The community, alumni, and students from Cleary University had the opportunity to see how entrepreneurship manifests itself specifically in the automotive industry at a fundraising event last night.
Held at the universityâs Livingston campus in Genoa Township, âVehicle to a Better Futureâ served as a networking event between students and leaders in automotive innovation. The event preceded Clearyâs commencement activities set for this weekend.
One of the eventâs guests was Adam Genei, whose custom car rebuilding company known as Mobsteel has shops in Detroit and Brighton, and is the focus of a History Channel TV show. Genei says there is value in meeting with the schoolâs students who are pursuing a path that he has a lot of experience in. Genei says the school goes above and beyond to deliver more than an education. He noted the importance of connecting local businesses to student enrichment, as students are all future assets. Genei says he enjoys being a part of events like this because it allows him to pass down advice and information.
Several Mobsteel cars were on display, as well as vehicles from the Lingenfelter Collection. Ken Lingenfelterâs collection is in the top eight in the world for Corvettes, muscle cars, and exotic automobiles. Both Genei and Lingenfelter say they were happy to bring some of their cars to the event so students could get a closer look at where their personal entrepreneurial paths had taken them.
Lingenfelter says the universityâs event allowed students to hear from entrepreneurs in similar fields, which he feels is the right focus to guide students toward their future. He believes there should be an emphasis on students who want to grow, as there is âplenty of opportunityâ.
Cleary University President and CEO Jayson Boyers says the event also raised funds for enrichment programs and allows the school to implement tools that promote a student's academic, social and financial experience. He tells WHMI investing into that experience is just as important as achieving a degree.
Boyers says âVehicle to a Better Futureâ used its automotive theme to remind students that in the way vehicles can take people places, so can education and experience down the pathway to success. (DK)
Cleary University Program Fundraiser Highlights Automotive InnovationCleary University Program Fundraiser Highlights Automotive Innovation
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Judge Rules Two Dogs Involved in Fatal Attack Be Put DownJudge Rules Two Dogs Involved in Fatal Attack Be Put Down
A Livingston County magistrate has ordered that two dogs involved in a fatal attack on another dog be put down.
On Thursday, Magistrate Jerry Sherwood ordered that two of Zackery Bradleyâs dogs be destroyed at his own expense. The 31-year-old Howell man was arraigned in 53rd District Court last week on three counts of dogs running at large and four counts for failure to license dogs in the home.
The charges stem from the February 25th incident, when Roni Evans was walking her shih tzu and maltipoo in the city of Howell. Bradleyâs three dogs, a pit bull, pit bull-husky mix, and a cane corso, allegedly attacked Evanâs dogs. The shih tzu survived the attack but underwent several surgeries. The maltipoo died from his injuries.
Mia, Bradleyâs pit bull-husky mix, is reportedly responsible for the death of the maltipoo. For that reason Magistrate Sherwood authorized her destruction, as well as Larz, another one of the dogs involved in the attack, because it drew blood. Court records indicate money damages connected to the incident will be determined and addressed at a later date.
Bradley pleaded not guilty to the aforementioned charges at his arraignment, and is due back in court for a pre-trial hearing May 22nd. (DK)
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Brighton Council OKs Application for Alcoholic Beverage Sales at MJR TheaterBrighton Council OKs Application for Alcoholic Beverage Sales at MJR Theater
As plans move forward for a major movie complex in Hartland Township, the Brighton City Council unanimously approved a request to have alcohol sales at the MJR Cinema 20, which will require a liquor license approval by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission.
A company official from MJR Theaters told council that another big change is that the Brighton Cinema 20 will be going to all reclining, electronic seats. He says those changes - offering alcoholic beverages for sale and installing electronic seats - is a recent trend in movie theaters, not only in Michigan but around the country. MJR will be spending $4.3 million to bring the changes to the Brighton Cinema 20. The renovations will also include improvements to the lobby area in addition to the new seating. Capacity will be reduced from 4,400 to about 2,000 in order to accommodate the electronic seats, which take up more space. Even though the theater capacity will go down, the company feels the capacity decline will be offset by the addition of alcoholic beverage sales and more people coming to the movie theater.
Brighton Community Development Associate Brandon Skopek says that MJR Theaters has applied for a downtown redevelopment liquor license, which is quite different from a regular liquor license because even though the cost of the license is lower, it has specific requirements which must be met. Skopek says a check revealed that no regular Class C liquor licenses are currently available in Livingston County.
Skopek says the liquor license is expected to be quickly approved by the state, since MJR Theaters has had no violations at the theaters in the 10-theater chain which already offer alcoholic beverages. Company officials say they hope to start construction on the Brighton Cinema 20 upgrades as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, Hartland Township officials this week discussed the possibility of provided a half-million dollar tax abatement for a proposed 55,000 square-foot theater Emagine theater at the Hartland Towne Square shopping plaza that would also serve alcohol. (TT/JK)
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While Bishop Celebrates Defeat Of Obamacare, Activists Blast "Broken Promise"While Bishop Celebrates Defeat Of Obamacare, Activists Blast "Broken Promise"
A group is targeting Livingston Countyâs congressman, saying he broke a pledge to protect patients who suffer from preexisting conditions when he supported the new Republican health care plan.
The Republican push to replace the Affordable Care Act was revived this week in Congress by a change to their plan designed to combat concerns over coverage for those with preexisting health problems. The GOP replacement health care bill squeaked by the House 217-213 on Thursday. Republican Congressman Mike Bishop voted yes on the plan.
The group Indivisible Michigan - District 8 is "blasting Congressman Mike Bishop for breaking a pledge to protect patients who suffer from preexisting conditions" The group alleges he went back on his promise to âensure patients with preexisting conditions have important protections beyond Obamacare.â The group says the new plan guts protections for preexisting conditions like cancer, diabetes and asthma. It further alleges the legislation would also cause health care costs to skyrocket while reducing the quality of coverage.
Bishop, who joined with other House Republicans at a celebratory event at the White House with President Trump, says since the billâs inception, theyâve made it a priority to strengthen protections for patients with preexisting conditions. By incentivizing individuals to maintain coverage, Bishop says insurers will not be able to deny, rescind, or raise the cost of coverage for a patient with preexisting conditions.
The changes that were made helped get the bill through the House but experts say it may make little difference in the hunt for affordable coverage for patients. The bill proposes setting aside $8 (B) billion over five years to help states cover those who may be subject to higher insurance rates because they've had a lapse in coverage. Analysts say that's not enough to guarantee an affordable alternative for those who are now covered because the Affordable Care Act prevents insurers from rejecting people or charging higher rates based on their health. The American Medical Association and AARP came out against the bill, with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and National Retail Federation expressing support. House Republicans were also criticized for voting on the bill before the Congressional Budget Office could publish an analysis of what effects the legislation will have.
Bishop defends the bill, saying âWaivers are already available to states that wish to set up their own insurance markets" and that states "will have more tools and flexibility in terms of Medicaid." He added that the, "legislation cuts more than $1 trillion in taxes that have crushed the American people and broken the backs of small businesses that drive our economy. Lifting this burden allows Main Street to improve wages, hire more people and expand operations."
But for people like Lansing resident Gary Ferris, a member of the Indivisible Michigan group, Bishop's vote in support was a vote, "to throw people with preexisting conditions under the bus...As someone with diabetes and asthma, I know firsthand how hard it used to be to find insurance. This bill will bring us back to the days when insurance and prescription drug companies were put first. This bill is going to make it even harder for people like me to pay for our prescription drugs, like the insulin prescription I need to live." Ferris added that, "With this vote, he let us know that politics are more important than our health care."
The bill's pathway through the U.S. Senate is anything but assured. Senators are already talking about preventing some of the House bill's Medicaid cuts. Some don't like its easing of Obama coverage requirements on insurers, and others think its tax credits must be redirected toward lower-income people.
Bishop's comments and the group's are provided in full in the link and attachment. (JM)
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Car Wash To Benefit Burn CampCar Wash To Benefit Burn Camp
A car wash in Fowlerville next weekend will benefit a unique childrenâs camp.
The Fowlerville Fire Department will be hosting the car wash at Fire Station #4, which is located on North Grand Street, or one block north of Grand River. The fundraiser will take place on Saturday, May 13th, from 9am to 1pm and is donation only.
All proceeds will benefit the Great Lakes Burn Camp, a nonprofit organization that promotes healing, self-esteem, confidence and general well-being for burn victims. (DK)
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Howell Farmers Market Opens For Season Sunday Howell Farmers Market Opens For Season Sunday
Thereâs no surer sign of spring than the opening of area farmers markets.
The popular Howell Farmers Market features a mini-festival atmosphere and is open from 9am to 2pm every Sunday from May 7th through October 29th. The market is held State and Clinton Streets, adjacent to the historic Livingston County Courthouse in the heart of downtown Howell. Organizers say opening day festivities will include live music from market favorite, House Blend with Cass Dufrin, and free, horse-drawn wagon rides on Clinton Street. Nearly 100 vendors offer everything from flowers and produce to crafts and specialty products. The market is hosted by the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of Howell, and Howell Mainstreet & Downtown Development Authority.
For more information on Howellâs Sunday Farmersâ Market is available through the link. (JM)
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Three Howell Buildings Receive Grant Money To Restore FacadesThree Howell Buildings Receive Grant Money To Restore Facades
A state grant will allow three local businesses the opportunity to improve their facades in downtown Howell.
The City of Howell applied for, and this week received, a Community Development Block Grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for $275,703. This grant, along with local funding from the Howell Main Street and Downtown Development Authority and private investments from the business owners, will restore the storefronts to their early 20th century beauty. DDA Director Cathleen Edgerly said the DDA is all about making sure that the downtown businesses can continue to be strong and viable in a very competitive market, and that this is a great way to help them out while also protecting the historic buildings the city is proud of.
The three buildings restoring their facades are all within a couple blocks of each other. Edgerly said the strategy for winning the grant comes from having at least two businesses that are ready to go with improvements and coupling them together to make a stronger case for how much the funds are needed in the community. The three buildings that will see improvements are the First National Bank building at 101 East Grand River, the Uptown Coffeehouse building at 102 East Grand River, and the Cobb-Hall Insurance building at 223 West Grand River. (MK)
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M-DOT Postpones Ramp Closures M-DOT Postpones Ramp Closures
The Michigan Department of Transportation is advising of the following:
The US-23 northbound and southbound entrance ramps from M-36, originally scheduled to close tonight at 9 p.m., will remain open this weekend. The concrete patch work, scheduled this weekend on the ramps, has been postponed.
On US-23 between 8 Mile Road and Silver Lake Road. Concrete patch work was scheduled in both directions along US-23 this weekend but will now only impact northbound US-23 traffic.
There will be a continuous single lane closure on northbound US-23 starting at 9 p.m. tonight, May 5. The lane is expected to reopen by 7 a.m. on Monday, May 8.
On southbound US-23, there will be overnight single lane closures only for paving. (JM)
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Milford Man Charged In Accidental Death Of 6-Month-Old Daughter Milford Man Charged In Accidental Death Of 6-Month-Old Daughter
A Milford man is charged in the death of his infant daughter in whatâs being described as a very preventable but tragic accident.
25-year-old Keith Allen Brown is charged with involuntary manslaughter and 2nd degree child abuse following an incident February 2nd that resulted in the death of his 6-month-old daughter, Sophia Grace Brown. Milford Police, fire and EMS responded to a 911 call from Brown around 10pm stating his daughter was not responsive and cold. Extensive rescue efforts were not successful and the baby was pronounced dead at a hospital. Brown and the childâs mother were not living together at the time and she dropped the baby off before she went to work. Police say Brown appeared highly intoxicated and initially stated he didnât know what happened, and that the baby fell asleep on a mattress on the floor. He had a preliminary blood alcohol level above .31%. An autopsy and other reports determined the cause of death to be Position/Compression Asphyxia. Milford Police Chief Tom Lindberg says they later learned through investigation, which took time, that Brown laid down on the couch with the baby kind of in-between his chest or body and arm. At some point in time after he fell asleep, Lindberg says there was some shifting or movement, which caused the child not to breathe.
Lindberg says itâs a very emotional incident and lots of people have different feelings. He says everyone involved is going to be hurting for a while, and itâs something you never really get over. Lindberg says they encourage young parents to use common sense and protect their children as best they can. He says it might be comforting to have an infant or baby in bed with you or on your chest but never fall asleep. He says their airwaves are so tiny that it only takes a little amount and short time to pass when they canât breathe so they
Police say Brown has a history of alcohol related offenses. He was arraigned today in 52-1 District Court in Novi and is currently being held at the Oakland County Jail on a $500,000 cash bond pending a pre-trial conference. He is also being held for a previous Probation Violation for a prior alcohol conviction. (JM)
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Spring Events In Downtown Brighton Saturday Spring Events In Downtown Brighton Saturday
Downtown Brighton will be alive with activity today.
Residents will have an opportunity to dispose of nonhazardous items, attend the first Farmerâs Market of the season or clean up the Old VIllage Cemetery. The annual Spring Clean Up for city residents will be held Saturday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the city DPW building, 420 South Third St. Only non-hazardous items will be accepted, and the event is restricted to city residents.
The 40th season of the Brighton Farmersâ & Artisansâ Market will take place Sat. in the parking lots next to city hall and the district court building, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Homemade and Michigan-produced products including flowers, herbs, seasonal produce, local honey, baked goods, farm-raised meats and fresh fish will be available. Likewise on sale will be artisan-made goods such as hand-sewn, knit, and crocheted items, and food concessions will be available at the site.
Also taking place Saturday will be the 9th annual Spring Cleanup Day at the Old Village Cemetery, next to the Mill Pond in downtown Brighton, from 9 a.m. to noon. Volunteers are welcome to help out, and the only items they need to bring are work gloves and rakes. (TT)
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Ascension Medical Center Opens In Livingston County Ascension Medical Center Opens In Livingston County
A new medical center has officially opened in Livingston County.
The $13.5 (m) million Ascension Medical Center opened Friday. The new ambulatory care center totals 60,000-squre-feet and is located at the Latson Road exit on I-96 in Genoa Township. Officials say it will bring physicians, other caregivers and programs from Ascensionâs Providence-Providence Park Hospital to one of the fastest growing areas in the state.
Ascension Michigan Spokesman Brian Taylor says itâs a beautiful facility and the new outpatient medical center will expand health care options for residents in Howell and surrounding areas, giving them access to primary and specialty care in one convenient location.
The new outpatient center will offer primary care services of family practice, internal medicine, Obstetrics/gynecology, and pediatrics. Specialties include cardiology, pulmonology, and audiology. Other services include diagnostic imaging (with 3-D mammography), lab, physical therapy, and occupational health. The center is also home to an urgent care that will be open 7 days a week, 10 hours a day. Ascension photo: (JM)
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Howell Fire Authority Seeks To Expand Main StationHowell Fire Authority Seeks To Expand Main Station
The Howell Area Fire Authority is pursuing the idea of a potential addition for their Main Station, following budget approval.
In a letter to the Oceola Township Board of Trustees, Chief Andy Pless states that budget projections for the 2016/2017 fiscal year were on the mark and the authority will finish out the year within their budget. Budget requests for the 2017/2018 fiscal year include 2% wage increases for all employees, weekend staffing at the Main Fire Station, refurbishment of one of their ladder trucks, and to continue progress on a possible expansion to the station. That budget, which Pless says is fairly straightforward, received unanimous approval from the board Thursday. Pless says budget money allocated for a potential building expansion will be used for work in the projectâs planning stages. Pless says the expansion is needed for training space, as the authority is currently operating with 60 to 65 firefighters in a room built for 25 people back in 1975.
Pless says other issues an expansion would address include creating womenâs locker rooms and shower facilities, as well as a proper entrance to the station. Oceola Township Supervisor and Fire Authority Chairman Bill Bamber says he believes funding is available for the project, but that it hasnât been solidified yet because itâs still in the planning stages. The addition is proposed to be funded with money generated from a 1.5-mill tax levied on residents in Oceola, Cohoctah, Marion and Howell Township, and the city of Howell. (DK)
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Elderly Woman Not Injured After Crashing Vehicle Into Courthouse Elderly Woman Not Injured After Crashing Vehicle Into Courthouse
An elderly Hartland Township woman is ok after nearly crashing her vehicle into the side of the 53rd District Courthouse building in Howell.
The Livingston County Sheriffâs Office reports that a Deputy was dispatched to a property damage accident at the judicial center in Howell. When he arrived, the deputy made contact with an elderly female who had inadvertently stepped on the gas pedal instead of the brake pedal to her vehicle. When she did so, the 82-year-old woman struck an un-occupied vehicle parked next to her and went up over a curb. As she attempted to get her car turned around, the sheriffâs office says she inadvertently struck a cement abutment attached to the front of the building. Nobody was injured in the private property accident or was there any significant damage to the courthouse building.
Authorities say there was no reason to believe alcohol or drugs was a factor in the incident. (JM)
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16-Year-Old Hits Utility Pole, Flips Vehicle In Pinckney Friday Afternoon16-Year-Old Hits Utility Pole, Flips Vehicle In Pinckney Friday Afternoon
A teen crashed into utility pole and flipped his vehicle near the Pinckney carwash Friday afternoon.
Around 4pm on Friday, a single car crash occurred on westbound M-36 near Dexter-Pinckney Rd. The vehicle, occupied by a single 16-year-old male, lost control of his vehicle, crossed the eastbound lane of travel, left the roadway and struck a utility pole, causing the vehicle to flip over in front of the carwash. Police Chief Jeff Newton tells WHMI the driver suffered minor injury and was transported to the hospital by family. No power was lost to area businesses or homes but the road was closed for about two hours.
A number of local authorities were on scene. Pinckney Police were assisted by Michigan State Police, Unadilla Township Police, the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department and the Putnam and Hamburg Township Fire Departments. (JM)
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Business After Hours Reception To Honor Local Elected & Appointed Officials Business After Hours Reception To Honor Local Elected & Appointed Officials
An upcoming event will honor local officials throughout Livingston County.
Chamber members are invited to meet and exchange ideas with local elected and appointed officials at this annual Business After Hours reception. The event is set for 5 to 7pm on Thursday, May 18th at Crystal Gardens in Genoa Township.
The event is said to serve as âthanksâ for the many hours that elected officials put into serving Livingston County and its communities. Attendees will enjoy networking, complimentary refreshments and live music. Elected officials at the local, county and state levels are invited. Business After Hours is a joint program of the Howell, Brighton and Hartland Chambers of Commerce and the Economic Development Council of Livingston County.
For more information or to RSVP, contact the Howell chamber at 517.546.3920 or chamber@howell.org. (JM)
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Workshop To Provide Information For Veteran BenefitsWorkshop To Provide Information For Veteran Benefits
An upcoming workshop will offer information about available benefits for wartime veterans or surviving spouses of a wartime veteran.
The event will be held on Tuesday at the Hartland Senior Center, located at 9525 East Highland Road in Hartland Township, at 2pm. Organizers say it will provide good information that every veteran needs to know, including their eligibility for long-term care benefits to pay for home care, assisted living or nursing home care.
Veterans may be eligible for up to $25,524 per year from the Veterans Association to pay for those services. Even if a veteran or their spouse is currently receiving those services, they may still qualify for the long-term care benefits. Veterans, their spouses, or widows could potentially qualify for approximately $1,150 a month for care as well.
The workshop will explain how to find the right assistance to complete VA forms, free of charge. Seating is limited and reservations are requested by calling 1-877-602-4869.
Facebook photo.
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Legacy Center Site Plan Recommended For ApprovalLegacy Center Site Plan Recommended For Approval
The Green Oak Township Planning Commission has recommended the approval of a new site plan for the Legacy Center replacing the old one.
The sports complex off of Rickett Road and Winans Lake is home to a 104,000 square foot dome and several soccer and baseball fields. Owners, looking to add additional fields and parking, had been asked by the planning commission to submit a new site plan since the vision from the original 2012 plan had changed enough. After failing to receive a recommendation for approval last month, they returned before the commission Thursday night having made more revisions. Pathways were one of the biggest concerns on the table. It was the recommendation of the commission in April that they better explore options for building a sidewalk along Rickett Road to meet at Winans Lake, where a roundabout may be installed in the future.
Legacy representatives had engineering done that did not recommend a path be built for topographical and utility reasons. The two sides agreed that if and when improvements are made to the Winans Lake- Rickett Road intersection, then Legacy will build a pathway within an agreed amount of time. Light pollution was also a concern of the board, voiced also through resident correspondences.
Planning Commission Chairwoman Deborah Sellis said that despite two new fixtures being added to existing allotted poles, no additional lumens or impact would be seen from the change. Neighbors in view will be see the lights on the fields, but no glare will be leaving the property. The recommendation now goes to the Board of Trustees for final approval. (MK)
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Upcoming Seminar Focuses On How to Protect Homes From Digital IntrudersUpcoming Seminar Focuses On How to Protect Homes From Digital Intruders
Registration is open for a seminar later this month focused on protecting homes from cyber intrusion.
The New Home Invasion workshop, presented by Brightline Technologies, will be held at the Pinckney Cyber Training Institute Thursday, May 25th. The event runs from 7 to 8pm and is free and open to the community.
Institute Director Jim Darga says the introduction of internet-connected devices into homes brought great convenience, but at a risk. Without the proper precautions, these smart devices can become a digital doorway for hackers. Darga says the reality of a capitalistic economy is that many of these products are being rushed to the market for profit without much consideration given to the security of the software. Once a hacker gains access to the home network and computer, financial records, personal identity, and other private information can be accessed by digital intruders.
Darga says the seminar will be an approachable, easy-to-understand discussion for homeowners looking to protect themselves against this recently trending issue. Attendees will learn what devices are vulnerable to digital invasion and what can be done to prevent that.
Prior online registration is requested and a link to do so is available below. (DK)
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Speaker To Educate Local Youth On Serious Life & Drug IssuesSpeaker To Educate Local Youth On Serious Life & Drug Issues
An upcoming Steered Straight Program is targeting youth across Livingston County.
Project Opiate is presenting Steered Straight: A Live Presentation by national speaker Michael DeLeon. The program will take place Thursday, May 11th at the historic Howell Theatre at 7pm. DeLeon will tell his journey into drug addiction, the effects on his family, and the decisions that led him to prison. Organizers say the presentation is geared toward youth of the community. DeLeon will speak of life-choices, the importance of consequential thinking, and how choices can lead to drug abuse. Officials say for parents, the message is that drug problems don't start with heroin.
Project Opiate has been focused on prevention and educating the community about prescription opiates and heroin for six years now. Photo: Steered Straight. (JM)
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Organizers Gear Up For Annual Howell Pink Party Organizers Gear Up For Annual Howell Pink Party
Howell will be in colorful bloom next month for an annual fundraiser.
The 9th annual Pink Party is set for Thursday, June 8th. The event raises funds for breast cancer research and care and last year donated $25,000 to St. Joseph Mercy Livingston toward the purchase of a Stereotactic Needle Biopsy Table for the Cancer Center, and $10,000 toward Support Care for under-insured cancer patients. The annual event features the Parade of Men, food and wine tasting and the Queen of the Night contest for most creative pink outfit.
A $25 passport is required to participate and will entitle purchasers to one-night-only discounts at participating retail stores. The passports can be purchased at featured locations or online. Groups who purchase eight or more passports will be escorted from place to place by tuxedo clad men who will wait on them and carry their shopping bags. Youâll find details through the link below. (JK)
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