A railroad crossing in the City of Howell will be closed for repairs.
The CSX main rail crossing by Thai Summit on South Highlander Way at McPherson Park Drive is slated to close for maintenance and repairs. The work is weather dependent and tentatively scheduled to start August 28th. The full closure will be in effect for approximately one week and detours will be posted. The City advises that access to properties will be maintained.
Properties located north of the rail crossing will be required to use West Grand River to South Highlander Way. Properties located south of the rail crossing will be required to use Mason to McPherson Park Drive. Photo: Google Earth. (JM)
CSX Railroad Crossing In Howell To Close For Repairs CSX Railroad Crossing In Howell To Close For Repairs
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Hamburg Township Police Department Getting Private Firing RangeHamburg Township Police Department Getting Private Firing Range
A local police department will be getting their own firing range that will help them stay close to the community they are pledged to protect.
The Hamburg Township Board of Trustees approved the plan to build the new training grounds at their regular meeting Tuesday night. Currently the townshipâs police department has been sharing time at range in northern Genoa Township.
Police Chief Richard Duffany told the Board that several law enforcement agencies use that range, and while they are appreciative of the owners letting them use it for free, scheduling issues there cause major headaches. The Chief said when officers are qualifying, which is a 4-6 hour process, it is difficult to get them back to Hamburg from northern Genoa in the cases of emergencies.
Duffany began a quest to find an ideal property that would fit the departmentâs needs. He found and selected a township-owned parcel off of M-36, behind the waste water treatment plant. The firing range will be built out of sight of the public, and be constructed in a manner to lessen noise. The range will be near the Conservation Club, which has its own range, with the belief that its neighbors are already adjusted to the sounds of guns that come off of it. The police range will not be open to the public, and will only be used 20-25 times per year according to the Chief.
The biggest asset, Duffany said, is that it wonât cost the tax payers a dime. The project was approved with it having a ceiling of $30,000, and all funds for it will be paid for using federal drug forfeiture money. (MK)
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Senior Appreciation Day Coming To Area MetroparksSenior Appreciation Day Coming To Area Metroparks
Local senior citizens are being invited to take part in free activities at area Metroparks.
All 13 Huron-Clinton Metroparks are celebrating âSenior Appreciation Dayâ this Monday, August 21st. Senior citizens age 62 and over will receive free daily park entry to any Metropark. There are also a variety of free activities for seniors at the different parks. At Kensington Metropark, free Island Queen III boat rides, hayrides and a free lunch are being offered. There will also be a solar eclipse viewing party at the nature center.
At all 8 Metropark golf courses, including Kensingston and Huron Meadows, seniors 55 and up can take advantage of free range balls, coffee, and pull cart rental. A full list of activities can be found at the link below.(MK)
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Annual Game of Thrones Program Set To Return To Pinckney LibraryAnnual Game of Thrones Program Set To Return To Pinckney Library
Contrary to the appearance of summer in Livingston County currently, a local library says âWinter is Hereâ.
The Pinckney Community Libraryâs yearly Game of Thrones themed program, based on the books from George R.R. Martin, will blow into town following the penultimate Season 7 of the HBO TV Series. The âWinter is Hereâ event is a play on words from a motto within the series. It will be held at the library Tuesday, August 29th, from 6:30 to 8:30pm.
Though the books and show have very mature themes, Pinckney Library Director Hope Siasoco says the first half of the program does not discuss this content and is family-friendly.
The evening begins with a demonstration of fighting styles, stunts, and weapons from Game of Thrones from the action theatre and acting troupe group, Ring of Steel. A photo booth where guests can get pictures with popular characters from the series will be a part of the program, as well as trivia games and a chance to win prizes. In the second half of the program, there will be a discussion about the Season 7 TV episodes, which will include mature content and possible spoilers.
Anyone interested in registering or seeking more information can visit the link below. (DK)
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Construction Challenges Continue In Northfield Township Construction Challenges Continue In Northfield Township
Area motorists arenât the only ones who canât wait until construction is finally complete. Those involved in public safety are looking forward to it just as much.
A new traffic shift is in place and new ramp closures for motorists to contend with along US-23. A lot of the construction and bridge work has been occurring in Northfield Township, where Fire Chief Bill Wagner says there are a number of challenges and heâll be happy when itâs over. He noted that a big change happened this past week with the traffic shift from roughly 8 Mile to Barker Road. All four freeway lanes, both north and south, were moved over to the southbound side of US-23. Thatâs so M-DOT crews can reconstruct the bridges over Barker Road and the railroad on the northbound side.
Wagner tells WHMI some good news is that the southbound 8 Mile entrance ramp has also re-opened. However every day and every call they go on, he says crews have to take an extra 30 seconds to think about the route theyâre going and if something is closed or not. Wagner says theyâre trying to focus on the big picture and when itâs done, it will be much nicer.
Wagner says the biggest hurdle right now is the 6 Mile bridge, which M-DOT is hoping to have open before school starts. He sees that as being a big challenge though but says things will get better once the 6 Mile Road bridge re-opens. At that point, he says most all bridges will be complete, at least through the Northfield Township stretch of the project.
As much of a challenge as it is for emergency response, Wagner says it will really be a challenge for buses once the new school year starts. Thatâs because the high school is located on the west side of the freeway and the hamlet area is mostly on the east side - with 6 Mile being the main route. He says buses would have to get on US-23 at Barker and then get off on 6 Mile if itâs still open. However, he says the 6 Mile exit ramp will be closing for repaving, so then buses would have to go up to North Territorial and then come back around.
Updates on the US-23 Flex Route project and closures can be found through the link provided. M-DOT photo. (JM)
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Domestic Violence Shelter Employee Admits To Beating Son With BeltDomestic Violence Shelter Employee Admits To Beating Son With Belt
A local woman employed at a domestic violence shelter has entered a plea on child abuse charges connected to an incident involving her son.
28-year-old Ashley Nicole Bell of Pinckney pleaded guilty as charged to 3rd degree child abuse and domestic violence in Livingston County Circuit Court Friday. The charges stem from an incident in which Bell allegedly beat her 9-year-old son with a leather belt until it broke after becoming angry with him.
A report of the incident was made by a family member and received by Pinckney Police May 25th, although the incident occurred several days prior.
Authorities say Bell told officers she worked at a domestic violence shelterâs finance department in Washtenaw County and also volunteered there as an advocate. Bell, who faces up to two years in prison, is set to be sentenced September 21st. She is also scheduled to appear in Livingston Countyâs family court for a hearing later this month for a pending neglect/abuse case. (DK)
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Hudson Mills Golf Course To Remain Open Hudson Mills Golf Course To Remain Open
The Hudson Mills Metropark golf course is no longer on the chopping block.
The Huron Clinton Metropolitan Authority operates Hudson Mills Metropark off North Territorial Road near Dexter. The parkâs master plan had proposed possibly shutting down the golf course and repurposing it into a natural area.
After hearing disapproval, special meetings were held â some standing room only - with many golfers in favor of keeping it open. It was divulged during a presentation that the Hudson Mills course off Dexter-Pinckney Road is the only Metropark course losing money annually and if it was to stay open, officials would need to plan for costly capital and equipment improvements. Some issues raised were the lack of a driving range and a need for new golf carts.
Steve Williams represents Livingston County on the Huron Clinton Metropolitan Authority Board of Commissioners, which met recently. He says it was decided to postpone the potential closure of the golf course and keep it open for another five years, and that staff would look into making some changes and possible improvements. Williams told WHMI that the number of rounds played is up at Hudson Mills this season, which is a very good sign. He also thanked all of the citizens and Metroparks staff members who participated in the two public meetings last month for their time and efforts.
A revised master plan and supplemental five-year golf course strategy is expected to be presented to the Authority Board when it meets September 14th. (JM)
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Sheriff of Milwaukee County, Wisconsin Keynote Speaker For County GOP Reagan Day DinnerSheriff of Milwaukee County, Wisconsin Keynote Speaker For County GOP Reagan Day Dinner
The Livingston County Republican Party has announced the keynote speaker at its upcoming 2017 Reagan Day Dinner.
David A. Clarke Jr. is currently serving in his fourth consecutive term as Sheriff of Milwaukee County in Wisconsin. Prior to becoming Sheriff, he served 24 years with the Milwaukee Police Department. He is also the author of Cop Under Fire: Moving Beyond Hashtags of Race, Crime & Politics for a Better America. Clarke is a frequent guest commentator for national new services and organizations regarding law enforcement, Second Amendment, immigration, and homeland security issues. Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy will serve as the Master of Ceremonies during the dinner on Thursday, October 26th at Crystal Gardens Banquet Center in Genoa Township. A VIP reception will be held prior to the dinner.
Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.LivingstonRepublicans.com through the link below. Or by calling Meghan Reckling at (517) 672-6823 or David Grissom at (517) 404-4711. Photo: Gage Skidmor (JM)
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Health Department Shares Success Story From Prescription For Health ProgramHealth Department Shares Success Story From Prescription For Health Program
Livingston County Health Department Officials say they are seeing the results of a local program that provides access to healthy food for residents.
The Prescription for Health program helps provide access to fruits and vegetables to patients who are at risk for or have a chronic disease. Essentially a physician writes a prescription referring their patient to the program, and the patient is then enrolled through the Health Department. Patients receive tokens to spend on fruits and vegetables at participating farmerâs markets and food pantries.
Health Promotions Coordinator Chelsea Moxlow says the program is going really well, and the LCHD has enrolled patients almost to the programâs full capacity. Moxlow says they have seen examples of the programâs success, sharing a story of one client in particular.
Moxlow says the patient is strictly Spanish-speaking and cannot read; Spanish or English. Moxlow says the client only has a third-grade education and has not attempted to ask for help in the past from community services or programs because she wasnât able to communicate with others. The LCHD was able to meet with the patient and a translator and help her enroll in the Prescription for Health program, while also aid her with other needs.
Moxlow says working in public health includes a lot of âbehind the scenesâ work and appreciates stories that show theyâve made a difference in peopleâs lives. Funding for the program is covered in full by Saint Joseph Mercy Livingston and is expected to continue in subsequent years. (DK)
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Man Who Led Police Chase From Pinckney To Ann Arbor Headed To TrialMan Who Led Police Chase From Pinckney To Ann Arbor Headed To Trial
A Washtenaw County man authorities say led a police chase that began in Pinckney and ended in Ann Arbor has been bound over for trial.
24-year-old Justin Todd Thomas of Ypsilanti was bound over to Livingston County Circuit Court Wednesday. He is charged with fleeing and eluding, resisting police, and driving on a suspended license.
Pinckney police say the incident began when they attempted to pull Thomas over on a traffic violation on August 6th. Thomas reportedly refused to identify himself to the officer and then fled from the stop. The Pinckney officer pursued Thomas south through the village to Dexter-Pinckney Road, Territorial Road and then southbound US-23. Thatâs where a Michigan State Police trooper joined the pursuit. Officers laid down stop sticks in an attempt to stop Thomasâ car, but the effort failed and the chase continued on US-23 to Main Street in Ann Arbor, where he eventually stopped at a parking lot and surrendered.
A 24-year-old female passenger was released at the scene. Future court dates for Thomas have not been scheduled at this time. (DK)
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Brighton Board of Education Approves Pay Hike for Hourly WorkersBrighton Board of Education Approves Pay Hike for Hourly Workers
The Brighton Board of Education has ratified a contract change for hourly workers in the Brighton Area Schools that calls for a 2% wage increase for the 2017-18 fiscal year.
The board approved the contract provision unanimously at its meeting last week. The membership of BESPA - the Brighton Educational Support Personnel Association â had already approved the contract overwhelmingly. BESPA involves about 100 secretaries, food service employees, para-professionals and ancillary service personnel. This year the workers will be in the fourth year of their five-year contract.
Superintendent Greg Gray tells WHMI that the hourly employees are a hard working group and deserve compensation that is commensurate with their work load. The district also reached tentative agreement with the Brighton Education Association, representing the districtâs 300 teachers. That tentative agreement also includes a 2% pay increase. The teaching staff will be voting on the contract Aug. 28th and 29th, and the board will vote on it at its meeting on the 28th. (TT)
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Community Input Sought For Next Livingston Reads Selection Community Input Sought For Next Livingston Reads Selection
Public input is being sought on what book the community should read next.
All six public libraries in Brighton, Hartland, Fowlerville, Hamburg, Howell and Pinckney participate in the Livingston Reads program. It encourages residents to read for pleasure and create community through reading. Different books are selected and then the libraries plan various events and activities around the book and theme.
The six public libraries have offered the joint "One Book, One Community" program every year since 2005. Pinckney Library Director Hope Siasoco says itâs a very collaborative effort and they all work together to keep the program fresh.
The Livingston Reads 2018 Title Search Survey is currently underway and the community is encouraged to weigh in through an online survey. Siasoco tells WHMI theyâre asking all local communities to help them choose the 2018 book title. Individuals are asked to pick their top three choices from eleven titles. A point system is assigned to each and the book with the most points will be the winning title for next year. Siasoco says the assistance is appreciated and they look forward to discovering what communities choose.
A link to the survey website is provided and those participating are asked to choose their three favorite titles from the compiled list by August 25th. (JM)
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Local Red Cross Chapter To Hold Special 100th Anniversary Blood DriveLocal Red Cross Chapter To Hold Special 100th Anniversary Blood Drive
The Livingston County Red Cross is hosting a special Blood Drive this Thursday, Aug 24th.
Their goal for the drive is 100 pints, in celebration of the local chapterâs 100th anniversary in Livingston County. The drive will be held at the 2/42 Community Church in Genoa Township from 1-6:45pm. Organizers are also challenging all first responders to participate with the unit collecting the most pints winning a free lunch. They will also be collecting food for the Gleaners Community Food Bank. Donors who wish to take part in the Double Red Cell Program will also be accommodated. That program allows the American Red Cross to collect two units of red blood cells from a single donor as long as they meet eligibility requirements.
Details can be found using the link below, where appointments can also be made using the sponsor code 242 or by calling Gail Combs-Tanner at 248-561-9154. (JK)
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Brighton Police Chief Says No Problems with Ford Explorer SUVs Brighton Police Chief Says No Problems with Ford Explorer SUVs
Ford Explorer SUVs used by some police departments around the country have been under scrutiny lately after reports surfaced about officers suffering from carbon monoxide fumes, or even â in a few cases - getting into accidents after being overcome by the fumes.
Ford says it is concerned about the problem and is working with local police agencies, and has a team inspecting vehicles to make sure there are no problems. A news release from Ford last week suggested the issues might be related to aftermarket police-related equipment added to the vehicles. Ford said that, quote, "The company has discovered holes and unsealed spaces in the back of some Police Interceptor Utilities that had police equipment installed after leaving Fordâs factory." The Brighton City Police Dept. has four Ford Explorer SUVs, and Police Chief Rob Bradford tells WHMI that they have tested each one to make sure there are no problems with fumes. At the July 20th meeting, the City Council approved purchase of two new police patrol vehicles which will also be Ford Explorer Interceptors. Bradford says he expects delivery of the SUVs, which will replace patrol cars with high mileage, in about 10 weeks.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched a probe in July of Ford Explorers â not merely police interceptors but all models - citing 154 customer complaints about exhaust fumes in the 2011 through â15 model years. But thatâs now grown to hundreds of complaints, including vehicles in the 2016-and-17 years, that are not part of the NHTSA investigation. (TT)
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Livingston County Health Department Urges Solar Eclipse SafetyLivingston County Health Department Urges Solar Eclipse Safety
Local health officials say safety should come first during todayâs total eclipse of the sun.
A total eclipse of the sun is a rare astronomical event that only occurs on a given spot of the planet once every 375 years. Mondayâs swath of darkness will exclusively cross the United States from Oregon to South Carolina and "the path of totality" along the way will be up to 70 miles wide.
In the Livingston County area, residents will be able to see an 80% eclipse of the sun beginning at 1pm, ending around 4pm. Individuals are advised to wear eye protection for the entire time they view the solar eclipse.
The Livingston County Health Department says the only time it is safe to watch with the naked eye is during the brief window of âtotalityâ, when the sun is completely blocked by the moon. However, the department says âtotalityâ will only be visible from a ribbon of land that stretches across the central U.S. It says the rest of the country, including Livingston County, will only see a partial eclipse and will need eye protection the entire time.
NASA urges people to buy special eclipse glasses to view the event, and not use makeshift or homemade filters to look at the eclipse directly.
Meanwhile with many traveling in search of the best viewing locations, motorists are reminded to use extra caution during the eclipse and avoid stopping in traffic or alongside the road to view the event. Additional safety information is below. (JM)
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Nonresidential Development Slowly Rising In Livingston CountyNonresidential Development Slowly Rising In Livingston County
Slow and steady is the trend for nonresidential development in Livingston County according to a recent report.
The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, or SEMCOG, released their Quick Facts report outlining developments not aimed as being housing options last week. SEMCOG compiles information given to them from 232 governments in 7 counties including Livingston County for this report.
SEMCOG Planner Janet Mocadlo took some solace in the fact that while development isnât booming, itâs trending the right way. She said we have been seeing a steady increase in nonresidential development floor space since 2009 when the recession hit hardest. However, she suggests we arenât recovering as quickly as we did from previous recessions in the 1980âs and 1990âs.
Livingston County leads the region SEMCOG is reporting in with medical developments. Of the 1.3 million square feet of floor space this recording year, 30% is being used to build medical facilities. The largest project is University of Michigan Brighton Health Center which measures in at 320,000 square feet. One of the other larger projects in the county is the St. John Providence Medical Center on Latson Road in Genoa Township. Preliminary 2017 construction data suggests that this upward trend will continue into next year. (MK)
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No Charges To Be Filed In Fatal I-96 PileupNo Charges To Be Filed In Fatal I-96 Pileup
The Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office announced today that they will not be filing charges in the I-96 pileup in December that left three people dead.
53 vehicles were involved in the crash on snow-covered I-96 near Wallace Road in Handy Township on December 8th. A release from the Prosecutorâs Office states that according to the investigation and crash reconstruction, all drivers estimated their speeds prior to impact between 35 and 50 mph, with most drivers indicating a speed between 40 and 45 mph.
Due to the extremely poor visibility caused by the sudden winter weather conditions, drivers were traveling close enough to see the vehicle in front of them. The report indicates that by the time drivers saw brake lights, they were unable to stop in time to avoid a crash.
The investigation found that the crash began with a traffic backup on the bridge over the Red Cedar River. Due to the blocked lanes and existence of guard rails at the bridge, vehicles were unable to escape and a bottleneck was created. In addition to the weather and subsequent limited visibility, the Prosecutorâs Office says the pileup was the result of a number of contributing factors that also include the layout of the road and how well traffic was moving.
Based on the investigation, the Prosecutorâs Office has determined evidence from the circumstances is âinsufficient to justify criminal charges against any of the surviving drivers for causing the deaths of the three victims.â Killed in the pileup were 69-year-old Homer and 62-year-old Theresa Tew of Ann Arbor and 28-year-old Vitalii Stelmakh, a semitrailer driver and native of Ukraine who was living in Florida.
The investigation was conducted by the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department and their crash investigators. Agencies that assisted included the Michigan State Police, the Fowlerville Police Department, the Hamburg Township Police Department, and other local area law enforcement. (DK)
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Solar Eclipse Viewing Party Draws Crowd At Hutchings ElementarySolar Eclipse Viewing Party Draws Crowd At Hutchings Elementary
Approximately 200 people gathered at Hutchings Elementary School today to watch the solar eclipse.
Local residents were able to see an 80% eclipse of the sun beginning around 1pm. The schoolâs former fifth grade students and its incoming class were invited to a viewing party on the schoolâs soccer field. 5th grade teacher Jason DeLand says fifth graders were the target audience because the stages of the moon are a part of the 4th and 5th grade curriculum.
The school held a similar event for the March lunar eclipse in 2015, and DeLand says at that time teachers promised students that they would meet once again for the solar eclipse. The schoolâs lunar eclipse party had a guest attendance of about 100 people, while todayâs had double that.
Drew Thacker, Courtney Christman, Hannah Boss, 8th graders at Highlander Way Middle School, and Audrey Kane, 8th grader at Parker Middle School, are all former Hutchings students. All four came to the school at around 4am to watch the lunar eclipse two years ago and were present at this afternoonâs event. They all agreed the viewing party was fun and helped them learn, but all preferred watching the lunar eclipse because of its visibility.
Hutchingsâ event had Sunchips and Eclipse gum to match the partyâs theme, as well as eye protection glasses, which some people have reported were hard to get their hands on. Other viewing parties in Livingston County included an event at the Hartland Cromaine district library. (DK)
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Soundque To Record Future Livingston County Board MeetingsSoundque To Record Future Livingston County Board Meetings
The Livingston Countyâs Board of Commissioners on Monday approved the use of a recording method to broadcast future board meetings.
Members of the community previously expressed their desire to be able to watch what was transpiring in their countyâs government while at home through the use of either a streaming or televised method. As a result, beginning in September, Soundque Multimedia will be providing a video recording of all future board meetings for the next six months. County Commission Chair Kate Lawrence referred to this as a six month trial to see how this method will affect future meetings and how many people view the meetings from home. The board meetings will be posted to the countyâs website the following day with all presentation clips attached.
Soundque will be charging a monthly cost of $860 which will be funded through the Board of Commissioners 2017 Operating Budget. Lawrence claims Soundque was chosen for the task due to their success and experience with recording meetings for other counties.
Lawrence also stated that if the experiment proves to be a success, other committee and finance meetings could be recorded in the future as well. (DF)
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Judge Orders Hune To Release Tesla Emails Judge Orders Hune To Release Tesla Emails
A federal judge has ruled two lawmakers, including one from Livingston County, must surrender to Tesla Motors Inc. records of their communications with lobbyists over a law barring the electric car maker from selling directly to customers.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Ellen Carmody denied efforts by Republican State Sen. Joe Hune of Iosco Township and Republican State Rep. Jason Sheppard of Lambertville to quash the subpoenas. The lawmakers had argued their communications with third parties were privileged and should remain private, but Carmody ruled Monday that relevant communications between them and "non-legislative third parties" such as lobbyists and constituents must be surrendered.
Hune introduced a 2014 amendment to the law, which Tesla says was designed to maintain a monopoly for auto dealers on car sales in Michigan. Hune's wife, Marcia, is also a registered lobbyist employed by Government Consultant Services, whose clients include the Auto Dealers of Michigan. Sheppard was reportedly subpoenaed because of 2016 statements that Michigan dealers and manufacturers do not want Tesla in the state.
Tesla last year sued Michigan over the 2014 law that ensures automakers can only sell through independent, franchised dealerships. (JK)
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