Motorists should prepare for street closures and traffic detours due to Pinckneyâs homecoming parade this Friday.
Main Street will be closed from West Unadilla to Mann Street from roughly 4 to 7pm Friday, with the detour route posted. All roads intersection between those two points will be closed. Portions of Marion Street, Livingston Street, Mill Street, South Howell Street, and Dexter-Pinckney Road will also be closed to traffic. The Village of Pinckneyâs DPW will provide the proper barricades and signs, which should be put in place by noon on Friday.
A special event application filed indicates students and groups will begin congregating downtown for line-up around 3pm, and anticipates the parade will be complete around 5:30pm. A list of all the pending street closures is attached. Photo: Pinckney Community Schools. (JM)
Street Closures In Effect Friday For Pinckney Homecoming Parade Street Closures In Effect Friday For Pinckney Homecoming Parade
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Brighton School Board Approves Property Transfer With HartlandBrighton School Board Approves Property Transfer With Hartland
At its meeting Monday night, the Brighton Board of Education approved a resolution which would allow the transfer of parcels between the Brighton Area School District and the Hartland Consolidated Schools. The property is located in the Deer Creek #2 subdivision off Old US-23, west of Old US-23 and south of Hyne Road in Brighton Township.
The approval, in the form of a request to the Livingston Educational Service Agency, is to resolve the matter of which parcels in the subdivision should be in a particular school district. Also under the agreement, those portions of parcels 5 and 6 which are currently in the Hartland School District would be transferred to the Brighton Area Schools. The reasoning is that the road accessible portions of those parcels are within the Brighton Area School Districtâs boundaries.
The Hartland Board of Education has already approved the transfer. But to become legally effective, it must be approved by LESA, which is the countyâs intermediate school district. (TT)
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Abatement Approved For Thai Summit Expansion In HowellAbatement Approved For Thai Summit Expansion In Howell
The Howell City Council has approved a tax break for a major sheet metal parts supplier in the automotive industry thatâs undergoing another expansion in response to continued growth.
A public hearing was held during Monday nightâs Council meeting and no objections were expressed on the Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption application from Thai Summit America Corporation. The company is adding a new 77,424-square-foot building expansion, which will ultimately connect its two existing plants on McPherson Park Drive - creating one manufacturing facility on McPherson Park Drive. The expansion will generate 30 new employees and allow for the creation of a more impressive operation that will continue to bring new business to the area.
Howell City Manager Shea Charles says they continue to be excited about the companyâs investment, noting the total expansion is pushing close to $160-$170 (M) million dollars over the last few years, most of which has been personal property. This latest project marks the third expansion for Thai Summit in the last five years and a real property investment of about $7 (M) million dollars.
Charles tells WHMI theyâre pleased to see the continued investment in the community between the job creation and other aspects so itâs a real positive for the area and theyâre looking forward to working with them. Based on number of jobs, level of investment and time in the community, Charles says the company scored well and Council granted the 12-year abatement. The abatement was approved unanimously. (JM)
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Stolen Memorabilia Leads To Tightened Security At Michigan War Dog Memorial Stolen Memorabilia Leads To Tightened Security At Michigan War Dog Memorial
Police patrols and security measures are being elevated at the Michigan War Dog Memorial in Lyon Township following recent thefts from the cemetery.
The MWDM is a final resting place for the animals that fought alongside the countryâs military, stood with law enforcement, and served as therapy and service dogs. President Phil Weitlauf says a number of items were recently stolen from the cemetery, including veteransâ challenge coins placed on top of the gravestones, American flags next to the burial sites, and a custom-made military flag that stood next to the headstone of K-9 Gryphon, who died last year.
Weitlauf says itâs a shame that security is even needed at hallowed ground that serves to honor and respect the four-legged heroes. Weitlauf says the Oakland County Sheriffâs Office Lyon Township Substation is stepping up its patrols and placement of a fence surrounding the cemetery will be completed within the week.
In spite of the thefts, many acts of kindness have followed. Two companies have reportedly contacted Weitlauf with offers to install security cameras and community members have reached out with donations. A fabricating company has also offered to replace the custom-made flag that was stolen from K-9 Gryphonâs grave.
Weitlauf hopes that future theft will be deterred, now that the word is out about increased security and watchful eyes. (DK)
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Building Department Proposes Permit Fee ReductionBuilding Department Proposes Permit Fee Reduction
Livingston Countyâs Building Department is looking to lower its permit fees and eliminate a certain permit altogether.
The countyâs Public Safety & Infrastructure and Development Committee discussed the Building Departmentâs proposed resolution Monday night. The department wants to reduce the multiplier used to calculate permit fees by 25% and lower the majority of their fixture-based fees. In addition to those adjustments, the department wants to do away with direct window replacement permits.
Building Official Jim Rowell says the departmentâs permit fees must have a reasonable relation to the cost of their services, which is a moving target because itâs based on activity. Now that the department is seeing an increase in permit activity and inspections, as well as operating at a higher efficiency, Rowell says fees need to drop to reflect that.
Because Livingston County has its own building department, its fees are already lower than neighboring regions. Rowell says municipalities in some counties each have their own department, naming Oakland and Wayne as examples.
The county subcommittee approved the Building Departmentâs resolution for fee reduction and adjustments, pushing it forward to the countyâs Finance Committee. Assuming the resolution receives approval from that committee and the Board of Commissioners, the new fees will take effect October 17th. Rowell says they would be re-evaluated based on activity in 2021. (DK)
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Jury Finds Corunna Woman Guilty Of Abusing SisterJury Finds Corunna Woman Guilty Of Abusing Sister
A guilty verdict on unlawful imprisonment charges was reached Monday against a Corunna woman who authorities say kept her disabled adult sister locked in a closet.
A Shiawassee County jury on Monday also found Candy Lawson guilty of vulnerable adult abuse and embezzlement. Prosecutors say she stole disability benefits that were intended for her sister Dianna, who is unable to hear or speak. Lawson faces up to 35 years in prison when she is sentenced Oct. 27. Prosecutors say Lawson gave her sister little food, water or clothing and that she weighed just 71 pounds when she was discovered by a construction worker in 2015.
Lawson took the stand in her own defense last week, saying the space her sister was kept in was a room, not a closet. She said she needed to lock her sister in at night because she would otherwise wander off. Lawson denied restricting access to food. The jury, which thought otherwise, came to a verdict after less than two hours of deliberations. Lawson's lawyer plans an appeal. (JK)
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Police Say Pair Used Bolt Cutters To Break Into LockerPolice Say Pair Used Bolt Cutters To Break Into Locker
Felony charges have been filed against a pair of suspects after police say they broke into a locker at a Brighton gym.
Brighton Police Detective Mike Arntz says the two 19-year-old suspects, both from Dearborn, used bolt cutters to break into a locker at the Planet Fitness on East Grand River August 29th. Using fake names, the pair signed in for a tour of the facility, but then made their way to the locker room and broke into the locker of an 81-year-old Brighton man, After stealing his wallet, they used his credit cards to purchase more than $1,900 in prepaid Visa cards from the CVS and Walgreen stores nearby.
Detective Arntz tells WHMI that after checking police bulletins from other area police agencies, he found a similar incident had occurred at the Planet Fitness in Canton, where they had signed in using their real names. They were later arrested by Canton Police. One of the suspects then confessed and based on that information, police were able to link the pair to incidents in Farmington Hills and Royal Oak.
Felony charges of safe breaking, larceny in a building, stealing or retaining a financial transaction device without consent, and illegal sale or use of a credit card were filed last week. The suspects have yet to be arraigned. (JK)
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LACASA's Denim & Diamonds Fundraiser Saturday LACASA's Denim & Diamonds Fundraiser Saturday
A popular western-style event with smokinâ activities will help raise funds and awareness of domestic assault programs in Livingston County this Saturday.
Denim & Diamonds is one of the LACASA Centerâs largest fundraisers of the year. Now in its seventh year, proceeds from the jeans-preferred fundraiser help to support local victims of child abuse and interpersonal violence. Denim & Diamonds will be held at the Cross W Ranch on D-19 in Marion Township, which has a rustic barn and horse arena. LACASA President and CEO Bobette Schrandt tells WHMI itâs a great event to kick up your heels and have a good time in a relaxed setting.
This yearâs event will feature returning favorites for activities but also a brand new equestrian show and a Diamond Mine Raffle, where one lucky winner will take home a $6,000 diamond. Only 100 tickets for the diamond raffle will be sold and advance sales will run through Friday. Ticket holders do not need to be present to win.
The event will also include Wild West gambling, live music, line dancing, acrobatic horse shows, cigar & spirits saloon, bonfire & gourmet sâmores and then a grand finale fireworks display to cap off the evening. Renee Chodkowski, better known as The Great Foodini, will be among the eveningâs emcee. The self-described âfoodieâ is known on the national and local food-show scenes.
Tickets for Denim & Diamonds are $100 each and include a country smokehouse buffet dinner, beer & wine, gambling-loot starter kit, entertainment and parking. More information and advance tickets sales are available through the provided link. (JM)
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Brighton Twp. Teen Charged In Sexual Assaults Due Back In CourtBrighton Twp. Teen Charged In Sexual Assaults Due Back In Court
A Brighton Township teen accused of multiple sexual assaults and charged with over 30 felonies is scheduled to appear in court later this week.
The 16-year-old is charged as a juvenile in Livingston County. The teen, who we are not identifying because he is being charged in juvenile court, faces 13 counts of 1st degree criminal sexual conduct, seven counts of 2nd degree CSC, one count of home invasion and one count of gross indecency for separate incidents involving three female minors, one under the age of 13. He is also facing nine counts of possession of child sexually abusive material and one count of indecent exposure in connection with four other alleged victims.
The cases were investigated by Michigan State Police, Hamburg Township Police and Brighton Police. Details have not been made public and petitions were filed in April. Court records indicate the incidents occurred between February and August of 2016. Documents filed by the Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office state that the teenâs âmotive and intent is clear and consistent with all the girls he victimizedâ in that he manipulated, threatened, bullied, extorted and intimidated them.
The teen has been placed on an electronic tether and is only permitted to leave the residence under the direct supervision of a parent or parent designee with knowledge of the alleged crimes. He is scheduled to appear in court Friday for a motion hearing, with a jury trial set to begin Monday. (DK/JK)
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North Michigan Avenue To Close For Construction In Downtown HowellNorth Michigan Avenue To Close For Construction In Downtown Howell
Construction will shut down part of Michigan Avenue in Howell early tomorrow morning.
Starting at 6am Thursday, northbound Michigan Avenue between Mason Road and Grand River Avenue in downtown Howell will be closed for paving. The Michigan Department of Transportation is performing the work and advises that the roadway is expected to re-open by 7pm Saturday.
A detour will be posted when the roadway is closed that directs motorists westbound on Mason Road, northbound on McPherson Park Drive, and then eastbound on Grand River Avenue. Signs are already up in downtown Howell informing motorists of the pending closure. (JM)
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MSP Director Apologizes For Facebook PostMSP Director Apologizes For Facebook Post
The director of the Michigan State Police has offered apologies for posting an online meme on NFL players protesting during the national anthem calling them "degenerates."
The message shared by Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue on her Facebook page Sunday calls the players "millionaire ingrates who hate America and disrespect our armed forces and veterans." The post also calls the protesters "rich, entitled, ungrateful." The posting was signed "we the people."
The taking of a knee during the national anthem was started last year by former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick to draw attention to social inequality and police treatment of blacks, although spokeswoman Shanon Banner insisted the Facebook post was not about race. But attorney Leonard Mungo, who has represented troopers in civil disputes with the department, said the posting demonstrates "kind of a dangerous mindset for someone in her powerful position."
The Michigan State Police released a message from Etue on Tuesday night via Facebook that apologized for the post, saying, "It was a mistake to share this message on Facebook and I sincerely apologize to anyone who was offended. I will continue my focus on the unity at the Michigan State Police and in communities across Michigan." (JK)
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Fowlerville Community School District Approves Teacher Contract Fowlerville Community School District Approves Teacher Contract
After months of negotiations, a contract for Fowlerville Community Schoolsâ teachers has been approved.
On Tuesday, the districtâs Board of Education voted unanimously to ratify a one-year contract with the Fowlerville Education Association (FEA). The agreement calls for a 2% wage increase for the 2017-2018 school year and steps for eligible employees. Superintendent Wayne Roedel says there are 89 staff members on the schedule that will receive a step based on their year of experience, and that those steps range from a 3 to 6% hike. FEA President Carrie DeLuca declined to comment on the teachersâ contract, deferring to Roedel for a statement.
Contracts are typically negotiated by early summer, making FCS the last district to complete the process. A heated board meeting earlier this month brought in over 100 educators and community members, many of whom suggested the lacking contract meant that the administration did not value its teachers. Roedel says the negotiations and ongoing conversation was never about their value, but instead about maintaining a sustainable budget.
Roedel says heâs glad the contract is settled, but did mention it will create a budget dilemma. A deficit of a little less than $400,000 is expected in the first year. Referring to the anticipated debt, Trustee John Belcher spoke to the audience that included teachers and members of the FEA at Tuesday's meeting. He says FCS will be put in a âpretty tough spotâ and encouraged those in attendance to come to future meetings to see how certain components affect district planning.
Roedel says cuts will have to be made and due to a decline in student enrollment, administration will likely look at minimizing staff first. Still, Roedel says heâs not concerned with cuts at this time and that the board will discuss district priorities at a November meeting. (DK)
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Oakland Exec Charges "Conflict Of Interest" As Local Lawmakers Unveil Plan To Eliminate Auto No-FaultOakland Exec Charges "Conflict Of Interest" As Local Lawmakers Unveil Plan To Eliminate Auto No-Fault
Another plan was unveiled Tuesday by a different group of lawmakers and stakeholders that they maintain would eliminate Michiganâs auto no-fault law and institute reforms to lower the high cost of premiums.
Michigan drivers would no longer be required to buy unlimited medical insurance benefits to cover their injuries in case they were seriously injured in a crash under legislation aimed at lowering the state's high auto premiums. The legislation to reform Michiganâs auto no-fault insurance laws is sponsored by Republican State Representative Lana Theis of Brighton Township, who chairs the House Insurance Committee. The bill is backed by Republican House Speaker Tom Leonard, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and others trying to reduce premiums that are highest in the country, saying something must be done because motorists cannot afford insurance.
Michigan is the only state to mandate unlimited benefits. The plan unveiled Tuesday would let motorists stick with unlimited coverage or instead buy either $250,000 or $500,000 of coverage. Auto insurers would be required to cut rates for people selecting $250,000 in coverage. The measure would subject auto insurers to a fee schedule for health services, similarly to how health insurers' reimbursements to providers are lower for Medicare patients.
Critics such as hospitals and plaintiffs' attorneys oppose the bill introduced Tuesday, saying it is bad for injured people. Among those is also Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, who says the plan is a false promise that offers no guarantee of reductions. He was seriously injured in a 2012 car crash and referred to the plan as âThe greatest robbery since the Great Train Robbery in 1855. And behind the curtain today will be smiling conductors on the train: the auto insurance providersâ.
Patterson called the proposal a âfraudâ and says he hopes voters donât fall for it, telling WHMI it âreeks of conflict of interestâ. The Michigan Insurance Coalition, which represents the stateâs largest auto insurers, contributed $80,000 last fall to the Leading Michigan Forward Fund, an âadministrative fundâ run by Sam Theis, Lanaâs husband. When the Committee chairâs husband picks up $80,000, Patterson said of course that would get her attention and while Theis might say it hasnât and it wonât, he thinks everyone knows different. He noted past proposals put before voters to drop or restrict auto no-fault were turned down and the plan represents the most egregious money grab by the insurance industry in decades and would shift cost to taxpayers.
Representative Theis maintains the plan would provide âaffordability, flexibility and freedom for Michigan motoristsâ. She says the Committee is seriously looking at next week to meet but no specific date has been set and they need to make sure theyâre accommodating new ideas â whatever they can do to lower rates as fast as possible. Theis says itâs time to let individuals and families choose their own coverage level to bring rates down and she hopes to quickly get started debating the legislation in her Committee. Theis says Michigan has the highest auto rates in the country and thatâs one thing you donât want to be number one at. She says they need to examine whatâs being done different elsewhere around the country and what can they get across party lines to get passed here to actually result in real rate reforms while protecting promises already made. Theis says theyâve got to be willing to put that on the table and she is.
Meanwhile, State Representative Hank Vaupel also serves on the Insurance Committee and announced that he supports legislation announced Tuesday. The Handy Township Republican said itâs high time they bring some common sense to Michiganâs no-fault auto insurance system and the plan would provide drivers with flexibility to choose plans that work best for them and what they can afford.
A link to the state press release detailing the new plan is provided. The press release issued by Patterson's office as well as one from Rep. Vaupel are both attached. (JM)
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Village Of Pinckney In Talks Of Gaining Pocession Of Dio Theatre Parking LotVillage Of Pinckney In Talks Of Gaining Pocession Of Dio Theatre Parking Lot
Early talks are in place regarding the Dio Theatre surrendering the ownership of their parking lot to The Village of Pinckney.
During Mondayâs council meeting, President Linda Lavey announced to the board the possibility of The Village obtaining procession of the parking lot property located behind the popular dining and entertainment theater located in Pinckney. Lavey reported that minor talks of receiving the property have taken place over the past few years, but finally plans may start to be in motion for it to actually happen. Lavey revealed the owner would like to surrender the property free of charge in hopes that The Village of Pinckney can upkeep the area and put it to use for all citizens. Lavey, along with the entire council, was in agreement that the current condition of the parking lot comes off as a major eye sore due to storm damages and several potholes.
Though no plans are officially in place, Lavey claims this project will be added to the long list of top priorities that The Council currently have. She also told WHMI there are many ideas already in mind to maximize parking and make the area usable for the general public. Lavey explained the future steps in pursuing this project include hiring lawyers for a legal exchange, estimating the cost to fix the property of its current damages, and determining where the money will be funded from. Following Monday nightâs meeting, everyone on the council seemed eager to get this project underway. Picture courtesy of Google Street View. (DF)
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Sales Tax Seminar Answers Questions And Details Audit ProcessSales Tax Seminar Answers Questions And Details Audit Process
Local business owners had an opportunity to learn all about the state sales tax process and ask any questions that they might have had.
The Michigan Department of Treasuryâs Outreach Team was in Howell Tuesday night for their latest sales tax seminar. Assistant Deputy Treasurer Clay Cornelius said they have holding these around the state hoping to dispel the myth that they are the âbig, scary treasury.â They held a presentation where they opened up with the basics of sales tax, like what it is and isnât collected on, but spent the majority of the time on the audit process. Audit team member Sharon Meadows said that just because your business has been triggered for an audit, doesnât necessarily mean youâve done anything wrong. She said sometimes the audit assignment comes because your businesses numbers are unusual compared to like businesses in similar economic areas. Meadows said that it doesnât mean youâre necessarily in the wrong, but she or someone like her will be sent out to find out why your numbers are different.
The Outreach Team said that people get scared and nervous when they hear they are being audited, but they have made changes over the past few years to help the process go smoother. The event was put on by State Representative Hank Vaupel of Handy Township, along with the Howell, Brighton, and Hartland Chambers of Commerce. The next seminar will be held this Friday in Flint. All upcoming seminar dates can be found through the link below. (MK)
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Woman Who Used Tool To Hit Vehicle Driving On "Her" Private Road Heads To TrialWoman Who Used Tool To Hit Vehicle Driving On "Her" Private Road Heads To Trial
A Hamburg Township woman has been bound over for trial on charges connected to an altercation regarding the use of Island Shore Drive.
65-year-old Mary Ann Lamkin was bound over to Livingston Countyâs Circuit Court Tuesday on one count each of malicious destruction of property and false report of a felony. The charges stem from an altercation on May 22nd involving Lamkin and a man driving 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 then hitting his vehicle with a garden tool. When police arrived, Lamkin told them the man tried to run her over with his van. Future court dates for Lamkin have not been set at this time. 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 have filed numerous personal protection orders against neighbors and their family members. She also served jail time for her actions in blocking the road. In 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. (DK/JM)
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South Lyon Man Facing Felony Cocaine Delivery ChargeSouth Lyon Man Facing Felony Cocaine Delivery Charge
A South Lyon man is jailed following his arrest last week on felony cocaine charges that could land him behind bars for 20 years.
20-year-old Elijah Christopher Dalke was arrested by Green Oak Township Police September 19th after a traffic stop turned up 5.5 grams of cocaine in his vehicle. Green Oak Police Chief Jason Pless said officers had responded to reports of a fight at the Woodland Ridge Mobile Home Park, at Nine Mile and Rushton roads, just after midnight. When officers spotted Dalke driving away from the scene, Pless said officers pulled him over and after smelling alcohol, administered sobriety tests. He was then arrested for operating while intoxicated.
A subsequent search of his vehicle turned up three small packages of cocaine, which Pless says appeared packaged for delivery. Dalke was arraigned later that day on charges of delivery or manufacture of narcotics/cocaine less than 50 grams, a felony carrying up to 20 years in prison.
A preliminary exam is set for Oct. 3 in 53rd District Court. (JM)
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Semi Hits Pleasant Valley Road Overpass On Eastbound I-96
4:45pm: Eastbound I-96 is shut down to traffic after a semi struck the Pleasant Valley Road overpass, damaging the bridge. The Pleasant Valley Road bridge is also closed to traffic until further notice. Significant traffic backups are being reported. Stay tuned to 93.5FM for updates. (JM)
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Semi Hits Pleasant Valley Road Overpass On Eastbound I-96 Semi Hits Pleasant Valley Road Overpass On Eastbound I-96
Eastbound I-96 is shut down to traffic after a semi struck the Pleasant Valley Road overpass, damaging the bridge.
All three lanes of eastbound I-96 are closed, with traffic getting by on the shoulder. The Pleasant Valley Road bridge is also closed to traffic until further notice. Significant traffic backups are being reported and alternate routes are being recommended. Gawker delays are also being reported on westbound I-96.
M-DOT bridge engineers are on scene. Brighton Fire Chief Mike O'Brian anticipates the closures will be in effect for some time. Stay tuned to 93.5FM for updates. M-DOT photo. (JM)
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DTE Energy To Trim Trees In City Of Howell DTE Energy To Trim Trees In City Of Howell
The City of Howell is advising of tree trimming efforts and residents and businesses will likely notice work crews around the community.
The City says DTE Energy work crews will soon be tree trimming and, if necessary, removing trees growing too close to power lines. If a tree poses a serious hazard to power lines or if trimming will put the tree's health at risk, DTE may need to remove it but crews will make every effort to work with property owners before removing any trees. Howell is a Tree City USA community.
Residents are advised they may see DTE arborist planners in their yard or neighborhood inspecting the power lines and trees to determine where trimming is needed. Arborist planners will be wearing yellow DTE Energy vests and carrying ID badges. If tree work is needed on a personâs property, The City says the arborist planner will knock on your door. If you are not home, then DTE will leave a "Tree Work Scheduled" door card. Anyone with questions about work intended for their property should call the number on the door card.
More information regarding DTEâs tree trimming program is available through the provided link. Photo: DTE. (JM)
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