Howell High School Junior Dean Fassero rolled a perfect 300 game in the Highlanders' 27-3 victory over South Lyon at Whitmore Lanes on Saturday. Fassero, who rolled 19 strikes in a row between his first and second game, also rolled a 259. Howell's girls also beat South Lyon by a 27-3 score.
Perfect Game For Howell BowlerPerfect Game For Howell Bowler
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Huron Valley District Looks To Sell Land ParcelsHuron Valley District Looks To Sell Land Parcels
The Huron Valley School District is planning to sell two parcels of land it currently owns.
The districtâs Board of Education last week agreed to place up for sale a 64 acre plot at Wardlow and Harvey Lake roads appraised at $930,000 and another 10 acres at Bogie Lake Road valued at $300,000. The sales follow a decision by the Huron Valley board last February to get appraisals for all of its vacant property. With last weekâs vote, âFor Saleâ signs will be placed on the parcels and Superintendent Nancy Coratti can move forward and speak with potential buyers.
The South Lyon Herald reports that board member Jeffrey Long wanted more information about selling the property through a commercial real estate company. He also said the district should "aggressively pursue the sale" of the unwanted land, while board member Thomas Wiseman noted that a bidding process would ensure that everyone interested in the properties has a chance to make an offer. Donna Welch, assistant superintendent of administrative services, indicated some title work needed to be cleared up before any sale is finalized, but hoped the signs would at least start generating interest. (JK)
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Howell Public Schools Receives Capital Improvements UpdateHowell Public Schools Receives Capital Improvements Update
The sale of a district owned property a few years ago has helped a local school district make several upgrades recently.
During a recent meeting the Howell Public Schools Board of Education heard about a number of improvements to buildings, which were made possible in part with proceeds from the sale of its Latson Road Property. Over two years ago the property was sold to St. Johnâs Providence Healthcare and the over $5 million was put into a capital improvements fund. Superintendent Erin MacGregor says many projects have been completed. MacGregor says before he came to the district the board approved a list of improvements that could be done with the Latson Road funds. He says the funds were set aside for things like roofs and landscaping, much of which has been done. He says the last major project on the list is the Challenger Elementary playground.
Now that that piece is in the works, the board will take a look at additional needs in the district. Newly appointed supervisor of Maintenance, Operations and Custodial Services, Chris Eaton told the board that many of the districtâs buildings have seen face-lifts in the way of landscaping. He says one of the biggest projects was to add steps up the hill to the Rod Bushey Performing Arts Center, where there has been a history of slip and falls. He says benches and cement walkways were also added at some of the schools, and playground equipment is being replaced at the elementaries.
The board approved bids on January 23rd for new playground equipment at Challenger Elementary, which will cost $40,800. MacGregor says $30,000 for that project will come from the Latson Road fund, while the remainder is being raised by the local Parent Teacher Organization. (DS)
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Local Municipalities Sought To Join Rural Broadband Initiative Local Municipalities Sought To Join Rural Broadband Initiative
A resolution to study and possibly develop high-speed internet in rural Fowlerville has been delivered to local businesses and governmental units, seeking their support.
The Fowlerville Rural Broadband Initiative has drafted a resolution stating their belief that the need for high speed internet is âimperativeâ in rural Fowlerville. The resolution has been sent to Livingston County municipalities, groups and businesses that would benefit from the infrastructure.
The committee is asking that the recipients sign the resolution and return it to them by March 1st. Grace Damerow, Technology Director at Fowlerville Community Schools, has helped community members Mary Helfmann and Mike Rife spearhead the movement. Damerow says the resolution would only be a show of support to bring broadband to the area, and that at this time there are no financial commitments attached because itâs unclear what those would be.
She tells WHMI once the committee receives the signed resolutions, they can focus on how to make their dream a reality. Damerow acknowledges that funding will be the largest obstacle, but says an investment is worth it because the need for high-speed internet in rural Fowlerville is great.
Damerow says from an educational standpoint, the lack of it causes inconsistency for students who learn through online tools at school and then are without them at home. Damerow says the communityâs residents are also at a disadvantage because of the number of services and processes that have been transitioned online partially, if not entirely. Bodies that do sign the resolution will be showing their support of the Fowlerville Rural Broadband Initiative and its plans to study, recommend and support broadband development. (DK)
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Mobsteel Car Stolen After Premiere Of New ShowMobsteel Car Stolen After Premiere Of New Show
Following the debut episode of a new television series featuring a Livingston County car customizer and his team, one of their tricked out vehicles was stolen from the Detroit custom auto shop featured in the show.
Adam Genei of Brighton owns Mobsteel, which specializes in transforming old cars and trucks into high-end street-racers. The shop is featured on the new History Channel show "Detroit Steel," which premiered Saturday night. But Genei didnât have long to savor the success as the car was stolen from his shop on the West Edsel Ford Freeway Service Drive between 2 and 6am Sunday.
The 1974 Plymouth Road Runner is painted matte black, with a bright yellow stripe down the side. It has black wheels and dark tinted windows. Anybody with any information is asked to call Detroit Police.
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Committee Working To Pay For Moving Historic Train DepotCommittee Working To Pay For Moving Historic Train Depot
A final pitch is being made to save the old railroad depot before a planned development starts constructing apartments on the site.
Milfordâs Save the Depot committee needs $50,000 in order to disassemble the structure, located at 300 E. Huron Street. So far theyâve raised about $35,000. Once itâs is taken down, the plan will be to reassemble it in Southside Park. 100 luxury apartments have already been green-lighted for DevMar Development, which plans to build âMilford Lofts.â Linda Dagenhardt, a member of the Milford Historical Society and chair of the Save the Depot committee, told the Milford Times that she and the developer have spoken about a timeline for removing the structure. She said he has been very generous and given them extra time and they are hoping to be able to start work by the middle of February to start prepping the building. While the committee would prefer to move the building one piece, that would actually require an additional $40,000.
Built in 1871, the committee says the 20-foot-wide by 100-foot-long building played an important role in shaping much of what Milford has been allowed to become today and that the community thrives today because of the decision to invest in a train connection versus canals, which were also popular at the time as a method of commerce. Donations for the effort can be made online through the link below. (JK)
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Brighton Man Refuses To Let Theft Tarnish Detroit SteelBrighton Man Refuses To Let Theft Tarnish Detroit Steel
A Brighton man, whose reality TV show debuted over the weekend, isnât letting a stolen car get him down about basing his show in Detroit and highlighting the auto industry.
Adam Genei is the founder of Mobsteel, a car customization shop that he started in Brighton and is now featured on the History channel series âDetroit Steelâ, which debuted Saturday night. But Genei, speaking on Mike & Jon in the Morning, says they quickly had to refocus after a customized 1974 Plymouth Road Runner was stolen Sunday morning out of his Detroit shop. Genei, whose company was featured last year in a similar show for NBC-SN, says cars get stolen in any big city and he doesnât think Detroit needs to get a black eye for the theft. He thinks that especially true since the new show is intended to put a spotlight on the great automotive history of the Motor City and what he hopes is a return to its manufacturing glory days.
In Saturdayâs premiere, Genei and his crew rebuilt a 1956 Oldsmobile Rocket 88 whose owner worked in an Oldsmobile plant for 35 years. The car that was stolen will be featured in an upcoming episode. âDetroit Steelâ airs every Saturday at 10pm on History. (JK)
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Parker Middle School Students Attend Winter Band Camp Parker Middle School Students Attend Winter Band Camp
Howell middle school students spent a weekend at their school working to improve their musical skills and knowledge during an annual winter band camp.
7th and 8th grade band students spent a weekend in mid-January at Parker Middle School working in small and large groups with guest conductor Mary Hulliberger, the Walled Lake Northern High School director of bands, and with sectional coaches preparing for a concert that culminated the weekend.
Parker Middle School Band Director Jeffrey Stimson says the camp is a unique experience that provides each student the opportunity to work with coaches who specialize in each instrument and with a guest conductor, which helps the students grow as musicians.
Students worked to perfect different arrangements and attended various breakout sessions where they learned about music therapy, music education, musical theater and how music is used in veterinary care. A painting project, photo booth and dance were also worked into the busy schedule.
7th grader Jacob Loomis said he learned a couple of techniques in snare drum and bells while 7th grader Sara Reder commented she loved being in the individual sections and learned many new things. (JM)
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Group Gathers in Brighton to Protest Against Repeal of ObamacareGroup Gathers in Brighton to Protest Against Repeal of Obamacare
8th District voters rallied outside of Congressman Mike Bishopâs office in Brighton this afternoon in show of support of the Affordable Care Act.
Protesters say they want government leaders to fix the health care reform law, instead of repealing and destroying it. The group consisted of people who came to share their stories and reasons why theyâre in favor of the ACA, better known as Obamacare.
Organizer Derek Stephens says the goal of the protest was to send a message to Bishop and his office that the repeal of the ACA, âis not what America wants or needsâ. Stephens tells WHMI he feels that âa big portion of the country was scaredâ after President Donald Trump was elected. Stephens believes politicians need to be held accountable and know where the people stand. He says the ACA âis not perfectâ, but that it has helped many and repealing it would mean millions would lose their health insurance. Stephens calls that outcome ultimately âa death sentenceâ.
Karen Moss of Rochester Hills was one of the protestâs leaders and says because of the ACA, she was able to purchase an insurance plan on the open market that cost less than the one offered through her husbandâs employer. Moss tells WHMI sheâs âvery concerned about the manner in which Congress is shoving through this idea that theyâre going to repeal the ACAâ, without a plan of how to replace it or fund it. Moss says âI think theyâre trying to sledge hammer something through for political purposes and theyâre not listening to the people of the country.â
Those in favor of repealing the ACA also made their voices heard today. Carole Bullion-Mincy of Oceola Township was among one of three people that stopped into Bishopâs office to share how the ACA has negatively impacted them. She tells WHMI she is against the policy because it is penalizing people who canât even afford to have insurance for not having insurance. Bullion-Mincy wants the plan repealed and replaced. She says the ACA has âcost a lot of people a lot of money and heartache.â
Bishop spokesperson Kelli Ford says the Congressman was in session today but that heâs aware of the protest and fully hears the concerns voiced by those who participated. She says âit is important to be getting input from everyone, on all sides of the health care debate, as Congress begins the legislative process of repealing and replacing Obamacare.â (DK)
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Rod Beaton Named Pinckney Football CoachRod Beaton Named Pinckney Football Coach
Pinckney High School's athletic department announced Monday night the hiring of Rod Beaton as the school's new football coach. Beaton replaces Jakob Gailitis, who resigned last month.
Beaton has been a Pinckney teacher for 15 years and a football coach for 12. He spent the last five years as the Pirates defensive coordinator. In a statement posted to the team's Facebook page, Beaton wrote he will stress the family aspect of the program and said he believes that everything in place for a successful future.
The Pirates were 7-2 last year in their final seaspn in the KLAA. Pinckney will move to the Southeastern Conference in the fall.
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Howell Firefighter & Ordained Minister Offering "Free Marriages" On Valentine's DayHowell Firefighter & Ordained Minister Offering "Free Marriages" On Valentine's Day
A local resident and wedding officiant is providing free marriages at the Uptown Coffeehouse in Howell this Valentine's Day as his way of giving back to the community.
Bill Fenton of Howell is a firefighter with the Howell Area Fire Authority but has also been an ordained minister for approximately five years. He guesses heâs married between 750 and 1,000 couples in that time.
Fenton says he started to notice a need for a simple and affordable way to legalize a marriage and began offering his services for $50. Thus began the âCoffee Shop Weddingsâ at Uptown Coffeehouse. Fenton says couples come there, exchange âI Doâsâ in front of a few witnesses, sign the necessary paperwork and theyâre married.
Fenton tells WHMI not everyone can afford an expensive wedding these days. Fenton performed a marriage at the coffee shop earlier this week for a couple from Indiana. He says they made the 2.5 hour drive to Howell because Fentonâs $50 service fee was much more affordable for them compared to the $250 charged by officiants in their own state.
After hearing the couple's story and talking with coffee shop owners, he decided to offer his services at the shop for free February 14th from 12 to 8pm. He says he wants people to know â...the worldâs really not that miserable and not everybody is greedy."
An official marriage license will need to be obtained through the clerkâs office ahead of time and Fenton says heâd appreciate it if couples called to verify a time in advance. He can be reached at 734-818-6385. (DK)
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Vaupel Plans to Reintroduce Legislation Eliminating Judicial Age LimitVaupel Plans to Reintroduce Legislation Eliminating Judicial Age Limit
A local lawmaker says removing age limits for Michigan judges is an area heâs focused on in the 2017/2018 legislative term.
State Representative Hank Vaupel says the stateâs ban on judges over the age of 70 seeking re-election is âage discriminationâ. The Handy Township Republican plans to reintroduce legislation that would eliminate the age limit this year.
He says the healthcare field has progressed since the age restriction was added in 1955, allowing people to remain physically and mentally healthier longer. As a result, Vaupel says the average age of a person has increased and people are living much more productively.
Vaupel tells WHMI he believes it should be up to the voters to decide whether a judge is doing a good job and worthy of being re-elected. Judges over the age limit are allowed to be visiting judges or mediators. Vaupel questions why the court system has enough confidence to allow that, but not allow a judge to run again.
Two Livingston County judges went head to head in the last election as a result of the age restriction. 53rd District Court Judge Carol Sue Readerâs seat is up next year. She hoped to extend her stay past 2018 by challenging Judge Suzanne Geddis for her seat, but subsequently lost.
Vaupel says because the law is written into the constitution, the legislation to eliminate it has to pass the House and Senate by a two-thirds vote before it would move to citizens. (DK)
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Brighton-Based Sundance Sued By Taco Bell Employees In Alleged Wage SchemeBrighton-Based Sundance Sued By Taco Bell Employees In Alleged Wage Scheme
A Brighton-based Taco Bell franchisor is being sued in federal court in an alleged misclassification, overtime and wage theft case.
The defendant, Sundance Incorporated, is headquartered in Brighton and owns over 150 Taco Bell franchises throughout the United States. Four plaintiffs are named in the complaint who worked as crew members and differing levels of management at various locations throughout Metro Detroit. The complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Detroit alleges various minimum wage and overtime violations of the Federal Labor Standards Act.
Attorney Megan Bonanni represents some of the plaintiffs seeking damages, back pay and restitution and tells WHMI they have heard from many clients that, âthese illegal pay practices have been going on for many years.â At various points over the past three years, Sundance is accused of failing to pay employees for all hours worked including overtime, and regularly instructed employees to clock out but continue working. It alleges Sundance engages in a practice in which it âshiftsâ hours that an employee works during one week over to the following week so that time records do not demonstrate an employee worked over 40 hours in a given work week. Sundance allegedly keeps a white board in its Brighton office to keep track of employeesâ âshifted hours.â
In a response filed as part of the case, Sundance denied the allegations and that any acts or omissions within the confines of the law. A scheduling conference in the case is set February 27th. (JM/JK)
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Man Arrested For Early Morning Vehicle Larcenies In Highland Township Man Arrested For Early Morning Vehicle Larcenies In Highland Township
An observant snow plow driver helped authorities apprehend a suspect who was breaking into vehicles in a Highland Township subdivision.
Deputies with the Oakland County Sheriffâs Office Highland Township substation were called out patched shortly before 2:30am to the 400 block of Carnoustie Drive on the report of a suspicious subject. A report states that a truck driver clearing snow from the roadway had observed a suspicious man walking around the subdivision carrying a backpack, looking into parked vehicles. The office says the subject was seen trying to break into a car parked in a driveway on Gleneagles Drive but ran off after he noticed the snow plow driver, who waited for deputies to arrive to provide a direction of travel.
Deputies observed footprints in the fresh snow leading from parked car to parked car, thus a K-9 Unit was requested. Deputies established a perimeter and the suspect was eventually found hiding inside of a vehicle parked in the driveway of a home on Highland Road. Authorities say the suspect was found in possession of a backpack that contained stolen property taken from several different vehicles in the subdivision.
The 27-year-old Pontiac man was taken into custody and subsequently lodged at the Oakland County Jail pending the issuance of criminal charges. (JM)
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Milford Police Hail Local 5th Grader As A HeroMilford Police Hail Local 5th Grader As A Hero
A local 5th-grader has been recognized for an act of heroism.
Members of the Milford Police and Fire Departments recently joined the entire fifth grade student body at Kurtz Elementary School to recognize Cesar Garcia-Rodriguez for heroic actions he took last Wednesday January 25th. Authorities say Garcia-Rodriguez was a passenger in a school bus on his way home for the day. When the bus stopped and allowed other students to exit, he observed a first grade student walk to the rear tire of the bus and reach underneath. Only seeing the studentâs legs on the ground, and aware that the bus was about to leave, Cesar screamed to the bus driver to stop thus preventing the child from being run over.
The bus driver exited the bus and saw a child running away. The driver then noticed a pile of snow placed under the rear tire, indicating that the child had been underneath. Aware that Cesar most likely saved a studentâs life, the driver contacted Kurtz Elementary Principal Steve Chisik to inform him of the heroic act. Chisik then contacted the Milford Police Department to make them aware of the incident.
Milford Police Officer Daniel Caldwell presented Cesar with a lifesaving award during a special ceremony held on Friday, saying they were, âextremely proud of Cesar for his quick thinking and concern for his peers,â adding that âhe truly made a difference and most likely saved a childâs life.â(JK)
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Genoa Officials Look At Zoning Changes Including Medical Marijuana Genoa Officials Look At Zoning Changes Including Medical Marijuana
A handful of zoning ordinances were hashed over during a joint meeting in one local township Monday night.
The Genoa Township Board of Trustees met with the Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Commission in an effort to work through an update to the townshipâs zoning ordinance. As a result of the discussion several ordinance changes will be forthcoming, including those dealing with fences, temporary signs and the use of solar energy collectors on residential property, but not dealing with medical marijuana.
Assistant Township Manager Kelly VanMarter led the discussion and says some of the eight ordinances discussed have a significant impact on residents. She says privacy fences is one of the bigger issues because current ordinance doesn't allow it. She says it sounds like there is some support to allow fences, which she says residents will appreciate. Van Marter says current sign ordinance also doesn't allow for temporary signs; they are pulled up as soon as they are found, but there is also support for allowing them. She says as long as the township can control it and they are kept attractive, businesses will appreciate that change. As for solar energy collectors, Van Marter says that is something relatively new, and the township doesn't currently have a provision for them. She says people are looking to generate energy and take advantage of the resources to make it more affordable. She says the ordinance change should be a way to give people some guidance if they are looking to place a solar panel on their home.
VanMarter says there was also discussion surrounding a potential ordinance regulating medical marijuana facilities, but like many other municipalities they will take a âwait and seeâ approach. She says there will likely be a resolution at an upcoming meeting to prohibit dispensaries and growing facilities, and they will wait to see what happens at the federal level before adopting an ordinance. The works session agenda also included discussion about ordinances that prohibit additions to single family homes for accessory dwellings. Van Marter says the ordinance will be changed so that families can add on a suite to house elderly family members or children returning home after college to get a handle on debt. There was also discussion about zoning districts on Latson Road south of the interchange, and the Town Center Overlay district at the corner of Dorr Road and Grand River. Van Marter says the ordinance changes will be incorporated into the townshipâs zoning ordinance this year. (DS)
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Woody Makes Big Game Pick As Warmup For Groundhog Day EventWoody Makes Big Game Pick As Warmup For Groundhog Day Event
Livingston County's resident weather-guessing woodchuck will make her 19th prediction this week.
Woody from the Howell Conference & Nature Center will make her annual Groundhog Day prediction Thursday. Dick Grant is the nature centerâs Executive Director and says the free event has definitely grown through the years to become quite the before-school party. It will begin at 7:45am with a free continental breakfast. Then at 7:45, the event itself will kickoff with remarks from Executive Director Dick Grant and Wilflife Director Dana DeBenham (pictured), followed by a costume contest. And then at 8:15, Woody will make her prediction.
Grant says while Woodyâs fame is beginning to match that of the better-known Punxsutawney Phil, her reputation is unequaled, having correctly forecast the length of winter 14 out of 18 times. Although Phil claims to be correct in his predictions 100% of the time, a check of the records shows itâs more in the 40% range.
Woody is also pretty good at picking Super Bowl winners. Woody joined Mike & Jon in the Morning in the WHMI studios for her annual Super Bowl pick, and decisively chose the Patriots to win it all on Sunday. When it comes to the big game, Woody is 7 for 10, better than most Las Vegas odds-makers.
Details about Thursdayâs celebration can be found online through the link below. (JK)
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City of Fenton Looking To Sell Old Seminary Property City of Fenton Looking To Sell Old Seminary Property
The City of Fenton is looking to sell the old Fenton seminary property.
Demolition of the Fenton seminary took place in September of 2015 and the City is leaning toward selling the property at High Street and State Road. City Manager Lynn Markland told the Tri-County Times the property could possibly be sold sometime this year, noting an adjacent parcel could be combined with the old seminary parcel for a potential development. Markland says the owner is willing to work with the City to sell the two properties together. Until any sale is finalized, the City will continue to maintain the property.
The 10,000-square-foot seminary building was built in 1867, and was listed in 1983 on the National Register of Historic Places. It served as a seminary for 18 years, and was also a home for retired Baptist ministers, an apartment complex and a school. The building has been vacant since 1967. An interior designer who had acquired the building gave up on a renovation plan in 2007. Part of the building collapsed in a 2013 storm. (JM)
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Former Fenton Real Estate Agent Given Deadline To Avoid JailFormer Fenton Real Estate Agent Given Deadline To Avoid Jail
A former Fenton real estate agent charged with fraud has 10 days to produce $200,000 if he hopes to avoid jail.
In August of 2015, 45-year-old Thomas Tubbs of Grand Blanc allegedly took $150,000 from an Atlas Township couple for what was believed to be a real estate transaction, but never followed through and allegedly kept the money for himself. At the time, Tubbs was a licensed real estate agent for Century 21 ParkPlace in Fenton, which is now Century 21 Woodland.
The residence in question was never purchased or closed on. Dan Borgerding, the broker for Century 21 Woodland, says the transaction was conducted outside of the real estate company.
In August of 2016, Tubbs pleaded no contest to one count of false pretenses of $100,000 or more, seeking a deferred sentence so that he may pay restitution in full. His sentencing was twice adjourned. Judge Geoffrey Neithercut could sentence Tubbs to prison time if he doesnât come up with $200,000 by his next sentencing date, February 10th.
The Tri County Times reports that Tubbs has said his father Jim Tubbs, who is also a real estate agent, will sell some property to help his son make restitution. Court records indicate that Tubbs has been charged with similar crimes in two separate cases. (DK)
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High Risk Behaviors Presentation Will Educate Teens And ParentsHigh Risk Behaviors Presentation Will Educate Teens And Parents
Two community support organizations are teaming up to educate teens and parents about dangerous behaviors.
The Livingston County Abolitionist Project, or L-CAP, and LACASA are hosting their High Risk Behaviors presentation for families of high school students, Thursday night. Talking points include teen dating violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. L-CAP Director Marilyn Galvan warned against thinking that trafficking is not a problem in Livingston County. She told WHMI that what people forget to realize sometimes, is that while they believed their child may be safe or doing okay, they could still run into high risk areas like youth community centers and dangerous sites on the internet.
The presentation will also hit on what to do when found in a high risk situation, bad and good social apps, and what is currently happening in Livingston County. This program designed for helping protect youths from predators and violence will run from 7pm to 9pm on Thursday, at Cornerstone Church on Hilton Road, in Brighton. (MK)
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