Quantcast
Channel: WHMI 93.5 FM - Latest News Headlines
Viewing all 26045 articles
Browse latest View live

Howell Nature Center Looks Back On Busy, But Successful YearHowell Nature Center Looks Back On Busy, But Successful Year

0
0
The Howell Nature Center is putting the wraps on a successful 2016 as they begin to look ahead to the new year. The past year has seen the Nature Center take care of record numbers of animals while overcoming adversity thanks to the generosity of the public. 3,100 wild animals were brought in for care, a 30% increase over any previous year. The numbers were so great, that in August they were forced to temporarily close the Wildlife Clinic because funding, resources, energy, and room to shelter additional animals had run out. But a successful Emergency Appeal campaign was embraced by the community and the Clinic has since reopened. An addition was also completed to the Snowshoe Lodge as a well as the grand opening of the 7,000 square foot Spirit of Alexandria Treehouse. The Nature Center also reports having record numbers participating in their summer and school camping programs, with 51,000 children attending. CEO Richard Grant said that because of this past year’s increases in both wild animal and human attendance, 2017 will be a year where they start building for the future. Many buildings will see some needed maintenance and updates to bring them to “like new” condition. Improvements will also be made to their wildlife care facilities. Grant stated that they also are looking at making improvements to the waterfront area, with better swimming, additional seating, and new erosion control being planned. More information on the Center and a calendar with all their upcoming events can be found on their website, www.howellnaturecenter.com. (MK)

Employee Reorganization Taking Place In County Building Department Employee Reorganization Taking Place In County Building Department

0
0
Livingston County’s building department will undergo reorganization in the New Year. The Board of Commissioners met Tuesday and authorized a position for the Building Inspection Department for Fiscal Year 2017. Current staff positions and hours within the department were evaluated and Building Official Jim Rowell recommended that a reorganization of personnel be implemented in order to provide adequate services to customers. An administrative specialist position is being created, which will be filled with a current employee who is an administrative aide at a lower grade level. That position will then be eliminated. A memo states the total increase in cost for the 2017 fiscal year will be $4,766 and sufficient funds have been budgeted to cover the reorganization. (JM)

New Fowlerville Resident Fills Vacant Seat On Village CouncilNew Fowlerville Resident Fills Vacant Seat On Village Council

0
0
A new resident of the Village of Fowlerville will fill an open trustee seat on the municipality’s council. When longtime council president Wayne Copeland retired, former trustee Carol Hill took his place, leaving her seat open. Three applicants were vying for the seat- new resident Theresa Mailloux and former council members Mary Helfmann and Cindy Salfate. An Interview Committee consisting of new elected officials Trustee Jerry Bell, Kathryn Heath and Scott Schultheis was created and the committee interviewed the applicants last Tuesday. The committee chose Theresa Mailloux to fill the vacancy and made a recommendation to council, which was unanimously accepted Tuesday night. Mailloux recently moved to the village from Howell because she says she wanted to be a part of the community where “everybody knows everybody”. She tells WHMI she already has some developmental ideas she’d liked to contribute during her time serving. Mailloux says she liked to see the downtown area built up, with ideas for a coffee shop and organic grocery store. Trustee Heath says the committee was drawn to Mailloux’s initiative. Heath says the committee appreciated that Mailloux loved the area enough to move there and become involved. Mailloux says this will be a new experience for her, as she has never had a similar role before, but feels it will be fun and interesting. Mailloux will be sworn in at the Village Council’s next meeting on January 9th. Her term will expire November 20th, 2018. (DK)

Howell Teen To Join Wolverines In Florida For Orange BowlHowell Teen To Join Wolverines In Florida For Orange Bowl

0
0
A Livingston County teen who was previously given honorary draft status by the Michigan Wolverines, is now joining the team in Florida as they prepare for the Orange Bowl. Larry Prout Jr. of Howell, who has undergone more than 90 surgeries to deal with spina bifida and several other illnesses, met with the team last week to say goodbye before they left for Friday’s game. After Prout wished them luck and said he would be watching, Quarterback John O'Korn asked Prout if was sure he'd be watching the game from home and not at the stadium. Prout responded by saying he wished he could go and then O’Korn, with a group of players at his side, revealed that on behalf of Team IMPACT and Michigan Football, he and his parents were flying to Florida for the game. They then presented him with a bag of official gear. Team IMPACT is a Boston-based nonprofit that works to improve the quality of life for kids battling life-threatening or chronic illness. They were also responsible for Prout being drafted as an honorary Wolverine in October. Prout and his parents leave today for Florida and will be staying at the team hotel and attending some of the team functions. They will also receive sidelines passes before the game along with seats for the game itself against Florida State. (JK)

Howell Robotics Team Headed To Super-Regional ChampionshipHowell Robotics Team Headed To Super-Regional Championship

0
0
A Howell Highlander Robotics team will be heading to the Super-Regional North Championship in March. Team KAOS is one of the two Howell Highlander Robotics FIRST Tech Challenge teams to compete in the Super Regional event set March 30th through April 1st in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It’s one of four super regional championship events and teams from twelve states will compete. The top 20 teams from each Super-Regional will advance to the FTC World Championship. Officials say Team KAOS has had an impressive season thus far and is one of 15 teams from Michigan that will compete at the super regional event. The team was part of the winning alliance at the FTC Mason Qualifier which earned them a spot at the Michigan FTC State Championship. At the state event, Team KAOS was in third place in their division following match play and led an alliance in the elimination rounds. Team KAOS ended up claiming second place in their division and third place in the state. (JM)

Marion Township Planning Commission Wants Private Road To Meet County StandardsMarion Township Planning Commission Wants Private Road To Meet County Standards

0
0
The Marion Township Planning Commission recommended approval for a private road at Chestnut Creek, but the engineers and developers have some work to do. The Planning board had some concerns for the engineer of the site plan for a new road that will lead to a development with 12 planned houses. Commission Chairman Larry Grunn told WHMI it is their responsibility to look into all aspects of the project, especially potential safety hazards. The engineering representative presented a road that was 20feet wide, 10 feet under standard county requirements. While exceptions can be made for private roads, the township consultant and the planning commission were both worried about it being too narrow. A steep drop-off with no room for a guard rail in one section became a major focus. Commission Trustee and Township Supervisor Bob Hanvey also worried about a utility pole that would run right up against the road. Hanvey said he had received an email from DTE Energy stating they would like the pole to be 5-feet off the street. The board approved a recommendation that will send it to the zoning board of appeals for a length variance and then eventually to the township board upon condition of bringing it up to county standards. To get to the standard 30-foot width, the developer will likely have to fill in some wetlands or reroute completely. (MK)

Plans Underway For Milford's Yearly MLK Day CelebrationPlans Underway For Milford's Yearly MLK Day Celebration

0
0
The deadline is just over a week away for submissions to an art contest that will pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as part of a local event. Milford is gearing up for its yearly celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day which honors the Civil Rights activist in a variety of ways. One part of the celebration is the event’s Art/Writing/Multimedia contest, which is open to area residents of all ages. Artists and writers can submit their interpretation of the celebration’s theme in any medium. Isaac Perry, Chair of the Huron Valley MLK Day Committee, tells WHMI this year’s theme is “Moving Forward, Embracing Our Differences”. Perry says the theme stems from feelings of separation seen across the country over the last year, taking those challenges, and turning them into opportunities. Contest submissions are due by Saturday, January 7th. Prizes will be awarded in three age categories- 11 and under, 12 to 17, and 18 and older. The submissions will be displayed at the Suzanne Haskew Arts Center the week before and during the MLK March on Main Street, which will take place Sunday, January 15th. More information about the contest and submission is available at the link below. The Committee will also once again partner with the Community Sharing Outreach Center to offer the Empty Bowl Project event. The bowl painting event will be held at the SHAC from 4 to 7 pm on Monday, January 16th. This event is a part of a worldwide initiative to end hunger. Funds raised from bowl purchases will be donated to Community Sharing to feed local people in need. (DK)

Concerns Raised With New Condo Project Planned On Lake FentonConcerns Raised With New Condo Project Planned On Lake Fenton

0
0
A property that once housed a marina has been rezoned for a condo development. The Fenton Township Board voted 5-1 to rezone a parcel of land on Sonora Drive to redevelop the old Lang’s Marina site into a condominium project. Eleven units are planned according to the Tri-County Times. Three single family units are planned lakefront on Lake Fenton. Eight others will share lake access and some will front Ford Street. Usage of the boat launch is said to be restricted to the fire department only. Dock slips were reduced from 12 x 25 feet to 10 x 20 feet but will be subject to final approval by the Planning Commission. Storm water management issues must also be addressed and approved by various agencies. Trustee Shaun Shumaker voted against the rezoning, commenting it was not the original plan the board approved, which required the developer to purchase more land. Shumaker said the non-riparian docks were too large and intrusive for where they’re to be located on the lake. He also thought the amount of boat slips in that area were being reduced and believes the new plans will definitely increase the number of watercraft on the lake, which could lead to public safety issues. It’s anticipated that construction will start in the spring. Photo: Google Street View. (JM)

Required M-DOT Performance Resolution Adopted By Howell City Council Required M-DOT Performance Resolution Adopted By Howell City Council

0
0
The Howell City Council has adopted a performance resolution that’s required by M-DOT for governmental agencies. The City of Howell is required to file a permit application with the Michigan Department of Transportation to perform work or use the Grand River right-of-way each year. Grand River is technically a state highway. The performance resolution is required as part of the application. The permit is said to be the first step to facilitate advance notices for underground utility work, tree trimming, surveys, emergency operations, sidewalk cafes, and route closures for things like parades and events. The approval came during a recent City Council meeting, where officials noted the approval is really just a formality that is typically supposed to occur on an annual basis. M-DOT updated language included in the performance resolution, which was unanimously adopted by Council. (JM)

Scrap-Metal Drive To Benefit Area Nonprofit Starts Next WeekScrap-Metal Drive To Benefit Area Nonprofit Starts Next Week

0
0
A local nonprofit organization’s scrap-metal drive will kick off Tuesday. A month long scrap metal drive benefiting Livingston County Habitat for Humanity will begin on January 3rd and run through the 31st . Donations to the drive can include copper, aluminum, brass and ferrous metals. Also accepted are strings of Christmas lights, power cords and coax cable. A volunteer will guide donors through the process. Items can be dropped off at the intake area at the back of the ReStore, which is located between Howell and Brighton on Grand River Avenue in Genoa Township. Intake hours are from 9 am to 4:30 pm during the week and 10 am to 2:30 pm on Saturday. For more information, contact Karla Macelli at 810-220-9986 ext. 14 or development@livingstonhabitat.org.

Stepped Up Patrols Planned Throughout Livingston County For NYE Stepped Up Patrols Planned Throughout Livingston County For NYE

0
0
Drive sober or get pulled over. It’s a familiar message but one that not everyone heeds and local law enforcement agencies will have stepped up patrols this weekend. The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office is among the many that will have an increased focus on drunk driving to ensure everyone has a safe New Year’s Eve. If caught, Sheriff Mike Murphy says they will definitely ruin someone’s celebration so that individual doesn’t ruin someone else’s. Murphy tells WHMI they’re looking forward to celebrating New Year’s Eve and the coming year with everybody else in the world. Murphy says they want everyone to have a great time and safely ring in the new year with good spirits, no accidents and no one getting hurt. He suggests those that do overindulge have a designated driver lined up, otherwise they’ll be more than happy to provide a lift for them. Murphy noted the Sheriff’s Office will have extra patrols out on the roads this weekend, as will many other local law enforcement agencies. In addition to potential dangers out on the road, Murphy noted they do tend to have some odd things happen over the holiday period. He says people are normally a bit over-stressed so there tends to be an uptick in domestic situations as well as other incidents involving people with mental health issues. Thus far, the holiday season has been relatively quiet and Murphy says they’ve fared pretty well as a whole in Livingston County. He says hopefully that holds true for the NYE celebrations so everybody can get back to work next week. (JM)

Fundraising Efforts Underway For 2017 Brighton Polar PlungeFundraising Efforts Underway For 2017 Brighton Polar Plunge

0
0
Community members who will brave icy waters next month for a good cause have already begun raising funds for the yearly Michigan Law Enforcement Polar Plunge. The event is held annually to raise money for the Special Olympics of Michigan, which provides free sports programs for athletes with intellectual disabilities in Livingston County. Local individuals and teams have already begun fundraising for the event, which will be held on Saturday, January 28th. Participants of the Livingston County Polar Plunge will jump into Leith Lake, located behind Brighton High School. Special Olympics Michigan will host 25 Polar Plunges in 2017, and over 200 athletes in Livingston County will benefit from the Brighton event. The pre-plunge party, registration, 50/50 raffle and family friendly activities will be held inside the school’s gymnasium. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. The parade of costumes and awards will begin at 1:30 p.m. More information and registration details are available at the link below. (DK)

Contract Negotiations In The Works With Soon-To-Be Milford Fire ChiefContract Negotiations In The Works With Soon-To-Be Milford Fire Chief

0
0
Contract negotiations are underway with a longtime employee of the Milford Fire Department, slated to officially take on the job title of Fire Chief. Last month, Milford Township made an offer to Assistant Fire Chief Tom Moore. Moore had been fulfilling the roles of department operations and evaluation since former Fire Chief Larry Waligora was placed on administrative leave in April. Waligora retired and Moore has continued to serve since then. Moore says things are going well now, though they were touch-and-go at first. Different emotions amongst the department, along with some for and against his takeover, contributed to that, according to Moore. But he says things have since come together and “everything is back to normal” and moving forward. Moore has served the Milford community for just over 30 years and tells WHMI the love for being a part of the fire service runs in the family. His great-grandfather was once the Fire Chief of Romeo, Michigan, his brother and son are in the service, and his stepson pursued a career in it at one point. Moore says he enjoys serving the “close-knit” Milford community. Don Green, Township Supervisor, says they are still working on finalizing the details of Moore’s contract. Moore says he is hoping everything works out so that he can focus on making progress for the township and department. (DK)

New Financial Transparency Program In Village Of Milford New Financial Transparency Program In Village Of Milford

0
0
The Village of Milford has launched a new financial transparency program. The new program is part of a partnership with OpenGov and will allow the public to explore the Village’s financial data using an interactive website. The site is designed to help citizens understand how the Village spends and receives money. The website will feature various data including annual budgets, year-end reports and other financial information. New data will be continually added in the coming months, which will include both financial and non-financial data such as water consumption and police activity. Further details about the new program can be found on the Village of Milford website, which features a portal to the new transparency site. A link is provided. (JM)

Local DAV Helps Fowlerville Family with Car, Other Gifts Local DAV Helps Fowlerville Family with Car, Other Gifts

0
0
Disabled American Veterans Chapter 125 in Livingston County is giving a huge helping hand to a veteran in difficult circumstances. DAV Chaplain Bryan Bradford of Brighton says the DAV started a fund drive just a week ago for a Fowlerville family, which wishes to remain anonymous, and the response has been overwhelming. Bradford tells WHMI that earlier this week the DAV presented the family with a 2002 4-wheel drive Ford Escape. In addition, the DAV was able to provide the two older daughters in the family with laptop computers, and the family received toys, gift cards, and other gifts, as well. Bradford says due to the kind donation of the 4-wheel drive vehicle to the DAV, they were left with extra funds, and were able to use some of that to have the vehicle repaired. Then a call came in that a second local veteran needed a transmission, and on Thursday, the local DAV got word that a third vet needed car repairs. As a result, the money left over from the fund drive for the Fowlerville family will be used for car repairs for two other vets, tripling the number of families that will be helped. Checks to the local DAV may be made out to: Disabled American Veterans Chapter 125, 3265 W. Grand River, Howell, MI 48855. (TT)

Gas Tax And Vehicle Registration Fees' Rate Hike Take Effect SundayGas Tax And Vehicle Registration Fees' Rate Hike Take Effect Sunday

0
0
Legislation designed to raise more than a billion dollars for Michigan roads will lead to vehicle-related rate increases for Livingston County motorists. The state’s road funding package was signed by Governor Rick Snyder in November of 2015 and approved by legislature. The $1.2 (B) billion dollar plan could lead to an increase totaling $825 (m) million dollars in net annual transportation spending within five years. The money will come from increasing passenger vehicles and commercial trucks’ registration fees by 20% and the state gas tax by 7.3 cents. Owners of hybrid and electric vehicles will see an additional surcharge to the registration fee. Hybrid vehicles will be paying an added $47 and electric vehicles will be paying an extra $135 to account for the fact that those vehicles don’t use as much gasoline. The fuel tax is expected to increase each year by 5% or by the inflation rate, dependent upon which is less. The rate hike will take effect Sunday. In three years, the plan is expected to move existing state funding toward road construction. Critics of the package have said it provides less than half of the $1 billion dollars per year that the Michigan Department of Transportation needs just to fix the state’s trunk line roads and waits five years to achieve even that. Secretary of State Spokesman Fred Woodhams tells WHMI drivers whose birthday is within the next six months could be grandfathered into the current rate this year if they act quickly. Customers whose license plates expire on or before May 31st can save money by renewing their tabs before the year ends. This will allow drivers to pay the current rate and avoid the 2017 hike. Secretary of State Offices will be closed today and tomorrow in recognition of the holiday, but drivers can renew using a self-service station or online at www.expresssos.com. (DK)

Company To Provide Jury Management System Services For County CourtsCompany To Provide Jury Management System Services For County Courts

0
0
A new agreement to provide jury management services is expected to boost efficiencies in the local court system. The Livingston County Board of Commissioners met recently and approved a resolution authorizing an agreement with Courthouse Technologies LTD to provide services for five years. A memo to the board states the 44th Circuit Court needs a new and more efficient jury management system, as staff and interns have been used to complete the numerous tasks involved. The current system is said to place a burden on an already short staffed department but also results in calling a larger pool of jurors that must be compensated for their time. Costs associated with the new agreement are expected to offset by reductions to the central services and circuit court budgets, due to efficiencies in shifting over to the new system. (JM)

South Lyon Man Facing Heroin Possession ChargeSouth Lyon Man Facing Heroin Possession Charge

0
0
A man is facing charges of heroin possession after the being discovered passed out inside of a suspicious vehicle in McHattie Park by the South Lyon Police chief. The incident occurred around 4pm on December 28th when Police Chief Lloyd Collins found the suspicious vehicle and called in an officer. The South Lyon Herald reports the 26-year-old South Lyon man appeared to be sleeping and reportedly had a stash box on his lap. The officer tried to wake up the man but to no avail and could not establish a pulse, the officer called an ambulance and to retrieved a naloxone kit from his car to counteract a possible overdose. The man reportedly become responsive as he was being pulled from the vehicle and eventually told officers he had relapsed. He was evaluated and transported to an area hospital. The Times reports officers discovered a rock of suspected heroin in the stash box , along with various paraphernalia associated with heroin use. A separate sealed paper reportedly contained a small amount of a white power. Charges against the South Lyon man are pending the outcome of testing of the substances. Meanwhile, the vehicle was said to belong to a Whitmore Lake woman who was contacted to recover it at the police station. (JM)

LACASA Searching For Home For Planned Charity BoutiqueLACASA Searching For Home For Planned Charity Boutique

0
0
A local nonprofit organization is actively searching for a home to house their planned charity resale boutique. The LACASA Center’s boutique would serve the organization’s clients, which are victims of domestic violence and their children. LACASA President and CEO Bobette Schrandt says the focus of the boutique opportunity is to provide a sense of hope and compassion to their clients, some of which come to the center from traumatizing situations. LACASA’s clients often receive clothing and necessities provided by staff members or from the organization’s basement. Schrandt says shopping at the boutique for themselves will allow them to feel respected and dignified, while also empowering them and giving back a feeling of control. Clients will use vouchers to shop with provided by the organization. According to Schrandt, the goal is to having the boutique up and running by fall of 2017, but the organization needs to find a site to house the shop first. A business plan has been created for the boutique, along with a committee focused on its fruition. Schrandt says the committee is actively looking for a location within Livingston County, possibly along the Grand River Avenue corridor between Howell and Brighton. The boutique will be open to the public, so any funds garnered from community member shoppers will be put back towards LACASA’s client services, making the venture one of self-sufficiency. In the meantime, LACASA is collecting inventory to stock their boutique with in their “Shop with Dignity Donation Drive”, which is already underway. Items can be dropped off at LACASA’s administrative office, located at 2895 West Grand River in Howell, between 9:30am and 4:30pm Monday through Friday. (DK)

Commissioners Will Discuss Proposal To Broadcast Future Meetings OnlineCommissioners Will Discuss Proposal To Broadcast Future Meetings Online

0
0
It appears a quiet, but determined, protest has produced a step forward in the effort to have the Livingston County Board of Commissioners to start broadcasting meetings. As promised, a discussion item has been added to the January 3rd agenda for the Livingston County Board of Commissioners about possibly broadcasting future meetings online. The discussion follows the appearance last week of approximately 30 residents to a board meeting in hopes of encouraging commissioners to start broadcasting at least board and finance committee meetings and make them available online. They were led by Brighton resident Jordan Genso who said that with improvements in technology, broadcasting meetings and uploading them online should be a relatively easy task. Genso says because past requests have been ignored, the group planned to attend future meetings and have each person use the full three minutes allotted at the Call to the Public portion of the meeting to continue with their request. That would occupy at least an hour and a half of each meeting. Genso said the group’s desire was to make the meeting content available for those who want to be informed but might not be able to attend meetings in person. Tuesday’s meeting will take place in the board chambers starting at 7:30pm. (JK)
Viewing all 26045 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images