A portion of Michigan Avenue in Howell will be closed for construction starting Monday morning.
Starting at 6am Monday, southbound 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 the roadway is expected to re-open by 7pm Wednesday. A detour will be posted when the roadway is closed that directs motorists westbound on Grand River, southbound on Highlander Way/McPherson Park Drive, and then eastbound on Grand River Avenue.
The northbound side of Michigan Avenue was completed last week. (JM)
Southbound Michigan Avenue Construction Starts Monday In HowellSouthbound Michigan Avenue Construction Starts Monday In Howell
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Sheriff Says Hartland Incident Suspicious, But Not Attempted AbductionSheriff Says Hartland Incident Suspicious, But Not Attempted Abduction
An incident Friday afternoon in Hartland Township involving a student and an unknown white SUV is being described by some as an attempted abduction, although authorities are classifying it merely as a suspicious incident.
According to the Livingston County Sheriff's Office, a deputy was dispatched at approximately 4:30pm to a report of a suspicious vehicle at a residence on Viewcrest Court, located off of M-59, west of Old US-23. Upon arrival, the deputy spoke with a 9-year-old boy who said he had been dropped off by the bus from Farms Intermediate School. As he walked to his house, he said a small, white SUV drove by him slowly and then stopped at the intersection in front of his house. The boy said the driver then waved for him to cross, which he did. As the SUV proceeded, he said the windows were down and described the driver and passenger as two African-American males wearing dark green shirts. The boy said he became alarmed when the SUV turned into his driveway and he ran to the home of a neighbor whose garage door was open. The boy said the driver then got out and stood in front of the vehicle for a moment and then got back in and drove off. He then ran home and told his sister. The boy told the deputy that neither man ever spoke to him and other than waving at him to cross the intersection, did not motion at him either.
Several posts on social media have described the incident as an attempted abduction, with some speculating that it is part of a coordinated human trafficking operation. But Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy says there is nothing to indicate that this latest incident is related to one earlier in the week in Oceola Township in which a girl said she was approached by an African-American woman in a white minivan who flashed what she thought were gang signs and motioned for her to get in the vehicle. She also ran home and told a family member. Sheriff Murphy added that while the Hartland incident is suspicious in nature, they are not classifying it as an attempted abduction, but will continue to investigate. (JK)
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Barden Elected To MSAE's Hall Of FameBarden Elected To MSAE's Hall Of Fame
The former executive director for the Livingston County Convention and Visitors Bureau has been recognized with a unique distinction.
Barbara Barden served the Bureau for 25 years before retiring this past May. Last week, the Michigan Society of Association Executives inducted her into their Hall of Fame during its annual Diamond Awards ceremony held in Dearborn. Since its founding in 2002, the Michigan Association Hall of Fame has enshrined 43 executives, but only 3 from the Convention and Visitors Bureau branch. Of those 3, Barden has become the first female to receive the honor. Current Executive Director Mary Zucchero credited Barden for helping the county grow significantly as a tourism destination under her leadership.
Barden said she was honored to join the ranks of the many other distinguished inductees, and that this achievement would not have been possible without the support of the Bureauâs board of directors and staff.(MK)
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Over 10,000 Meals Packaged At Local Church Event For Puerto RicansOver 10,000 Meals Packaged At Local Church Event For Puerto Ricans
Thousands of meals were packaged at an event in Fowlerville last week for people affected by the tropical storm that recently hit Puerto Rico.
The amount of devastation that Hurricane Maria brought upon the U.S. territory is still being assessed, however approximately 10,000 people are reportedly still being housed at emergency shelters. Hurricane Maria struck the island September 20th as a Category 4 storm, killing at least 16 people and drowning much of the islandâs agriculture. Restrictions regarding shipments being made to Puerto Rico were waived by President Donald Trump on Friday.
St. Johnâs Lutheran Church in Fowlerville has been working with the Kids Coalition Against Hunger for a number of years and continued their outreach to provide disaster relief to Puerto Ricans on Wednesday. Pastor Diane Greble says at the event, over 80 volunteers helped package 10,488 meals, which were shipped to Puerto Rico Friday.
Greble says she is grateful to share the good news and is appreciative of all the generosity in Livingston County. In the six years working with the Kids Coalition Against Hunger, volunteers at St. Johnâs community events have packaged over 50,000 meals. (DK)
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Powers Running as Write-In for Brighton City Council Powers Running as Write-In for Brighton City Council
Long-time Brighton resident Joyce Powers has announced she is running as a write-in candidate for the Brighton City Council in the November general election. Powers served on the Brighton Area Schools Board of Education for four terms after retiring as an Ann Arbor Public Schools librarian.
There are five candidates on the printed ballot for the fall election, which takes place on Nov. 7th. The candidates include incumbents Shawn Pipoly, the current mayor pro tem, along with Kristoffer Tobbe, Jon Emaus and Renee Pettengill, plus challenger Susan Backhaus. Backhaus is the former Susan Walters Steinacker, who has run unsuccessfully for council several times. Emaus and Pettengill were both appointed last year to fill vacancies.
Powers has been a regular fixture at recent meetings of the City Council and Planning Commission, mostly on the issue of the cityâs plans for the Mill Pond. She is vehemently opposed to wholesale changes in the site plan for the Mill Pond, including the recommended destruction of several shade trees, and has called plans for the band shell and amphitheater too grandiose. Powers is also credited with spearheading the Brighton Area Womenâs History Roll of Honor. (TT)
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Have A Cup Of Coffee With A Howell Police OfficerHave A Cup Of Coffee With A Howell Police Officer
A local police department is inviting the public out to share a cup of joe with them for a special day next week.
Wednesday is National Coffee with a Cop Day. In celebration, the City of Howell Police Department will be throwing down cups of java at the Uptown Coffeehouse, downtown, from 11am until 1pm. Residents can meet police administrators and officers without any fear of speeches, agendas or presentations. Officials say it promises to be a great opportunity to have a conversation about whatever is on oneâs mind with the very officers that patrol Howellâs neighborhoods.
National Coffee with a Cop Day is being used as a starting point for the Howell City Police Department with their efforts for greater community outreach. Similar events and gatherings like this are being planned for in the coming months. (MK)
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Hearing Set In Lawsuit Filed By Man Attacked With Baseball Bat By Former Employers Hearing Set In Lawsuit Filed By Man Attacked With Baseball Bat By Former Employers
An upcoming hearing will review the status of a lawsuit filed by a man who was attacked with a baseball bat by his ex-employers.
Changqian Zou is seeking damages to exceed $25,000 in a civil lawsuit resulting from the April 2016 incident. Zou is a former employee of Bubba Changâs; a Chinese-American buffet in Genoa Township that closed after a fight in the parking lot between several ex-employees and the restaurantâs owners. After being fired, Zou and his father-in-law showed up at the restaurant to collect some personal belongings and back wages. An argument with Bubba Changâs owners, Jeremy and Johnnie Lee Hamilton, and dishwasher Timothy Borg, turned into a physical fight that led to Zou being beat up with a baseball bat. Johnnie Hamiltonâs wife Angela reportedly hid the bat after the attack. All three Hamiltonâs and Borg have either entered pleas or have been sentenced on charges that resulted from the incident.
This past May, Zou filed a lawsuit against Hamilton Cedar Creek Inc., which listed the Hamilton brothers, Angela Hamilton, and Borg as the defendants. The lawsuit shows that Zou is suing due to injuries he sustained from the fight and the resulting medical bills, lost work time and income, and pain and suffering. The defendants filed counterclaims against Zou in June, alleging they have suffered pain, humiliation, lost earning capacity, lost business, and loss of society and companionship because of the incident. Zou has denied all assault, battery, concert of action, and civil conspiracy charges made against him.
A hearing in November will follow-up on the status of the lawsuit and very preliminary dates have already been set next year should the issue go to trial. (DK)
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LACASA Center's Domestic Violence Awareness Campaign UnderwayLACASA Center's Domestic Violence Awareness Campaign Underway
An upcoming event and purple lights illuminating Livingston County are part of a month-long effort to raise awareness about domestic violence.
October is nationally-proclaimed as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and its cause color is purple. LACASA Center, a local nonprofit organization that provides services to victims of abuse and their families, is working to educate the community about domestic violence throughout the month with their annual âShine the Lightâ campaign.
Community Relations Director Nicole Matthews-Creech says shedding light on a difficult topic such as domestic violence is important all year long, but it is equally important to place a focus on it by sending the message that domestic violence is unacceptable in every community.
Matthews-Creech says the vigil and month-long campaign raises awareness by bridging the gap to conversations about an issue that does not show prejudice to one demographic or region. She feels talking about domestic violence can be difficult because it is a problem that can be contained in a family unit. It then becomes a challenge for people to stand against something that doesnât technically involve them. Matthew-Creech says the goal of LACASAâs efforts is to make domestic violence a social issue to encourage outside involvement.
In addition to purple lights hung throughout the area, LACASA will also hold its 21st Domestic Violence Candlelight Vigil at 7pm tomorrow night. The event will take place in the amphitheater of the historic courthouse in downtown Howell. Matthews-Creech says the vigil honors the strength of survivors, remembers victims, and reminds those that are currently living with abuse that there is help out there for them. Additional details are available at the link below. (DK)
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Roundabout Construction Progressing At 10 Mile & Napier Road Intersection Roundabout Construction Progressing At 10 Mile & Napier Road Intersection
Construction of a roundabout continues at a busy intersection in Lyon Township but the end is in sight.
The Road Commission for Oakland County is continuing construction of a roundabout at the intersection of 10 Mile and Napier Road. Senior Manager of Communications and Public Information Craig Bryson says the $6.3 (M) million project has two main elements; complete reconstruction of the intersection as a modern roundabout and then cutting a hill to the west of the roundabout. Bryson says there was previously a pretty steep hill that created sight distance issues for those traveling eastbound on 10 Mile toward the Napier intersection. He says that hill was reduced quite a bit to add a lot more sight distance as motorists approach the intersection.
The project is on schedule and Bryson says theyâre still looking at a mid-October completion. He says most of the pavement is down and concrete curbing is in place but there is still a fair amount of work left to do to finish things up. He tells WHMI the project has gone well and itâs really been an impressive transformation, adding a work zone camera at the construction site is available online to view progress.
As for remaining work, Bryson says there is still some paving to go and a lot of little detail work, restoration behind curbing, crosswalks and signals to be installed, pavement markings and signage. The intersection will remain closed until the project is complete this fall.
The roundabout construction is the first half of a larger project that will continue next year. The second half involves the actual paving of Napier Road between 9 Mile and the roundabout, which is currently a gravel road. (JM)
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Volunteers Sought For Jack Pine Seed Harvest In Brighton Volunteers Sought For Jack Pine Seed Harvest In Brighton
A Jack pine harvest in Brighton will provide seeds statewide.
Officials say about 33 acres of overgrown jack pine trees in Livingston County are being harvested to provide seeds for new trees around Michigan. The trees are at the Department of Natural Resources' Tree Improvement Center near Brighton. DNR Forest Resources Division Silviculturist Jason Hartman says the seed orchard is about 35 years old and the trees are too large to efficiently pick cones from.
Jack pine cones need heat to open, which under natural conditions would come from a forest fire or sunlight. The DNR will pick pine cones from the cut trees and heat them in kilns to release the seeds. They'll be planted statewide to regenerate jack pine forests. Volunteers are needed to help pick the cones. Hartman says the DNR plans to replant the blocks of harvested pines on a staggered schedule, so the future seed orchard will contain trees of differing ages.
Those interested in helping should contact Hartman by email at hartmanjmichigan.gov. (JM)
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Suspicious Incident Reported In Hartland Township Deemed False AlarmSuspicious Incident Reported In Hartland Township Deemed False Alarm
The Livingston County Sheriffâs Office says it worked diligently over the weekend to make headway on a suspicious incident reported in Hartland Township.
The alleged incident involved a white SUV, two black males, and a child at the bus stop. Working in conjunction with the Hartland Consolidated Schools and their Transportation Department, the Sheriffâs Office was able to identify the vehicle and ultimately make contact with the owner. Interviews were conducted and it was determined that there was no crime, nor was there any intent of wrong doing on anyoneâs behalf. Furthermore, the occupants of the vehicle had business in the subdivision. They were initially lost and looking for an address, which in turn led to the reported suspicious behavior.
While the incident turned out to be nothing, the Sheriffâs office says it would like to encourage parents to have very open and frank conversations with their children about safety - not just to and from the bus stop, but in all situations. The office also encourages community conversations between neighbors, subdivisions, churches, PTOâs, and others to see how everyone can better look out for local kids. (JM)
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Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy Completes National Sheriff's Institute Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy Completes National Sheriff's Institute
The sheriff of Livingston County recently completed specialized leadership development training.
Sheriff Mike Murphy completed participation in the 113th session of the National Sheriff's Institute (NSI) held in Aurora, Colorado for one week in September. He got to have the experience at no cost to local taxpayers as the program is co-sponsored by the National Institute of Corrections and the National Sheriffs' Association.
The program allows first-term sheriffs to train and network with others from across the country on contemporary challenges facing law enforcement today. It further explores providing effective leadership for the public good in the areas of public safety, criminal justice system policy, community relations and organization effectiveness and efficiency. NSI Director of Professional Development Hilary Burgess said âSheriff Murphy is a leader with a vision for the Livingston County Sheriffâs Officeâ.
Murphy tells WHMI it was a phenomenal opportunity and what he found interesting was that a lot of the issues are the same around the country when it comes to law enforcement struggling with opiate abuse, mental health issues and a lack of resources for those with mental health issues. Murphy says those were the two most common themes but he also referenced all of the issues that come with operating a jail â which is one thing that makes a sheriffâs office unique outside of regular law enforcement.
Murphy says the program also forced participants to do a lot of introspective learning and looking to realize their personal strengths and weaknesses but also those of the community and organization. Murphy said itâs not always easy and can sometimes be tough to admit you have deficiencies or weaknesses in certain areas but ultimately if you do recognize those, then you can incorporate that into a leadership development plan and provide the best service to the community.
The NSI is the only National Executive development program designed for sheriffs so Murphy says he was fortunate to be chosen and joined 29 others at the session. Murphy is the first sheriff of Livingston County to graduate from the NSI. (JM)
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Lansing Debate To Reduce High Auto Insurance Rates Begins TuesdayLansing Debate To Reduce High Auto Insurance Rates Begins Tuesday
Legislation to overhaul the stateâs no-fault auto insurance system is up for a first hearing tomorrow.
Most all lawmakers seemingly agree reform is needed and the system needs to be fixed to lower rates for drivers but differing plans are being put forward. House Bill 5013 was introduced late last month by Republican Representative Lana Theis of Brighton Township and was referred to the Committee on Insurance, which she chairs. A first hearing is scheduled on Tuesday. Under the legislation, 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. The legislation to reform Michiganâs auto no-fault insurance laws is sponsored by Theis and backed by Republican House Speaker Tom Leonard and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. The bill would let motorists stick with unlimited coverage or instead buy either $250,000 or $500,000 of coverage. The measure would also subject auto insurers to a fee schedule for health services, similarly to how health insurers' reimbursements to providers are lower for Medicare patients.
Meanwhile, a separate bipartisan coalition of 15 lawmakers previously announced a different auto insurance reform plan to bring down auto insurance rates, including Republican State Representative Joe Graves of Argentine Township. That proposal would not change the unlimited lifetime medical benefits provided for those involved in catastrophic car crashes but would establish a fee schedule regarding reimbursement rates. Other aspects include creating a fraud authority and limiting factors auto insurers can use to set rates. (JM)
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Sidewalk Repairs Planned Throughout City Of Howell Sidewalk Repairs Planned Throughout City Of Howell
The City of Howell is looking to replace some defective sidewalks while adding new sidewalk in other areas.
The Howell City Council recently approved a resolution a declaration of necessity for the 2017 sidewalk program. It calls for installing new sidewalks in some areas of the City, particularly North National Street which City Manager Shea Charles says is light on sidewalks and sees a lot of pedestrian traffic. However, a number of sidewalks in need of repair and replacement have also been identified throughout the City. Steps will also be replaced at the north side of city hall.
Charles tells WHMI there is a special assessment process for repair and replacement, which is a 50/50 split between the property owner and the City. Charles says for new sidewalks for homestead properties there is no cost because the City is just retrofitting. For non-homestead, he says itâs 100% cost to the property owners.
The project is currently out to bid. Charles says theyâll open bids this week and then present results at the October 9th meeting, where a public hearing will also be held for those impacted by the sidewalk program and assessment. If approved, then staff would proceed toward getting the construction done this fall. (JM)
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Fundraiser Challenges Wolverine & Spartan Fans To Be Most CharitableFundraiser Challenges Wolverine & Spartan Fans To Be Most Charitable
A local dental clinic that helps low income and uninsured families is pitting Spartan and Wolverine fans against each other in a fundraiser before the big game.
The 9th annual VINA Dental Tailgate is scheduled for this Thursday, October 5th at Crystal Gardens in Howell, two days before the teams meet in Ann Arbor. The clinic, located on Grand River in Brighton has been providing dental care services to Livingston County residents in-need at a low cost for nearly a decade. Executive Director Barb Colley said that while it has been a group effort by dental community in donating their time and services, the clinic still needs money to operate. Enter the tailgate, which is their yearly benefit where Michigan and Michigan State fans battle for bragging rights on who can donate more, before the teams battle for bragging rights on the field.
Wolverine fans won the contest last year, with Spartan fans winning the year before. Colley promises the tailgate will be a fun, spirited evening for a good cause. She said, âThe real winner in VINA Dental and their patients, but donât let your team lag behind; come and support the Spartans or the Wolverines. Come bring your family and it will be a great evening.â At the event there will be food, a cash bar, a silent auction, games, and more. The Brighton High School Marching Band will be on hand playing each teamâs fight song. A $40 donation gets you in the door. Tickets can be purchased at VINA Dental or online through the link below. (MK)
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LACASA Candlelight Vigil Tonight In HowellLACASA Candlelight Vigil Tonight In Howell
A community-wide Domestic Violence Candlelight Vigil will be hosted by LACASA tonight in downtown Howell.
The public is invited to join in the 21st annual event, set for 7pm in the courtyard of the historic Livingston County Courthouse. As in yearâs past, the vigil will include a silhouette memorial honoring local victims who lost their lives to domestic violence. Noted speakers will share their stories and the Howell High School a cappella choir will perform. Candles will be lit in remembrance of lives lost and to celebrate the courage of survivors.
The vigil is held in October as that is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. LACASA signifies the month with a Shine the Light campaign in which residents and businesses are encouraged to purchase purple string lights, light bulbs and lanterns from LACASA and hang them during October with a cause poster that says in part: Domestic Violence Has No Place in Our Community. Youâll find details through the link below. (JK)
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Brghton Holds Open House to Get Public Input for New Master PlanBrghton Holds Open House to Get Public Input for New Master Plan
Monday's open house was held to get peopleâs input on what they would like Brighton to look like in the future in the way of housing, recreation, and other factors. Communities in Michigan are required by the state to review their master plans every five years. However, Brighton is not merely revising its master plan but developing an entirely new one.
Rod Arroyo of Giffels Webster, the planning agency developing the new comprehensive master plan, says it has three distinct components: a street plan, a downtown plan, and a recreational plan.
The master plan process actually began several months ago with a joint meeting of the Planning Commission, Downtown Development Authority and City Council. At that meeting, members of those boards were asked to write down what theyâd like to see in their community â and even write down what they don't like â and place them on the appropriate board posted on council chambersâ walls.
The format at Mondayâs open house was similar, and yet different, since the planners had accumulated much data in the intervening time, which was reflected in the poster boards. Arroyo says the information on the various poster boards is not the kind that would be considered generic for a community of similar size but is unique to Brighton.
Some of the publicâs ideas included making Brighton more walkable, having more housing geared toward young people, also more senior housing near the downtown and having more art and cultural amenities. Other involve more recreational options and more attention devoted to the environment and environmental issues.
The public will be given other chances to weigh in on the pending comprehensive master plan. One way will be a procedure whereby people can take a picture with their smart phone, go to a special link on the cityâs website, upload the photo, pinpoint their area of concern on a map and state what they would like to see or what could be improved.
Arroyo says in the coming weeks they will review and summarize the information they have received and meet again with the Planning Commission and DDA. He expects the draft master plan to be completed by next April, to be followed by a public hearing and final adoption by City Council sometime next summer. (TT)
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Two Teens Hospitalized Following Car Crash On Oak Grove RoadTwo Teens Hospitalized Following Car Crash On Oak Grove Road
Local authorities are investigating the cause of a car crash in Howell Township Monday that hospitalized two teenagers.
Deputies with the Livingston County Sheriffâs Office were dispatched to Oak Grove Road, south of Allen Road, for a two-vehicle injury crash at about 1:45pm yesterday. Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2006 Scion TC was traveling north on Oak Grove Road when it left the roadway. As the vehicle re-entered the roadway, the driver lost control and crossed over the center line into the path of a 2008 Chevy Impala traveling south.
Following the crash, both of the Scionâs occupants were taken to U of M Hospital in Ann Arbor. The driver of the Scion, an 18-year-old Howell resident, is listed in stable condition. The vehicleâs passenger, a 17-year-old Howell resident, is listed in critical condition. The driver of the Chevy Impala, a 19-year-old Howell resident, was treated and released at the scene.
The roadway was closed down for approximately three hours as a result of the incident. Authorities believe speed is a factor in the crash, while the use of alcohol and drugs remains under investigation. Deputies at the scene were assisted by personnel from the Howell Fire Department and Livingston County EMS. (DK)
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Brighton Holds Open House to Get Public Input for New Master PlanBrighton Holds Open House to Get Public Input for New Master Plan
Monday's open house was held to get peopleâs input on what they would like Brighton to look like in the future in the way of housing, recreation, and other factors. Communities in Michigan are required by the state to review their master plans every five years. However, Brighton is not merely revising its master plan but developing an entirely new one.
Rod Arroyo of Giffels Webster, the planning agency developing the new comprehensive master plan, says it has three distinct components: a street plan, a downtown plan, and a recreational plan.
The master plan process actually began several months ago with a joint meeting of the Planning Commission, Downtown Development Authority and City Council. At that meeting, members of those boards were asked to write down what theyâd like to see in their community â and even write down what they don't like â and place them on the appropriate board posted on council chambersâ walls.
The format at Mondayâs open house was similar, and yet different, since the planners had accumulated much data in the intervening time, which was reflected in the poster boards. Arroyo says the information on the various poster boards is not the kind that would be considered generic for a community of similar size but is unique to Brighton.
Some of the publicâs ideas included making Brighton more walkable, having more housing geared toward young people, also more senior housing near the downtown and having more art and cultural amenities. Other involve more recreational options and more attention devoted to the environment and environmental issues.
The public will be given other chances to weigh in on the pending comprehensive master plan. One way will be a procedure whereby people can take a picture with their smart phone, go to a special link on the cityâs website, upload the photo, pinpoint their area of concern on a map and state what they would like to see or what could be improved.
Arroyo says in the coming weeks they will review and summarize the information they have received and meet again with the Planning Commission and DDA. He expects the draft master plan to be completed by next April, to be followed by a public hearing and final adoption by City Council sometime next summer. (TT)
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Salvation Army Seeks Volunteers For Great Pumpkin Classic Car Show Salvation Army Seeks Volunteers For Great Pumpkin Classic Car Show
An event in Howell Township targeting families and car buffs will support the programs and services of the Salvation Army of Livingston County and volunteers are being sought.
The Great Pumpkin Classic Car Show will be held at the Livingston County Spencer J. Hardy Airport on Saturday, October 14th. The event typically features hundreds of cars and a bounce house on site, food vendors and door prizes. The show is open to all makes, models and years of vehicles. A variety of volunteers are being sought to help out the day of the event, from which proceeds directly benefit the Salvation Army of Livingston County.
In addition to Thanksgiving and Christmas assistance, the local corps provides a wide range of programs and services year round to those in need in the community from emergency food, utility and rental assistance to helping children and senior citizens.
Those looking to volunteer should call (517) 295-4347 or email chelsea_richardson@usc.salvationarmy.org. (JM)
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