County officials have taken the next step to halt an effort to set up a special district in Hartland Township that would provide a tax break for a proposed movie theater.
The Finance Committee of the Livingston County Board of Commissioners voted 5-4 this morning to recommend that the full board deny the Commercial Rehabilitation District. If commissioners vote on Monday at their regular meeting to accept the recommendation, it would stop the effort in its tracks. The Finance Committee is made up of all the county commissioners, so unless someone changes their mind, it would appear likely to be denied.
The vote came two days after a tie vote by the countyâs General Government committee on a resolution of support that was being sought by the Hartland Township Board of Trustees. The tie vote denied the countyâs official support for the resolution, but didnât necessarily stop the effort from proceeding to the stateâs Tax Commission. However, todayâs vote is a step away from ending it.
Hartland officials had sought to establish the district on a seven acre parcel near M-59 and US-23 so that a proposed Emagine movie theater would be eligible for tax abatement. Hartland Township Manager James Wickman says they plan to present the issue at Mondayâs meeting and hope the board will make a well-informed decision. However, Wickman says Emagine has said that they cannot proceed without the abatement. (JK)
County Finance Committee Recommends Denial Of Theater Tax DistrictCounty Finance Committee Recommends Denial Of Theater Tax District
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Fowlerville Teens Hospitalized After Morning Crash Fowlerville Teens Hospitalized After Morning Crash
An injury crash this morning sent two Fowlerville teens to the hospital.
The accident happened around 7:19am on Fowlerville Road north of Mason Road in Handy Township. Deputies with the Livingston County Sheriffâs Office say preliminary investigation has revealed that a 16-year-old Fowlerville resident was operating a 2001 Buick Regal. The Buick Regal was entering Fowlerville Road from a private driveway when their vehicle was struck by a 2001 Jeep Cherokee traveling south on Fowlerville Road. The Jeep Cherokee was being operated by a 19-year-old Fowlerville resident. The driver of the Buick Regal was flown to the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor by Survival Flight in critical condition.
The 16-year-old passenger in the Buick Regal was transported to the U of M by ambulance in stable condition. The driver of the Jeep Cherokee and 19- year-old passenger were treated at the scene and were to seek medical attention on their own.
Fowlerville Road remained closed for roughly three hours for investigation, which is continuing. The Fowlerville Fire Department and Livingston County EMS assisted on scene. Authorities say alcohol and speed do not appear to be a factor in the crash. (JM)
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Bishop Among Those At Congressional Practice When Gunman Opens FireBishop Among Those At Congressional Practice When Gunman Opens Fire
Congressman Mike Bishop was among those who had to duck for cover this morning after a gunman opened fire on a congressional baseball practice.
House Majority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana was shot at the practice in Alexandria, Virginia. His wounds were not believed to be life-threatening. 8th District Republican Mike Bishop sent several Tweets about the incident, saying a lone gunman had opened fire on several Congressmen and their security. Bishop said Scalise was standing on second base when he was shot, calling him a âsitting duck." Bishop added that he and a member of his staff who were at the practice were safe, but asked the public to pray for those who were wounded. Bishop says fellow Michigan Republicans John Moolenaar and Jack Bergman were also at the field, but were unhurt.
Scalise is the No. 3 House Republican leader. He was first elected to the House in 2008 after serving in the state legislature. A congressional aide said Scalise was in stable condition at George Washington University Hospital.
The suspect, identified as James T. Hodgkinson, was shot by Capitol Police and later died of his injuries. He has since been identified as a volunteer on the 2016 campaign of Bernie Sanders. The Vermont Senator condemned the incident, which he called a "despicable act."
Picture Credit: Cliff Owen/AP
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July Forums Set To Inform Community About Dexter Schools $72M Bond ProposalJuly Forums Set To Inform Community About Dexter Schools $72M Bond Proposal
Stakeholders will have a couple of chances next month to attend informational meetings regarding a $72 (m) million bond proposal for Dexter Community Schools.
The proposal, which seeks to raise funds to support renovation of district facilities, will come before voters on Tuesday, August 8th. Each year, the district puts together a 10 year facilities plan and bonds have been born out of both plans from the last two decades.
District officials created a renovation wish list of sorts by taking several factors into consideration, including the life cycle of their facilities, growing enrollment, and instructional needs. The communityâs input was also sought through surveys and group forums in order to create the 2018 facilities plan. Superintendent Chris Timmis says their original renovations list was actually much more extensive then the final list that the bond would address.
The bond money would fund construction of a new K-2 building, technology and system upgrades, furniture, buses, technology, additional space at each building, a new band room at the middle school, athletic field updates, and renovations at the senior center and preschool program facilities.
The proposal seeks to maintain the current school debt millage rate of 8.5 mills by extending the rate five or so years before it begins to drop and taper off. Timmis says the district is good stewards of tax payer dollars, and that it is part of the traditional process to ask the community to help support district facilities.
Public forums on the issue will be held at Creekside Intermediate School in the cafeteria on July 17th and 31st at 7pm. More details about the bond proposal can be found at the link below. (DK)
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Credit Card Skimmers Found At Howell Mugg & Bopps Credit Card Skimmers Found At Howell Mugg & Bopps
Criminals are apparently installing credit and debit skimmers again at gas stations in Livingston County.
Skimmers are small devices that capture credit and debit card information on a gas station pump or ATM machine. Since it blends in with the existing equipment, unsuspecting consumers never notice it. Howell Police Chief George Basar tells WHMI that on June 4th, skimmers were found on three of the diesel gas station pumps at Mugg and Bopps on South Michigan Avenue.
Additional skimmers were also found at the Mugg and Bopps on Clinton Street in Stockbridge earlier this month. Basar says the local case is under investigation and theyâre reviewing security footage to try and identify a suspect. Skimming devices were previously confiscated during a state crackdown and gas pump blitz last March.
State officials encourage gas stations to check pumps regularly for any signs of tampering and use security cameras. Members of the public are advised to monitor bank statements. (JM)
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Lucy Road Improvements To Address Viaduct FloodingLucy Road Improvements To Address Viaduct Flooding
An intersection in the City of Howell that periodically floods is soon getting some needed improvements.
Several times a year the railroad viaduct on Grand River floods, largely due to sand and gravel coming off of Lucy Road. Lucy Road is a dirt drive which runs downhill to Grand River with a lot of large industrial truck traffic entering and exiting it. The fine materials kicked up from the trucks get into the storm system and make it difficult for the pumps that lift the water to Thompson Lake.
Livingston County Road Commission Managing Director Mike Craine said that recently the Michigan Department of Transportation has gotten in touch with him about fixing the situation. The estimated $329,000 project will see 800 feet of heavy pavement extended onto Lucy Road. That will help keep sand and gravel off of Grand River and reduce the amount of patching that needs to be done. The Road Commission will pay for the remainder of the improvements and perform the necessary inspections.
The City of Howell will be administering the project through its existing MDOT 425 Maintenance Agreement. Members discussed the unique partnership during Mondayâs meeting. The city will go out to bid for the work and the final contract and reimbursement agreements will be brought back to council for approval. Members and staff shared some chuckles about the irony of the project as itâs a county road being paved by the state and insured by the city.
There is no start date set, but Craine said he expects it to be completed this construction season. (MK/JM)
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Hamburg Fun Fest To Honor Ron Savage While Raising Funds For CPR DeviceHamburg Fun Fest To Honor Ron Savage While Raising Funds For CPR Device
A beloved area TV news anchor and firefighter will be honored at an annual Livingston County event.
On Friday, the Hamburg Family Fun Fest will remember Livingston County native Ron Savage, by declaring it âRon Savage Day.â Savage was a news anchor and reporter at WJBK in Detroit and a decorated, volunteer firefighter who died in February of cardiac arrest, following a training exercise with the Milford Fire Department. Fun Fest officials say that through the years, Savage supported a variety of community events including The Vietnam Veterans Moving Wall event that was brought to Hamburg by the festival board.
Funds raised from parking cars on Friday will be used to purchase an AutoPulse in his memory for the Hamburg Township Fire Department. The automated, portable, battery-powered resuscitation device is valued at $15,000. Additional in-kind donations will be accepted on-site by the fire department. According to the Hamburg Enhanced Recreation Organization, since the festivalâs inception in 2006, over $200,000 has been put back into the community. You can find more information online through the link below. (JK)
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Upcoming Event Seeks To Educate Community About Human TraffickingUpcoming Event Seeks To Educate Community About Human Trafficking
A non-profit organization will host an event in Brighton next month that seeks to educate the public about ways to bring an end to modern-day forms of slavery.
The event will be held at the Proper Cup in Brighton on Saturday, July 15th, from 6 to 9pm. There, community members will learn about the different forms of human trafficking, how to recognize it, and how they can get involved in the fight against it. The event will be hosted by The Key Project, an organization focused on raising awareness about human trafficking, and will feature presentations from field professionals.
Mariah McDonald, President of The Key Project, says while Michigan has made great strides in reducing the volume of trafficking, it still ranks fifth in the country and that there is so much more to be done. Michigan is vulnerable to trafficking because of its proximity to the Canadian border, Toledo turnpike, and waterways, allowing victims to be easily transported.
McDonald believes every individual has some type of specialty or talent that can aid in combating trafficking; it just requires discovering that skill and taking action. McDonald says sometimes, it is the simple act of kindness that can make a difference. She feels vulnerable people are the ones often targeted because they are easily manipulated. If they are shown kindness, she believes they wonât be as vulnerable to the point where the only love and attention they receive is from someone who wants to use them in horrifying ways.
In fighting the problem, the first goal is prevention, then recognizing it to put a stop to it, and finally, helping victims heal. Next monthâs event is free, but donations are accepted and will be given to Heavenly Hope, a Detroit-based non-profit that supports trafficking survivors. Details about both organizations and the event are available at the link below. (DK)
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Bishop Says "Our Democracy Won't Survive" If Poltical Incivility ContinuesBishop Says "Our Democracy Won't Survive" If Poltical Incivility Continues
A charity baseball game between Congressional Republicans and Democrats will go on tonight as scheduled; including 8th District Congressman Mike Bishop who was one of those pinned down Wednesday by a shooter during a practice session.
Bishop says he and other GOP lawmakers were taking batting practice at the field in Alexandria, Virginia when shots rang out. The shooter was identified as 66-year-old James Hodgkinson of Illinois, an outspoken opponent of President Trump and the Republican Party. Bishop told WHMIâs Mike & Jon in the Morning that the brave actions of GOP Whip Steve Scalise's security detail allowed him and others to escape. "They knew full well when they came around the corner where he was and the fact that (the) weapon they had in their hands...was not compatible with the shot they had. I'm sure they didn't have any expectation of taking him out from that distance. It was just an effort to give us cover to get up and go and that's exactly what they were doing."
Both of the Capitol police officers were injured. Scalise was critically wounded as was Matt Mika, a former congressional aide, who now works for Tyson Foods in its Washington office. Bishop says while he has no fear about security at tonightâs charity game, he does worry about the future of the country if the rhetoric isnât toned down, adding that, âpeople we have to be able to disagree with each other without being angry and violent.â (JK)
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Brighton Man Wins Fantasy 5 Lottery Jackpot Brighton Man Wins Fantasy 5 Lottery Jackpot
After years of trying, a Brighton man finally hit the Fantasy 5 jackpot.
53-year-old David Fisher matched all five numbers in the Sunday drawing to win the big prize of $326,974. He bought the winning ticket at Jonnaâs Market on North Michigan Avenue in Howell.
Fisher says heâs been playing the same number for years and on Sunday night, bought tickets from stores all over to try and win the jackpot. After learning he actually won Monday morning, Fisher says he immediately wrote his brother and nephews checks for $1,000. He hid the ticket in his sock drawer and visited lottery headquarters Wednesday to claim his prize.
Fisher joked he always told people that when he won, he would spend half at the casino and waste the other half. All kidding aside, Fisher plans to use his winnings to buy a corvette and put the rest away for retirement. (JM)
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Brighton to End 16-17 Fiscal Year with Healthy Fund BalanceBrighton to End 16-17 Fiscal Year with Healthy Fund Balance
The Brighton City Council at its meeting Thursday night approved an amended budget for 2016-17 that provides a balanced budget for the end of the fiscal year on June 30.
City Finance Director Gretchen Gomolka told council that some city departments were over their individual budgets, while other departments were under theirs. Gomolka says thatâs understandable because things happen that are sometimes unplanned, such as a piece of equipment in the Department of Public Works breaking down and needing replacement. Gomolka says that another need for amending the budget was that the Downtown Development Authority is committed to paying the cityâs $300,000 local match on the Grand River project, but the money wonât be reimbursed to the city until the 17-18 fiscal year.
As a result, the city will be required to pay the $300,000 out of the general fund. But she tells WHMI that the city will nonetheless retain a healthy fund balance. Gomolka says the $300,000 adjustment will reduce the cityâs general fund balance from about $1.5 million to about $1.2 million at the end of the current fiscal year. The federal government is paying for the bulk of the $1.2 million Grand River project, which is almost complete. (TT)
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Howell Historical Society To Host Open House At Train Depot MuseumHowell Historical Society To Host Open House At Train Depot Museum
Livingston County residents can take a trip back in time this weekend at an open house event held at one of Howellâs historical treasures.
The Howell Area Historical Society will hold an open house Saturday at their Depot Museum on Wetmore Street from 9am to 1pm. The open house will honor the centennial anniversary of WWI with new exhibits titled âHowell Goes to Warâ. Then at 2pm, author Kevin Keefe will discuss his book about the Pere Marquette 1225 steam locomotive and its history. Trustee Ed Vitez says the societyâs goal is to bring together those that are interested in the Howell areaâs rich history. He says the open house will present history in a fun way, in hopes of engaging people who want to help preserve it.
The depot was purchased by the Historical Society in 1971 and serves to display artifacts for the museum, while preserving the 1886 Ann Arbor Railroad Station. It costs the non-profit organization approximately $5,000 annually just to maintain the depot and property, not including major ticket items. Vitez says community members can support the depot during their visit by making a donation, purchasing a brick to honor their heritage, or becoming a member. More information about tomorrowâs open house can be found at the society's website below. (DK)
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Hamburg Township Woman In Court Over Island Shore Drive Again Hamburg Township Woman In Court Over Island Shore Drive Again
A Hamburg Township woman is facing familiar criminal charges related to the public use of Island Shore Drive.
65-year-old Mary Ann Lamkin is charged with malicious destruction of property and false report of a felony following an incident on May 22nd involving an altercation with a man on Island Shore Drive. Lamkin has been at odds with the township and her neighbors for years over the status of Island Shore Drive. She claims the road is her private property, but it remains the only access for other residents and a local hardware store. An easement has been granted by a judge.
During the most recent incident, Lamkin is accused of arguing with a man who was driving on the road and eventually hit his vehicle with a garden tool. When police arrived, Lamkin told them the man tried to run her over with his van. Lamkin is scheduled to appear for a probable cause hearing in the case June 28th. As part of her bond conditions, she cannot impede traffic or persons on or near Island Shore Drive or Schlenker Drive and cannot interfere with anyoneâs use of them. She further cannot have contact with any workers present.
Over the years, Lamkin and her husband filed numerous personal protection orders against neighbors and their family members. She also served jail time for her actions in blocking the road. In September of 2013, the Hamburg Township Board held a special meeting to individually review and respond to 33 FOIA denial appeals from Lamkin.
Supervisor Pat Hohl previously told WHMI Island Shore Drive has been in contention for the past 30-plus years and during that time; township residents have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on increased insurance and litigation involving Lamkin. (JM)
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No Charges To Be Filed Against South Lyon CouncilmanNo Charges To Be Filed Against South Lyon Councilman
Charges will not be filed against a South Lyon City Council member involved in a conflict-of-interest case.
The Oakland County Prosecutorâs Office made the decision to not charge Councilman Greg Kivell following an investigation by law firm Dykema Gossett. The case stemmed from a city council meeting last August where council members awarded Pullam Windows a $42,000 contract for the installation of new windows at the police department and South Lyon Area Recreation Building. The unanimous vote included Kivell who did not disclose at the time that he worked for Pullam Windows.
Dykema Gosset found that the lack of disclosure resulted in seven misdemeanor charges under city charter, city code, and state law. However, they reported that while Kivell had financial interest as an employee, he received nothing beyond his normal pay. While City Council voted to seek criminal prosecution, the Oakland County Prosecutor decided not to file charges and did not issue a warrant.
Councilwoman Margaret Kurtzweil was in support of seeking criminal charges and said that this being city charter was the cityâs job to enforce and not the Prosecutorâs Office. Kivell, said he was disappointed that his word was not taken on him having nothing to gain from the contract, and lamented the $38,000 the city spent on attorney fees to investigate. (MK)
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Plans Approved For Construction Of Two New Downtown Brighton BuildingsPlans Approved For Construction Of Two New Downtown Brighton Buildings
The Brighton City Council Thursday night unanimously approved a site plan submitted by Dan Cheresko of Cheresko Development for two new downtown buildings.
To make way for the development, an existing building at that location will be razed. Cheresko tells WHMI that he will spare no expense on the buildings, which will include two restaurants, two offices and two loft apartments, plus a courtyard and a pedestrian walkway. The buildings will be 7,000-square-feet each in size Cheresko says the courtyard area â where diners may eat and relax â will have radiant heat bricks to keep the premises warm in colder weather and he may even snow-melt the walkways between the buildings and the front sidewalks, pending city approval. His development company will occupy one second-floor office and he will lease the other.
Cheresko says the two studio apartments will have balconies overlooking the courtyard and he hopes to have live bands play there during the summer months. He also plans on improvements to the alley behind the development, including paying for a new dumpster for Ciao Amiciâs Restaurant. Cheresko says the process leading to all the necessary approvals from the city â its planner, code enforcement officer, and the various commissions and boards â have been the best heâs ever experienced in his years as a builder and developer. City Manager Nate Geinzer echoed comments by City Council Member Jim Bohn in saying the buildings will set a new benchmark for quality commercial developments in Brighton. Cheresko plans to start construction within four weeks and hopes to have the development completed by August of next year. (TT)
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Local Lawmaker Endorses Lena Epstein For U.S. Senate Seat Local Lawmaker Endorses Lena Epstein For U.S. Senate Seat
A local legislator is endorsing an automotive-industry businesswoman for the U.S. Senate.
Republican Senator Joe Hune of Fowlerville is endorsing Lena Epstein, says she is best suited to represent Michigan in the United States Senate. In announcing his support, Hune said Epsteinâs work ethic and business experience, especially with the automotive industry, set her apart from candidates that have run before.
Epstein served as co-chair of the President Trump campaign and is a third-generation co-owner of Southfield-based Vesco Oil Corporation.
The election is November 6th of 2018. Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow is running for re-election to a fourth term. A number of potential candidates have emerged in the Republican Primary race but Epstein is the first to officially declare. Facebook Photo. (JM)
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Pinckney Community Schools To Layoff Three TeachersPinckney Community Schools To Layoff Three Teachers
As the school year comes to close, one local school district has made the difficult decision to layoff three teachers.
The Pinckney Community Schools Board of Education voted unanimously on the decision at their specially added meeting Thursday night. Superintendent Rick Todd said he and the Board deeply regret this part of their job. Todd said that Pinckney Community Schools graduated over 300 students this year and is not bringing in that many for next. He said that reducing the number of teachers is something they usually are able to do through retirement, but unfortunately in some years like this, layoffs become necessary.
Todd said this decision was budgetary in nature as staffing is solely based on enrollment numbers. The staff needs to accurately represent appropriate numbers for the numbers of students. Trustee Paul Samways questioned the release of one of the special education teachers, but the Board was informed that the numbers of students with special needs was shifting to an age where one less teacher was required. Todd said that there will be a couple new hires for the fall because retirements can sometimes force that situation. He said, for example, they lost 3 math teachers at the high school level this year, and need to hire 2 for September. (MK)
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More Construction To Impact Motorists In Brighton Area More Construction To Impact Motorists In Brighton Area
Now that the Grand River improvement project is mostly done, two more involving rehabilitation and resurfacing are on the radar.
Brighton Road between Bauer and 7th Street, the Brighton City limits, is the first project to be done and it will begin next week. Storm sewer and curb repairs will be the focus this month and then after the 4th of July holiday, crews will work at night to mill out and replace pavement, which should take about five days. The project should be done in mid-July and then crews will move on to Spencer Road. Work will be done on the portion of Spencer Road from I-96 east to Old US-23, and then from Old US-23 to the bridge over the freeway.
The majority of work for each will be done at night according to Livingston County Road Commission Managing Director Mike Craine. Message boards and signs will be out by Monday informing motorists about the upcoming construction. While there is always the possibility of hiccups in the weather and unforeseen circumstances, if all goes as planned, then the two projects could be completed as soon as August. (JM)
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Howell Woman Killed In Northern Michigan CrashHowell Woman Killed In Northern Michigan Crash
A 21-year-old Howell woman was killed early Thursday when her car crashed into a tree north of Standish.
Arenac County Undersheriff Don McIntyre told the Arenac County Independent that McKenzie Gibbon of Howell was driving a Mercury Milan on I-75 and according to the initial investigation, she either fell asleep or lost consciousness before leaving the roadway and crashing into a large tree in the median.
McIntyre said the crash, which was reported at 3:12am, remains under investigation. (JK)
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Local Middle School Student Wins National Rubber Band ContestLocal Middle School Student Wins National Rubber Band Contest
It was no stretch that a local middle school student returning to the national finals in a rubber band competition might win it all this yearâand he did.
Seventh grader Parker Frye of South Lyon Millennium Middle School took 1st place at the University of Akron Global Polymer Academyâs annual contest for young inventors last week. Frye also made the national finals in 2015.The contest encourages 5th-8th graders to demonstrate their creativity by crafting inventions that include the use of rubber bands. The 13-year-old Fryeâs creation was a sculpture called Liberty: The Sum of Our Parts. Frye used several different colors of rubber bands that represent the different races, cultures, and groups of people that make up America. With them he built 3 separate, disjointed pieces that on the outside donât look like much. But shine a light on the sculpture from behind and it presents an amazingly lifelike shadow representation of the Statue of Liberty onto the wall.
Frye wrote in his essay for the contest that it takes all kinds of people to complete America, and that we are a sum of it its parts. He wrote that while he used just about every color rubber band he could find, that when the lights go out and the shadow appears, color no longer matters. Photo: rubberbandcontest.org (MK)
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