A quick response by local firefighters is being credited with helping save a Genoa Township home over the weekend.
The Brighton Area Fire Authority was dispatched to a residential structure fire on the 5400 block of Golf Club Road just after 8:30 Saturday morning. Crews arrived to find an attached garage fully involved with fire, with flames extending into the attic of the residence. Deputy Brighton Fire Chief Mike Evans says that firefighters were able to stop the progression of the fire into the attic, thereby saving the residence. The homeowners escaped unharmed along with their dog and were assisted by neighbors.
Chief Evans says the fire was brought under control within 15 minutes, although firefighters remained on the scene for another two hours extinguishing hot spots. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but is believed to have been unintentional. Brighton firefighters were assisted on the scene by the Howell Area Fire Authority and Livingston County EMS. The American Red Cross arrived to assist the homeowners with immediate needs. No injuries were reported. (JK)
Weekend Fire Destroys Garage As Firefighters Save HouseWeekend Fire Destroys Garage As Firefighters Save House
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ET Rover Pipeline Company Files Eminent Domain Lawsuit ET Rover Pipeline Company Files Eminent Domain Lawsuit
A lawsuit has been filed against local property owners and government entities along the route of an interstate natural gas pipeline that have not granted easements.
The Livingston County Road Commission and Drain Commissionerâs Office are both named in the suit filed in U.S. District Court by ET Rover Pipeline, along with some private property owners in the Pinckney area. The company is asking a judge to grant the needed easements under eminent domain so work can commence on schedule.
Chief Deputy Drain Commissioner Ken Recker says there are a lot of drainage ways and wetlands the Rover Pipeline will cross. The office was granted easements some time ago for four specific drainage ways in primarily the southwest portion of Livingston County, extending up into Handy Township, north of Mason Road and west of Thrun Road. Recker tells WHMI their job involves protecting the upstream landowners and landowners in these drainage ways that the office has maintenance authority over under the drain code. He says as long as the pipe being installed is done in such a way it wonât affect their ability to come in and do future work or improve the drain, there really isnât a long term issue. He says the biggest thing is that if Rover does come through and open cuts the drainage way, then they want the company to get it stable, fixed and grassed up as quickly as possible after they do the work.
Recker says the office has only been contacted a couple times by Rover Pipeline, noting the companyâs approach to the acquisition of right-of-ways or obtaining permits is a little different than what theyâve typically encountered with other pipeline companies such as Enbridge. Recker says the company has done most of its work remotely. Other than an independent right-of-way contractor for Rover initially; he doesnât believe theyâve had any engineer from Rover in the office - which is different from what they are used to dealing with fellow utilities.
The Drain Commissioner's Office in Lenawee County and the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner are also named as defendants in the lawsuit.
Recker says there can always be settlement discussions between the parties and anticipates further discussion between attorneys. Another court date is approaching in March. (JM)
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United Way Names New Program Coordinator For Volunteer Livingston United Way Names New Program Coordinator For Volunteer Livingston
A local volunteer program is moving forward with a new coordinator.
The Livingston County United Way says the new year is bringing Volunteer Livingston a fresh new look with an updated logo and a new program coordinator. Brenna Wheeler comes to the United Way from Central Michigan 2-1-1, where she served as manager for a number of years.
Volunteer Livingston is a program that helps Livingston County businesses and residents find for new and ongoing volunteer opportunities. They can also search an online database through the provided link.
Livingston County United Way Executive Director Nancy Rosso says âBrenna has lots of ideas and brings great energy to the Volunteer Livingston programâ. Rosso commented her past experience with the 2-1-1 program will be beneficial in making important connections to best help the community.
Volunteer Livingston hosts monthly volunteer coordinator meetings that help support local organizations on how to best work with their volunteers. An annual volunteer appreciation event is typically held in September. Volunteer Livingston is also working on organizing a Volunteer Reception Center in the event of a local major disaster. (JM)
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Sheriff's Office Looks To Establish Medical Marijuana Oversight ProgramSheriff's Office Looks To Establish Medical Marijuana Oversight Program
The Livingston County Sheriffâs Office is pursuing a state grant that will provide more resources to ensure medical marijuana users and dispensaries are adhering to the law.
The Sheriffâs Office has determined there is a need to establish a medical marijuana operation and oversight program, which would include education, communication and enforcement of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act. Lieutenant Eric Sanborn says the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act is âbroad and ill-conceivedâ. He further believes the law ââ¦handcuffs law enforcementâ.
Lt.Sanborn says the department was recently made aware of a grant from the stateâs Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs that would financially assist such a program. The 2017 Michigan Medical Marijuana Operation and Oversight Grant splits funds between regions that apply for the grant based on the number of medical marijuana cardholders within that county. Livingston County would receive just over $47,430 because there are roughly 1,800 cardholders among the estimated 184,440 residents.
Using a LawNet concept team, the operation will check up on cardholders, caregivers and dispensaries to confirm their compliance. The funds will provide electronic equipment, community education and communication resources. Lt. Sanborn says this is the first time the Sheriffâs Department is applying for the grant, as they only recently became aware of it.
An itemized list and application was brought before the countyâs Public Safety and Infrastructure and Development Committee Monday night. The committee approved acceptance of the grant, along with a budget modification. The resolution will move on to the Finance committee before coming before the Board of Commissioners. (DK)
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Pinckney Boosts Security At Village OfficesPinckney Boosts Security At Village Offices
Pinckney's Village offices are getting security upgrades to help create a sense of security for staff.
Over the last few months a security door has been installed and an accessible restroom added to the lower level of the Village of Pinckney Offices. Monday night the Village Council agreed to continue the process at the main entrance. Village Clerk Amy Salowitz says a new secure door from the front entrance means people will need to be buzzed into the offices, and a window will separate staff from the public. Salowitz says changes came about after she and other staff attended a safety conference at Livingston County EMS learning to prepare for the unexpected.
Salowitz says several staff attended a class at Livingston County about being prepared for the things that you can't really prepare for. She says the world, sadly, is changing and Pinckney is a remote area, and an easy target for some people. She says she also thinks the Village Offices building was designed as a house, and is just an old building with very easy access. Salowitz says walking in the front door there are three women to stop an intruder, and the needed to make the people there safe.
Salowitz says there have been no incidents to warrant concerns, but not only because of its rural location, but also because of the need to secure access to the police department, they decided to make the building more secure. Salowitz says the earlier renovations allow the police department to have a secure area, especially to lock up property from arrests. She says the secure door will also benefit the local groups who use the building for meetings, as the village staff donât have to be present to keep an eye on the offices. Village President Linda Lavey says in this day and age, it is best to err on the side of caution and make sure the village staff is safe. She says costs are kept low because the work is being performed by a local builder wanting community service hours. (DS)
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Fenton Man Heads To Trial On CSC Charges In Genesee County Fenton Man Heads To Trial On CSC Charges In Genesee County
Following his conviction in Oakland County, a Fenton man is heading to trial in Genesee County on charges of child sexual assault.
41-year-old Robert Lee Dennis was bound over last week to stand trial in Genesee County Circuit Court on eight counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with someone under the age of 13. Dennis is reported to have assaulted someone he knew over a three-year period in Fenton.
Dennis was sentenced by an Oakland County judge in December to serve 30-50 years in prison on multiple counts of 1st degree CSC. Oakland County authorities say Dennis was leasing a home in Rochester Hills when he began sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl who was known to him. It remains unknown if the Genesee and Oakland County victim are the same individual. If convicted on the latest charges, Dennis could face up to life in prison. (JK)
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BHS Goal: Funding School in Third World CountryBHS Goal: Funding School in Third World Country
The 150 Brighton High students in the National Honor Society will be spearheading a fundraising drive this spring to raise funds in order to build a school in an impoverished section of the world.
Each year, the Brighton chapter of the National Honor Society selects a charity to donate to, and this year the group has chosen âPencils of Promiseâ - a non-profit foundation that builds schools and provides teacher support and classroom materials in Third World countries. Katy Bishop, the student representative on the Brighton Board of Education, tells WHMI her group has set a very ambitious fundraising goal this year of $35,000.
The 2,100 students at Brighton High School are known for being generous with their fundraising efforts. Earlier this school year, the students raised over $30,000 for the American Cancer Society during âPink Weekâ. Instead of restricting fundraising efforts to just the high school, for Pencils of Promise the students will be raising funds at the other schools in the district in order to meet their lofty goal.
Bishop says Pencils of Promise was picked as the charity because of its commitment to better education for the children of Third World countries in Southeast Asia, Africa and Central America. Since the program began in 2009, the organization has built 400 schools. Bishop says 100% of the fundraising efforts go directly to building schools and providing educational programs and support. (TT)
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Parking Lot Time Limits Being Adjusted In Downtown Howell Parking Lot Time Limits Being Adjusted In Downtown Howell
Additional demand on different parking lots in downtown Howell is leading the city to evaluate different restrictions and time allowances.
The Howell City Council met Monday night and approved an amendment to a traffic control order for whatâs referred to as parking lot #3 behind the new Diamondâs Restaurant and Toyology. Parking lot # 1, which is the large lot behind Clearyâs and 1st National Bank, already has a four hour time limit. For consistency, City Manager Shea Charles tells WHMI the recommendation was to give parking lot # 3 a four hour limit.
With increased development and redevelopment projects downtown, thereâs been an increased demand on parking lots near various restaurants and businesses. The modification to time limits in parking lot #3 followed concerns raised by the owner of Casa de Bella at a recent meeting about a shortage of long term parking for customers. The parking lot at Walnut and Sibley Streets behind the business is an 8 hour parking lot so itâs busy. Customers would then utilize other lots including parking lot #3 across the street but began receiving tickets.
Charles says staff will be proceeding with a more in-depth parking analysis this spring and doing parking counts to try and get a sense of where the demands are. After that, staff will bring back a more formal request to council to make modifications as they see fit. (JM)
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Pinckney Woman Arraigned On Embezzlement ChargesPinckney Woman Arraigned On Embezzlement Charges
A Livingston County woman has been arraigned on embezzlement charges after authorities say she stole more than $1 million from a Bloomfield Township computer staffing firm.
53-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, who is free after posting a $250,000 bond, was formally arraigned Monday in Oakland County Circuit Court on five felony counts of embezzlement over $100,000 and one count of embezzlement between $50,000 and $100,000. A motion to remove her electronic tether was also granted and a pretrial hearing set for April 3rd.
Police say the owner of the company became suspicious after reviewing the companyâs checking account and finding multiple checks issued to Broich. If convicted, she faces up to 20 years in prison. (JK)
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National Recognition Week Will Once Again Honor 911 Dispatchers National Recognition Week Will Once Again Honor 911 Dispatchers
911 dispatchers play an important role in keeping the community safe and Livingston County wants to recognize them for all that they do.
The second full week of April has been designated as National Public Safety Telecommunicatorsâ Week to recognize the men and women dedicated to the countryâs 911 service. The 911 telecommunicators of Livingston County work 24 hours, seven days a week, as a link between citizens and public safety first responders.
In the past, the week of recognition included an awards ceremony for dispatchers and the fire service has cooked breakfast for them to express their gratitude. Details about celebratory events the week of havenât been released yet, however a resolution was approved Monday, declaring the week of April 9th through the 15th as Telecommunicatorsâ Week. That resolution will now move from the county's Public Safety and Infrastructure and Development Committee, to Finance and the Board of Commissioners for final approval. (DK)
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Brighton Chooses Unlimited Schools of Choice Program for 2017-18Brighton Chooses Unlimited Schools of Choice Program for 2017-18
The Brighton Area Schools will be accepting an unlimited number of students from other school districts this fall in the Schools of Choice program.
The Board of Education, meeting in regular session Monday night, voted to place no limits on the number of Schools of Choice students it accepts. Schools of Choice is a program stemming from Proposal A in which students may opt to attend a school not in their home district. School districts with the program in place get the full amount of state aid behind each student, which for Brighton amounts to about $7,500 per pupil.
Superintendent Greg Gray tells WHMI that despite the closure of Lindbom Elementary several years ago, and a gradually rising student enrollment, there is plenty of room for any out-of-district student who wish to attend the Brighton Area Schools. Gray says that even if Brighton were to experience a large influx of students for the fall term, it shouldnât pose a problem. The Brighton Area School District currently has about 6,000 students in grades junior kindergarten through 12th grade. (TT)
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Documentary Showing At Historic Howell Theater Will Highlight Brain Injury Awareness Documentary Showing At Historic Howell Theater Will Highlight Brain Injury Awareness
A free screening of an award-winning documentary in Howell later this month will bring attention to March as Brain Injury Awareness Month.
Head Games: The Global Concussion Crisis, will be shown at the Historic Howell Theater on Wednesday, March 15th. The documentary will offer insight about head trauma and concussions, their effect on athletes and the need to change the publicâs perception.
The event will be sponsored by Rainbow Rehabilitation Centers and the Brain Injury Association of Michigan (BIAM). President and CEO Tom Constand says the film will be shown to juxtapose an emerging point of view from the medical community and sports neurologists that concussions are not necessarily a âdeath sentenceâ. Constand tells WHMI the goal is to swing the pendulum of thought closer to the center.
In the last two to three years, Constand feels concussion awareness has built to a crescendo and people became not only aware of them but also afraid. Constand says their concern is important, but feels it is also important that the public knows that the injury isnât always a career-ender or life-changer, as long as proper protocol is followed.
Constand says concussions are a serious matter however, and the movie is just one tool the BIAM is using to open up the discussion about concussions and head injuries. Several professionals will take part in a moderated panel discussion following the screening of Head Games. Doors for the event open at 6pm. You can find more information at the link below. (DK)
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Northfield Township To Consider Filling Vacant Township Manager JobNorthfield Township To Consider Filling Vacant Township Manager Job
Northfield Township will start looking for a new township manager, but isnât committing to filling the role.
The Board of Trustees discussed at length various aspects regarding the manager job before voting to approve advertising for it by a slim 4-3 margin at their regular meeting Tuesday night. The township manager position has been vacant since January 5th when Howard Fink resigned to take a similar role on the west side of the state. Many residents spoke up during public comment, with a majority being in favor of keeping the job vacant and having existing government employees take up the roles as needed. A few spoke up in favor of hiring another manager, citing that someone experienced in the occupation could end up saving the township money in the long run.
Supervisor Marlene Chockley voted against the motion to advertise for the job, saying that the money they could save on paying a manager could be put to great use within the township. She told WHMI there were possibilities like a sidewalk that crossed US-23 at 8-Mile, or more parking downtown, that could be made possible with the money saved. Chockley and others on the board were concerned about a shrinking general fund balance that could be helped out by, for example, waiting until later in the year to assess if a manager was truly needed.
Since the role has been vacant, Chockley and an administrative assistant have been taking care of the managerâs duties. Trustee Janet Chick was in favor of filling the role and commented on how the managerâs salary was already budgeted. The board eventually agreed by majority to advertise for the opening with a salary from $60,000 to $75,000 with benefits, which is lower than the previous manager received, but retains the right to not hire anyone. (MK)
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Lindbom School Site In Brighton Back On The Market Lindbom School Site In Brighton Back On The Market
The old Lindbom School site in the City of Brighton is back on the market, but for more than double what it was sold for two years ago.
The property encompasses 10.5-acres off State Street. Itâs on the market for $3.75 (M) million and is being marketed as a senior housing redevelopment site. Pat Battaglia of ACA Brighton Holdings LLC bought the property from Brighton Area Schools in January of 2015 for $1.45 (m) million and originally sought to open a charter school with a âclassicalâ curriculum. After that venture fell through, Battaglia presented plans to the Brighton City Planning Commission in December of 2015 for a senior housing complex at the site, although concerns were raised by residents in the surrounding neighborhood about density, traffic, noise and lighting.
Any past approvals for that project have since expired and records show that on March 23rd, 2016 the property was transferred to RJB Holding Group LLC. The listed agent of that group is John Berry, who has been linked to Battaglia and is thought to have financed the purchase of the school. The deed reveals the property was sold for $10, which would appear was done to avoid paying a real estate tax. The law that permits such a sale is referenced on the deed.
The property is now being marketed by the Southfield-based commercial real estate services group NAI Farbman. The listing states the site is âprime for redevelopmentâ. However, there are legacy environmental issues and it is considered a Brownfield Redevelopment site due to a plume of contaminants in the groundwater that is being monitored by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. Since the site has access to city water, drinking water would not be affected. Had Battagliaâs senior housing project gone forward, he would have been required to perform a Phase I environmental study onsite pertaining to asbestos that was found in the walls and floors of the former school building, as well as in the heating and cooling system. (JM/JK)
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No Charges To Be Filed Against Man Who Pushed ProtestorsNo Charges To Be Filed Against Man Who Pushed Protestors
A man who âforcefullyâ pushed some protestors outside of a local congressmanâs office will not face criminal charges.
Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt confirmed Tuesday that no charges will be filed against a man who reportedly pushed some people involved in the February 13th protest. Constituents had gathered in front of Congressman Mike Bishopâs Brighton office on Grand River to voice opposition to his support for repeal of the Affordable Care Act. While the group was peacefully protesting, an older, retired male walked down stairs and forcefully pushed some protesters out of the way, apparently unhappy they were on the sidewalk.
No injuries resulted from the incident, but 12 counts of assault and battery were referred to the Prosecutorâs Office for review. Vailliencourt says his office had an opportunity to review a video of the incident, but after watching it ââ¦concluded that there is insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a crime was committed.â Acting Brighton Police Chief Rob Bradford previously told WHMI there have been no problems with the protestors, who have contacted the department prior to their demonstrations. (DK/JK)
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Sheriff Murphy Joins Fight Crime: Invest In KidsSheriff Murphy Joins Fight Crime: Invest In Kids
A Livingston County authority figure is joining the fight to keep kids out of trouble before they get into it.
Sheriff Mike Murphy has become a member of the statewide anti-crime group, Fight Crime: Invest in Kids. The organization is a bi-partisan crime fighting group with over 500 prosecutors, sheriffs, police chiefs, and victims of violence from across Michigan. Their mission is to investigate what really works and what doesnât in keeping kids from becoming criminals. It then shares the information it finds with policy makers, the media, and the public.
Some of the strategies theyâve discovered to be effective in reducing crime are after-school programs, early care and pre-kindergarten programs, and child abuse and neglect prevention programs. The state director for Fight Crime Jerry Dash said they were honored to have a dedicated sheriff like Murphy who knows the importance using high quality crime prevention programs join their ranks.(MK)
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Cyber Training Institute Holding Identity Theft WorkshopCyber Training Institute Holding Identity Theft Workshop
A free event aimed at helping residents protect or reclaim their identity is scheduled for later this month.
The Pinckney Cyber Training Institute is holding a Personal Identity Theft Workshop, titled Empower U on Tuesday, March 21st from 7pm to 8pm. Institute Director Jim Darga told WHMI that people attending the workshop will have an opportunity to not only learn about personal identity theft, but also develop their own plans to monitor their personal identity, guard against losing it, and learn how to recover it if it is stolen. Darga said the event is for the general population and is aimed at the many people who are concerned about personal identity theft or are one the many people it has already happened to. The workshop is the second of what is being planned for monthly community outreach events by the Cyber Training Institute.
The Institute, located within Pinckney Community High School, specializes in being a hands-on training and certification center for all things cyber-security. Last month they helped small businesses learn the ins-and-outs of credit card security, and Darga said they are looking in the near future to educate homeowners about the risks of having their appliances and security systems hooked up to the internet. More information on this event or the Institute in general can be found on their website, a link for which is below. (MK)
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March Is Red Cross Month March Is Red Cross Month
March is Red Cross Month and donating blood is a small thing Livingston County residents can do to make a lifesaving difference.
March has been recognized as Red Cross Month by every U.S. president since 1943 in celebration of the Red Cross volunteers who help those in need by giving their time, money or blood. Officials say donating is easy with the free Blood Donor App that allows donors convenience in scheduling and managing donation appointments, access their donor card, track the impact of their donations and earn rewards.
Donors can also save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questions online at before coming to their appointments.
There are various upcoming blood donation opportunities approaching in Livingston County, with a full listing attached. Individuals can visit www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to schedule appointments. (JM)
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Sink Hole Forces Closure Of Hamburg Township StreetSink Hole Forces Closure Of Hamburg Township Street
A sink hole on a Hamburg Township residential street forced its closure today while crews with the Livingston County Road Commission repaired the issue.
Shadow Woods Lane resident Laura Sendel says her neighborâs son was skateboarding on their street Tuesday when he noticed a small hole in the roadway (see inset). A closer examination revealed what appeared to be a much larger cavity underneath. Sendel says they measured it to be at least six feet deep and as wide as the roadway itself. After calls to local police and township officials failed to produce a response, Sendel says they called the road commission, which sent out a representative followed by a crew to fill it with limestone.
But after last nightâs rains, it collapsed again and half a dozen trucks with backhoes returned today, blocking off the road for several hours while they installed two drains and refilled the hole. Sendel and her neighbor, Joanna Robinson, say they were told the entire road needs to be replaced, but there arenât funds to do that currently. They worry that the current fix is more or less a Band-Aid to a much bigger problem of inadequate drainage.
Road Commission Managing Director Mike Craine says a drainage culvert under the road had failed due to corrosion. In order to eliminate any further danger from the collapsed pipe, the pipe was crushed and the hole was filled with stone. The significant rain washed out the crushed culvert further. He says there is a new culvert in place now and the rest of the damage will be repaired when weather conditions permit.
Supervisor Pat Hohl tells WHMI noted the county was very responsive. He agreed the road is in horrible condition but says the money simply is not there and he has had numerous meetings over the last three days with people who want help getting their roads fixed. As for a five year road millage approved by voters, Hohl says the focus for the first three years will be getting primary roads fixed, before moving onto secondary roads. (JK/JM)
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Online Survey Seeks Input For Parks Master PlanOnline Survey Seeks Input For Parks Master Plan
Residents in Hamburg Township are being asked to spend a few minutes online to let officials know what theyâd like to see in terms of recreation.
The township is currently updating its Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Officials say the plan will help guide their decisions for the next five years, starting in 2018. The Parks and Recreation Master Plan is used to obtain grants and other funding for related projects. Park improvements have been made possible through a combination of grant funding and the township's existing recreation millage of 0.25 mills, which translates into about $28.50 per household.
The anonymous survey, which takes about 15 minutes to complete, ask questions about users experiences and opinions regarding the programs, services, and facilities that Hamburg Township offers. Officials say that the input in the plan is crucial to helping the township make the best investments in parks and recreation. Youâll find a link to take the survey below. (JK)
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