Construction of a natural gas pipeline that would pass through a portion of Livingston County is expected to begin soon.
The ET Rover Pipeline is designed to transport 3.25 billion cubic feet per day of natural gas to markets across the U.S. Just over 15 miles of the pipeline will pass through the area, specifically in Putnam, Marion, Iosco and Handy Township. Rover Pipeline Spokesperson Alexis Daniel says the project is waiting to receive its construction certificate from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and expects construction will begin in early 2017.
In the meantime, Daniel says the project is in the final stages of securing local permits from townships and communities along the route. On Monday, the Village of Pinckneyâs Council made the unanimous decision to enter into three permanent easement agreements with Rover and authorize them at a cost to the company of $119,000.
Daniel says the project is on track and Rover anticipates finishing construction on the rest of the pipeline to Michigan and beyond in the 4th quarter of 2017. Local residents have voiced opposition to the pipeline in the past, citing devaluation of property and environmental issues as just some of their causes for concern. Daniel says it is Roverâs goal to be a good member of the communities in which the pipeline is located and that it will generate significant sales tax revenue for local economies. (DK)
Construction Of Pipeline That Will Pass Through Livingston County To Start In Early 2017Construction Of Pipeline That Will Pass Through Livingston County To Start In Early 2017
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Pinckney Schools Bid Farewell To Beloved Board MemberPinckney Schools Bid Farewell To Beloved Board Member
One local school district bid farewell to a longtime board member and advocate Thursday night. After serving on the Pinckney Community Schools Board of Education for over 21 years Anne Colone (right) stepped down to allow for the next generation to take up the mantle of service. Flanked by family and other recent Pinckney retirees, including former superintendent Dan Danosky, Colone was honored with cake and a brass school bell commemorating her service.
Superintendent Rick Todd says hers will be big shoes to fill. He says she's been a staple in the community and in the district, and she's going to be a big loss. Todd says Colone brought a wealth of knowledge, of historical experience and more importantly her connections with the community - those who have gone before. He says and she's really been a great asset to himself as superintendent and the passion and the love that she has for students is hard to replicate. Todd says sustainable leadership is one of the key factors in any organization and to have Colone sitting at the board table for 21 years is remarkable.
Todd says typically people run for positions on the board of education while their children attend school, but Coloneâs service went above and beyond. He says she has a passion for the students in the district and seeing them succeed. Board President Michelle Crampo (left) became emotional while telling the board how valuable Colone has been over the years. Crampo says she wouldnât be able to lead the board the way she has without Coloneâs leadership and influence. Colone says she doesnât know what she will do for the district in the near future, but says it will be hard to just walk away. She says during her tenure she has seen the district go through some serious financial difficulties, operating in a deficit, but says the district is headed in a better direction. Colone says she has enjoyed working with three great superintendents in the district and enjoyed watching the progress. (DS)
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Donation To Gleaners From Local Dems To Benefit Families In NeedDonation To Gleaners From Local Dems To Benefit Families In Need
Families who are struggling to put food on the table will have a little something extra this holiday season, thanks to the efforts of local Democrats.
The Livingston County Democratic Party hosted a holiday party in early December where members donated cash, checks and non-perishable food to Gleaners Community Food Bank. In all, the donations will provide some 1,503 meals for those in need. Donating to Gleaners is said to be an annual tradition for local Democrats, who believe that no one should go hungry during the holidays.
Other tradition and community involvement includes more than 25 years of participation in the Michigan Department of Transportationâs Adopt-a-Highway roadside clean-up program, participation in OLSHAâs annual Walk for Warmth held every February, and the sponsorship of a fall dinner benefiting veteransâ organizations in Livingston County. (JM)
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Green Oak Charter Township Maintains Favorable Bond RatingGreen Oak Charter Township Maintains Favorable Bond Rating
Green Oak Township has a solid bond rating, a stable financial outlook and strong financial resilience.
Thatâs according to Fitch Ratings, which has affirmed the townshipâs AA- rating for various special assessment and building authority bonds and defined the rating outlook stable. The firm says the rating reflects the municipalityâs solid operating performance and strong financial resilience, including ample available reserves.
Green Oak has been able to maintain the AA- rating, which is one of the highest ratings a township can get so Supervisor Mark St. Charles tells WHMI âtheyâre doing it rightâ. He says the rating simply means the township gets an excellent interest rate on the bonds that it issues. On one of the most recently issued bonds, the township received a 2.7% interest rate. St. Charles says thatâs great and without the good bond rating, they wouldnât have been able to secure that. He says the favorable rating bodes well for the special assessment districts the township creates on behalf of residents for their roads, water, sewer etc. â as they would end up paying a higher rate if the township had a lesser bond rating.
Green Oak Township has experienced a 5.9% increase in population growth since the 2010 census and Fitch reports it had a population of 18,504 in 2015. The long term liability burden was described as moderate relative to the townshipâs resource base. The report states the township has maintained very stable financial operations throughout the most recent economic recession with ample reserves and management has been proactive in maintaining strong financial resilience given the townshipâs small budget and limited ability independently increase revenues. The report further states the township has exceptionally strong gap-closing capability backed by ample available reserves and adequate ability to make expenditure reductions to maintain stable financial operations.
Fitch said it expects revenue growth to approximate inflation based on recent and historical trends. Finally, Fitch believes the townshipâs financial resilience through an economic downturn would be very strong, given its ample reserve margins and satisfactory budgetary flexibility.(JM)
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Donations Down in Red Kettle CampaignDonations Down in Red Kettle Campaign
Donations to this yearâs Red Kettle campaign to help people in need in Livingston County arenât coming in as hoped.
So far this year the annual collection is about $8,600 behind what was collected in recent years. Livingston County Salvation Army Commander Major Prezza Morrison says she has faith that the community will respond to the need this year. She is encouraging those who can to give generously because the need is greater this year than ever. She says funds raised are not only distributed at Christmas time, but throughout the year. This yearâs goal is $38,000, which is raised through the annual Red Kettle Campaign, with bell ringers posted outside local business. Bell ringers will collect donations through December 24th, but donations can be made to the holiday campaign through the month of January.
Morrison says monetary donations can also be made either at the Salvation Army offices on Lake Street in Howell, or online through their website, a link for which is posted below. (DS)
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Hune Says He Has No Plans To Join Trump AdministrationHune Says He Has No Plans To Join Trump Administration
As the transition effort continues for the incoming Trump Administration, speculation continues about one local politician perhaps making the move to Washington D.C.
State Senator Joe Hune was one of the first elected officials in Michigan to give an endorsement to the president-elect, offering wholehearted support as early as February. Trump not only went on to win the Michigan Republican primary, but also won the state in the General Election, becoming the first Republican to do so since George H.W. Bush in 1988. Now there is talk that Hune is in a position to trade in that early support for a job in the new administration. While Hune wouldnât rule that possibility out, he tells WHMI it is not at all a priority for him. "I don't particularly like Washington D.C. I had a chance to run for an open seat for Congress and chose to stick close to home to have a baby...and build up a new farm and that's where my passion is at. I dread the thought of having to go to D.C. so it's not something I'm particularly seeking. You never say never in politics but I don't think I have any plans to go anywhere."
Another rumor is that Hune might replace outgoing Michigan GOP Chair Ronna Romney McDaniel, who is moving up to become the national RNC Chair. Hune tells WHMI thereâs âno way in Hellâ he would want to be the Michigan GOP Chair and that he is happy just where heâs at. Hune is term-limited from running again for the state legislature after his current Senate term expires in 2018. (JK)
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Fatal Crash Shuts Down Eastbound I-96 Near WebbervilleFatal Crash Shuts Down Eastbound I-96 Near Webberville
UPDATE 5:28 - Crash has cleared.
A crash on I-96 near Webberville is causing multi-mile backups. The eastbound lanes of I-96 at the M-52 interchange have been closed since 2:00 this afternoon following a crash involving a semi and another vehicle. Alternate routes are advised. For complete traffic and weather information, tune in to WHMI 93.5FM. (JM)
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Winter Storm Prompts Local Snow EmergenciesWinter Storm Prompts Local Snow Emergencies
Another winter storm is headed for Livingston County, prompting at least one local municipality to declare a snow emergency.
The National Weather Service has declared a Winter Storm Watch from 7pm tonight through noon Saturday, with accumulations of three to six inches. Snow could transition to light freezing drizzle into Saturday morning.
In preparation of the forecasted winter storm, the Pinckney Police Department is declaring a Snow Emergency for the Village of Pinckney from 7pm tonight through 8pm Saturday. Chief Jeff Newton says this requires all residents to remove their vehicles from the roadway, in order to allow DPW workers to safely plow snow and drop salt. (JM)
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Committee Members Needed for Upcoming Charity Fundraiser Committee Members Needed for Upcoming Charity Fundraiser
People are needed to help out with an annual charity fundraiser set for next summer.
The Salvation Army of Livingston County holds its annual Clays for a Cause fundraiser each year and needs people to join the planning committee for the 2017 event. The clay shoot sporting event helps raise funds for families in need throughout the county. Volunteer and Seasonal Programs Coordinator for the Salvation Army Lizabeth Welch says the event is one of their premier fundraisers and they are looking for a number of individuals to make it a success again next year.
The first meeting is set for December 20th at noon at the Salvation Army Corps, 503 Lake Street in Howell. For more information or to participate, please contact Welch at the Salvation Army at 517-295-4347. (DS)
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Driving Instructor Charged With Sexually Assaulting Student Again Bound Over For TrialDriving Instructor Charged With Sexually Assaulting Student Again Bound Over For Trial
A Canadian man and driving instructor facing charges in Livingston County alleging he raped one of his students has once again been bound over for trial.
63-year-old Ningan Hu of Windsor, Ontario was charged in Livingston County earlier this year with two counts each of 3rd and 4th degree criminal sexual conduct force or coercion and of an incapacitated victim.
The charges stem from the May 21st incident in which Hu allegedly raped one of his students after getting her drunk at his home in Hartland Township. Hu and the victim, a college student in Windsor, reportedly drove across the border into the United States so she could gain driving experience. A friend of the victimâs says Hu took his student to his home where he plied her with alcohol until she was drunk and then sexually assaulted her.
He was first bound over for trial in May, but his case was remanded back to District Court in September for a new preliminary exam, as Hu required a Mandarin interpreter. A new exam was held earlier this month and he was once again bound over to Livingston County Circuit Court for trial.
The charges against him have been modified to 3rd degree CSC force or coercion, two counts of 4th degree CSC multiple variables and one in the 3rd degree. Future court dates for Hu have not been set at this time, however he is not allowed to leave the state while the case is pending. (DK)
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Susan Harding To Take Over As New OLHSA CEOSusan Harding To Take Over As New OLHSA CEO
A new year will bring new leadership at a local community action agency an organization that has a longstanding reputation for empowering and improving local communities. Chief Executive Officer Ron Borngesser will officially retire from the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency on January 3rd. Throughout his four decades with the organization and 18 years as CEO, officials say Borngesserâs focused, kind, and firm leadership has been an essential part of the positive change OLHSA has influenced in so many lives. He will be succeeded by Susan Harding, who is no stranger to the non-profit or its mission and says the opportunity to lead OLHSA is exciting. Harding has been with OLHSA essentially since 2005, starting out as a teaching assistant for the Head Start program and working her way up over the past 20 years, most recently serving as director of early childhood services. Borngesser says Harding brings strong program knowledge, excellent management experience and a passion for helping others.
In her new role as CEO, Harding says her focus will be increasing OLHSAâs impact by nurturing the relationships it has with more than 100 partners and establishing new, impactful connections. Harding says communities are stronger when they work together and support one another. In 2017, OLHSA will be starting the second year of the agencyâs five-year strategic plan. Harding is already much embedded in that process and tells WHMI sheâll strive to continue pushing those goals forward to become a reality for staff and the community. There are no plans for any big shifts and Harding says the plan is solid, with still really meaningful work to be done. Borngesser has been Hardingâs direct supervisor for the past six to seven years and she says heâs been a very empowering leader, which is why his departure is so bittersweet. Borngesserâs last day will be January 3rd so the transition is relatively quick given the holidays but Harding says she feels good about it given her time at OLHSA and knowing Borngesserâs style of leadership, she says it will be easier to pick up where he leaves off but heâll still be available to assist in the months after his direct departure. (JM)
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Man Killed In Friday Crash Involving Semi On I-96 Near WebbervilleMan Killed In Friday Crash Involving Semi On I-96 Near Webberville
A fatal crash on Friday shut down I-96 near Webberville for hours, resulting in multi-mile backups leading into the evening commute. The Ingham County Sheriffâs Office reports that deputies responded to a personal injury crash around 1:30pm on eastbound I-96, east of M-52 near Webberville. The crash involved a semi and a van. The Office says the driver of the van, a middle-aged white male, was killed in the crash. The victim's identity was not immediately released. The semi driver was not injured and authorities say there were no passengers in either vehicle. Preliminary investigation showed the semi was merging onto east bound I-96 from M-52 when it was struck from behind by the van. The eastbound lanes of I-96 were shut down and all traffic diverted to M-52 while the crash was investigated. Multi-mile back-ups resulted and the freeway was re-opened shortly before 5:30pm. The Ingham Regional Crash Investigation Team assisted the Sheriffâs Office on scene and the cause of the crash remains under investigation. (JM)
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Howell Students Participate In Shakespeare WorkshopHowell Students Participate In Shakespeare Workshop
Local students participated in a workshop to prepare themselves for tackling the works of one historyâs greatest playwrights.
Howell High School Advanced Drama students held the session for freshmen who are about to read William Shakespeareâs Romeo and Juliet. The goal of the older students in Amanda Maloâs advanced drama class was to help the 9th graders gain a better understanding of Shakespeare before diving too deeply into his works. The idea for the workshop came Howell High School English teacher Karli Laurian who had done a similar workshop with actors from the Stratford Players Company in Stratford, Canada. The idea was to have the kids get up and move around with the text, working with it in a way that was different from simply sitting at a desk and reading it.
The workshop also was an opportunity for the drama students to share their passion with the younger students in a topic that pertains to both acting and English Arts. Advanced drama student Nola Wilson thought it was a great experience and a success with most of the students. The Shakespeare Workshop was attended by all 9th graders in English language arts classes. (MK)
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Howell Citizen Of The Year Dinner Set To Celebrate 60th AnniversaryHowell Citizen Of The Year Dinner Set To Celebrate 60th Anniversary
A dinner will be held next month by the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce to honor one local resident who has made a significant contribution to the area.
The decades-old tradition of naming a Citizen of the Year will take place on Thursday, January 26th. The dinner and award have been annual traditions for 60 years, and each year the previous winners gather in secret to select the newest recipient. Chamber President Pat Convery says while many people make significant one-time contributions to the good of the county, the Citizen of the Year award is set aside for those who have spent a significant portion of their lives contributing to the local area. Last yearâs winner, Livingston County Drain Commissioner Brian Jonckheere, will present the award.
The dinner will begin at 6pm on the 26th at the Crystal Gardens Banquet Center in Genoa Township. Youâll find details through the link below (JK)
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Deadline Nears in Toys for Tots ProgramDeadline Nears in Toys for Tots Program
This Tuesday is the deadline to make requests and drop off toys for the Marine Corps Leagueâs Toys for Tots program. The Salvation Army of Livingston County and the Marine Corps League have a longstanding partnership that has helped make the annual Toys for Tots program a success. Salvation Army Major Prezza Morrison tells WHMI that those wishing to drop off toys to the program have until Tuesday to do so at various collection sites across Livingston County. All of the donated toys will then be collected and sorted at the toy shop, to be distributed to those in need. (JM/DK)
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Howell High School Students Teach Children Letter Writing & Raise FundsHowell High School Students Teach Children Letter Writing & Raise Funds
Through a fundraising effort, students in a local school districtâs vocational program also taught others a lesson.
Over the last three weeks, cadets in Howell High Schoolâs Exploring Education Careers program have been working with children in over 40 elementary classrooms teaching lessons on letter writing. The older students helped those in the elementary classes write letters to Santa, which were than âmailedâ at Macyâs as part of the department store chainâs Believe Campaign. For each letter written, Macyâs donates funds to the Make A Wish Foundation, and this year, the students raised $2,443.
Exploring Education Careers program instructor Cathy Hengesbaugh says sheâs proud of the effort her students made in taking on the project. As part of the program, students learn about classroom management, learning theories and teaching strategies, and the letter writing project gives them an opportunity to put their education into action. Hengesbaugh says along with the experience, students support an organization that supports children battling life threatening illnesses. (DS)
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Driver With Gun In Road Rage Incident Bound Over For TrialDriver With Gun In Road Rage Incident Bound Over For Trial
A Fowlerville man has been bound over on charges connected to a road rage incident involving a handgun in Howell Township.
34-year-old Steven Michael Burke is charged with one count each of felonious assault with a dangerous weapon and brandishing firearms in public. He was bound over on those charges Wednesday to Livingston County Circuit Court.
On the morning of November 29th, a 32-year-old Fowlerville-area woman called 9-1-1 and reported that a man in a SUV had pointed a handgun at her while traveling on I-96. The caller was directed to the Livingston County Sheriffâs Office to file a report while deputies looked for the suspect in the SUV, who was located on eastbound I-96 near US-23. Deputies ultimately stopped the suspect, identified as Burke, and located a handgun in the vehicle matching the description provided by the 9-1-1 caller. Burke was arrested without incident and lodged in the county jail.
Sheriff Mike Murphy told WHMI he doesnât know what particularly started this incident but that these types of situations appear to be happening more frequently. Murphy says people need to pay attention when behind the wheel and not let other distractions or driving irritate them. He says arriving safe is the end goal and âthe road raging and aggressive driving serves no purpose for anybodyâ.
Burke has posted bond and future court dates have not been scheduled for him at this time. (DK)
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Expanded Rehab District To Aid New Brew Pub Project In Downtown HowellExpanded Rehab District To Aid New Brew Pub Project In Downtown Howell
The expansion of a rehabilitation district in the City of Howell will help aid in prospective redevelopment projects downtown â including a new brew pub thatâs been in the works for some time.
Aberrant Ales would be a standard brew pub and include kitchen and dining facilities. Staff has been working with Clark Gill since 2015 to redevelop the western half of the Country Squire building at 219 West Grand River where the brew pub would be located. However, progress was slowed by the discovery of environmental issues from a former car dealership located on the site. The environmental cleanup work added substantial costs to the project and earlier this month, the Howell City Council adopted a resolution to expand the Cityâs Obsolete Property Rehabilitation District, thus making the property eligible for a tax abatement to aid the owner in cleaning up and redeveloping the site to move the project forward. City Manager Shea Charles tells WHMI the brewpub project thatâs been in the works from Aberrant Ales is what drove the discussion as it has taken over a portion of the Country Squire building off Grand River in Downtown Howell. Charles says when considering the site issues, it was determined the district expansion was a better tool to address the environmental issues versus doing a Brownfield Authority. He says the district was originally created for the Heart of Howell project but as staff looked into it more, they recognized itâs a tool that could be used for other potential projects in downtown. Charles says the expanded district basically covers just the core downtown area along Grand River, one block north and one block south. A public hearing will be held during tonightâs Howell City Council meeting on the request for a ten-year tax abatement for the building. If approved it would allow taxes to be abated up front and the tax diversion would potentially not be as lengthy. Tonightâs meeting starts at 7pm in the basement of Howell City Hall. (JM)
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Pinckney Again Takes Part In Event To Lay Wreaths On Veterans' HeadstonesPinckney Again Takes Part In Event To Lay Wreaths On Veterans' Headstones
The Village of Pinckney participated in a nationwide ceremony on Saturday to make sure no veteran is forgotten this holiday season.
Despite a winter storm that blew through the area Friday evening, a brief ceremony led by local historian and cemetery board chair Linda Van Blaricum, and capped with a gun salute and âTaps,â by the members of the American Legion Post 419 of Hamburg. Dozens of people gathered at the Pinckney Historical Cemetery to participate in the 3rd annual Wreaths Across America program. Live balsam remembrance wreaths were placed at the headstones of fallen veterans with seven ceremonial wreaths honoring those who served in the various branches of military. After the 330 wreaths were placed in the Historical Cemetery, over 100 more were taken to the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery.
Village Clerk Amy Salowitz tells WHMI she was happy to see young people help out. She says she's thrilled that they had such a great turnout. She says her father wasn't in the service because he was in that gap between wars, and even for her children there hasn't been a draft. Salowitz says unless someone's family has been impacted by military service, they may take it for granted that someone else is protecting their way of life. She says she was impressed by the number of young people participating, because they are hearing the stories, witnessing it and meeting the older veterans who came. She says she thinks it's a great reminder that freedom isn't free.
Salowitz says sheâs pleased with the participation, despite the weather, and has seen the event grow over the last three years. She hopes to see the event grow to include Putnam Townshipâs cemeteries, too, but would like to see someone else step up to chair next year. Salowitz says sheâd like to see someone volunteer who might have more time to promote the event, maybe with an entry in the Veterans Day Parade. She says she was amazed by the generosity of the community in coming together to help with this project. Early in the process, she says donations were slow to come in, but as usual, the community came through in a big way. (DS)
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Tattoo Studio Ordinance Used To Approve Micro-Blading SalonTattoo Studio Ordinance Used To Approve Micro-Blading Salon
A new business will soon be coming to downtown Brighton. The City Council last Thursday approved a special land use permit for a commercial venture to be located at 213 W. Main St., Suite 9, across from the Mill Pond.
The business is a micro-blading and beauty service, which the state of Michigan defines as body art. Since the city ordinance does not address âbody artâ per se, the definition coming closest to it is a tattoo studio, a permitted use in the Downtown Business District. Mayor Jim Muzzin tells WHMI that micro-blading is a semi-permanent makeup applied to replace missing eyebrow hair.
In approving the land use permit, council concurred with the City Planning Commission, which in November gave conditional approval to an amended site plan allowing the business, pending final approval by council. Alana Cogo of Milford, who will operate the micro-blading salon, stated that she feels the business will be beneficial for those who have lost their hair and eyebrow hair due to cancer or other health-related issues. (TT)
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