Passerbyâs might notice fire coming from a nature preserve in Northfield Township today but officials say there is no cause for alarm.
The Washtenaw County Parks is planning a controlled/prescribed burn at the new Whitmore Lake Preserve Park near the intersection of Seven Mile and Nollar Road. Controlled burns are considered a cost-effective tool for managing natural communities to help control invasive shrubs and trees that crowd local habitats and shade out native plants.
The Whitmore Lake Preserve totals 235 acres and was purchased in 2013. It features over three miles of trail and allows visitors to explore diverse habitats including meadows, mixed hardwood forest and wooded wetlands. There are also scenic views over a large marsh and small lakes.
Officials say the current plan is to start the burn around 10:00 this morning, which should be complete by the middle of the afternoon. (JM)
Controlled Burn Planned This Morning At Whitmore Lake Preserve Controlled Burn Planned This Morning At Whitmore Lake Preserve
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Biological Treatment Plan Could Quadruple Hartland's Water FiltrationBiological Treatment Plan Could Quadruple Hartland's Water Filtration
The Hartland Township Board of Trustees is looking at new technology that could multiply the effectiveness of their existing water treatment plant.
With the plant being pushed closer to the limits of what it can do, the board has had to start weighing options for increasing its output. One consideration is to add a third filter. According to Public Works Director Bob West, that would up their filtration capacity from 3 gallons per cubic feet per second to 4, and they would be facing this same problem again in the near future. He recommended a new technology, one that utilizes a treatment where an air compressor system creates a biological material that eats the iron, and then is washed out in the process.
This new biological method can increase the plantâs output with the two existing filters to 10-12 gallons per cubic feet per second. West said Waterford and Lyon Townships both use this method and have found it to be the most effective method for removing iron, which is the biggest problem in filtration. The expense of upgrading the current filters to be able to use this technology will cost the township an estimated $400,000 to $500,000, which is comparable, if not slightly less than the cost of adding a third filter.
Township Manager James Wickman said itâs not often they find solutions like this that are all upside and allow them to make use of facilities they already have without cramping space or the need for expansion. The board unanimously approved a proposal to go through with a pilot study which is required by the Department of Environmental Quality before the conversion can begin. (MK)
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Crews Work Through Night To Restore PowerCrews Work Through Night To Restore Power
Slowly but surely, crews with DTE Energy are restoring power to affected homes and businesses across the region, but it may be Sunday or later before everyone is hooked back up.
As of 10am, DTE says they have restored power to 400,000 customers, down from the peak of 800,000. The utility is aiming for 90 percent power restoration by Sunday. Officials say crews are working 16-hour shifts around the clock to restore power, including this team that was seen working at M-59 and Highlander Way in Howell. Crews from Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, New York and Pennsylvania arrived in Michigan to help with the restoration effort. The weather caused more than 9,000 downed power lines.
Consumers Energy says they have less than 100,000 of their customers without power, down from 300,000 immediately after the storm.
Despite the steady improvement, the following schools canceled classes for Friday;
Brighton Area Schools
Cornerstone Christian School
FlexTech High School
Fowlerville Community Schools
Howell Public Schools
Kensington Woods Schools
Livingston Educational Service Agency
Pathway School
St. Joseph Catholic School
Also closed;
Bennett Recreation Center in Howell (No after school activities)
Meanwhile, anyone who needs a chance to get warm can access the warming centers that have been set up for use on Friday and Saturday in Livingston County;
1. Red Cross in Howell, 9am to 5pm, 1372 West Grand River, Howell
2. 2/42 Church Brighton, 7526 Grand River Ave, Brighton
For overnight sheltering needs, contact 211
For emergencies related to the power outage contact 911
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Fowlerville Community Garage Sale To Honor Student's Memory And Aid Scholarship FundFowlerville Community Garage Sale To Honor Student's Memory And Aid Scholarship Fund
A community garage sale at Fowlerville Junior High School later is month aims to honor a young boy while also raising funds for a scholarship in his memory.
Maison Wilkinson was an 8-year old boy who was accidentally run over and killed by a garbage truck while playing soccer outside his house back in 2006. Following the incident, his parents, Andrew Wilkinson and Maylene Turnbo started a scholarship in his name for senior soccer players at Fowlerville High School. After a few years, funds began to run low and the junior highâs Friends of Rachel organization came up with the idea to have an oversized garage sale to raise money for it. In the years following it has evolved to also include a baked goods sale and raffle for items donated by local businesses and more.
Friends of Rachel coordinator Amy Jarvis said she and Maisonâs family are humbled by the support they continue to receive from the community. She told WHMI that each year they are absolutely amazed and blessed by the outreach of the community from people who shop, donate, and volunteer their time. She said it is emotionally and physically draining, but the joy that Maisonâs parents get out of giving back to the community and keeping their sonâs spirit alive is well worth it. This yearâs event is scheduled for Saturday, March 18th, from 9am to 3pm at the junior high school. Jarvis said they accept anything and everything that someone would sell at a garage sale at their own home.
All unpurchased items will be donated to charity. Baked goods can be dropped off and purchased during the event by donation. Businesses can donate items to be raffled away along with a 50/50 drawing at the drawing at the close of the sale. Volunteers are being sought for various roles starting with setup on the day before and going through cleanup the next day. Jarvis said this is a great opportunity for students needing hours for school or church, anyone needing time for the court system, or for individuals who just want to take part in something important to the community.
More information can be obtained by contacting Jarvis through her school phone number (517) 223-6225, or by emailing her at jarvisa@fowlervilleschools.org. (MK)
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Grant Will Help Student-Run Dog Biscuit CompanyGrant Will Help Student-Run Dog Biscuit Company
A grant will help a local school district with an innovative program to provide students with real-life skills.
The Livingston Educational Service Agency has received $2,500 to expand a special needs program. Laceyâs Love Dog Biscuit Company was created to provide real work experience to LESA students, including communication, socialization, attention to detail, scheduling and time and money management. Officials say students learn concepts beyond the classroom to produce, market and sell dog biscuits, which in turn helps make the transition from students to young adults in the workforce.
The money came from the SET SEG Foundation, the charitable arm of the non-profit provider of school employee benefits. Lisa Truscott is the foundationâs Executive Director and says their judges selected the program based on its unique approach and they hope the grant will expand the program to reach a larger group of consumers and operate on a year-round basis. The Education Excellence Awards are in their 24th year and are produced through a partnership between the SET SEG Foundation and Michigan Association of School Boards. (JK)
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Marion Trustees Reject Proposal To Establish Unique Zoning District On D-19Marion Trustees Reject Proposal To Establish Unique Zoning District On D-19
A unique type of zoning district that had been proposed for a piece of land in Marion Township did not receive much support from the municipalityâs Board of Trustees.
The townshipâs Board of Trustees reviewed the proposal Thursday night that sought to establish a Special Purpose District on a piece of property located on D-19. Supervisor Bob Hanvey says the proposal was an attempt to create a zoning district that would allow for property uses that were somewhat compatible, but not officially allowed in any other existing district under township ordinance.
Hanvey tells WHMI the property owners pursued the idea of a Special Purpose District because they had hoped to use their land for a number of things. Hanvey says the propertyâs owners were pursuing a project that would include an agricultural type of store or farmerâs market, a small restaurant, a riding stable and maintain a residence on the land. The township does not currently have a district within their zoning ordinance that allows for all of those uses.
Trustee Dan Lowe felt the proposed district had too much leeway and would allow for âanything, anywhereâ. He also said he was âdoneâ with the conversation upon hearing that Hanvey and the townshipâs planner met with the property owners to help them draft the proposal. Hanvey feels what the owners wanted to create on their property would be beneficial to the township and said âthe wording needed to make it happen didnât exist in the current ordinanceâ, as an explanation for why he met with them.
Trustee Les Andersen says he was âdisheartened that the property owners were having discussions about the proposal with certain board members but not the full boardâ. Andersen alleged that Hanvey had had several private meetings with the townshipâs planner and the property owners to draft the proposal, and that âmoney was spent without board approvalâ.
Hanvey says he was trying to help the owners figure out what to present to the board that would allow them to move forward with their project while complying with the townshipâs ordinance. He says he doesnât think thereâs been anything out of the ordinary in the process at all.
Andersen said he didnât want to discuss the issue further because he could not support the proposal and felt it was brought to the board in the wrong manner. He ultimately motioned to stop pursuing the Special Purpose District as presented, which the majority of the board agreed to in a 5-2 vote. Hanvey and Treasurer Duane Stokes were the two board members to opine. (DK)
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Memorial Held For Fenton Township Teen, Friend Charged With Open MurderMemorial Held For Fenton Township Teen, Friend Charged With Open Murder
A Fenton teenager accused of killing his friend is being charged as an adult.
16-year-old Abdurrahman (Abdu) Ahmed Akl is charged with Open Murder, Receiving and Concealing a Stolen Firearm, and two counts of Felony Firearms in the shooting death of 18-year-old Brady Alan Morris, pictured. A memorial service for Morris was held this afternoon at Temrowski Family Funeral Home in Fenton.
Police responded to a home on Moffett Drive in Fenton Township last weekend after a 9-1-1 report of a male with a gunshot wound to the head. Upon arrival, police were met by Akl outside of the home and he was taken into custody without incident. At the same time, a semi-automatic pistol was found on the front porch and secured by police.
Authorities say further evidence from the investigation indicates that Akl and Morris, who were friends, were alone on the first floor of the residence when the shooting occurred and other members of Aklâs family and one other guest were on the second and third floors. According to the autopsy report, it appears that Morris was shot from behind at point blank range on the top left side of his head.
Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton says âThis is obviously a very tragic event that has stunned the community and resulted in the loss of life of a young manâ. Leyton added they will do everything they can to see that justice is carried through in the criminal judicial system.
Akl is being charged as an adult and was to be arraigned in 67th District Court. (JM)
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Crews Continue Power Restoration Efforts In Livingston CountyCrews Continue Power Restoration Efforts In Livingston County
Utilities are still working to reconnect customers who lost power as a result of destructive wind storms Wednesday.
DTE Energy reports power has been restored power to more than 505,000 customers and crews continue to work as fast as possible to restore power to those still affected. DTE says restoration estimates will be provided as crews are assigned to assess and repair damage in different areas. 90% of customers are expected to be back on by Sunday night. DTE cautioned that as crews work to restore the majority, customers may experience interruptions. Officials say crews are working 16-hour shifts around the clock to restore power. Crews from Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, New York and Pennsylvania arrived in Michigan to help with the restoration effort. The weather caused more than 9,000 downed power lines.
Consumers Energy, which provides power to the northern tier of Livingston County, says employees, contractors and mutual assistance crews from six states worked steadily the past three days to restore electric service to over 340,000 customers.
Dozens of warming centers are open across the state and locally as cold temperatures continue through the weekend. Utilities are asking customers to reach out to family, friends and neighbors who may be impacted by the storm to make sure they are safe.
The warming centers that have been set up for use on Friday and Saturday in Livingston County include;
-The Red Cross in Howell, 9am to 5pm, 1372 West Grand River,
- 2/42 Church Brighton, 7526 Grand River Ave, Brighton
Information about warming shelters and other assistance is available by calling 2-1-1.
In the Village of Milford, residents that have branches and brush to dispose of from the storm this week will be able to do so with their trash collection on Tuesday, March 14th. It is specifically for branches and brush, not other yard waste, and the Village advises that whole trees or large limbs may not be picked up. (JM)
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Howell Art Project Seeking SubmissionsHowell Art Project Seeking Submissions
Artists will have the opportunity to win money and exposure of their work as part of an art competition in downtown Howell.
The Downtown Howell Art Project will return this year and the Main Street Downtown Development Authority is looking for local and national artists to participate. Artists can submit original artwork in a digital format for one of the following categories: two-dimensional (2-D) design and three-dimensional (3-D) design.
The best in show overall winner will receive a $1,000 cash prize and have their artwork on display in downtown Howell throughout the year. A new component of this yearâs competition is that the winner will also have a featured exhibit at the Cleary University Secunda Art Museum. Artwork must be submitted by May 12th.
More information about the competition and its rules can be found at the link below. (DK)
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New Dock Going In At Thompson Lake Boat Launch In City Of Howell New Dock Going In At Thompson Lake Boat Launch In City Of Howell
The dock at the Thompson Lake boat launch in the City of Howell is being replaced.
At its last meeting, the Howell City Council approved the purchase of a new dock for $16,175. The timing was said to be good because the lake level was low.
City Manager Shea Charles tells WHMI the Livingston County Drain Commissioner lowered the level of Thompson Lake, which gave the City the opportunity to inspect the dock. Charles says they discovered the dock was in need of significant repair, actually replacement, so they presented a proposal to council. He says the commercial grade dock is ADA accessible and a much sturdier solution, saying itâs far better than what they had before. The life expectancy is pegged between 20-30 years.
Staff commented during the meeting that the new dock is strong and heavy, thus not easy to steal. Itâs easily installed and removed since it can be pushed and pulled into place, which is beneficial to avoid seasonal freeze and thaw damage. The dock is to be installed this spring, in time for the upcoming boating season. Photo - Google Street View. (JM)
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Circus Soiree Gala To Benefit ER Services At St. Joe's Livingston Locations Circus Soiree Gala To Benefit ER Services At St. Joe's Livingston Locations
An upcoming fundraiser will directly benefit emergency room services organizers say patients in Livingston County rely on.
A Circus Soiree on April 22nd will serve as the annual gala event for St. Joseph Mercy Livingston, to be held at Crystal Gardens Banquet Center. All of the funds raised go toward the 24-7 emergency room services being offered to patients at the St. Joe Livingston locations in Howell and Brighton. St. Joe's is in the midst of making a major investment in ER services, technologies and facilities including transforming updates in Howell and a total redesign and expansion in Brighton.
Event Co-Chair Rich Perlberg tells WHMI the annual gala has a fun, exciting circus theme - which kind of matches the excitement going on with St. Joeâs $41 (M) million investment being made into the entire health system in Livingston County. Last year, there were a combined 47,500 emergency room visits at both locations in Howell and Brighton. Perlberg says the ER is where most people come in contact with a hospital whether it be a sudden flu, stitches or broken bones and itâs great having top notch resources in the local community. He says the dinner dance is specifically targeted for ER services and they wanted to do something that would serve as a signature event for Livingston County.
The Circus Soiree will feature carnival games, surprises, band, magical entertainers, dinner, snacks and appetizers. Attire in the past has been more black tie but Perlberg says this event is more âcircus chicâ so theyâre encouraging attendees to have fun and dress up as they see fitting within the theme.
Those wishing to take part in sponsorship opportunities or purchase tickets can do so by contacting St. Joesâ Office of Development at 517-545-5151. Individual tickets are $150. Details and ticket information can be found through a link provided. (JM)
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Former State Party Chair To Discuss Gerrymandering In BrightonFormer State Party Chair To Discuss Gerrymandering In Brighton
Gerrymandering in Michigan will be the topic of the next meeting of the Livingston County Democratic Partyâs executive committee.
Gerrymandering is the process of drawing legislative district lines to favor one political party so that it maintains political power. Redistricting is set to next occur in Michigan after the 2020 census results. Democratic Attorney Mark Brewer, former chair of the Michigan Democratic Party, is planning to sue state officials over gerrymandering. His plans follow a federal court ruling in Wisconsin that ordered the state to redraw its maps after a challenge based on the âefficiency gapâ, which measures wasted votes for candidates.
While that lawsuit is being prepared, the grassroots group Count MI Vote was formed in late 2016 to educate the public about the effects of partisan gerrymandering in Michigan. Count MI Vote is part of the non-partisan ballot question committee Voters Not Politicians, which is seeking to amend the Michigan Constitution in 2018 to create an independent Citizensâ Redistricting Commission. Rebecca Lenk, chair of the education committee of Count MI Vote, will also speak at the meeting about gerrymandering in general. Sheâll further explain how people can participate in the petition drive needed to put the issue on the 2018 ballot.
The meeting is set for Thursday, March 23rd at 7pm in the Re-Max Platinum Auditorium. Further information is provided in the attached press release. (JM)
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Fenton Police Release Sketch Of Suspect In Attempted Child Abduction Fenton Police Release Sketch Of Suspect In Attempted Child Abduction
Fenton Police have released a sketch of the suspect wanted in connection with an attempted abduction.
Fenton Police responded Wednesday afternoon to a home in the 400 block of East Ellen Street regarding a reported home invasion and attempted child abduction. Officers were told that a white male wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt had entered the home, picked up a 4-year-old girl and attempted to leave. A 15-year-old sister reportedly confronted the man who fled the area in a silver, four-door sedan, possibly a Chevy Impala with a tinted front window.
The suspect is described as being about 30-years-old, standing approximately six feet tall with dark hair, a dark thin beard and teardrop tattoos under his right eye.
Lt. Jason Slater told WHMI heâs hoping that with the release of the composite sketch Friday morning that they are able to develop a suspect in the coming days. Police say the family reported that the man had come to the house twice before; once on February 27th to ask if a particular person lived there and then again on March 1st when he arrived intoxicated and tried to assault the older sister. Fenton Police were also looking to speak with a white male who may have witnessed the abduction attempt as he fished at a nearby park. The witness was seen following or pursuing the suspect vehicle as it drove away.
Anyone with information is asked to call Fenton Police at (810) 629-5311. (JM)
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Competency Exam Ordered For Lansing Man Charged In Brighton Bank RobberyCompetency Exam Ordered For Lansing Man Charged In Brighton Bank Robbery
A competency evaluation has been ordered for a Lansing man charged in connection to a Brighton area bank robbery.
Brian Dewayne Ali Jr. is facing 14 charges connected to the April 2016 armed robbery of the PNC Bank located on West Grand River in Genoa Township.
The 34-year-old appeared for a hearing in Livingston County Circuit Court last Friday, where the court ordered an evaluation relative to criminal responsibility and a competency exam. A follow-up hearing to check on the status of the case has been scheduled for May 5th.
On April 4th of last year, Ali, who was dressed as a woman, entered the bank brandishing a handgun and what appeared to be a bomb and announced a robbery. He then fled in a blue Ford Mustang with an undisclosed amount of cash. Members of the Michigan State Police 1st District Fugitive team later arrested him in Lansing. Search warrants were conducted at several locations, and evidence â including cash believed to have been taken during the bank robbery â was recovered.
Ali is charged as a habitual offender and faces five counts of armed robbery, four counts of bank robbery and four counts of unlawful imprisonment. (DK)
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Four Charities Benefit from Annual Hockey Night
It was an afternoon of hockey, and fun on the ice at the Kensington Valley Ice House in Brighton Saturday as the 9th annual Hockey Night raised money for four different charities.
This year 9-year old Aiden Troxtel, one of many beneficiaries of the game dropped the ceremonial puck for the game between The Well All-Stars and the Detroit Red Wings Alumni team. Troxtel attended the game with his parents Erik and Stacey, and attends North Star Reach Camp in the summer. The camp, which caters to children with critical medical needs, was one of the charities the game and later a dinner and silent auction benefitted. Aidenâs parents are grateful for what the camp gives them and their son. Erik says Aiden is a fan of all of the Detroit sports teams. The nearly sold out crowd got the benefit of seeing some retired Red Wings, like Mickey Redmond, Sergei Samsonov, John Ogrodnick and Brent Fedyk who spend their winters taking to the ice again to support local charities. Fedyk says they like supporting the community, but it feels good to lace up his skates again, too.
Although the Red Wings beat the All Stars again this year, by a score of 8 to 3, it wasnât about who won or lost. Players and organizers on both sides say the kids are the winners no matter what. Last year the event raised $30,000, and hopes to surpass that. Organizers say it has continued to grow each year and is a sign of the support the community has for area children. This year, along with the North Star Reach, the event benefitted Reaching Higher, The Arc of Livingston County and Shop With a Cop. (DS)
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Plans Being Revised For Newberry Mixed-Use Project In Hartland Township Plans Being Revised For Newberry Mixed-Use Project In Hartland Township
Revised plans for a mixed-use development in Hartland Township could be presented soon.
The large Newberry mixed use project at M-59 and Pleasant Valley Road is said to be in the preliminary review phase and has already been before the Planning Commission. The applicant is currently amending plans and working with Michigan Department of Transportation and Livingston County Road Commission. Comments were received from M-DOT and changes are being made to the site plan, thus itâs anticipated they will be coming back to the Planning Commission in the near future. Hartland Township Planning Director Troy Langer told WHMI nothing is scheduled yet but they have been in communication and believes they will be coming in soon with new conceptual plans.
As for the project, there are some single family, apartments and duplexes intermingled with commercial and office spaces â all within walking distance of each other. Apartments are being proposed on both sides of M-59. The developer wants them both on the same side, preferably south. The amount of commercial on the north side is also being amended and reduced.
The plans will go back before both the Planning Commission and the Board of Trustees. (JM)
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Man Injured Retrieving Item from Truck on US-23Man Injured Retrieving Item from Truck on US-23
A man trying to retrieve an item that fell from his vehicle was seriously injured Saturday when he was struck from behind. According to Green Oak Township Fire Chief Kevin Gentry, the 63-year-old man was headed south on US-23 near Silver Lake Road south of Brighton when an item fell off the bed of his Ford F-150 pickup truck. He parked the truck and got out to retrieve the item on the travelled portion of the roadway when he was struck from behind by a southbound vehicle. According to Chief Gentry, another vehicle had sped by just before that and was able to swerve and miss the pedestrian. The driver who hit him stopped to lend aid, and the Green Oak Twp. Fire Dept. and Livingston County EMS arrived at the scene within a few minutes. The unconscious man, who suffered serious injuries, was taken by Livingston County Ambulance to the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor, where he was admitted. His condition is unknown at this time. (TT)
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Brighton Wins State Hockey Crown 5-2 Over Detroit Catholic CentralBrighton Wins State Hockey Crown 5-2 Over Detroit Catholic Central
It was a night to celebrate for the Brighton High School hockey team, which won its fourth state championship Saturday night. Brighton senior Spencer Gehres scored two goals as the Bulldogs beat Detroit Catholic Central 5-2 to win the Divison 1 state hockey title at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth. Gehres assisted on a goal less than a minute into the game and stunned the Shamrocks with another goal 2 ½ minutes into the contest to make it 2-0. Catholic Central rallied to make it 3-2 early in the third, but Gehres put the game away when he scored on a pass from linemate Adam Conquest. Itâs the Bulldogsâ fourth hockey crown in school history and third in the last six years. Coach Paul Moggach gave all the credit for the win to his players. Gehres will soon be able to compare his championship ring with that owned by his grandfather, former Detroit Tiger great Mickey Stanley. Stanley also put on a masterful performance when the Tigers won the World Series in 1968. (TR/TT)
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Seminar To Highlight Science & Social Issues Of Gender & Attraction Seminar To Highlight Science & Social Issues Of Gender & Attraction
A seminar to explain and explore the science, social issues, and identities surrounding gender and attraction is planned this weekend in Brighton.
LGBTQIA Essentials will feature Layla Ananda, a licensed psychologist and retired psychology instructor who will explain gender continuum theory which uses four progressive scales instead of a two-box system consisting solely of male and female.
The Livingston County Chapter of PFLAG has a mission to advance understanding and equality and is sponsoring the educational seminar for the community. Treasurer Janet Jasenak tells WHMI providing information and dialogue about the issues is important.
LGTBQIA Essentials is open to anyone interested in the topic but especially parents, social workers, teachers, health care workers, clergy, youth leaders and employers. Jasenak says the seminar is really for anyone who wants to learn more about the issues, the initials and what they stand for, stressing the event is anonymous and open to all ages.
The seminar will be held Sunday from 2 to 4pm at St. Paul Episcopal Church in downtown Brighton. Further details about PFLAG and the event are attached. (JM)
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Public Hearing Wednesday On Chain Of Lakes Improvement Project Public Hearing Wednesday On Chain Of Lakes Improvement Project
The Chain of Lakes project will be the focus of a public hearing this week in Hamburg Township.
The Washtenaw County Board of Public Works will conduct a public hearing to hear objections to the proposed Chain of Lakes Improvement Project. Lake communities requested the public works division undertake the five year project to control the growth and reproduction of non-native invasive weeds and provide lake management oversight.
It involves Little Portage, Portage, Base Line, Whitewood, Gallagher, Tamarack, Long, Loon, Zukey and Strawberry Lakes in Putnam and Hamburg Townships in Livingston County and Webster and Dexter Townships in Washtenaw County.
The meeting and public hearing will begin at 7pm this Wednesday at the Hamburg Township Hall on Merrill Road. (JM)
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