel Discusses Opioid & Prescription Drug Abuse Issues
A panel discussion Monday in Livingston County featured local lawmakers, court and law enforcement officials and addiction specialists. Congressman Mike Bishop led the discussion on the Opioid abuse both locally and nationally. Bishop is a member of the Opioid Conference Committee in Congress, and recently sponsored an amendment to the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, allowing state and local government to invest in programs to curb the epidemic. Bishop tells WHMI the panel was held to bring awareness. He says the panel was a way to bring the community together and talk about an issue that is raging through our country and to try to connect people who are working on sometimes separate paths, so that they can work collaboratively. He says it's amazing when people are working on an issue like this and start to realize that they are all working on the same thing, just on different paths. Bishop says it is an opportunity to talk and bring awareness and figure out a way to handle the issue at a very local level. The panel event included Karen Bergbower of Karen Bergbower & Associates; Kaitlin Fink of Livingston County Catholic Charities; Francine Zysk, district court administrator; and Livingston County Undersheriff Mike Murphy. Each of the panelists talked about the particular programs they were involved with and the prevention and treatment efforts they focus on. About 45 people with interest in the fight against Opioid and prescription drug abuse filled the meeting room of the Putnam Township Hall. Pinckney Schools Superintendent Rick Todd says prevention education is the key. He says the districts are seeing positive trends, but it is not a taboo discussion. He says the kids and parents talk openly about it, teachers and administrators talk openly about it and talk openly with the families. He says it is about building positive cultures within the schools where there is a high level of trust, and an expectation that they are going to take care of one another. He says it is also about giving kids positive experiences so they don't have to look elsewhere to fill a void in their lives. Todd says in Pinckney students and parents are not burying their heads in the sand about the problem, but he says students are safest when they are in school. Todd says typically the problem starts with prescription pain medications, and escalates when students leave high school for college or careers. Several members of local emergency services, local and county officials also attended. Bishop says he is hosting a similar forum in Oakland County, and because of the interest will try to plan another similar event for Livingston County soon. (DS)
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Township Officials Discuss Legal Expenses & Strategy In Sewer LawsuitTownship Officials Discuss Legal Expenses & Strategy In Sewer Lawsuit
Measures to cover legal costs have been taken by Brighton Township officials, as discussions continue in a lawsuit filed by a group of residents who believe they are paying âunlawfulâ sewer taxes. Recently filed in 44th Circuit Court, the lawsuit challenges charges currently assessed in relation to the construction, operation and maintenance of the townshipâs Sanitary Sewer System. Township residents Dennis Shoner and Barbara Potocki are representing the plaintiffs in the class-action lawsuit that is based on the system usersâ belief that they are being overcharged in sewer fees. A group of four residents, who are long-time critics of the townshipâs sewer tax policy and some of whom are represented in the lawsuit, will be running as Democrats in the upcoming election for open seats on the townshipâs board. Jim Sarna is running for supervisor, Bob Potocki for clerk, and Mike Palmer and Anna Chatten for trustee. Prior to filing in Circuit Court, Shoner and Potocki had filed in U.S. District Court. That lawsuit was terminated however just a couple of weeks ago. The township incurred legal defense expenses of roughly $34,500 just to close out the federal lawsuit. As a result, the Brighton Township Board of Trustees on Monday approved an amendment to their 2016-2017 budget to cover the legal costs. Trustee Mike Slaton was the only board member to vote against adopting the amendment. Manager Brian Vick made it clear that the amount to be transferred from cash reserves is not all inclusive of the total legal costs because additional charges are expected regarding the lawsuit filed in Circuit Court. Vick confirmed that in the past, sewer fund costs have been considered enterprise costs and that it is well within the townshipâs rights to charge the costs incurred from the lawsuit to the townshipâs sewer fund, which is treated as an enterprise fund. At their meeting, the board entered into a closed executive session to discuss trial or settlement strategy in connection with the lawsuit. Vick says the board is not allowed to comment on what was discussed in the session because the litigation is pending. (DK)
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Successes & Volunteers Highlighted At State Of The Township AddressSuccesses & Volunteers Highlighted At State Of The Township Address
An annual update was given yesterday to share some of Hartland Townshipâs achievements and goals with community members, government officials and local leaders. The second annual State of the Township Address is a tool to help achieve transparency, according to Supervisor Bill Fountain. At Township Hall, Fountain shared with attendees the townshipâs financial stability, which includes a recent audit report that gave the township the highest level of accreditation a municipality can receive. Fountain says their Assessing Department was also one from a handful within the state that received a perfect score. The township also has a significant amount of housing and business development underway and more is expected to make its way to the area. Fountain says the township is very proud of the six road projects that were completed this year from their Safer Roads Initiative and their local parks. Looking ahead to next year, Fountain says the township wants to add improvements to their local parks and build up their walkable community with more sidewalks. With the help of Hartland Schools Superintendent Janet Sifferman, Fountain named the townshipâs 2016 Volunteer of the Year at the address as well. Douglas Fountaine (pictured right with Fountain), who owns Dougieâs Disposal and Recycling, is this yearâs recipient. Fountaine says he and his wife work hard to help out at as many community events as they can as their way of giving back. He tells WHMI he is "super excited" to be chosen, a little "lost for words" and grateful to those that nominated him. Fountaine says his favorite thing about Hartland Township is the feeling of closeness among the community and recognizing people while out and about. Supervisor Fountain feels Hartland Township sets itself apart with its dedication to working together and remaining unified. He says that their focus on âcooperation and collaborationâ is what helps make the township successful in its endeavors. (DK)
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Day Ousted From Party Position For Refusing To Endorse TrumpDay Ousted From Party Position For Refusing To Endorse Trump
A Livingston County Tea Party activist has been removed by the Michigan Republican Party from her position for her refusal to support presidential candidate Donald Trump. Late Monday, party chairwoman Ronna Romney McDaniel removed Wendy Day of Howell as grassroots vice chair, a post she was elected to at a state convention last year. Day wrote a letter to McDaniel and confirmed she was unable to endorse Trump as a matter of conscience and would not heed calls to resign. Day stated sheâs looking long term and doing her best to try to protect what the party has stood for, noting âOur party deserves leadership that will defend our platform and work to unite the different factions within the party, not divide them.â Day is a well-known political activist, having served on the Howell school board and later launching an unsuccessful bid for state representative. She had also worked this year as the state director for the presidential campaign of Texas Senator Ted Cruz. Using a power in the party bylaws that has never been used before, McDaniel declared Day's position vacant until the next state convention in February. Day isnât alone in her opposition to Trump by state party leaders. Lt. Gov. Brian Calley tops the list of prominent Michigan Republicans who have denounced or otherwise distanced themselves from Trump. Calley said he wouldn't vote for Trump after the recent release of a videotape in which Trump boasted about groping women. But state GOP officials say that the difference is that Calley's constituents are the people of Michigan, while Day's are grassroots Republican Party members in Michigan. (JK)
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Burkhart Road To Close Wednesday At CSX Railroad Crossing Burkhart Road To Close Wednesday At CSX Railroad Crossing
A railroad crossing in Howell Township is slated for repairs this week. Burkhart Road at the CSX Railroad crossing will be closed for the duration of the project, which involves repairs to the grade crossing. Itâs tentatively scheduled to begin Wednesday and wrap up Friday. The Livingston County Road Commission issued an advisory for the work, which will be done by the railroad authority, CSX Transportation. Signs are posted near the railroad crossing to notify motorists of the upcoming closure and allow time to plan alternate routes. (JM)
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Livingston County Residents Advised Of New Collection Letter Scam Livingston County Residents Advised Of New Collection Letter Scam
A scam of a new kind is making the rounds in Livingston County. Livingston County Undersheriff Mike Murphy issued a community update about a new scam he says is actually pretty slick. Itâs in the form of a collection letter from the United Online Collection Division, a bogus company based out of Woodland Hills, California. It lists the creditor as NetZero. The letter informs an individual that their account has been placed into collection and it shows the "past due amount" as minimal, so Murphy says most people don't think twice about it. It also shows the individualâs email address and different options to pay including check, money order or credit card. Once the scammers have your credit card number, Murphy says more than likely theyâll sit on the information for a while, do some investigation to garner more personal information and then wreak havoc. Murphy says many times, different scams are just recycled with minor variations but this one appears to be relatively new. A copy of the bogus letter is attached. (JM)
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County Budget Presentations Continue, Most Departments To Maintain Status Quo County Budget Presentations Continue, Most Departments To Maintain Status Quo
Various departments again delivered budget presentations to a subcommittee of the Livingston County Board of Commissioners. Emergency Management, Planning, Building Inspections, 911 Central Dispatch and the offices of Drain Commissioner, Sheriff and Prosecutor all delivered presentations to the Public Safety and Infrastructure & Development Committee. Most departments indicated there would be no significant changes for the coming year or two, with minimal adjustments. Undersheriff Mike Murphy tells WHMI they fared pretty well during this budget process. He says they were able to maintain current staffing levels and actually add two part time positions for data and crime analysis, which is huge and will allow them to realize some efficiencies in work that deputies are doing now. Going forward, Murphy wants to be more forward thinking with policy and procedures. He says they were able to garner funds for a policy writing professional for departmental procedures to come more in line with national standards, as well as other high-risk and high-liability issues that are out there. On the jail side, he says the cost of providing medical services is a moving target because of the population they have in the jail and increased costs in service. The contract for the vendor currently providing services is up in March and he says the intent is to go out to bid to hopefully close some gaps in the existing contract. Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt commented staffing is constant but there have been some changes in how positions are used, resulting in savings for the county. Some future challenges include the increasing existence and reliance on the use of digital evidence and review. Vailliencourt says storage is not cheap and a lot of digital evidence must be retained for production and use but his office is working to keep up. He noted the increased use of fraudulent gift cards as well as skimmers at local gas stations, which pose other challenges for law enforcement and his office. Other items include the potential impact of court rulings regarding indigent defense and increasing challenges with forensic science issues and the use of experts. Body cameras pose some serious challenges for privacy, since officers are in peopleâs homes on various complaints involving domestic violence or criminal sexual conduct. Vailliencourt commented there are great law enforcement agencies in the county and the fact that they donât have cameras has not been a serious issue but itâs a trend across the nation and something theyâll eventually have to deal with. Various public safety officials commented during the meeting that the pros outweigh the cons and there are a lot of downfalls with the technology, which is not only expensive but requires more server space and ultimately creates more issues. 911 Central Dispatch. Deputy Director Chad Chewning told commissioners theyâre getting staffing up with four new dispatchers starting in November but have five more openings and a good pool of candidates. He says itâs a stressful job and thus a revolving door, making it a struggle to keep quality people. The budget also includes a funding request for the preliminary research costs associated with evaluating the feasibility of a new building, location and infrastructure needs. Monday marked the third round of budget presentations according to Committee Chairman Ron VanHouten. He tells WHMI the process is going well and everyone is putting their departments where they belong, with no major changes since initial presentations. He says everyone is trying hard to meet the budget and make sure everything is in line but itâs looking real good right now. The various budgets are still in the revision phase and will ultimately go to the full board of commissioners for final approval. (JM)
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SELCRA Director Says Facility Usage In Dispute With BASSELCRA Director Says Facility Usage In Dispute With BAS
The new director for the Southeastern Livingston County Recreation Authority says the organization is doing well, but is struggling to find facility space. SELCRA Director Phillip Biscorner has been on the job for a couple of months and is working on communication with its participating municipalities; Green Oak and Brighton Township. Biscorner attended the Brighton Township Board of Trustees meeting Monday to provide an update on the groupâs status. He says SELCRA is looking into redesigning the skate park located by Meijer in Brighton with the help of community partners and building a multi-purpose field. The authority also wants to expand by adding summer day camps and enrichment programs. However, that could be difficult as Biscorner says SELCRA is getting less facility space from Brighton Area Schools then in the past. He blamed that on being moved from a Group A classification to Group C without an explanation from Superintendent Dr. Greg Gray, which he says puts them low on the list for scheduling purposes. Brighton Township Supervisor Tom Murphy says he has discussed the scheduling situation with some of the BAS board members and that they are ânot happyâ adding that itâs âthe tax-payers facilities, not Dr. Grayâs.â But Gray says that is incorrect, telling WHMI that he doesnât personally get to determine who is in what group, as that is a function of the Board of Education. He says he has, "absolutely nothing to do with scheduling facilities and I am only brought into the mix if there is a conflict." He adds that SELCRA was never in Group A as that consists solely of district programs, which he says was previously explained to Biscorner. A memo of understanding signed in June by SELCRA (posted below) states clearly that district facilities are âfirst and foremost for BAS school and school-related purposes,â adding that, âNothing contained in this agreement shall in any way require BAS to permit the use of any BAS related facility that would impair BASâ ability to use the facility for BAS school and school-related purposes.â Another document (also posted below) lays out the classification system and seemingly indicates SELCRA would fall into Group C. Gray says he isnât sure where the confusion stems from, other than brief conversations where he told Biscorner the district would do everything in its power to schedule SELCRA alongside school groups, which he says they have done, citing recently negotiated gym time for a SELCRA program involving the Detroit Pistons. Biscorner says he and Dr. Gray are supposed to meet Wednesday, where he hopes to receive more information. Aside from more facility use, Biscorner says SELCRAâs other goals include cost-recovery and completing their five year plan by December. (DK/JK)
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Linden Man Gets Federal Prison Time For Cheating Customers In Diesel Engine Repair Scheme Linden Man Gets Federal Prison Time For Cheating Customers In Diesel Engine Repair Scheme
A Linden man will do federal time for running a diesel engine repair scam, cheating victims out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. 47-year-old Carl Steven Spencer Jr. - aka Steve Spencer - was sentenced in U.S. District Court in early October to 18 months in federal prison. He pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud in March as part of a plea agreement, which was accepted by District Judge Terrence G. Berg. A court filing states that from 2011 to 2016, Spencer owned and operated a diesel engine remanufacturing business that operated under several different names including National Diesel Engine, Midwest Engine and Superior Diesel Reman. The complaint states diesel truck owners from the U.S. and Canada would obtain quotes to remanufacture broken engines and then ship the engine cores to Spencer with either two-thirds or full payment. A number of customers eventually started contacting Fenton Police after Spencer failed to send them the engine or refund deposits. The customers were described as small transport/trucking business owners, farmers, gravel pit owners, long haul truckers and a demolition company â including two victims allegedly deprived of more than $189,000. Spencer claimed tough economic times led to the crime and when there was a downturn in business, he would use money from new customers to fund completion of prior orders. Federal prosecutors countered that Spencer actually used the money to fund a lifestyle far outside of his means that included the purchase of luxury items, home renovations and 38 high-end designer wrist watches, which he agreed to forfeit as part of the plea agreement. Federal prosecutors say the people Spencer cheated suffered immensely and relied on a working truck to pay their bills and keep their employees working - noting even after the FBI executed search warrants at his business and home, there have been over 80 individuals who filed reports with Fenton Police. Spencer had requested that the court impose a sentence of probation with home confinement, which was denied. Spencer will serve his 18-month sentence at the Morgantown Federal Penitentiary in West Virginia. He must also pay restitution and serve two years of probation after his release. The sentencing memo further detailing the crimes is attached. (JM)
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Brighton's Tridge May Be Closed During Winter MonthsBrighton's Tridge May Be Closed During Winter Months
The Brighton Downtown Development Authority is looking at closing the Tridge during the wintertime because itâs hard to keep the walking surface free of snow and ice at that time of year. The Tridge is the footbridge that connects city hall and the Imagination Station Playground with the gazebo and amphitheater on one side, and the Old Village Cemetery and points beyond on the other. The DDA Board discussed the matter at its regular meeting Tuesday morning at city hall. DDA officials say the problem is that the equipment used to remove the snow, an ATV with snow plow attached, isnât really practical for use on the Tridge. Thatâs because the wooden span has solid side walls, resulting in no place for the plow to put the snow. Another issue is that although Brighton, as a local government, has partial governmental immunity, the city still could get sued if there an accident and somebody gets hurt, and that would mean attorney fees. After discussing the pros and cons of the Tridge being closed entirely during the winter months, the authority decided to take a middle ground. The DDA will recommend to the City Council that the Tridge be closed most of the time during winter, with a chain and a sign at each entrance, but be opened on clear winter days when itâs free of snow and ice. The final decision, however, will be up to council. (TT)
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Fowlerville To Require Permits For DronesFowlerville To Require Permits For Drones
One local community will start requiring special event permits for photographers using drones. Monday night the Fowlerville Village Council agreed to require permits for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles or drones. The council made the decision after receiving several phone calls about the issue. Village Clerk Kathy Arledge says a $50 permit fee will include $10 for a background check. She told council members those applying for a permit will also be required to carry a $1 million insurance policy. Council President Wayne Copeland tells WHMI it is a safety measure. He says the village has to go through the process with the drones to make sure that it has all the safety things in order. This is one way that the village can make sure that they are safe to use and operators do have insurance. Copeland says there was one incident with a radio controlled aircraft flying into an area where it wasn't supposed to be flying into a homeland security area, but there have not been any incidents with drones that he knows of. Private citizens who just want to fly a drone over their own yard wonât need a permit, but Copeland says particularly businesses or people flying drones in public airspace will need them. He says once the new rule takes effect anyone flying without a permit will be ticketed. Trustee Ken Belous explained that those wanting to fly drones for business purposes not only need a local permit, but also have to have a special FCC permit as well. He says the background check will insure against voyeurism. The use of drones on school property is yet to be addressed as the council was unclear about whether the permitting process would include school sporting events. The village attorney recommended an ordinance for enforcement, which will be brought to the next meeting for approval. (DS)
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Public Invited To Share Memories Of Duane ZemperPublic Invited To Share Memories Of Duane Zemper
As a committee of community leaders works to design a fitting tribute for a Howell icon, organizers are asking for the public's memories for future generations. Brent Earl and Lindsay Root want to videotape anyone with a memory to share of Duane Zemper, who passed away in July at age 96 after a long battle with cancer. Zemper served as an aerial combat photographer during World War II. After the war, he settled in Howell and became very active in the community, eventually being named Howell Area Citizen of the Year in 1976. He also amassed a 66-year record of perfect attendance at Howell Rotary Club meetings and was known for his photography of all things related to Howell. His photos became the basis for the Howell Area Archives, where he was an avid volunteer. Earl and Root will gather at Mr. B's in Howell from 3-6pm on Thursday and are asking for anyone interested in talking about Zemper for five minutes or less on camera. They are hoping to capture people's memories of and feelings towards Zemper, most especially any stories about an experience with him or about him. They plan to use the interviews for multiple purposes, but say that capturing people's stories will be valuable for future generations to know the man and his legacy. Currently an effort is underway to permanently remember "Zemp," as he was affectionately known. A website has been set up for anyone interested in helping. A link is posted below. A November announcement is planned about the group's plans. (JK)
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Company Expands Testing Radius In Hartland Groundwater ContaminationCompany Expands Testing Radius In Hartland Groundwater Contamination
An investigation into the discovery of a potentially deadly chemical found at the local site of a former gas processing plant is continuing in Hartland Township. The chemical sulfolane was discovered in the soil at the Merit Energy facility, located on Lone Tree Road in Hartland Township, while the plant was being dismantled in 2015. The company is responsible for the remediation of the contamination and the Michigan Department of Environmental Qualityâs Office of Oil, Gas and Minerals is overseeing the process. Township Trustee Matt Germane says a Merit Energy consultant submitted another work plan to the MDEQ last Friday that says the groundwater investigation will continue at the site. The company will be installing six nested wells that will be screened for the chemical at different intervals. Additional wells will also be added at two other locations on the property to get a better understanding of what the vertical extent of the contamination is. Merit had originally planned to test residentsâ private wells that were within a half mile radius of the site. However following a public meeting, the company agreed to extend that boundary to a one mile radius. Germane says Merit submitted a report to the MDEQ Tuesday that shows no sulfolane concentrations have been detected in the 80 plus wells they have tested. The wells listed in the work plan are expected to be installed this week and then pumped to ensure the groundwater is clear. Those wells will be tested and Germane expects the analytical reports will be received and given to the state by the end of November. An environmental specialist, who is being used as a consultant in the cleanup process, has previously said there is âno documented releasesâ of how the sulfolane got into the soil and that it is unclear how long it was there before it was discovered. (DK)
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Local Charities Receive Benefit of Recent Golf OutingLocal Charities Receive Benefit of Recent Golf Outing
Two Livingston County nonprofits that provide mentorship programs benefitted from a recent charity golf-outing. The Livingston County Veteranâs Treatment Foundation and Big Brothers Big Sisters were presented a check to split totaling $37,895 this morning on the lawn outside Corrigan Oil Company. The annual golf-outing, touted as the largest in Livingston County raises funds for local charities. The event was held on August 29th at Hartland Glen. Hansel Keene is a mentor and founding member of the Veteranâs Treatment Foundation. He says this is one of the most rewarding financial things that he's seen done for the veterans in this county. Keene says it's a lot of money and it's a really big deal. He says they're so thankful for all the people who participated because it is a grand slam. One hundred percent of the moneys raised for the foundation goes to aid and support in various ways, veterans in the county. Keene says there are 24 veterans currently receiving services through the treatment court program. He says the funds are used not only to support the court but also help with food and clothing assistance to local veterans in need. Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Livingston County also benefitted from the event. Executive Director Shari Davis-Schoech says the money will go a long way in supporting the mentorship program. She says the over $18,000 they received will allow them to provide free mentorship to children in need. She says it takes about $2,500 for each of the site based programs offered in Livingston County. Big Brothers Big Sisters offers children mentorship in literacy, social skills and even manners. Programs take place both in school and after school, pairing an adult with a child in what are called matches. This yearâs golf outing raised $12,000 more than the 2015 event, and planners hope to continue to grow toward their ultimate goal of $100,000. (DS)
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