A fiery crash in Pontiac Tuesday morning left one dead and injured two Livingston County residents.
The crash happened around 6am Tuesday on M-59, west of Opdyke Road. The Oakland County Sheriffâs Office Crash Reconstruction Unit is investigating and reports that an unidentified male in a 2002 Chevy Trailblazer on westbound M-59 lost control of the vehicle, causing it to leave the roadway and cross over the median before coming to rest in the eastbound lane. Police say the Trailblazer was struck by a 2014 Cadillac ATS and a 2016 Chrysler 200 and caught fire. The driver was trapped in the vehicle and pronounced dead on scene. The front seat passenger, identified as a 24-year-old Clinton Township resident, was able to exit the vehicle and was pulled to safety by witnesses on the scene.
The driver of the Cadillac ATS, a 46-year-old Howell resident was seriously injured and had to be extricated by Waterford Regional Fire Department. The driver of the Chrysler 200, a 44-year-old Brighton resident, was also injured. All injured occupants were transported to McLaren-Oakland Hospital. The passenger of the Trailblazer was last listed in stable condition while the driver of the Cadillac was listed in serious condition. The Brighton man was treated and released. The identity of the driver of the Trailblazer was being withheld pending positive identification.
Police said all occupants were wearing seat belts and alcohol did not appear to have been a factor. The crash remains under investigation. (JM)
Fatal Crash Tuesday Near Silverdome Injures Livingston County Residents Fatal Crash Tuesday Near Silverdome Injures Livingston County Residents
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MSP Says Annual Toys For Tots & Salvation Army Drives SuccessfulMSP Says Annual Toys For Tots & Salvation Army Drives Successful
A yearly event that works to provide for families within the community during the holiday season was once again able to make a big impact.
The Michigan State Police (MSP) partnered with both Toys for Tots and the Salvation Army over the past holiday season in an effort to provide for families in Livingston and Washtenaw Counties. Participating MSP troopers were able to collect a large number of toys and non-perishable food items for Salvation Army at the annual Stuff the Blue Goose event in Washtenaw County.
MSP says this year, once again, citizens showed their generosity and care for others in the community by dropping off toys at the MSP Brighton Post for Toys for Tots. Two patrol SUV vehicles and a trailer were utilized to deliver the toys, which filled the Brighton Postâs lobby.
Post Commander F/Lt. Joel Allen says the MSP is ââ¦thankful and honored to be able to work closely with both organizations to provide impactful community programs that benefit our citizensâ. The MSP Brighton Post says they are looking forward to continuing the partnership and thanks everyone who donated to this yearâs drive.
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LESA Names New Executive Director Of Administrative ServicesLESA Names New Executive Director Of Administrative Services
The Livingston Educational Service Agency says a new hire brings more than two decades of experience in school finance and operations administration.
Teresa A. Zigman will serve as LESAâs new executive director of administrative services. Most recently, she served as executive director of business operations for the Chelsea school district and has a number of professional affiliations. Officials say theyâve been very patient and diligent in efforts to find the right person to lead LESAâs Administrative Services team and are confident Zigman is the right fit. They say Zigman has demonstrated great character throughout her career and LESA staff, as well as staff at the schools the agency serves, will benefit from her wisdom and expertise in school administrative functions. Her responsibilities will include directing and managing LESAâs human resources, finance and operations functions, as well as leading the countyâs Technology Consortium.
Zigman says sheâs excited to be a part of a great team at Livingston ESA and looks forward to supporting the vision and goals of the organization along with the five local districts in Livingston County. (JM)
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Fenton Council Considering 911 Surcharge IncreaseFenton Council Considering 911 Surcharge Increase
One local municipality is considering raising 911 surcharges to help maintain their operational levels.
Fenton City Council held a work session Tuesday night where they discussed the necessity of the increase in order to continue giving residents the same quality of emergency dispatch service they have become used to. Emergency Dispatch Centers are partially funded by a surcharge paid by cell phone users which is collected by their carrier. Current 911 cell phone fees in Genesee County are $1.24. The new proposed fee would raise it 50%, to $1.86, still below the allowed state maximum of $3.00.
City Manager Lynn Markland told WHMI that the money collected trickles down through many channels before the local dispatch actually receives it. The carrier sends the money to the state, then the state delivers the revenue to county dispatch. The Fenton dispatch is the only remaining independent dispatch in Genesee County and receives 2.67% of Geneseeâs collected revenue. Genesee County Dispatch, through an agreement made several ago, also gets 20% of Fentonâs share as an administrative fee. Markland and many council members believed the 20% felt too high and are interested in investigating channels to lower it.
An audit conducted by Genesee Central Dispatch indicated that the current charge would not sustain operations. This accounts for nearly half of Fentonâs dispatch operation costs, with the remaining money coming from the cityâs general fund. The $0.62 increase would raise approximately $67,000 for Fenton Dispatch. City Council is looking to pass a resolution approving the increase at their next meeting. From there it will go to the County Board of Commissioners, and then onto the May 2nd ballot for a vote from residents. (MK)
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New Support Center To Help With Substance Abuse Recovery New Support Center To Help With Substance Abuse Recovery
A new center to help people struggling with addiction is opening soon in Howell.
Stepping Stones Engagement Center will be a place that promises offer a warm and welcoming environment in which adults with substance use and co-occurring needs can find support, advocacy, and planning outside the normal business day. Itâs based on a âliving roomâ model which aims to support the individual in recovery by improving gaps in service delivery and reduce emergency room visits. Adults will find a house-like setup with many comfortable couches and seats, tvâs games, books, and full amenities.
The Center is funded by a grant with additional funding by the St. Joseph Mercy Health System and will be free to all who need it. Connie Conklin is Executive Director of Community Mental Health Services of Livingston County, which is running the Center. She told WHMI that the great thing about their program is that they have peers that are in recovery themselves and can reach out to people. She said a loved one can even bring someone here and they can help connect them with providers in the community. The staff is also comprised of licensed clinicians and mental health specialists. Staff members will guide and support patrons in developing recovery plans, conduct thorough assessments, and be able to link them to many of the communityâs resources.
The Center, once open, will operate primarily at night to give people who find themselves struggling in the late or early hours a place to come to for help and support. Staff will then assist them in finding any additional help and connect them with services they might need in the morning. They will operate from 5pm to 9pm, Monday through Friday, and be open 24 hours on the weekend. Conklin said that Stepping Stones will open to the public in 2 to 4 weeks. (MK)
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Investigators Say Excessive Speed Cause Of Deadly Pileup Near FowlervilleInvestigators Say Excessive Speed Cause Of Deadly Pileup Near Fowlerville
Charges could soon be filed in the massive 53-car pileup last month near Fowlerville that killed three people.
Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy confirms that investigators believe a driver traveling too fast for conditions was the cause of the fatal chain-reaction crash on I-96 December 8th. A charge of reckless driving or moving violation causing death is anticipated against the driver, identified only as a Howell resident. The Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office would make the final decision on what charges would be filed.
Sheriffâs investigators believe the Howell resident lost control of the SUV they were driving at an excessive rate of speed that morning after a snow squall had quickly blanketed the area in snow and left roadways icy. The vehicle ended up blocking both lanes of westbound I-96 near Wallace Road, leading to the pileup, which included cars, trucks and semis. The eastbound lanes of I-96 were closed for several hours while the westbound lanes were closed for most of the day.
Killed in the crash were an Ann Arbor couple; 69-year-old Homer Tew and his 62-year-old wife Theresa, as well as 28-year-old Vitalii Stelmakh, a semi driver from Florida. Investigators say other vehicles were also traveling faster than conditions allowed and that further citations may be pending. (JK)
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Health Department Offering Free Radon Test Kits, Urges Residents To Check HomesHealth Department Offering Free Radon Test Kits, Urges Residents To Check Homes
January is National Radon Action Month, and local health officials are encouraging residents to get their homes tested.
Radon comes from the natural radioactive breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and is a part of the air we breathe. Elevated levels of radon are reportedly the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Chelsea Moxlow, Health Promotion Coordinator for the Livingston County Health Department, says elevated levels of radon are present in about 40% of homes within the county.
Radon can enter a home by way of sump openings, crawl spaces, floor joints or cracks. Moxlow tells WHMI the gas could be accumulating in a residence without the homeownerâs knowledge. Because radon is a tasteless, colorless, odorless gas that doesnât cause any warning symptoms, testing is the only way to know for sure if a home contains elevated levels of the gas.
Through the end of January, the LCHD is offering free radon test kits at their office at 2300 East Grand River in Howell. If results from the test come back showing elevated radon levels, Moxlow says the Health Department generally recommends a second test, as well as qualified contractors to fix the part of the home where radon is likely entering. More information about radon can be found by contacting the Health Department at (517)546-9858, or by visiting their website www.lchd.org. (DK)
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Northfield Township Seeks Public Input In Creating Master PlanNorthfield Township Seeks Public Input In Creating Master Plan
A local municipality will hold a public meeting later this month to discuss the future of their downtown.
Northfield Townshipâs Community Park Master Plan Public Workshop will be held Tuesday, January 17th. The public meeting will begin at 7pm at their township offices, located at 8350 Main Street in Whitmore Lake.
The township has purchased 23 acres of land adjacent to the Post Office in downtown Whitmore Lake and says now is the time to plan for the areaâs future. Surveys were sent out with the 2016 winter tax bills, and officials say they have received a tremendous response. The township plans to use that information to create a Master Plan for the region.
Guests will collaborate on ideas for downtown Whitmore Lake, lakefront access, development options and public amenities at the Northfield Community Park Site. Those planning to attend the meeting are asked to RSVP by calling and leaving a voicemail with their name and number of attendees. To RSVP, please call 734-449-2880 ext. 25. (DK)
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M-DOT Announces Weekend Lane Closures On Northbound US-23 M-DOT Announces Weekend Lane Closures On Northbound US-23
Weekend lane closures are planned on US-23 in Livingston and Washtenaw Counties.
The Michigan Department of Transportation says there will be a single lane closure on northbound US-23 between M-36 and M-14 this Saturday and Sunday. The lane closure will be in place between 8am and 5pm each day this weekend.
Various lane closures and traffic shifts will be continuing this winter and are associated with a major US-23 Flex Route project expected to continue throughout 2017. (JM)
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Fenton City Council Looking At Ways To Improve RoadwaysFenton City Council Looking At Ways To Improve Roadways
Fenton officials are looking at ways to expand funding to help repair and maintain roads. The City is preparing a new program to help plan improvements of the 53 miles of roadways that travel within Fenton. City Manager Lynn Markland said that the funding they have been receiving from the state through Public Act 51 has not been enough, and anticipates that money brought in from recent gas tax and vehicle registration hikes wonât help much. Mayor Sue Osborn was also concerned that inflation and the rising prices of construction materials would negate most of the new funds being brought in. City Council discussed different routes they could take at a work session meeting on Tuesday. Two of the ideas brought up were a road millage and assigning special assessment districts. It was noted that many road millages across the state passed on last Novemberâs ballot, and the Mayor was interested in further investigating that path. The Council also discussed the positives of adding curbs and gutters to areas that donât currently have them. Markland said they can help protect the edge of the street from wear and tear and breaking off, especially where large vehicles like garbage trucks are concerned. They also help with drainage, keeping water from getting under the street and creating potholes. Mayor Osborn requested that they schedule a special, full work session in the near future, as she feels it is too big and important to do piece-mealed into 2 or 3 other sessions. Council was in agreement, with many echoing the sentiment that they need to move quickly because the roads arenât going to get better on their own. (MK)
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Brighton Awards Bid for Wastewater Treatment Plant UpgradeBrighton Awards Bid for Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade
The Brighton City Council approved the awarding of a bid to overhaul and make over half-a-million dollars in improvements to the wastewater treatment plant.
The five bids were substantially higher than earlier estimates, but in the end council felt it had no alternative but to have all of the work done, and not piece meal, which could have posed risk. The low bid of $564,900 was submitted by Laux Construction Co. of Holt, which is just outside of Lansing. City Manager Nate Geinzer tells WHMI the work is critically needed, so council had no recourse other than to approve the full amount. The funds to pay for the project include $300,000 from the cityâs general fund and the transfer of $264,900 from the cityâs utility reserve fund.
The project includes complete removal and replacement of the HVAC system, including removal and replacement of the heating and ventilation system in the grit and screenings room, the upper gallery and the maintenance garage areas. The work will be integrated with the controls system installed with the first phase of the project in 2014. (TT)
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Economist To Forecast 2017 Business Trends At Howell EventEconomist To Forecast 2017 Business Trends At Howell Event
The Howell Area Chamber of Commerce will host a breakfast event later this month that will focus on the financial forecast for 2017.
Dr. Robert A. Dye, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist for Comerica Bank, will present his forecast for the coming year, including state and national economic trends at the January gathering of Good Morning Livingston. Dye leads the Comerica Economics Department, which provides research and analysis to the bank and its customers, as well as business leaders and policy makers throughout the country.
Good Morning Livingston is set for Thursday, January 19th at Crystal Gardens in Genoa Township from 7:30 to 9am. The cost for the breakfast event is $20 for members in advance or $25 at the door, and $30 for non-members. Anyone interested in attending can RSVP through the link below. (DK)
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Hamburg Township To Hold Road Improvement MeetingHamburg Township To Hold Road Improvement Meeting
Residents in one local township will have the chance to speak up about a road improvement plan at a community summit next week.
The Hamburg Township Board of Trustees is inviting the community into the conversation about how road millage money should be spent and where the township should place its priorities. Township Supervisor Pat Hohl says a recently passed millage will help with road improvements, but is nowhere near enough to repair all of the hard surface roads in the township. He says with the passage of the millage, the township board is holding a meeting to seek the input of the citizens of Hamburg to try to determine what they would like to see done with the 2017 road improvement program. He says they are not going to be able to address all of the road issues in the township because of the cost.
Hohl says in 2014 the Livingston County Road Commission did an extensive survey of the township's roads estimating at that time about $20 million in improvements to get the black-top roads roads into good condition. Hohl says the 1 (one) mill levy over five years will produce about $967,000 the first year and $5 (m) million in total. He says the township hopes to leverage a cost sharing program to make the most of the millage dollars. Hohl says the cost sharing will allow the township to spread the funds over a few more projects, but says he doesnât know what the priorities will be. He stressed that the road improvement millage only covers primary hard surface roads, not private or county gravel roads. Residents are invited to give their input into the process on January 10th at 7 pm in the township board meeting room on Merrill Road. Hohl says the board will likely not make any decisions based on the discussion until February. (DS)
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Howell Teen Charged With 2nd Degree Murder For Drunk Driving CrashHowell Teen Charged With 2nd Degree Murder For Drunk Driving Crash
Criminal charges have been upgraded against a local man who crashed a vehicle into two homes in Waterford while drunk driving.
18-year-old Jordan Watson of Howell was originally charged with eight felonies for his role in the October 2016 incident, in which he drunkenly drove into two homes with four other people in the vehicle - a 17-year-old female from Commerce Township, a 19-year-old male from Highland, a 13-year-old male from Pontiac and a 14-year-old male from Waterford. Following the crash, all of the vehicleâs occupants were sent to local hospitals with very serious injuries. They were later released from the hospital, except for the 19-year-old male from Highland.
Watson was first charged with four felony counts of Operating While Intoxicated Causing Serious Injury (one count for each passenger) and four felony counts of Operating while License Suspended, Revoked or Denied Causing Serious Injury (one count for each passenger).
The charges against Watson have been upgraded, presumably because the passenger that had been hospitalized has since died, although several attempts to confirm that with Waterford Township Police have been unsuccessful. Watson is now facing one count each of 2nd degree murder, Operating Under the Influence Causing Incapacitating Injuries and Operating with a License Suspended Causing Death.
Authorities said Watson was traveling south on Scott Lake Road in Waterford Township in excess of 90 mph, and reportedly ran three red lights before his vehicle crossed over Elizabeth Lake Road onto Edgefield Drive. The vehicle then left the roadway and drove into the attached garage of an unoccupied home, then continued out through the side wall of the garage and struck the side of an adjacent home, before coming to rest. The residents of the second home were not injured.
Watson reportedly had a blood-alcohol content of 0.32% at the time of the crash, which is four times the legal driving limit. His license had also been suspended approximately two months prior to the incident in connection to a charge of minor in possession of alcohol. His next hearing is February 17th in 51st District Court.
Watson is also facing charges of delivering/manufacturing marijuana and felony firearms in a separate case in Oakland County Circuit Court. He is scheduled to be sentenced in that case February 21st. (DK)
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Pinckney Woman Charged With Embezzling More Than $1 MillionPinckney Woman Charged With Embezzling More Than $1 Million
A Livingston County woman is facing embezzlement charges after authorities say she stole more than $1 million from a Bloomfield Township computer staffing firm.
52-year-old Debbie Broich of Pinckney worked as a bookkeeper at Blue Chip Talent and its related company, Computer Consultants of America. According to Bloomfield Township police, she embezzled the money over a period of six years âfor personal living expenses,â including buying new vehicles and paying credit card bills. Broich is free after posting a $250,000 bond December 21st, following her arraignment in 48th District Court on five felony counts of embezzlement over $100,000 and one count of embezzlement between $50,000 and $100,000. Conditions of her bond included that she wear an electronic tether and not have contact with her former coworkers.
Police say the owner of the company became suspicious after reviewing the companyâs checking account and finding multiple checks issued to Broich, who is due back in court February 6th. If convicted, she faces up to 20 years in prison. (JK)
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Howell Superintendent Erin MacGregor To Host Coffee Chat Next WeekHowell Superintendent Erin MacGregor To Host Coffee Chat Next Week
Following a successful Coffee Chat event last fall, the Howell Public Schools superintendent plans to host a second next week.
Howell Public Schools Superintendent Erin MacGregor will host a Coffee Chat on Thursday, January 12th. The informal coffee provides an opportunity for district stakeholders and community members to meet with MacGregor, hear updates about the district and discuss matters relating to Howell Public Schools. MacGregor says they had a wonderful turnout for the first Coffee Chat in October, and heâs looking forward to once again meeting with members of the community. He says the informal coffee hours are a great way to share whatâs going on in and around the district but also take note of suggestions, questions, ideas and concerns of stakeholders.
The Coffee Chat is free and open to all community members. It will run from 9:30 to 10:30am next Thursday at the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce building on East Washington Street, next to the Howell Post Office. (JM)
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Gretchen Whitmer To Headline Rally In Brighton Gretchen Whitmer To Headline Rally In Brighton
One of the candidates seeking the Democratic Partyâs 2018 nomination for governor will headline a rally planned by progressive groups in Livingston County later this month.
The January 21st rally is timed to coincide with events being held around the state and in Washington, D.C. - the day after the inauguration of President Elect Donald Trump. Gretchen Whitmer, a candidate for the Democratic nomination for governor in 2018, will headline the rally at the Brighton Mill Pond gazebo. Whitmer first served in the House and was elected in 2006 to the Michigan Senate, where she served until being term limited out of office in 2014. In 2016, she served six months as interim Ingham County prosecutor after the incumbent prosecutor resigned.
Livingston County Democratic Party Vice Chair for Strategy Dan Luria says local progressives can protect and expand on progress made during the last eight years under President Obama. He says the rally is a great chance for voters in Livingston County to hear from the past leader of the Senate Democratic caucus about whatâs going on in Lansing. He says working families dodged some bullets in the just-concluded lame duck session and they need to be vigilant to protect past gains that are under threat.
In addition to Whitmer, an invocation will be delivered by the Reverend Deon Johnson of St. Paulâs Episcopal Church and Ian Robinson, president of the Huron Valley Area Labor Federation, will speak. The rally will start at 10am January 21st. (JM)
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Pinckney Schools Swear in New Member and Vote in Top OfficialsPinckney Schools Swear in New Member and Vote in Top Officials
The New Year kicked off at Pinckney Community Schools with its annual Board of Education elections. Before the annual organizational meeting, Superintendent Rick Todd swore in new board member Ron Guilloz who was elected to fill the seat vacated by Anne Colone last month. Guilloz is a local realtor and says he looks forward to bringing a different perspective to the board. He says his goal is to help as much as he can and bring his expertise to the board. Guilloz has two young children, a kindergartner and a 4th grader, believes with the youngest children of anyone on the board, he has a different perspective to bring from the lower and upper elementaries. He says he is a local Realtor and will be able to help look at opportunities to expand if there are some development opportunities. Guiloz says he thinks the district is on track with the technology and wants to see that continue to grow through all the grades. He says he would also like to see the district develop a STEM school; a K-8 STEM School and flow that up through the high school. Todd also swore in Michelle Crampo, who won re-election. The board elected Crampo to continue her role as board president. She has held the spot for the last four years. Crampo says she looks forward to ending the districtâs financial deficit by the end of the school year and being able to conduct business without having to look for ways to cut programs. She says she also looks forward to seeing the cyber-security and cyber-patriot programs grow in the district. Guilloz was elected vice president, Deborah Reynolds, secretary and George Rogers will continue as treasurer. (DS)
Crampo :33 OF THAT - I want to see us continue to work on the cyber patriot program and cyber security program - I think that's an awesome thing. Want us to continue trying to work on getting out of deficit, which we are predicted to be out of by the end of the school year. I want to continue to make our programs stronger
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Proposed Vortex Gymnastics Center Gets Site Plan Approval Proposed Vortex Gymnastics Center Gets Site Plan Approval
Plans for a proposed development in Green Oak Township will move onto the county level, following recent approval from the municipalityâs planning commission.
On Thursday, developers discussed the latest revised plans for the Vortex Gymnastics Center with Green Oak Townshipâs Planning Commission. The proposed 45,370-square foot building would be located on nine acres at the northwest corner of Winans and Whitmore Lake Road. The Vortex is designed to include a trampoline park, a play-place and ninja warrior course, and the gymnastics training center.
The townshipâs existing Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning did not permit the development to be built the way it was originally proposed, so developers had to make some amendments to their area plan and PUD agreement. Amendments to the Legacy Park PUD have been unanimously approved by the Planning Commission, along with the Vortexâs site plan. The Planning Commission also approved some variances to the PUD agreement, including where the centerâs parking can be located, building elevations and the buildingâs size.
Township Planner Paul Montagno says the Planning Commission and developers have worked together to improve the plan and that it has made âgreat stridesâ. The Legacy PUD area plan was approved with conditions, however. Developers must collaborate with the township and road commission to come up with an agreement for traffic improvements, along with finalizing language and pathway plans.
The Planning Commissionâs recommendation for approval will next be sent to the countyâs Planning Department for its recommendation, then onto Green Oak Townshipâs Board of Trustees. (DK)
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Brighton City Council Approves Lighting For Nearly Complete Hampton Inn Brighton City Council Approves Lighting For Nearly Complete Hampton Inn
The Brighton City Council, meeting in its first session of the new year Thursday, approved a site plan amendment for the Hampton Inn, which is nearing completion at 8068 Challis Road, west of Grand River.
The site plan amendment will allow accent lighting to make the exterior of the building more attractive. The original site plan for the structure was approved in 2014, but the required, separate approval of the exterior accent lighting was not approved at that time. As a result, the matter had to be taken up separately at the December Planning Commission meeting, and again Thursday at the City Council meeting, where the site plan was given final approval.
The exterior lighting plan shows white accent lighting at the four corners and the middle sections, along the top of the structure. The developers of the Hampton Inn project, who were not at the meeting Thursday night, have said that part of the reason for going forward with the project after long delays is its proximity to the new $175 million, 320,000-square-foot U of M medical facility, to be called Brighton Health Center South, that is under construction and slated to be completed in the fall of 2018. (TT)
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