Livingston County again had the stateâs lowest jobless rate for the month of August.
The Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget reports unemployment rates fell seasonally in 16 of the 17 major labor market areas. Total employment change was mixed throughout the various areas, while workforce levels declined in the majority of regions. The state says jobless rates inched up over the month by one-tenth of a percentage point in both Livingston and Oakland Counties. Livingston Countyâs August jobless rate stood at 3.2% - ranking number one out of all 83 counties in Michigan. The county has been able to maintain the lowest statewide jobless rate for three months in a row.
The state says over the year, unemployment rates rose in the majority of areas but the increases were marginal. (JM)
Livingston County's August Jobless Rate Again Lowest In StateLivingston County's August Jobless Rate Again Lowest In State
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Green Oak Twp. Begins Process To Amend MIP OrdinanceGreen Oak Twp. Begins Process To Amend MIP Ordinance
A local municipality is preparing to change their ordinance regarding minors in possession in anticipation of an amendment to the stateâs law.
Bills that would reduce the penalties for minors caught with alcohol were signed by Governor Rick Snyder in 2016 and expected to go into effect January 1st, 2018. The new law would decriminalize the first offense for an MIP, making it a civil infraction instead of a misdemeanor. A first offender could also be fined up to $100, but would be able to avoid having a criminal record.
Municipalities are preparing to enforce the new MIP law by amending their ordinances to reflect the changed penalties and procedures. Green Oak Townshipâs Board of Trustees took a look at their own ordinance Wednesday night and began the process to make the change.
Supervisor Mark St. Charles says the board plans to adopt the ordinance at their next meeting, October 4th and that it will become official 15 days after its publication. Police Chief Jason Pless says the Secretary of State is not ready for some challenges being made to the new law, but St. Charles says the township is moving forward in the process either way. (DK)
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Blaze At Scorpions Motorcycle Club Deemed SuspiciousBlaze At Scorpions Motorcycle Club Deemed Suspicious
A barn that housed the Scorpions Motorcycle Club in Lyon Township is considered a total loss following a morning fire.
It's the second Detroit-area motorcycle club damaged this week. The Street Royalty Motorcycle Club building on Detroit's west side was destroyed Wednesday by an explosion and fire. The Lyon Township fire forced a closure of Milford Road between 11 and 12 Mile roads this morning as firefighters put out the blaze. One suffered minor injuries. The Oakland County Sheriffâs Office Lyon Township substation is investigating and the fire has been deemed suspicious.
A mini-excavator, like a Bobcat, was used to break into the building to steal a safe. An excavator was stolen from the nearby Michigan War Dog Memorial that was being used to install a fence. The front of the building was preserved but the clubhouse area was destroyed, and itâs considered a total loss.
The Scorpion Clubâs Chapter President Chris Page (pictured) said the worst of the losses were the ashes and memorabilia of decreased members. He commented on Facebook that the some media outlets were trying to spin the fire as a gang war but that is not the case, and the two clubs are friends. He says someone stole a skidster, tried to break through the wall to get the safe but could not, so they set it on fire.
The ATF is also investigating both the Detroit and Lyon Township club fires. Facebook photo. (JM)
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Volunteers Sought For Fall Cemetery Clean-Up In PinckneyVolunteers Sought For Fall Cemetery Clean-Up In Pinckney
The Village of Pinckney is looking for volunteers to help preserve local history by maintaining the community cemetery during an annual fall clean-up event.
Two dates have been scheduled for the clean-up this year, November 11th and 18th, which officials say allows for a rain date or the opportunity to finish projects. Volunteers will remove faded décor or plantings outside of regulations and also pick up downed branches and tree limbs. As always, officials say the biggest project will be focusing on leaf removal so the more people and leaf blowers, the quicker the job.
The Pinckney Historical Cemetery is located at 647 W. M-36, just west of Downtown Pinckney. Although not required, volunteers are asked to bring gloves, rakes, wheelbarrows, leaf blowers and clippers if possible. Officials say the event is a great opportunity for families, youth groups, seniors or students needing volunteer hours, as well as those seeking community service hours.
Anyone with questions should contact the Pinckney Village offices (734) 878-6206. (JM)
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Technical Issues Fixed With New Citizens Alerting SystemTechnical Issues Fixed With New Citizens Alerting System
After some technical issues, a new, free service that provides alerts regarding life safety information to Livingston County residents is again ready to accept new users.
Livingston County has been working to improve means of communication with citizens during emergencies. Among those changes is the newly installed Citizens Alerting System, which has the ability to send real time emergency information directly to an individualâs cell phone, home phone, or email. The system will be activated when an imminent safety event is identified within the county, such as a tornado warning. When the alert is initiated, the system will automatically contact all landlines using automated voice messages.
Some people recently experienced difficulties getting into the system to sign up. However, county officials say problems with the link to sign up have been fixed and the system is again ready to accept new users or for people to update their previous information. Officials further apologized for any inconveniences.
Landlines are automatically enrolled in the new system, but those who would like to receive notifications via cell phone or email will need to create an online profile through the Livingston County Emergency Management webpage. Residents can âunregisterâ at any time.
An informational flyer about the new Citizens Alerting System is attached. (JM)
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Upcoming Seminar To Help Small Businesses With Sales TaxUpcoming Seminar To Help Small Businesses With Sales Tax
An upcoming seminar will help small businesses navigate questions and concerns they might have revolving around the state sales tax.
State Representative Hank Vaupel of Handy Township will be joined by the Brighton, Hartland, and Howell Area Chambers of Commerce for the informational get-together next Tuesday evening. Representatives from the Michigan Department of Treasury will be present to provide an overview and answer questions business owners might have about the sales tax process. Vaupel said he understands the process can seem complicated at times and believes this seminar is a great opportunity for anyone who has found themselves even the slightest bit perplexed by it. He said itâs one of those things that seems like it would be easy until you get into the weeds of doing it.
Questions will be answered on topics like what business owners are responsible to pay sales tax on, what to collect tax on, and how to submit it. The Treasury Department can even lend assistance on how to fill out the associated forms properly. The seminar will take place this Tuesday, September 26th, at the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce from 7pm until 9. No registration is necessary. The Howell Chamber is located at 123 East Washington Street in Howell. (MK)
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Fire Department Group Equipment Purchase Gets Last Approval NeededFire Department Group Equipment Purchase Gets Last Approval Needed
Five local fire departments will be purchasing new equipment at a reduced price, following the final approval needed from a participating community.
Fire departments from Fowlerville, Unadilla, Hartland, Hamburg and Green Oak Township are all in need of new equipment and found they could save themselves a significant amount of money by purchasing it in one mass order. The departments are all nearing expiration of their self-contained breathing apparatuses, or SCBAsâ, which deliver breathable air to firefighters in dangerous conditions. A total of 182 SCBAs are needed for the five departments, costing approximately $1.2(m) million. By making a single large purchase, they will save about $2,000 per unit. Hamburg Township authorized their portion of the expenditure earlier this week and Green Oak Township, the last municipality to review the issue, did the same Wednesday. Green Oak Townshipâs Fire Department was awarded a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) earlier this year that will cover the majority of the cost to replace their SCBAs.
With the addition of matching funds from the department, the FEMA grant will cover 38 packs. Green Oakâs fire department requires 52 total, and so the board of trustees approved a budget amendment to allow $89,347 be spent to cover the purchase of 14 additional SCBAs and their contribution of matching funds. The order for the five departments will be placed this week and is expected to arrive by the end of this year. (DK)
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Domestic Violence Shelter Employee Charged With Beating Son Receives ProbationDomestic Violence Shelter Employee Charged With Beating Son Receives Probation
A local woman employed at a domestic violence shelter who allegedly beat her son with a belt until it broke has been sentenced.
28-year-old Ashley Nicole Bell of Pinckney was sentenced Thursday to 85 days in the Livingston County Jail by Circuit Court Judge Michael P. Hatty. The jail sentence is time she has already served. Additionally she received 18 monthsâ probation.
Bell had pleaded guilty as charged last month to 3rd degree child abuse and domestic violence; however court records indicate the domestic violence charge has been suppressed under the Spouse Abuse Act. This means the charge can be removed from public record if Bell successfully completes probation.
In May, a family member reported that Bell had beat her 9-year-old son with a leather belt until it broke after becoming angry with him. Authorities say Bell told officers she worked at a domestic violence shelterâs finance department in Washtenaw County and also volunteered there as an advocate. The name of the shelter has not been disclosed. A pending neglect/abuse case in Livingston Countyâs family court has a hearing scheduled for Bell in November. (DK)
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Howell High School To Host College Night Howell High School To Host College Night
An event Tuesday will allow local high school students to meet with representatives from various colleges.
The event will provide students and their parents an opportunity to meet with representatives from various post-secondary institutions including universities, trade schools and the armed forces.
To help promote more meaningful interactions with the college representatives, students are encouraged to register with GoToCollegeFairs.com before the College Night, which is open to all Livingston County students and their parents. When registering students can provide all their basic information and elaborate on interests, extra-curricular activities and special accomplishments.
The event will take place in the Howell High School cafeteria and commons area from 6 t 7:30pm Tuesday. (JM)
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South Lyon Man Heads To Trial In Baseball Bat AssaultSouth Lyon Man Heads To Trial In Baseball Bat Assault
A South Lyon man has been bound over for trial on charges of assaulting another individual with a baseball bat.
18-year-old Malachi Collins was charged with one count of assault with intent to murder after the July 30th incident, in which police say he used a bat to severely beat a man in the South Lyon Woods Mobile Home Park. A baseball bat with blood smears was found at the residence of one of the witnesses to the attack, which reportedly began over a dispute about $7 and some clothing. Collins was then identified as the alleged assailant and arrested several days later at a motel near Ann Arbor.
In court Wednesday, Collins waived his preliminary exam and his case was sent to Oakland County Circuit Court for trial. Heâll be arraigned there October 2nd. Collins, meanwhile, remains jailed without bond. The victim of the attack continues to recover after undergoing facial reconstruction surgery. (JK)
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City of Brighton to Perform Fire Hydrant Flushing City of Brighton to Perform Fire Hydrant Flushing
The city will be flushing fire hydrants between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday of this week. In addition, the city's utilities dept. will also be flushing the hydrants on Tuesday from midnight to 6 a.m. The procedure will affect city customers as well as residents of Genoa Twp. who get city water.
Utilities Director Tim Krugh says that flushing the hydrants may cause some discoloration in the water system after the flushing procedure as well as the next day. Customers may also experience a temporary drop in water pressure. Krugh is asking that residents not wash white or light colored clothes during the flushing period.
Anyone experiencing discoloration and rust particles in their water is advised to run their cold water faucets for about 10 minutes. Those still with discolored water are asked to turn off the faucet and repeat the previous step an hour later. Residents who continue to have discolored water are advised to call Krugh or e-mail him by following the prompts on the cityâs website of brightoncity.org. (TT)
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Local Citizen Organizes Picnic To Show Appreciation To PoliceLocal Citizen Organizes Picnic To Show Appreciation To Police
A citizen-led picnic in Tyrone Township was a showing of gratitude for the police officers who protect their communities.
Herman Fergusonâs life was altered forever by the kindness of an officer during a trying ordeal when he was a child. Growing tired of anti-police sentiment in recent years, he founded the organization âConcern Over Police Safety.â Yesterday at Wind Walker Farms, Ferguson held the 2nd Annual Police Appreciation Picnic. Ferguson called the police officers his heroes, and that while âthey thank me for what Iâm doing here, I want to thank them for doing so much every day.â Ferguson said that for many people, their first interaction with a police officer is a negative one, like being pulled over in a traffic stop. The picnic was an opportunity to give community members a chance to meet officers under positive conditions and encourage discussion between each other.
Linden Police Chief Scott Sutter appreciated the opportunity to meet with residents and said, âA lot of times we see negativity in the media, but what we see on the street is completely different. The citizens of the community really do support usâ¦and you can see it here, today.â
Livingston County Undersheriff Jeff Warder said, âWe definitely appreciate the support. Itâs amazing that someone took the time to do this for us, believe me, it does not go unnoticed. We really, really appreciate it.â
Resident Jordan Haines of Fenton thought this was a worthy cause for getting out of the house and beating the heat. She said, âitâs really sentimental to meet and be around and show the people that protect us and help us when we need it a lot of gratitude. I think it means a lot to them.â
Attendees were treated to hot dogs and pizza. There were bounce houses, a giant inflatable slide, face painting, live music and fireworks. At 4 oâclock, the national anthem was played with a flyover from a police helicopter out of Flint Bishop Airport. Officers from the state police and the Livingston and Genessee County Sheriffâs Offices were present, along with police from Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. All in all 27 total jurisdictions came to the event. (MK)
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Prescription Drug & Sharps Collection Event Set In HowellPrescription Drug & Sharps Collection Event Set In Howell
An anonymous medication and needle drop off event is planned for Livingston County residents.
The Big Red Barrel Project, the Livingston County Drain Commissioner and Walgreens are teaming up for the event to help residents dispose of unused medications but also a one-time opportunity for sharps and needles. There is no cost and no questions asked.
The Livingston County Community Alliance implements the Big Red Barrel Project, which was implemented after numerous deaths throughout Livingston County that were attributed to drug overdoses. The Alliance members saw the need for a place where people could safely dispose of their unwanted medication, hence the project began and collection barrels are now located throughout the county. LCCA coordinator Kaitlin Fink tells WHMI individuals can anonymously dispose of un-used medications but also sharps and needles, which differs from other collection events.
Sharp collection is open to residents only, not businesses or medical facilities. Items should be transported in a heavy plastic container, such as an empty plastic laundry detergent jug sealed with tape. In addition to the collection, flu shots will be available along with information about prescription drug abuse and Narcan. A pharmacist will be on site to answer questions.
The drop-off event will run from noon to 4pm on September 30th at the Howell Walgreens on Grand River. (JM)
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Competency Exam Ordered For Local Man Who Assaulted Police Serving WarrantCompetency Exam Ordered For Local Man Who Assaulted Police Serving Warrant
A Livingston County man who allegedly assaulted police officers when they tried to serve a search warrant at his home will undergo a competency exam.
45-year-old Patrick Gizinski is charged with felonious assault and three counts of resisting police for throwing furniture at Livingston County Sheriffâs deputies as they tried to enter his Marion Township home on August 16th.
Police had arrived at the home to serve a search warrant in an investigation of a breaking and entering complaint involving the theft of several thousand dollars of materials and tools reportedly stolen from a home under construction. None of the deputies were injured in the incident. Gizinski was also charged with one count of receiving and concealing stolen property valued at $200 but less than $1,000.
At a recent probable cause conference in 53rd District Court, Gizinski was referred to the state forensic center for an evaluation regarding his competency and criminal responsibility. A hearing to follow-up on the evaluation has been set for December 18th.
Last monthâs incident is not the first run-in with the law for Gizinski, who was convicted of assault and battery, resisting police and disturbing the peace in 2015 after police say he attacked a coach for not playing his son during a Charyl Stockwell Preparatory Academy basketball game held in the gymnasium at St. Joseph Catholic School in Howell. Gizinski was sentenced to 18 months of probation in that case. (DK)
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Historic Sculpture To Be Gifted To City Of Fenton Historic Sculpture To Be Gifted To City Of Fenton
After two years, a significant piece of art reflecting the history of the City of Fenton is set to be revealed.
Phil and Joyce Hagerman commissioned award winning artist Oleg Kedria and the owner of Fine Arts Sculpture Center Ben Cassell to create the unique sculpture, which is being gifted to the city. The sculpture took two years to complete.
Officials say the Hagermans worked with the Fenton Historical Society and Fenton Museum to research the cityâs origins, while the artist and craftsmanship of bronze foundry brought those details to light. Phil Hagerman says they wanted to celebrate their hometown and began looking at itâs past, adding âthe gift is to celebrate history while making history for Fentonâ. The sculpture will be installed at the Fenton Community and Cultural Center, in the heart of downtown.
A public unveiling is planned on the front lawn on Thursday, October 5th at 6pm. (JM)
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US-23 Flex Route Project On Schedule, Lane Closures Start On Barker RoadUS-23 Flex Route Project On Schedule, Lane Closures Start On Barker Road
Motorists will continue to see a lot of different construction activities along US-23 in the Flex Route zone, which runs from 9 Mile Road to the M-14 split.
The new Flex Route system is a lane control system that uses cameras and electronic message boards to let drivers know when an additional lane is available for use during morning and afternoon peak travel periods. The Intelligent Transportation System or ITS equipment, devices and infrastructure installation is complete along the length of the project. Local device testing and system integration has begun. Some of the biggest traffic impacts have been in the Northfield Township area, notably several ramp closures and reconstruction. Various work is ongoing at 6 Mile and 8 Mile Roads and lane closures are starting up this week on Barker Road at US-23 for paving. That work is expected to continue through Saturday, October 7th. M-DOT advises that one lane of traffic will be maintained on Barker Road using flag control between 9am and 2pm each day.
Michigan Department of Transportation spokeswoman Kari Arend tells WHMI some good news is that the end is in sight and they are more than three-quarters of the way done with the project and are on track to wrap up in mid-November.
With construction nearing completion, Arend says M-DOT will now be focusing on an education campaign to show motorists how to drive the Flex Route. Being that it is such a new system to Michigan, she says they want to start the campaign now. Starting next month, Arend says motorists will begin seeing billboards along US-23 directing people to the US-23 Flex Route website, which has videos and brochures explaining how it works along with the upgraded shoulders.
Information on upcoming closures can be found online at www.flexroute23.com. M-DOT photo. (JM)
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Brighton Councilman Helps Lead Regional Task ForceBrighton Councilman Helps Lead Regional Task Force
Brighton City Council member Kris Tobbe - the cityâs appointee to the Southeastern Michigan Council of Governments - has been appointed vice chair of a new SEMCOG parks and recreation committee task force.
Tobbe tells WHMI that the committee will be looking at all of the recreational assets of the seven counties and many municipalities which comprise SEMCOG. Another charge of the task force will be to look at uncompleted trails with an eye toward their eventual completion. The task force will report its findings to the full SEMCOG board when the report is completed, which could take from 18 months to two years. Tobbe says the information gained from the report will available for use by all of the municipalities in SEMCOG to determine their recreational needs and programs for the next 5-7 years.
SEMCOG, which was formed in 1968, is a regional planning partner with local member governments in Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne Counties. (TT)
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Input Sought Tuesday On Planned Expansion Of Children's Wing At Local Library Input Sought Tuesday On Planned Expansion Of Children's Wing At Local Library
Another community input meeting is planned Tuesday night to discuss the expansion of the childrenâs wing at the Salem-South Lyon District Library.
The expansion is in the early planning stages. Library officials have been talking with an architect but also meeting with the community to gather their aspirations.
The library building on Pontiac Trail, just south of 8 Mile was first expanded in 2010 to include a teen area, in addition to increasing study and work spaces. There was talk at the time about expanding the childrenâs wing but it was ultimately postponed. Then in 2014, a millage was supported by voters, which included the expansion.
Library Director Donna Olson says the expansion is much needed as the childrenâs area totals 3,000-square-feet, but serves all ages from 0 to teen in the space. She says the community is growing and there really is a greater demand for their resources, from all ages. She says they have a lovely building surrounded by gardens, which is the result of community collaboration. Olson tells WHMI they want to keep that going and hear what the community desires for the childrenâs area because it really is a community space and they hope to break ground in the spring.
Olson says they received a lot of positive input and ideas during the last public forum. She says they encourage parents of younger kids to attend and share their opinions at Tuesday nightâs meeting, which starts at 7pm at the library. She says there are a lot of parents who bring their kids to the library and know what they would like to see, and thatâs the type of input they want.
Additionally, Olson says theyâll be looking for individuals interested in joining an expansion committee. That would be a small group who would meet over the course of construction and work through different ideas. (JM)
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Brighton Council Approves Second Round Of Sidewalk RepairsBrighton Council Approves Second Round Of Sidewalk Repairs
The Brighton City Council has approved the low bid out of six bids received for sidewalk repair and maintenance work this fall.
Earlier this year sidewalks were repaired in the commercial and retail district of the city, but this time the work will be done in residential neighborhoods. The low bid, submitted by KMI Road Maintenance of Burton, Michigan, was $15,176. According to Dept. of Public Works Assistant Director Patty Thomas, the bids varied greatly, from KMIâs bid all the way to one of over $33,000 by a Milford company.
The KMI bid was also substantially lower than the next-lowest bid, prompting questions from council about the company and the quality of its work. But Thomas told council in her report that KMI has a solid reputation in Southeastern and Mid-Michigan, and the four references cited in the bid confirmed that they do a good job. Due to the great need for sidewalk repair in the city, council approved a motion to reserve up to $35,000 for the job, the amount of funds remaining in the cityâs major and local street fund for sidewalk maintenance in the current fiscal year. That way, city officials say, additional sidewalks can be added to the repair list.
City Manager Nate Geinzer said that anyone who encounters a sidewalk trip hazard due to a damaged sidewalk, or one pushed up by tree roots, should contact city hall in order for it to be repaired. The work is expected to be completed before the onset of winter. Geinzer said that unfortunately, due to the lack of sufficient funds, the city will not be able to add any new sidewalks to areas of the city which currently lack them. (TT)
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Pinckney Woman Sentenced In Multimillion Dollar Medicare FraudPinckney Woman Sentenced In Multimillion Dollar Medicare Fraud
Sentencing has been handed down to a Livingston County woman charged in a multi-million dollar health care fraud scheme involving false billing claims.
58-year-old Michelle Freeman of Pinckney and Elaine Lovett of Wayne County were accused of conspiring to engage in Medicare fraud and submitting fraudulent claims. Officials say the pair, who co-owned Oak Park-based ABIX LLC, obtained the Medicare numbers of licensed medical service providers in and around Detroit, and then used the information to bill Medicare for chiropractic and psychotherapy services that were not provided. Freeman previously pleaded guilty to a count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud in U.S. District Court in Detroit. Last week she was sentenced to 20 months in prison and ordered to pay more than $400,000 in restitution. She must also serve two years of probation.
Freeman is among 20 Detroit-area physicians, company owners and operators, office employees and patient recruiters accused of submitting more than $34 million in false claims for services that were never rendered and with paying kickbacks to obtain patients to be billed. Lovett is being sentenced today in the case. (JK)
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