Tax law changes could affect when those who often rely on tax refunds will get their money back.
The IRS will begin accepting 2016 income tax returns on Jan. 23, but because of new anti-fraud measures, taxpayers filing early and claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit and/or the Additional Child Tax Credit won't likely see their refunds until late February. Ross Yednock, program director of the Michigan Economic Impact Coalition at the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan, says many people in Michigan rely heavily on getting that refund. "Folks will kind of plan their year out knowing, 'I will be getting a good chunk of change, I can take care of this auto payment, pay my property taxes, get caught up on rent,' what have you. And if they've planned this way and done this way the last few years, this year's going to be different."
The IRS says it will hold all refunds until at least Feb. 15. However, given the Presidents Day holiday on the Feb. 20, Yednock says it could be closer to the end of the month before refunds are received. More information is available online through the link below. (JK/Public News Service)
Early Tax-Filers Can Expect Delays for EITC, Other RefundsEarly Tax-Filers Can Expect Delays for EITC, Other Refunds
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Bishop Co-Sponsored Regulatory Reform Bill Passes HouseBishop Co-Sponsored Regulatory Reform Bill Passes House
The GOP-led House has approved a bill co-sponsored by a local lawmaker that would overhaul how government regulations are enacted.
The bill, co-sponsored by Congressman Mike Bishop, would prohibit the most costly rules from taking effect until courts can resolve litigation challenging their enactment, among numerous other changes. The Rochester Republican said that the regulatory process for federal agencies has âgone unchecked for too longâ and that the House âtook another step to restore the balance of power as it was intended,â It passed, 238-183, with just five Democrats voting in favor. It is the third regulatory overhaul passed in the House during the first two weeks of the 115th Congress, although all three measures face difficult prospects in the Senate.
Specifically, the bill would require agencies to post more detailed information on proposals for an extended period of time, limit judge's interpretations in legal challenges, and require agencies to enact the lowest-cost version of a rule. Republicans say the changes sought would reduce costs on businesses and make it easier for businesses to hire workers and grow the economy. Opponents, including the Judiciary Committee's senior Democrat, John Conyers of Detroit, say the bill would jeopardize the government's capability "to safeguard public health and safety, the environment, workplace safety and consumer financial protections.â Bishop, who also sits on the Judiciary Committee, countered that, âFamilies and small businesses are sick and tired of Washington bureaucrats crafting costly rules and regulations behind closed doors.â He insists the bills would ensure Congress has proper oversight in the federal rulemaking process. (JK)
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Northfield Township Board Retreat Saturday Northfield Township Board Retreat Saturday
The Northfield Township Board of Trustees will gather for a board retreat this weekend.
The special meeting will be held at the Northfield Township Community Center on Main Street in Whitmore Lake. Officials say the purpose of the board retreat is to provide members an opportunity to brainstorm and have an open discussion to identify goals and set priorities for the upcoming year. Itâs an open meeting and members of the community are welcome to attend. The retreat is scheduled to run from 10am to approximately 4pm Saturday.
Additionally, officials remind that the Northfield Township offices will be closed on Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. (JM)
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M-DOT Announces Single Lane Closure On US-23 Near 6 Mile M-DOT Announces Single Lane Closure On US-23 Near 6 Mile
Single lane closures are planned on US-23 as part of ongoing corridor work in Livingston and Washtenaw Counties.
Starting at 8:00 tonight, there will be a single lane closure on southbound US-23 between 6 Mile Road and North Territorial Road. The single lane closure will be in place until 8am Saturday.
Then next week, more work is planned at Barker Road and US-23. Starting on Monday, the sidewalk that runs along the south side of Barker Road under US-23 will be closed. The Michigan Department of Transportation says the closure is needed so crews can safely work on the Barker Road bridge. (JM)
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Former County Clerk's Office Employee Bound Over In Embezzlement Case Former County Clerk's Office Employee Bound Over In Embezzlement Case
A former employee of the Livingston County Clerkâs Office charged with embezzlement has been bound over for trial.
46-year-old Colleen Marie Fortier is facing one count of embezzlement by a public official and recently waived her exam in 53rd District Court, sending her case to Livingston County Circuit Court for trial. Her arraignment was waived and future dates are pending.
In May, County Clerk Elizabeth Hundley discovered a financial irregularity involving the clerkâs office. An internal investigation was immediately initiated and Fortier was placed on unpaid administrative leave. The details surrounding the case have not yet been released, however Fortier reportedly resigned prior to the completion of the investigation. She worked for the county for approximately four years. Court records show the alleged embezzlement occurred between December of 2015 through May of 2016. (JM)
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New Emagine Theater One Step Closer To Hartland TownshipNew Emagine Theater One Step Closer To Hartland Township
As early as December movie goers could have a new state-of-the-art theater option in Hartland Township.
Thursday night planning commissioners approved site plans for a new 64,600 square foot Emagine Theater near M-59 and US-23. There was only one resident who voiced concern over the theater complex set to begin construction soon. The woman, who lives near the site in a condo development says she is worried about the increase in traffic and the additional parking lot lights detracting from the natural dark-sky. Planning commissioners approved the site-plan with the condition that some landscaping changes be made, and disagreed with a waver that would have created lighting issues.
Township Planner Troy Langer says they are excited to have the new theater in the township. He says the next stage is nearly going to be construction. Langer says they are going to get construction plans and have a pre-construction meeting, and then the township will issue a land use permit. He says they will be able to start construction fairly soon after that. Langer says the approval from the planning commission in a round-about way the last hurdle developers had to get over before they enter the construction phase.
Developer Ed Eickhoff from Ramco Gershenson says originally plans for the property included retail development. He says since 2008 the development landscape has changed, moving toward more entertainment and dining. Eickhoff says the theater, which will feature 10 screening rooms including a large screen E-MAX experience, is a better fit. Realtor for Emagine Theaters, Michael Southen told commissioners the theater will also feature luxury recliners rather than standard theater seats and in addition to traditional concessions, the theater will offer hot foods like barbecue. He says there will be a lounge and bar area in the theater as well.
Langer says developers also plan to ask the township for a liquor license to serve alcohol, but he expects that to happen later in the process. Along with the theater, developers asked for an amendment to the planned development to accommodate for signs, and restrict future businesses to sign limits. (DS)
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Despite Recommendation, Brighton Twp. Officials Say Sewer Rate Hike NeededDespite Recommendation, Brighton Twp. Officials Say Sewer Rate Hike Needed
The Brighton Twp. Board of Trustees, meeting in a budget workshop session Thursday night, took no action on a proposal to increase sewer rates by up to 20% for those on the township sewer system.
Township Manager Brian Vick tells WHMI that no action could be taken by the board on the sewer issue, since the township is required to hold a public hearing on the matter. The board was apprised of a township utilities committee meeting on Monday, in which the committee voted to recommend not increasing sewer rates at all. Instead, the committee recommends having the township cover, out of its general fund, the $200,000 in the sewer fund earmarked for legal expenses stemming from a class action lawsuit against the township.
A group of sewer users filed suit against the township last June, with some of them in attendance at the meeting Thursday. They say they are being charged excessive fees because the system was overbuilt, is at only 43% of capacity, and they are being forced to pay for the unused portion. Vick said that, based on the figures provided by Ken Palka of the CPA firm Pfeffer Hanniford and Palka, the rates need to be increased, saying funds must be set aside in case of a major component failure, particularly one involving grinders. Bob Potocki, an unsuccessful candidate for township supervisor in the November election, alleges that the township has done a poor job of overseeing the townshipâs sewer system and that it would be better for all concerned if the county took it over.
A âdiscoveryâ hearing is set for today in Livingston County Circuit Court before Judge David Reader, as requested by attorneys for the plaintiffs in the lawsuit. They are seeking to get copies of certain township documents related to the sewer issue. The township board will again discuss the proposed sewer rate increase at its next budget workshop on Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. (TT)
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Marijuana Lawyer To Talk About LegislationMarijuana Lawyer To Talk About Legislation
A local political organization is hosting a talk later this month about medical marijuana legislation.
The Livingston County Democrats have asked a local litigator, who founded the Cannabis Attorneys of Michigan, to speak at its monthly meeting on January 26th at 7 pm. Democratic Party chair Judy Daubenmier says Denise Pollicella will talk about recent changes in the medical marijuana law. She says Pollicella has experience working with legislators on the law and can provide some clarification. She says she thinks there has been confusion in Michigan since voters approved the medical marijuana law in 2008. Daubenmier says the law is not necessarily being implemented in a way that voters intended. She says recently the legislature took some action and tried to clarify how this law can actually work in practice. She says Pollicella, is someone who has been at the forefront in negotiating a new sort of regimen for how the law will work and they're hoping to hear from her how people can access medical marijuana and what the new law means.
Daubenmier says voters passed legislation to allow the use of medical marijuana by certain individuals, but some municipalities were hesitant to allow dispensaries. She says there is a big concern that the law will be abused, but voters intended to make medical marijuana available to people who need it. She says she hopes Pollicella will answer questions about the legislation and help those who need medical marijuana to get access to it. The meeting will be held at party headquarters, located at 8028 Grand River in the Woodland Plaza. (DS)
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Young Americans Performing Arts Group Bring Workshop To Huron Valley SchoolsYoung Americans Performing Arts Group Bring Workshop To Huron Valley Schools
A popular performing arts group is bringing a workshop to Huron Valley Schools as part of its âTurn Up The Musicâ tour.
The Young Americans have been setting out to inspire the world since 1962. 44 Young Americans arrived Thursday and will be working with students from 3rd to 12th grades at Huron Valley Schools through Saturday. The Young Americans Signature Workshop and Show uses music as a tool to help students learn, explore, create, and grow in the performing arts. Students will learn and perform in an hour-long variety show featuring 60 pieces of music from Broadway and film by the end of the clinic. There will also be classes in voice, dance, songwriting, self-confidence, and leadership.
Milford High School vocal music teacher Maryann Lambrecht tells WHMI the tour is called âTurn Up The Musicâ, but music is just the vehicle of what happens during the whole experience. She says this offers a non-traditional type of experience thatâs more about exploration of self and says students will learn a one-hour variety show in roughly a day-and-a-half with a teamwork approach. She says the program brings students confidence through music and discovery in workshop, they begin to believe in themselves. Lambrecht commented she takes students to statewide honors choirs and different conferences but this offers a different, non-traditional type of musical experience. She says music is a great vehicle for self-discovery and learning, adding itâs important to support the arts because good artistic students make great citizens and wonderful leaders.
Two performances are scheduled at 1pm and 5pm Saturday. The public is welcome to attend. Ticket information is available through the link below. (MK/JM)
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Warrant Issued For Lansing Man Arrested After Police Chase Through HowellWarrant Issued For Lansing Man Arrested After Police Chase Through Howell
A warrant has been issued for a Lansing man who failed to show up for sentencing for an attempted vehicle break-in in Genoa Township that led to a police chase.
18-year-old Laron Wilcox was to appear for a sentencing hearing in 53rd District Court Tuesday but never showed. He previously pleaded guilty to one count of breaking and entering a vehicle and court records show a warrant remains active. Wilcox was one of three suspects arrested for an August 3rd incident in which police said they tried to break into a car near the 2800 block of Ontario Court in Genoa Township. State Police from the Brighton Post were dispatched to the call and attempted to stop a vehicle leaving the scene. The suspects refused to pull over and fled, with a chase ensuing through downtown Howell and then down D-19. When the vehicle attempted to enter westbound I-96, the trooper used a maneuver that caused the suspect vehicle to spin out of control into a ditch and rollover.
Wilcox was one of two passengers in the vehicle, which was reported stolen by Lansing Police, and was driven by 20-year-old Moses Lingua. Lingua already entered a plea in the case and will be sentenced January 19th. (JK)
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New 911 Features Available In Livingston CountyNew 911 Features Available In Livingston County
Livingston County Central Dispatch is launching two new safety initiatives to better protect residents in an emergency.
A new service, Text-to-911, allows individuals to send a text message to 911 from their mobile devices if they are in Livingston County. Central Dispatch has been testing the service since early October, which Deputy Director Chad Chewning says gives residents and visitors another avenue to contact 9-1-1 during a time of need. Those who text 911 are reminded that the location of the emergency is the most vital information to provide. While the new service is available, officials say calling 911 remains the most effective way to access emergency personnel.
The other new service being launched by Central Dispatch is called Smart911, a free service that allows individuals and families to sign up online and provide key information to 911 centers. The information is designed to enable more effective emergency response by law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services. Chewning says the Smart911 Safety Profiles can save critical time in an emergency when seconds can be the difference between life and death.
The two new services will be launched on January 18th. Detailed information is available in the attachment. (JM)
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SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available To Local Small BusinessesSBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available To Local Small Businesses
Federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans are being made available to small businesses throughout Livingston County and across the state.
The U.S. Small Business Administration made the announcement this week. The loans are available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aqua-culture and private non-profit organizations in Michigan as a result of the drought from May 25th through October 25th, 2016.
The disaster declaration includes various counties throughout the state including Livingston, Washtenaw, Genesee, Oakland and Shiawassee. Officials say when the Secretary of Agriculture issues a disaster declaration to help farmers recover from damages and losses to crops, then the Small Business Administration issues a declaration to eligible entities affected by the same disaster. Loan applications are available on the Small Business Administrationâs website.
Details are in the attached press release. (JM)
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Icy Plunge Event Set For Later This MonthIcy Plunge Event Set For Later This Month
Local fundraising efforts are continuing for the Livingston County Polar Plunge later this month.
The annual event raises money for the Livingston County chapter of Special Olympics of Michigan, which provides free sports programs for local athletes with intellectual disabilities. Local individuals and teams have already begun fundraising for the event, which will be held on Saturday, January 28th in Leith Lake, located behind Brighton High School. It will be one of 25 plunges being held this year by Special Olympics Michigan, with over 200 athletes in Livingston County benefiting from the Brighton event.
Registration, along with a pre-plunge party, 50/50 raffle and family friendly activities, will be held inside the schoolâs gymnasium. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. The parade of costumes and awards will begin at 1:30 p.m. A link to more information and registration details can be found below (JK)
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Nighttime Lane Closures On US-23 This Coming Week Nighttime Lane Closures On US-23 This Coming Week
Single lane closures are planned on US-23 all next week as part of ongoing corridor work in Livingston and Washtenaw Counties.
The Michigan Department of Transportation says nighttime, single lane closures are planned on northbound US-23 between M-14 and Warren Road so crews can install ITS conduit along that stretch.
The following is the schedule:
-Monday 1/16/2017 8 p.m. to 7 a.m.
-Tuesday 1/17/2017 8 p.m. to 7 a.m.
-Wednesday 1/18/2017 8 p.m. to 7 a.m.
-Thursday 1/19/2017 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.
-Friday 1/20/2017 9 p.m. to 9 a.m.
-Saturday 1/21/2017 8 p.m. to 10 a.m.
Additionally, more work is planned at Barker Road and US-23 starting on Monday. M-DOT says the sidewalk that runs along the south side of Barker Road under US-23 will be closed so crews can safely work on the Barker Road bridge. (JM)
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Weekend Of Activities Planned In Milford To Celebrate Legacy Of Dr. KingWeekend Of Activities Planned In Milford To Celebrate Legacy Of Dr. King
An annual march through Milford Sunday will pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The Milford community is gearing up for its yearly celebration honoring the civil rights activist. Isaac Perry is the Chair of the Huron Valley MLK Day Committee. He says marchers will lineup starting around 12:15 at Prospect Hill in the Kroger parking lot with the march starting off at about 1pm. The march will end at the SHAC, or Suzanne Haskew Arts Center, where a ceremony will be held. There will also be a âTaste of the Worldâ Culture Fair at the Carls Family YMCA from 3 to 5pm Sunday.
Perry says the Committee has also again partnered 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 7pm on Monday, January 16th. Funds raised from bowl purchases will be donated to Community Sharing to feed local people in need. Youâll find details through the link below. (JK)
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Lansing Woman Sentenced In Local Retail Fraud Case Lansing Woman Sentenced In Local Retail Fraud Case
The final suspect charged in an attempted retail fraud case at a local shopping center has been sentenced.
17-year-old Torrian Alicea was sentenced in Livingston County Circuit Court to 18 months of probation and three days of time already served in the Livingston County Jail. Her bond had been revoked after failing multiple drug tests and she later pleaded guilty to carrying concealed weapons and possession of alcohol by a minor. Alicea was sentenced under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act, which will expunge her record if she successfully completes probation. Alicea was one of four people arrested during an incident last July that began at the Tanger Outlet Center in Howell Township. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department was called by a clothing retailer about several individuals placing high priced items at or near the door. When a deputy pulled up, all four left the store, got into a nearby car and drove off before being pulled over just outside the mall entrance. Two of the suspects, who are African-American, are alleged to have exited the car and started making racial statements. Those two then fled across I-96 before eventually being surrounded and taken into custody.
The backseat passengers, Alicea and 20-year-old Zachery Winner of Haslett, obeyed commands and stayed in the vehicle. The vehicle was searched and found to contain a stolen 9mm semi-automatic handgun, marijuana and alcohol. Winner was previously sentenced to three years of probation and 90 days in jail. The two suspects who fled the vehicle in the original incident are a 16-year-old juvenile male and 19-year-old Kaylyn Williams, who received a prison sentence of 15 months to 4 years. (JM)
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Volunteers Sought For Event To Stock Salvation Army Pantry Volunteers Sought For Event To Stock Salvation Army Pantry
With the holidays over and a new year upon us, Gleaners Community Food Bank and a local grocery store are partnering to help stock the Salvation Army of Livingston County's Food Pantry.
Volunteers are needed to represent the Salvation Army organization outside of the Kroger store at 108 Highland Road in Hartland on January 28th and 29th. All monies and donated food collected will benefit the Salvation Armyâs Food Pantry and Summer Lunch Bunch Community Meal Program. Volunteers will stand at the store entrance to share information about the cause, distribute fliers with details and collect donations. Collected food will be transported by volunteers back to The Salvation Army periodically throughout each shift. Monies collected will be turned in to the Kroger service center at the end of each day. Organizers say volunteers should be prepared to stand outside for their entire shift, wear comfortable layers and good quality shoes. All donations will go directly to the Salvation Armyâs Food Pantry.
Anyone interested is asked to contact Volunteer and Seasonal Programs Coordinator Liz Welch at (517) 295-4347 or
liz_welch@usc.salvationarmy.org.
A link to more information or to sign up is also provided. (JM)
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Brighton High School Marching Band Takes Top Honors At Outback BowlBrighton High School Marching Band Takes Top Honors At Outback Bowl
The Brighton High School Marching Band, directed by Gabrielle Hoffman, copped top honors at the recent Outback Bowl in Tampa, Florida.
The Board of Education was told at its meeting this week that the band won first place in two categories: Best Field Performance and the Crowd Pleaser category. The competition took place before the parade on New Yearâs Eve Day, preceding the Outback Bowl, which was staged on New Yearâs Day. Despite the fact that Brighton took âonlyâ 189 out of its 274 members to the Outback Bowl, it was still the largest band entered in the competition. Superintendent Greg Gray tells WHMI the school district is proud of the marching band and all theyâve accomplished â not just performing in a national bowl game â but for all the âfirstsâ they have amassed in various competitions and band festivals over the years.
Brighton was also the only band from Michigan, with 15 high school marching bands from around the country competing for trophies and prizes. It was not the first time a Brighton High School instrumental group has won awards at a national competition. Last year two of its ensemble groups won top honors at Festival Disney at Disney World in Orlando. Hoffman says the highlight of the trip for the band was getting to perform with college and university bands during halftime in a mass band performance. (TT)
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Brighton Area Schools Finances Continue to ImproveBrighton Area Schools Finances Continue to Improve
The financial condition of the Brighton Area Schools continues to improve. At its meeting this past week, Assistant Superintendent of Finance Maria Gistinger gave the Board of Education a detailed presentation on the budgeting process at the state and local levels and on how the money is distributed. The board was told that the district expects to add another $2 million to its fund balance for a total fund equity of around $4.3 million by the end of the fiscal year on June 30th. Superintendent Greg Gray tells WHMI thatâs getting closer to the district policy, which is to have a goal of a 10% fund balance. The fund balance is projected to increase despite the fact that spending also is expected to go up. Although the board hasnât yet acted on the amended budget, Gistinger says due to a $5 million increase in state funding â attributed to enrollment increases and a hike in state per-pupil aid - the overall general fund budget is expected to increase to $67.3 million. That is an 8.8% increase in spending. Itâs not official yet, though. The amended budget is expected to be acted on at the next board meeting. Gistinger says the increase in fund equity will have the positive effect of improving Brightonâs bond rating and lowering interest rates. (TT)
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Brighton Man Found Unconscious in House FireBrighton Man Found Unconscious in House Fire
A Brighton man was taken to an area hospital after he was found unconscious as a result of a house fire. His condition remains unknown at this time. The Brighton Area Fire Dept. was called at 5:50 p.m. Friday to a home in the 800 block of Fairway Trails, where heavy smoke was billowing from the second floor. Brighton fire crews were assisted by the Green Oak Twp. Fire Dept. Firefighters went upstairs to a bedroom to rescue the 60-year-old man, who had no pulse, was brought out of the house on a stretcher. Crews began CPR, and, using advanced life support, were able to restore his pulse. The fire was quickly extinguished and the man and his wife were transported to the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor. The fire was confined to the second floor of the 2-story home. The names of the victims are being withheld at this time. (TT)
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