The condition of a local man has been upgraded following a motorcycle crash Sunday night.
The 45-year-old Hartland man was originally hospitalized in critical condition at Genesys Regional Medical Center in Grand Blanc. He remains hospitalized but has since been upgraded to fair condition.
Deputies with the Livingston County Sheriffâs Office responded to the crash on Fenton Road, south of Read Road. The man was traveling south on Fenton Road on a 2007 Harley Davidson when he lost control and was thrown from his motorcycle, suffering serious injuries. Fenton Road was closed for approximately three hours during the investigation.
The man was wearing a helmet. The Sheriffâs Office says alcohol and speed do not appear to be factors in the crash, which remains under investigation. (JM)
Condition Of Hartland Man Upgraded After Motorcycle Crash Condition Of Hartland Man Upgraded After Motorcycle Crash
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Huron-Clinton Metroparks Director George Phifer Resigns Amid Investigation Huron-Clinton Metroparks Director George Phifer Resigns Amid Investigation
The Huron-Clinton Metroparks director has resigned.
Director George Phifer was placed on administrative leave back in June amid an internal investigation. He submitted his resignation Monday, although the investigation remains ongoing. The nature of the probe has never been disclosed.
Metroparks Police Chief Michael Reese will continue to serve as interim director and a search is expected to get underway soon. He previously told WHMI it is the policy of the HCMA not to comment on personnel matters. A memo from the Board Chairman Timothy McCarthy instructed staff to fully cooperate with investigators and reaffirmed that no one was to divulge any facts or details about the matter to the media or anyone outside of the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority.
Phifer was responsible for day-to-day operations of the Authority in his role as director. He was promoted from deputy director in 2015 and was responsible for the overall administration and operation of all 13 Metroparks, including Kensington. Phiferâs leadership had been previously questioned by the Macomb Audubon Society, which was unhappy with what it referred to as aggressive management and over-mowing that damaged nesting sites and bird habitats. A fawn was also accidentally run over by a tractor mower at Stoney Creek Metropark in May. Officials said they were working with staff to help them identify areas of wildlife before mowing.
Overall, Phifer has a law enforcement background and retired as captain from the Pontiac Police Department. He became the Metroparks police chief in 2008 and reorganized the department to maximize efficiencies, which led to disgruntled employees and prompted lawsuits. The Michigan Court of Appeals upheld a lower courtâs dismissal of a sex discrimination lawsuit against Phifer and the authority in March.
A judge said âbeing a colossal jerk is not actually unlawful per se, and being arguably unfit for a particular supervisory job does not necessarily constitute an actionable offense.â (JM)
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Voters Approve Ballot Proposal For Northfield Township Fire Department Voters Approve Ballot Proposal For Northfield Township Fire Department
Voters in Northfield Township recently approved a fire service and medical rescue millage proposal.
The two-mill, five year proposal passed by 62.5% of the vote in the August 8th election, with 419 votes in support and 249 against it. The estimated two-mills will raise approximately $682,654 when first levied later this year. It was basically a continuation of the previous millage but took into account Headlee Rollback. The request was approved for five years, while most previous millages were for three years.
Fire Chief Bill Wagner tells WHMI they appreciate the community support and will continue to do the best job they can with the funds they have for everybody in the township. He says the funds generated will support the operation of the fire department and EMS response in the township. That includes capital improvements for the fire stations, fire trucks and payments to firefighters to respond to calls. Wagner says the department responds to about 650 calls a year, including structure and vehicle fires. Wagner noted crews respond to a lot of car crashes on US-23, especially with all of the construction continuing in the area.
He says the department also deals with EMS calls and provides mutual aid to assisting neighboring departments.
Wagner said it was nice to see the support but noted that there was some confusion about the proposal and whether it was an additional tax above and beyond the previous millage, so he thinks they may have lost a few voters there. Wagner said there was a very small contingent pushing against any new taxes in the township but thinks most people in the community knew it was just a continuation of the previous millage to support the fire department. Photo: Northfield Township. (JM)
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Cooley Lake Road To Close For Construction Cooley Lake Road To Close For Construction
Cooley Lake Road in Highland Township is slated for utility work next week.
Cooley Lake Road between Burns Road and Duck Lake Road is scheduled to close next Thursday and Friday. Cooley Lake Road carries 3,840 vehicles daily. The Road Commission of Oakland County advises that during the closure, a private contractor will be installing a new gas pipeline under the road, which requires an open cut. The road is expected to reopen sometime Friday evening.
Meanwhile, work is continuing on a large project in Lyon Township at Napier and 10 Mile Roads. This involves reconstruction of the intersection to a roundabout, a hill cut on 10 Mile Road, west of Napier and reconstruction of 10 Mile Road from Copperwood to Nepavine Drive. Detours remain in effect. The road is expected to fully re-open in mid-October, although there will be continued work through mid-November. (JM)
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Cyber Training Institue Holding Seminar On Career PathwaysCyber Training Institue Holding Seminar On Career Pathways
Learn more about the shortage of talent in a fast growing market and how to land a career in it next Tuesday in Pinckney.
The Pinckney Cyber Training Institute is holding its first ever Cyber Security Career Seminar at Pinckney Community High School on August 22nd. Leading the seminar will be Colleen Riccinto, President of Cyber Talent Search. She will provide an overview of the current state of the cyber security job market and the talent shortage within it. Experts project there will be 1.2 million cyber security jobs available in 2020, with not enough qualified individuals to fill all those positions. Riccinto will provide information on career pathways through the field along with representatives from many local and national brands with a stake in the industry. Representatives from The Ford Motor Company, Michigan Blue Cross and Blue Shield, the United States Air Force, the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department, and the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association are all scheduled to be present. The seminar is free and is expected to run for 90 minutes, beginning at 7pm.
Institute Director Jim Darga said this is one of the many services they offer that helps keep individuals and businesses safe online. The Institute provides training for high school and college-age students, IT professionals, and business owners. They offer a wide range of Department of Defense approved courses with everything from getting started in network administration, to more advanced courses that help people upgrade their skills in the cyber security field. To register or learn more about the Cyber Training Institute and all they offer, visit their website, www.pinckneyCTI.org. (MK)
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Hutchings Elementary To Host Solar Eclipse Viewing Party MondayHutchings Elementary To Host Solar Eclipse Viewing Party Monday
Some local elementary school teachers are planning a solar eclipse viewing party next week.
On Monday, the Hutchings Elementary fifth grade teachers will be hosting a Solar Eclipse Viewing Party from 1 to 3pm on the school's soccer field. The teachers have invited past students as well as the incoming fifth-grade class to attend the event. Officials say theyâll see the moon and sun as they go through the stages of the solar eclipse, which is covered in the fifth-grade curriculum. This is not the first time that the school's fifth grade teachers have hosted an eclipse viewing party.
In March 2015, they planned and hosted a lunar eclipse viewing party before school, which was well attended. Officials caution that the viewing party is dependent on the weather.
In addition to the Howell event, the Cromaine district Library in Hartland is also hosting a solar eclipse viewing party. (JM)
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Trump Supporters Rally In HowellTrump Supporters Rally In Howell
Approximately 200 âMichigan Trump Republicansâ gathered in Howell Tuesday in a show of support for President Donald Trump.
The rally was held at Block Brewing Co. and heavily attended. State Senator Joe Hune of Iosco Township describes it as a âwe got your back Mr. Presidentâ rally. Hune says the event had been planned in advance, but just so happened to follow shortly after the news conference in which Trump shared his views on the violence that occurred in Charlottesville, Virginia over the weekend, saying that the groups protesting against white supremacists were "also very violent." Referring to those protesters as the "alt-left," the President said there was "blame on both sides" for the deadly violence. Those comments drew widespread criticism including from fellow Republicans, Senator John McCain and Speaker Paul Ryan.
But Hune, who is a self-proclaimed âTrump Republicanâ, believes the countryâs leader is on the right path and says Trump would face opposition no matter what kind of stance he takes. Lena Epstein, who is supported by Hune in her bid to represent Michigan in the U.S. Senate, agrees. She says there are people who hate Trump more than they love America and will take any opportunity to criticize him. Epstein served as co-chair of the President Trump campaign.
In response to the gathering, the liberal activist group Indivisible 8 issued a statement saying, "We need a President that brings people together, not one that divides our country by pandering to the KKK and other fascist hate groups." They called on Livingston County Republicans and conservatives to denounce what they called, "Trumpâs divisive comments."
WLNS reports that at the rally, Hune encouraged residents to âturn off their televisionâ and not to look at Facebook and other "fake news." Hune tells WHMI ââ¦you canât talk about Trump without bashing the media, so we did some of thatâ. He feels ultimately, the group that gathered was âan inspiring group who just wanted to get together to show their supportâ for the president and country. (DK/JK)
Photo courtesy of WLNS.
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South Lyon's New Elementary School Prepares To Open Its DoorsSouth Lyon's New Elementary School Prepares To Open Its Doors
District officials say a new elementary school in South Lyon will be ready to welcome students this school year.
Located on 11 Mile Road, William A. Pearson Elementary blends into its surroundings with bricks, coloring, and a design that closely resembles neighboring homes. The K-5 school was designed with the help of teachers, parents, and administratorsâ input, and has been under construction for about two years. Its amenities include high-tech projection systems, individual bathrooms for classrooms, and storage rooms that connect classrooms to one another. The interior uses soothing colors to match its nature and seasons theme.
The building is named after the South Lyon Community Schoolâs former superintendent, Dr. William Pearson. Pearson worked in the district before he became superintendent in 1995 and current Superintendent Melissa Baker says did much in the way of the districtâs curriculum, instruction, and passage of bonds. Having given over 20 years to South Lyon Community Schools, Baker says itâs only natural the building be named after Dr. Pearson. It will be dedicated to him Sunday, October 8th, at 2pm.
Over 570 students will attend the school and Baker says theyâre definitely ready for them. (DK)
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1,400 Volunteers Donate Time To Help Those In Need Across The County1,400 Volunteers Donate Time To Help Those In Need Across The County
A record number of volunteers donated their time to those in the community who needed a little help.
The Livingston County United Way held its 16th annual Day of Caring on Wednesday. Over 1,400 volunteers worked 1,800 shifts at roughly 140 project sites across the county. United Way Director Nancy Rosso said this is symbolic of the kind of community spirit that exists in Livingston County, with people helping their neighbors and giving freely of themselves, whether itâs their time, materials, or day off. She also expressed gratitude to the many sponsors who helped make the event happen, saying without their support this outreach event wouldnât be possible.
Volunteers chose a morning shift, a night shift, or both, and went to work performing a wide variety of tasks. Many helped out fellow residents at their homes doing jobs like pulling weeds, painting, or building new ramps and railings to help them get around. Many of the schools in the area had helpers show up to give the buildings a little tender loving care in preparation of the upcoming year. Other volunteers assisted with food drives that were held at several grocery stores and food banks.
A special lunch was held in Howell City Park in between shifts, where organizers had an opportunity to thank volunteers with a free lunch. Rosso said that while the Day of Caring is the largest one-day volunteer event in the county, it keeps growing yearly, and they at the United Way have no idea where the ceiling is. (MK)
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Green Oak Twp. Police Looking For Man Who Exposed Himself To Teen Green Oak Twp. Police Looking For Man Who Exposed Himself To Teen
A man who allegedly exposed himself to a 15-year-old girl at the Island Lake State Recreation Area Wednesday is wanted by police.
Green Oak Township Police were called to the Island Lake State Recreation Area around 1:35pm for a report of indecent exposure. Police Chief Jason Pless says a man approached the 15-year-old on foot, took off his pants, and told the victim to come over to him.
The suspect is described as a white male in his early to mid-thirties. He is said to have dark curly hair that reaches the middle of his neck in length, a full beard, and was last seen wearing a white t-shirt. The suspectâs last known location was Grand River and Kensington Road, and was driving a charcoal gray Chevy Malibu.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Green Oak Township Police or Livingston County Central Dispatch at 517-546-9111.
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Brighton DPW to Get New EquipmentBrighton DPW to Get New Equipment
The Brighton City Council recently voted to approve about $500,000 worth of equipment purchases for the Department of Public Works over a 5-year period.
DPW Director Marcel Goch says much of the equipment the city now has is getting old, and at times the cost of maintaining the equipment exceeds the cost of buying replacement items. The purchases will be paid for in installments of $100,000 per year through the vehicle and equipment capital funding budget.
Goch says the purchases will enable the DPW to reduce the number of salting and snow plowing trucks by two because they will be buying two hook lift-style trucks, which can quickly be switched from salt trucks to dump beds. In addition, the trucks will have side plows, which will make it more efficient on wide roads such as Grand River and Challis Road.
Goch says the city will sell the oldest of the plow trucks and dump trucks and use the proceeds for additional equipment buys. Included in the purchases will be an asphalt roller, which the city has not had in the past. It has meant delays in fixing the problem since the DPW had to wait for contractors to schedule in the work when they were able.
Finally, the DPW will be getting a combination sidewalk plow and grass mower to replace machinery which was inadequate for plowing and mowing in a town the size of Brighton. Goch says the purchases will allow for more efficient operations and will reduce long-term maintenance costs. (TT)
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Livingston County Health Department Takes Step Toward National AccreditationLivingston County Health Department Takes Step Toward National Accreditation
The process to achieve national accreditation for the Livingston County Health Department is moving forward slowly, but surely.
Though the LCHD has been accredited by the state for over 18 years, their journey to achieve national accreditation, which began in 2015, is still ongoing. Health Promotions Coordinator Chelsea Moxlow says the LCHD is âmaking good steps toward that goalâ, but isnât done yet.
Moxlow reports the LCHD submitted all of the required documentation to the state last Tuesday in their quest for national accreditation for local health departments. Despite only being about halfway through the process, Moxlow says the LCHD is still excited to say theyâve submitted all of their evidence.
She indicates the documentation is being reviewed by a specialist with the Public Health Accreditation Board and the next step is to prepare LCHD staff, board members, and community partners for a site visit. External evaluators will tour the LCHDâs facility, ask questions they may have, and then move forward with their final decision. The date of the site visit is undetermined at this time. (DK)
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Police Seek Tips After Indecent Exposure Incident At Local Rec Area Police Seek Tips After Indecent Exposure Incident At Local Rec Area
Tips and information are being sought by police as they search for a suspect believed to have exposed himself to a teen at a local rec area.
Green Oak Township Police say the 15-year-old female was alone when the man exposed himself to her on Wednesday afternoon at the Island Lake State Recreation Area. It happened around 1:35pm. Police say the man approached the 15-year-old on foot, took off his pants, and told the victim to come over to him. Police say the victim fled back to her cabin and the suspect did not pursue her. The incident happened by the rustic cabin campsite near the back of the park, between the Spring Mill Pond and Dodge Park.
Police Chief Jason Pless tells WHMI they are still searching for the suspect. He says theyâre seeking tips and information from anyone who might have seen something suspicious. Pless noted the incident is not a common occurrence at the rec area and state park rangers were advised of the circumstances. He says they patrolled for the suspect but he was not located and no vehicle registration information was obtained by the witness.
The suspect is believed to have been driving a dark charcoal gray Chevy Malibu. Heâs described as a white male in his early to mid-30âs with dark curly hair that reaches the middle of his neck in length and a full beard, last seen wearing a white t-shirt.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Green Oak Township Police or Livingston County Central Dispatch at 517-546-9111. (JM)
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Grand River To Close For 57th Annual Howell Melon FestivalGrand River To Close For 57th Annual Howell Melon Festival
Detours can be expected in downtown Howell as part of the 57th annual Howell Melon Festival this weekend.
The Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority took over the festival in 2013 and it has grown exponentially since then â becoming a signature event that attracts around 35,000 visitors to the City. To enhance pedestrian safety and create an overall festival atmosphere, Grand River will be closed from Chestnut to Barnard Street. Detours will be in effect, with signs posted to alert motorists. Additional information can be found along with an event schedule online. A link is provided.
Meanwhile as part of the festivities, the Livingston Arts Council will be hosting the 13th annual Fine Arts Show at the historic Howell Opera House this weekend. Artists will be present and a make-and-take art table will be available for kids. Admission is free and the show is open to the public. (JM)
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Candidate Seeking State Senate Seat Denounces Trump Statements Candidate Seeking State Senate Seat Denounces Trump Statements
A Democratic candidate seeking a state Senate seat is denouncing statements made by President Donald Trump in response to the events in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Adam Dreher, a candidate for the Democratic nomination for the 22nd District State Senate seat said âTrump's statement on Tuesday defending the white supremacists should disgust all Americans.â The Oceola Township resident is an assistant prosecutor in Ionia County. He says racism and hatred have no place in America and heâs not afraid to condemn the actions of the neo-Nazis, the KKK, and others of the alt-right. Dreher said he is also not afraid to condemn Donald Trump's defense of them. He says fear was Trump's running mate and fear remains a member of his cabinet, adding his statements will likely embolden neo-Nazis to cause more deadly confrontations.
Dreher commented he is also not afraid to call upon his likely opponent, current State Representative Lana Theis, to condemn these actions, saying they may be of different parties but this is one thing they must agree on. Theis, a Brighton Township Republican who previously announced her Senate election campaign, told WHMI she utterly denounces any and all racism and hatred.
Both Dreher and Theis are seeking the Senate seat currently held by Iosco Township Republican Joe Hune, who is term limited and a very vocal Trump supporter. He was among the approximately 200 people who gathered in Howell on Tuesday for a rally in a show of support for the president. (JM)
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Eagle Scout Builds, Delivers Shed To BHS Marching BandEagle Scout Builds, Delivers Shed To BHS Marching Band
A local scout has delivered a hand-made, much needed gift to the Brighton High School marching band. Raymond York is an Eagle Scout who is entering his junior year at BHS. As a trumpet player in the marching band, York recognized a need for the band that he believed he could satisfy alongside completing his Eagle Scout project. What York came up with was a shed to help store band equipment on the football fieldâs grounds, which would significantly reduce, if not eliminate, the number of back and forth trips needed from the stadium and the school. York and his father delivered the finished shed as part of a ceremony at the football field Thursday evening. York spoke about the process, saying that it took around a year to complete from start to finish. It cost around $2,000 that York fundraised himself, mainly through bottle donations and donations from friends. BHS Band Director Gabrielle Hoffman said she thought this was the best idea ever and was impressed with the job York did, as he constructed it with minimal help from others. The shed is solar powered, has shelving, and Hoffman said is big enough to store the bandâs new golf cart and equipment. The bandâs logo is also prominently displayed over the door. Hoffman said that administration wanted it placed under the stands, but York stood tough and the shed now resides out in the open, near the scoreboard. York said that skills he has learned in scouting like leadership, time management, and people management proved to be the most useful. (MK)
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Backpacks For Kids Event Preps Local Students For School YearBackpacks For Kids Event Preps Local Students For School Year
Local students will start the new school year off on the right foot, thanks to a community give back event from the Livingston Educational Service Agency.
LESAâs 16th annual Backpacks for Kids event had a large turnout at their facility in Howell Thursday evening. Over 1,000 backpacks were donated to LESA for the event, and were filled with school supplies Wednesday, during Livingston County United Wayâs Day of Caring.
The filled backpacks were handed out to students from families in need at Backpacks for Kids, which includes a Community Connect event. LESA works with community partners who attend and provide information about local resources to families.
Great Start Livingston Coordinator Robin Schutz says there has not been a single year of a backpack shortage at the event. Their goal each year is to collect about 1,000 backpacks. Any that are leftover afterwards are donated to local schools.
State Representatives Hank Vaupel and Lana Theis, and representatives from the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department and Michigan State Police helped hand out backpacks. Schutz says a total of about 70 volunteers made everything come together. (DK)
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Arraignment Held For Howell Pharmacy Technician Charged With Stealing Pills From HospitalArraignment Held For Howell Pharmacy Technician Charged With Stealing Pills From Hospital
A Howell-area pharmacy technician has been arraigned on a charge connected to the theft of more than 30,000 prescription pills from a local hospital.
35-year-old Kelly Leann Hodge was arraigned in 53rd District Court Thursday on one count of embezzlement of $100,000 or more. A warrant for her arrest was first issued August 4th. Hodge is accused of stealing prescription medications from St. Joseph Mercy Brighton hospital.
Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy says the theft was noticed after hospital officials conducted an inventory which indicated that approximately 12,000 pills had been taken over a five-month period. The hospital then contacted the Sheriffâs Office and a follow-up audit found almost 32,000 doses of prescription medication were missing during an 18-month period that began in November of 2015. Itâs estimated that the value of the missing medication was about $107,000.
According to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Hodge's pharmacy technician license was issued in October of 2015 and expires in June of 2018. Murphy says Hodge, who no longer is employed by the hospital, made a statement to investigators. He has declined to comment on what she said, as the investigation is ongoing.
Hodge is due back in court September 5th for a probable cause conference. (JK/DK)
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Brighton Police Looking for Reserve OfficersBrighton Police Looking for Reserve Officers
The Brighton Police Dept. is looking for a few good menâ¦or women.
The police department currently has two reserve officers, but would like to bring that up to a total of five. Police Chief Rob Bradford told the City Council Thursday night that any candidate must be at least 21 years old, have a clean record and pass a background check, with no criminal convictions. He tells WHMI that there are currently three applicants, but he is always looking for more. Bradford says reserve officers, who are armed, receive the same training as regular police officers.
They are required to work at least 10 hours per month and assist with civic events and foot patrol in the downtown area. He says the two reserve officers now with the department assisted with crowd control and other aspects of Brightonâs 150th Anniversary celebration last weekend. (TT)
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Community Leaders Praise Successful Brighton 150th Anniversary BashCommunity Leaders Praise Successful Brighton 150th Anniversary Bash
Brighton Area Historical Society President Jim Vichich told council Thursday that the city and volunteers did a great job of organizing all the activities during the Community Block Party and related events last Sunday.
Vichich said the celebration was successful because everybody contributed. Itâs estimated that about 10,000 people lined the streets of downtown Brighton for the big birthday blast Sunday, with favorable weather.
Brighton Mayor Pro Tem Shawn Pipoly said that city officials were, in his words, âthrilledâ with the turnout and also gave credit for the success of the events to the volunteers on the committee. For anyone interested in getting a Brightonopoly game, Pipoly said they are still available at city hall, and at his office, at $35 apiece. (TT)
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