The gap left by the untimely passing of Brighton Downtown Development Authority Director Matt Modrack in August has been filled. City Manager Nate Geinzer tells WHMI that the position of DDA director is now part of his job description, and has been rolled into his overall responsibilities for the city of Brighton. Geinzer says that Modrack left a huge mark on the community, was instrumental in the revitalization of downtown after the recession, and can never be replaced. Nonetheless, Geinzer says that he will try his best to help facilitate future growth and development in Brighton, including its very successful downtown. Geinzer says the primary reason that the DDA directorâs position has been made part of his job responsibilities is to save money. He says the staff at city hall, particularly administrative assistant Jessica Read, will be helping him with his downtown development duties. Given the tight budget, Geinzer says the full-time position of DDA director will not be filled, as he put it, âin the foreseeable future.â (TT)
DDA Position Added to Brighton City Manager's DutiesDDA Position Added to Brighton City Manager's Duties
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Livingston Women's Club Collects Donations in Annual Giving Tree ProjectLivingston Women's Club Collects Donations in Annual Giving Tree Project
Donations are being collected by a local womenâs organization so families in need in Livingston County can have brighter holidays this year. An annual project sponsored by the Livingston Womenâs Club collects donations through âGiving Trees,â scattered throughout the county. This year the group is looking to fill at least 1,500 wishes to meet the needs of families. The organization sponsors the drive each holiday season and has giving trees set up at 70 locations throughout the county. Each tree has a number of doves attached with the wishes of those in need. Tags are available from now through the first week of December. Donations can be returned after December 2nd and will be delivered in time for Christmas. The Womenâs Club will also collect cash donations so they can shop to fill the rest of the wishes until December 7th. A list of Giving Tree locations is available by clicking the link below. (DS)
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Autopsy to Determine Identity of Fenton Man Struck by TrainAutopsy to Determine Identity of Fenton Man Struck by Train
The investigation continues into the circumstances behind the death of a 63-year old Fenton man on Wednesday, the second in the area in a three-day span. An autopsy was performed Thursday morning to help identify and determine the exact cause of death of a man found dead after being struck by a train at US-23 and Silver Lake Road in Fenton. The manâs identity is not being released until autopsy results are complete. A conductor on the train called 9-11 and reported having possibly struck a person. Fenton Police responded, finding the manâs body just before 7pm. Police also found the manâs bicycle near the tracks. The conductor told police he thought he may have seen a second person near the tracks, and police searched for another victim. Michigan State Police conducted an aerial search. Fenton police were assisted at the scene by CN Railroad Police, Genesee County Sheriff deputies and STAT EMS. This is the second fatal train incident this week in Fenton. On Monday, 15-year-old Victoria Lane was hit and killed by a westbound CN train as she walked along the tracks between Lemen and Main streets. However, police say the two deaths are unrelated. (DS/JK)
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Donations Pour In For Howell Man Who Lost His Legs In CrashDonations Pour In For Howell Man Who Lost His Legs In Crash
A family is asking for prayers and good thoughts from the community as another way to support Christopher Alvarado; a man who had his legs amputated while acting as a âGood Samaritanâ in helping a stranded motorist.
36-year-old Chris Alvarado remains in critical condition at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor following Tuesdayâs tragic accident in Genoa Township. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department was called to the crash scene on Grand River in front of the 2/42 church. Their investigation indicated that Alvarado was struck from behind as he pushed a Buick that had run out of gas. The driver of the Buick, 24-year-old Kasey Smith of Fowlerville, told police Alvarado approached her car and offered to push it into a nearby parking lot. Almost immediately, he was hit by a Honda driven by 77-year-old Malcolm Steider of Howell. The collision amputated Alvaradoâs legs. No one else, including Kaseyâs 2-month-old child, was injured.
Chris's brother, Jose Alvarado Jr., reports that Chris underwent another surgery recently and is stable. Jose says Chris is a âfighterâ and will pull through this. He also says it doesnât surprise him that Chris was helping a total stranger because Chris is a "great man". As for the incident, Jose says Chris was trying to do a good deed and unfortunately, a tragedy occurred. Officials say drugs, alcohol and speed do not appear to be factors in the incident, which remains under investigation. Livingston County Sheriff-elect Mike Murphy says Steider was cooperative with deputies and was very distraught about the incident.
A Go Fund Me account that had been set up to help with Chrisâs medical expenses has raised nearly $75,000 of a $100,000 goal. Jose says the family is very appreciative of the donations and canât thank everyone enough for their support. At this time, Jose is asking that the community just keep Chris and his family in their thoughts and prayers. The Go Fund Me link is available below. (DK)
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Annual Celebrity Fashion Show Raises Funds To Support People With Many AbilitiesAnnual Celebrity Fashion Show Raises Funds To Support People With Many Abilities
A yearly fashion show used the help of local celebrities to raise funds and awareness for people with disabilities and their families. The Arc of Livingston provides support, information, services, and inclusion for people with developmental disabilities. Celebrating over two decades of their annual Celebrity Fashion Show, the Arc of Livingston held their 23rd event at Crystal Gardens in Genoa Township Thursday night.
Celebrities walked the runway modeling fashions from local businesses, accompanied by some of the people the Arc serves. Gymnast Olympic Gold Medalist Tatiana Gutsu modeled as a first-timer involved in the event. She tells WHMI her experience was full of âspectacularâ people and she enjoyed being a part of it. Gutsu says she hopes to be a part of it again in the future.
During the evening, Steven Bearden and Gwen Haggerty-Bearden were named the recipients of this yearâs Arc Angel Award. The award recognized them for their work in furthering the Arcâs mission. Gwen says the award means a lot to her because her cousin has been a part of Arc programs that have encouraged her to work and learn to become independent. Gwen tells WHMI she was inspired to get involved when she met Larry Prout Jr., a 15-year-old from Howell who has been battling physical ailments since his birth.
Brian Wells was asked to speak at the event. His son Sam, who is now 15, was diagnosed with Aspergerâs Syndrome when he was 4. Brian and his family have used the Arcâs services for the last 8 years. He says his experience working with the Arc has made all the difference and that the organization is "life-changing". In addition to the fashion show, the evening included dinner, dance and musical performances, and a live and silent auction. One of the items auctioned off during the live auction was a puppy, which was sold to the highest bidder for $2,900. The final amount raised for the Arc has yet to be tallied, but the large turnout and generous bidders suggests this yearâs event was a success. (DK)
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Howell Officer Commended For Work With Project OpiateHowell Officer Commended For Work With Project Opiate
Denial is as deadly as the disease and thatâs why work being done through a local community prevention project to curb prescription drug abuse and opiate addiction is deemed so important.
53rd District Court Administrator and Project Opiate co-founder Francine Zysk (pictured far right) made a presentation to the Livingston County Board of Commissioners Monday night, which has supported the program since its inception. The overall message is that prescription drug and opiate addiction knows no boundaries and parents need to get educated for the sake of their children. The vaccine for the epidemic is said to be awareness and education. A video was shown so commissioners and the audience could get a feel for the seriousness of the situation. It featured teens of varying ages relaying statistics such as â60% of teens who abuse prescription pain relievers did so before the age of 6â and âprescription drug dependency can lead to heroin addiction, which produces the same high but for a fraction of the costâ.
Commissioner Steve Williams told WHMI it was great the presentation was made during a meeting with a large number of people in attendance. He says itâs something that goes under the radar sometimes but it affects everyone in Livingston County and is really important whether someone is a parent or not. Williams said heâs always been impressed by the work of everyone involved to make a safer, healthier county and their reaching out to larger audiences.
To date there has been over 3,800 students educated, 700 law enforcement officers, 23 community events and six years of intensive counseling in the county jail. When asked where she sees the program headed, Zysk did not hesitate to say it needs to be implemented at the middle school level. She makes presentations about the epidemic at the local, state, national and now international levels. Zysk told WHMI it has been a privilege to develop the program but there have been many supports and the team effort they had from the beginning of the program is valued and treasured. Zysk presented Howell Police Sergeant Michael Dunn with an award Monday night for his dedication, integrity, professionalism and exemplary work for Project Opiate and Livingston County that has made the program a continued success. Zysk says Sergeant Dunn went above and beyond with his work in drug statistics and speaking when asked and without any hesitation. (JM)
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Milford Township Planning Denies Permit For Verizon TowerMilford Township Planning Denies Permit For Verizon Tower
Plans to construct a new cell phone tower in Milford Township were put on hold Thursday night during a special meeting.
Verizon Wireless had already received a contract signed with the Milford Assembly of God Church at the corner of Hickory Ridge and West Commerce Road, but the Milford Township Planning Commission denied their request for a special use. The cell phone provider planned to construct a 150 foot tower on the church property, saying there is a gap in coverage that needed filling. Nearly 150 local residents filled the townshipâs meeting room to protest the towerâs construction during a public hearing. Several residents spoke up asking for more information and commenting about the scope of the project. Verizon spokesman Bob Przybylo told planning commissioners plans had already been changed to lower the height of the tower from 195 feet, and it would include a âstealthâ design. The tower would have a cross at the top to make it fit more closely with the landscape. Community members said the tower was too tall and couldnât be disguised, and shouldnât be in a residential neighborhood. Planning Commission Chair George Mazro says the township needs more information. He says the Planning Commission believes there are more elegant solutions that are less disruptive to the community. He says he thinks Verizon agrees with them, but they are caught at a spot where neither the company, nor the township can move. Mazro says they will get things worked out because they are all reasonable people. Everybody wants better cell service. He says it will have to go to a special board meeting, possibly Monday night and from there the board will decide. Township Trustee Bill Mazzara says he couldnât support the new tower because the property is already a special use, and the site plans for the church didnât include a cell phone tower. He says he also wants a third party analysis of the need, and for Verizon to do a more thorough search for a location. Przybylo says the company has been trying to get in touch with the GM Proving Grounds for several months with no response. The company will continue to look at options and potentially submit a new proposal to the planning commission. (DS)
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Milford Police Investigate Fatal CrashMilford Police Investigate Fatal Crash
A driver is dead after a car crashed into a tree early this morning in Milford. Police and fire personnel responded to a single car crash on South Hill Road in the area of Maple Road at about 4:40am. Milford Police Chief Tom Lindberg says that a 911 caller indicated that a late model pick-up had crashed into a tree and was fully engulfed in flames. The occupant of the vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene. Lindberg says that their preliminary investigation indicates the vehicle was traveling too fast for the road conditions when it left the roadway and struck a tree head-on. He says the body was burned beyond recognition and that an autopsy is taking place today to positively identify the victim. Whether alcohol was a factor in the collision remains to be determined. South Hill Road was closed for several hours while police investigated. (JK)
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Early Registration For Howell's Fantasy 5K Ends SoonEarly Registration For Howell's Fantasy 5K Ends Soon
The deadline is getting close for those wishing to register early for this yearâs Fantasy of Lights 5K run in downtown Howell. The Fantasy 5K early bird registration expires this coming Monday at 5pm. Runners can pre-register at www.howellfantasy5K.com . The cost of the run is $30 for early registration and late registration is $35. Registration includes a Fantasy 5K medal and lighted bracelet. Awards will also be given to top finishers in the 5K. The Fantasy 5K will be held rain, shine or snow on Friday, November 25 at 6pm and is a certified course, endorsed by the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports and the Michigan Fitness Foundation through the Pure Michigan FITness Series endorsement program. The event is a part of Howellâs annual Fantasy of Lights Parade and is hosted by the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation. For more information on the Fantasy 5K or Fantasy of Lights Parade, contact Michelle Tokan at mtokan@howell.org. (DK)
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Brighton Council Discusses Future Financial Challenges at RetreatBrighton Council Discusses Future Financial Challenges at Retreat
Like most other communities, Brighton has some potential obstacles to deal with in the years ahead. The City Council held its annual goal-setting retreat last weekend, and looked at some of the challenges facing the community. City Manager Nate Geinzer tells WHMI that, while there are issues to deal with, there is no potential adversity that canât be overcome, with council and staff working together as a team. Geinzer says council will be discussing the challenges at meetings in the next several weeks, including how to continue full city services and a vigorous maintenance program despite budget restrictions. He says council will likely act in the near future on a Vision Statement and a series of goals to provide the foundation for their implementation by staff. (TT)
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Comedian Brings Message Of Recovery To Livingston CountyComedian Brings Message Of Recovery To Livingston County
A unique comedian will perform in Livingston County to help raise funds for local addiction programs. Comedian Mark Lundholm will return to the Livingston County area early next month bringing his unique brand of humor. Four evening performances of the annual âRecovery Liveâ show, start on November 30th with an invitation-only performance at the Historic Howell Theater. The group Unite to Face Addiction is bringing Lundholm and rap artist Tommy Gunz to help raise funds for local drug initiatives and draw attention to recovery programs available. Lundholm will offer 10 performances over the course of the four days, culminating on December 3rd at the Hartland Performing Arts Center, where a pop-up five course dinner will also be available. Lundholm and Gunz will also perform for high school students, patients at Brighton Center for Recovery and their families, inmates at the Oakland County Jail and Oakland County Childrenâs Village. Lundholm uses humor to address the stigma surrounding drug addiction and alcoholism. He has not only appeared on television, but wrote and performed a one-man show off-Broadway. For tickets or more information click the link below. (DS)
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Howell Bank Customers Report Receiving "Phishing" Phone CallsHowell Bank Customers Report Receiving "Phishing" Phone Calls
A phone phishing scam is making the rounds across the area and local bank officials are warning the public. Phishing is an attempt to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication. According to Chief Financial Officer Mark Huber of First National Bank in Howell, many customers have reported that they have been receiving fraudulent phone calls conveying that their debit cards have been blocked. The caller then prompts them to type in their card number and other personal information. Huber says the bank would never ask for that kind of information over the phone, through email or via text. Hubert says he believes this has also been occurring at other banks in the area as well. If you have provided financial information in response to a phishing call or email, officials say it is very important that you contact your financial institution immediately. (DK)
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Storms Leave Thousands Without PowerStorms Leave Thousands Without Power
Thousands of DTE customers in Livingston County were without power Saturday, most of them in the Howell area. A powerful storm line moved through the area at about 7pm Friday, downing tree limbs and power lines across the area. Approximately 7,000 DTE customers were without power, with about 5,500 of them in an area encompassing portions of the City of Howell as well as Marion and Howell townships. Heavy storm damage was reported at multiple locations, including the historic Livingston County courthouse in downtown Howell (pictured), where several large tree branches were seen to have come down to the ground. Picture courtesy of Joyce Fisher. (JK)
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Tree Decorating Fridays For Annual Rec The Halls Party Kicks Off This WeekTree Decorating Fridays For Annual Rec The Halls Party Kicks Off This Week
The Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority will welcome Santa to Livingston County this year with an annual holiday gathering. The 3rd annual Rec the Halls event will line the driveway of the Bennett Recreation Center on Saturday, December 3rd from 4-7pm with community decorated trees to light the way for Santaâs arrival. Instead of decking the halls, attendees will help âRecâ the halls by decorating trees and making crafts. The Rec Center will also be selling trees that can be purchased and decorated to display for Santaâs welcome. Tree decorating takes place starting this Friday, November 25th, through Friday December 2nd. Those who sponsor a tree this year will receive a free family pass to Rec the Halls. More information about tree sponsorship and Rec the Halls can be found at howellrecreation.org. (DK)
Photo: Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority
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New Publication about Brighton Mailed to City ResidentsNew Publication about Brighton Mailed to City Residents
Brighton city residents received a slick-looking publication in the mail this week that tells about the city, its programs and projects, and the accomplishments of its citizens. City Manager Nate Geinzer tells WHMI that communicating with residents and businesses was one of his top priorities when he became city manager. The first 4-page issue, dated November and December 2016, includes an article about the University of Michigan Heath Center South -- a 300,000-square foot project which is in the early stages of construction. The bulletin also discusses a program with the Brighton Area Schoolsâ Explorers Camp which identified three main needs observed by the young explorers. The needs included public education toward not feeding waterfowl at the Mill Pond, and establishing a program to collect funds which would be used for a bike rack and recycling bins in the downtown. The bulletin also talks about the fall leaf collection program and provides helpful information for the coming winter months regarding such issues as snow plowing and snow emergencies. (TT)
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Some Utility Customers in Howell Area Still without PowerSome Utility Customers in Howell Area Still without Power
As of midday Sunday, power outages continued to affect many DTE and Consumers Energy customers, two days after a ferocious wind storm downed trees and power lines across Southeast and Mid-Michigan. DTE spokesman Steve Tait reports that 11,000 of its customers remained without electricity as of noon Sunday. DTE reports that the outages have been spread all over its service region. However, Tait says the Howell area had the lionâs share of power interruptions during the height of the storm. DTE serves 2.2 million customers in 12 Michigan counties. Consumers Energy, meanwhile, reports that 8,200 residential and commercial customers remained without power at midday Sunday, including 302 in Livingston County and 155 in Shiawassee County. Consumers spokeswoman Debra Dodd says the storm left about 60,000 homes and businesses statewide without electricity. Consumers Energy serves 1.8 million electric customers across Michigan. Consumers and DTE report that Livingston was one of the hardest-hit counties in their service areas. Both utilities were cautiously optimistic that most homes would be restored by Sunday evening if the winds don't pick up again. (TT)
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12 Days Of Gleaners Donations Made Monday Will Be Doubled12 Days Of Gleaners Donations Made Monday Will Be Doubled
Efforts to provide area families in need a full holiday meal will be doubled Monday. WHMI and the Gleanerâs Community Food Bank of Livingston County have again teamed up for our 12 Days of Gleaners promotion in which weâre trying to raise enough money for the estimated 1,000 local families who will need assistance to have a holiday meal. But those efforts will be supplemented in a big way on Monday as The Celani Family Foundation has stepped up to double the impact Gleaners can make in peopleâs lives. On Monday, and Monday only, every dollar donated to the 12 Days of Gleaners campaign will be turned into two dollars by the foundation. The cost of that meal through Gleaners is $20. So a $20 donation Monday will put two holiday meals on the table thanks to The Celani Family Foundation. (JK)
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Proposal Leads Off Brighton's Holiday Glow CelebrationProposal Leads Off Brighton's Holiday Glow Celebration
Hundreds turned out in the cold and snow to kick off the holiday season in Downtown Brighton Saturday night and it started with a flash mob proposal. The Brighton Chamberâs Holiday Glow celebration unofficially kicked off with Steve Moor down on bended knee asking his girlfriend Nikki Gillette the big question. (inset) The Howell firefighter surprise Gillette with a flash mob proposal right on Main Street. While it was hard to top that, crowds of people kept pouring into Brightonâs downtown as the hour approached when Santa and Mrs. Claus made their way down Main Street on a sleigh, led by a reindeer as kids of all ages screamed in excitement. After being presented a key to the city by Mayor Pro Tem Shawn Pipoly (pictured), Santa got down to business and led the crowd in a countdown to light up the Millpond. Kids then lined up to come on the stage and sit with Santa and Mrs. Claus to tell them what they wanted for Christmas. The annual event is the first major holiday event and will be followed next Friday by the Howell Chamberâs Fantasy of Lights Parade in Downtown Howell. (JK)
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Village of Pinckney Approves Change for Outdoor RV StorageVillage of Pinckney Approves Change for Outdoor RV Storage
A business in one local village had some limits placed on where it can store recreational vehicles in an outdoor area.
The Village of Pinckney approved a change to its ordinance for storing recreational vehicles to allow a local business to keep them outdoors. The ordinance change that was drafted by the townshipâs attorney allows Pirateâs Cove Self Storage to put down a special surface where recreational vehicles can be stored but defines where they can be placed. Zoning Administrator Diane Kay-Hougaboom says the change will protect residential properties nearby. She says the amendment would not only apply to that particular business, but any business that sought to have RV storage. The ordinance requires that if the storage space borders a residential district that they have a 50 foot setback so that there's 50 feet between any buildings and the border on residential property, or between any RV storage and the border on residential property. She says that way it's not right in the back yard of any residential areas. Kay-Hougaboom says the ordinance change will not only affect the business located on M-36, but other businesses that want to store recreational vehicles as well. She says it doesn't affect individual homeowners. She says the setbacks are in place to protect both the property owners and the business. (DS)
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Forum To Examine Issues Surrounding Public Trust In GovernmentForum To Examine Issues Surrounding Public Trust In Government
A public forum to be held in Brighton next month is looking for feedback in order to improve trust between the state government and citizens. Voterâs Voice of Livingston County will host the Community Conversation Thursday, December 1st from 5:30 to 7pm at the Brighton District Library. The public meeting will be facilitated by the Center for Michigan, an Ann Arbor-based nonprofit and nonpartisan group that encourages public understanding of government. This is the centerâs seventh statewide public engagement campaign since 2007 and is focused on restoring public trust in government. Residents across the state are being asked about their biggest barriers to trusting state government, as well as their ideas for what it would take to improve trust. Topics will include state government services, management of the public purse, and oversight of Michiganâs political system. Youâll find details about the December 1st gathering through the link below. (JK)
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