The request for a liquor license by a large sports complex in Green Oak Township had the Board of Trustees wrestling with a number of concerns.
Legacy Center has plans for a building a restaurant and with it would like a class C liquor license to sell beer, wine, and spirits. Representatives and their lawyer sat before the Green Oak Board Wednesday night and fielded a host of questions, concerns, and fears from members. All on the Board spoke about the positive relationship the township has had with Legacy and how they want them to succeed, but were concerned over their ability to control alcohol throughout the facility. The safety of children in an environment where tension between parents can already grow high repeatedly came up. Many board members spoke about not having an issue with alcohol being served in the restaurant, as it can be a nice draw for adult athletes after a game. However, with a class C license, the alcohol could be brought out of the building and into other parts of the complex, like in the stands.
Representatives from Legacy spoke about starting small and slow with the alcohol and highlighted the importance of bringing in experts to assist them through the process. Trustee Dan Rainko said it was hearing from owner Roger Gobel that his mind was changed. He said Gobelâs understanding of how that aspect of his business sinks or swims with how well they run it swayed it. He noted that the last thing they want to do as a business is with a big investment is mess anything up and become known as a place where people get loaded at. Rainko said that from experience, a liquor license is like gold and the last thing you want is the police coming in because something went wrong.
Supervisor Mark St. Charles said he believes everybody asked the right questions and that this wasnât as simple a decision as when a regular restaurant wants a liquor license. He said this was a tough decision, but at the end of the day, they had to put some trust in Legacy that itâs going to be done right and done correctly. The Board could only recommend approval or disapproval with reasoning as part o]f this process; they were not allowed to table it or add conditions. The 5 members present voted unanimously in favor of positive recommendation. (MK)
Legacy Center Receives Positive Recommendation For Liquor LicenseLegacy Center Receives Positive Recommendation For Liquor License
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Local Celebrities Waiting Tables For Charity Before Big GameLocal Celebrities Waiting Tables For Charity Before Big Game
A Fowlerville restaurantâs wait staff is being taken over by local celebrities for a charity fundraiser before the Spartans and Wolverines battle under the lights at Michigan Stadium.
Celebrity Server Day is back and fans are invited to wear their team colors to the Olden Days Cafe for the event benefiting the Genesis House this Saturday. The Genesis House provides support to Livingston County residents recovering from mental illness with the hopes of helping them live more independently. They look to provide members with opportunities in many areas including employment, education, wellness, and housing. Many faces familiar to the community will be taking orders and serving food from 6am until 2pm.
Some of the local celebrities working will be State Representative Hank Vaupel, Sheriff Mike Murphy and Undersheriff Jeff Warder, Fowlerville Police Chief John Tyler, Livingston County Commissioner Bob Bezotte, Fowlerville Superintendent Wayne Roedel and WHMIâs own Jon King. Also taking tables will be Executive Director of Community Mental Health Connie Conklin, Registrar of Deeds Brandon Denby, Howell City Council member Bob Ellis, candidate for 22nd District Michigan Senate Adam Dreher, candidate for 8th District House of Representatives Elissa Slotkin, and others.
A percentage of all meals and 100% of tips will go to Genesis House. The Olden Days Café is located at 188 North Grand Avenue in downtown Fowlerville. (MK)
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Trial Set For South Lyon Man In Baseball Bat AttackTrial Set For South Lyon Man In Baseball Bat Attack
A South Lyon man charged in a baseball bat assault will head to trial next month.
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. He was arraigned Monday in Oakland County Circuit Court, where a November 20th trial date was scheduled.
Collins, meanwhile, remains jailed without bond. The victim of the attack continues to recover after undergoing facial reconstruction surgery. (JK)
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Prayer Vigil For Las Vegas Victims Held In BrightonPrayer Vigil For Las Vegas Victims Held In Brighton
A prayer vigil was held in Brighton to honor and remember the victims and families of those who suffered in this weekâs tragedy in Las Vegas.
Pastor Deon Johnson of St. Paulâs Episcopal Church said âwe gather with heavy hearts,â as he began the vigil, Thursday night. He reflected on the victims, first responders, and âpeople who stepped forward to evil in the name of goodâ during the mass shooting that claimed more than 50 lives earlier this week. Pastor David Howell of St. Mary Magadalan Catholic Church spoke on how the sufferers were not alone, as God and we as a people were with them despite our physical distance. He spoke about how too common events like this have become in the United States, and how we can feel a sense of helplessness about it. He and Johnson both spoke about the risks of compassion fatigue.
Livingston County Democratic Party Chair Judy Daubenmier read a prayer for the victims, the living, and for lawmakers to begin taking gun violence more seriously. Reverend Yolanda Whiten said she had no words for the pain and the sadness that occurred, but the families all have their love and that people all over the world care. She urged the congregation to be the people that make a difference, and to be the ones that say something when no one else will.
Before the closing prayer to end the night, an Act of Remembrance was performed. For that act, the names of all the victims who lost their lives were read with an accompanying tolling of a bell. (MK)
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Historic Sculpture Unveiled And Gifted To City Of FentonHistoric Sculpture Unveiled And Gifted To City Of Fenton
It took over two years to come up with the perfect gift for the City of Fenton, which was kept tightly under wraps until an event Thursday that revealed the municipalityâs newest artistic addition.
A couple of years ago, longtime Fenton residents Phil and Jocelyn Hagerman decided to have a piece of art commissioned to express how much they love being a part of the community. An idea to celebrate the cityâs origin was brought to life by Artist Oleg Kedria, who sculpted a bronze foundry of three men sitting at a table playing cards. One of the men depicted is William Fenton, who had the winning hand in a game of poker that earned him the right to name the city on August 24th, 1837. Robert Leroy and Benjamin Rockwell were also a part of the game and continued to play for rights to name the cityâs main streets.
The sculptureâs big reveal at the Fenton Community and Cultural Center drew over 100 people who were eager to see Kedriaâs creation. After the cover was lifted, guests took advantage of the sculptureâs empty chair at the card table for a photo opportunity with the cityâs namesake. The large crowd at the unveiling was a big help to a philanthropic mission of the Hagermanâs. The event raised over $13,000 to support local youth art programs. Jocelyn Hagerman says, âart is for all to enjoy and is another way we can be bound together.â
The sculpture is comprised of more than 125 pieces that were made separately and then assembled together for the end result. It was created at the Fine Arts Sculpture Centre in Clarkston, which is owned by Ben Cassell. Cassell says to date, the sculpture is the largest and most complex piece the foundry has ever completed. Kedria, who is from Ukraine, has 20 years of experience in sculpting historical figures. He says he is honored to have been given the opportunity to help resurrect a part of Fentonâs past through the lens of art.
Mayor Sue Osborn says the sculpture is a gift the city will always cherish. (DK)
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Lane & Ramp Closures Scheduled Along US-23, 6 Mile RampLane & Ramp Closures Scheduled Along US-23, 6 Mile Ramp
Motorists traveling on US-23 in Northfield Township might want to plan accordingly due to upcoming closures.
The southbound US-23 exit ramp to 6 Mile Road will be closed today between 10am and 4pm for pavement patching. A detour will be posted when the ramp is closed that directs motorists to North Territorial Road and Whitmore Lake Road, and then back to 6 Mile Road.
Beginning Sunday at 8pm, M-DOT advises the southbound lanes of US-23 will be closed at North Territorial. Traffic will be routed off the freeway at North Territorial and will continue south onto Whitmore Lake Road and Barton. Southbound US-23 will re-open sometime Monday morning, time to be determined. Motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible or expect lengthy delays for those who must use the route.
Then next week, there will be a lane closure on Barker Road over US-23 for surface coating of the bridge deck. Daily lane closures between 9am and 3pm will be in effect, Tuesday through Friday. One lane will be maintained on the bridge using flag control. (JM)
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Wood Chip Fire Continues To SmolderWood Chip Fire Continues To Smolder
A fire that started in an area being used to store woodchips near Dexter has been smoldering for days.
Fire crews responded on Monday evening after large pile of woodchips about 30 feet high and 150 feet in diameter caught fire in a gravel pit at Toma and North Territorial roads. No injuries were reported, but the fire caused widely visible smoke plumes. Dexter Area Fire Chief Robert Smith says the fire may have started due to spontaneous combustion.
He said Thursday he's been checking on it a few times a day and it could smolder into Saturday. (JK)
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Brighton City Council OKs Contract with "Soft" Recycling FirmBrighton City Council OKs Contract with "Soft" Recycling Firm
The city already has a contract with Waste Management to pick up the trash of city residents on a weekly basis, and in addition conducts a separate pickup of recyclable materials, such as plastic, metal and glass. However, Waste Management does not pick up for recycling materials such as used clothing and textiles.
Bill Wilk of Simple Recycling in the Cleveland, Ohio, area, appeared before council Thursday night and explained that his company will do a weekly pick up of materials on the same day as the companyâs current waste hauler.
The company does pick up textiles, clothing and common household items in usable condition. Wilk says itâs a good deal for the customer and the city, since itâs free and the city receives a rebate based on the amount of recyclable items the company hauls away.
Wilk says the company will send out two mailings to city residents before the program starts to inform them about the program, and the second mailing will include two orange recycling bags. Wilk stresses that his company will not be competing with the cityâs private trash hauler, since its drivers will pick up items not accepted by recyclers.
Wilk says that the company is not in competition with Goodwill, the Salvation Army, Purple Heart or any other such charitable program because it accepts items in poor condition. He says these goods â torn clothing, old towels and the like - are then sold to companies that turn them into such items as shop rags, car seat stuffing and backing for carpeting. Itâs hoped the new service can begin in about two months. (TT)
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Spartan Fans Win VINA Tailgate ChallengeSpartan Fans Win VINA Tailgate Challenge
If recent results of a local fundraiser show a trend, then Spartan fans are due for an upset win this Saturday.
The 9th annual VINA Dental Clinic Tailgate was held last night at Crystal Gardens in Genoa Township to a full house. The fundraiser pits fans of each school against each other in a battle for bragging rights over who can be more charitable. The past two years, the winner of the fundraiser won the big game, with Michigan coming out on top last year, and Michigan State in 2015. This year, Spartan fans came through donating $24, 917 to the Wolverineâs $21,243.
VINA Dental Executive Director Barb Colley said that with the Tailgate being VINAâs biggest fundraiser of the year, the $46,000 raised will be spent to purchase supplies, dental equipment, and cover operating and patient costs. Attendees found a lot of fun and competitive ways to donate their dollars at the event. There were silent auction items, beer pong (minus the beer) and beanbag games, a 50/50 raffle, card raffle, and a live auction for four tickets to the game, which went for $600.
All thatâs left now is for Spartan fans to see if their victory last night continues the trend on the gridiron, or if the Wolverines can reverse it.(MK)
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Brighton City Council Adopts New Zoning OrdinanceBrighton City Council Adopts New Zoning Ordinance
The Brighton City Council unanimously adopted a new zoning ordinance at its meeting Thursday night.
City Manager Nate Geinzer says the zoning ordinance has not been comprehensively addressed since 1981 and updating it is overdue. He says the document will take advantage of technological advances made in recent years and yet be much more user friendly. Joe Tangari of Giffels Webster, the cityâs planning consultants, gave a presentation on the new ordinance at the meeting. City officials say the primary motive in promulgating a new zoning ordinance was improving the development climate with clearer and more easy-to-navigate rules and guidelines.
However, Tangari says the city also wanted to make it easier for the individual to follow, whether building a house, putting on an addition, applying for a lot split or any other procedure that requires it be in accordance with city rules and regulations. No one spoke at the public hearing preceding adoption of the new zoning ordinance, which takes effect on Oct. 20. (TT)
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99-Year-Old Howell Man Killed In Head-On Crash After Trying To Pass Vehicle99-Year-Old Howell Man Killed In Head-On Crash After Trying To Pass Vehicle
A head-on crash claimed the life of a Howell man this morning.
Deputies with the Livingston County Sheriffâs Office were dispatched to Mason Road west of Kern Road in Iosco Township for a two vehicle accident around 8:45am. Preliminary investigation reveals that a 2006 Chevrolet Impala driven by a 99-year-old Howell resident was traveling westbound when he attempted to pass another vehicle in a no passing zone. The Impala struck a 2000 Ford F 250 head-on, that was traveling eastbound.
The Howell resident was pronounced deceased at the scene by Livingston County Ambulance while the driver of the Ford, a 60-year-old Fowlerville resident was transported to Sparrow Hospital with unknown injuries. The roadway was closed for approximately 2 ½ hours while deputies investigated. The Sheriffâs Office says both drivers were wearing seatbelts, and speed and drugs do not appear to be factors in the accident.
Deputies were assisted at the scene by personnel from the Fowlerville and Howell Fire Departments, Livingston County Ambulance, and Hamburg Township Police. The accident remains under investigation by the Livingston County Sheriffâs Office Traffic Safety Bureau. (JM)
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Howell Library to Repave Parking Spaces & Replace Sidewalk Howell Library to Repave Parking Spaces & Replace Sidewalk
Some parking spaces and sidewalks are being replaced by the Howell Carnegie District Library.
The work is weather dependent, but is expected to get underway this coming week and involves repaving and replacing angled off-street parking and sidewalk on Chestnut Street.
City Manager Shea Charles explained that the library underwent an expansion back in the 1980âs and agreed to put in the angled parking. He says the pavement has been in place since that time but is now in need of replacement, along with some sidewalks along there. As part of the Cityâs ongoing street project, Charles says they talked with that contractor, who agreed to extend the favorable pricing to the library project.
The Howell City Council earlier approved amending the 2017 Street Program contract to do the work, and the library will reimburse the City for all expenses. (JM)
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DNR Says Fabulous Volunteer Response For Jack Pine Seed Harvest In BrightonDNR Says Fabulous Volunteer Response For Jack Pine Seed Harvest In Brighton
Officials say volunteers came out of the woodwork looking to help with local seed harvesting that will provide seeds for planting new trees across the state.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources earlier put out the call for volunteers to help pick cones from the felled trees at its Tree Improvement Center near the Brighton Recreation Area in the area of Chilson and Bishop Lake Road. Jack pines are being harvested locally to provide seeds statewide and regenerate forests. The Center was used as a state forest tree nursery starting in 1957. Its priority purpose is to grow cones and extract seeds, and the jack pines that currently are being harvested were planted specifically to provide a steady supply of seeds.
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, which are collected in tumblers at the Center. The seeds are cleaned and later sown to grow trees. They'll then be planted statewide to regenerate jack pine forests. Timber from these felled trees also is being utilized by a local logger.
DNR Forest Resources Division Silviculturist Jason Hartman says theyâll be getting the timber removed from the trees and trying to utilize the cones, which is why they needed to try to round up so many volunteers. Hartman tells WHMI there has been an outpouring of assistance to help harvest the seeds and a big thank you is owed from the DNR. He says seed harvesting used to be done on a regular basis but the orchards became overgrown over time. The trees are not on a staggered schedule so almost all of them are 35 years old and too large to efficiently pick cones from. Hartman says the ideal age is a 10-year-old jack pine, so cones can be picked directly from the ground. He says theyâre now trying to stagger out the age classes of the seed orchards so there are always some younger trees to easily pick from.
Hartman says itâs funny how the visual effect of the timber harvest then leads into some really good conversation. When people see paint on trees or timber, he says they tend to get pretty concerned but once they tell them the story of sustainable forestry and explain what itâs for and why theyâre doing it, people get intrigued and love to talk about it, which is great. He said even with some of the emails that have been coming in with questions about the cone picking, the conversation gets much deeper because people want to learn more about whatâs going on.
The DNR plants about 3 million jack pine seedlings across the state each year. Hartman says the habitat is valuable for a variety of species, both game and non-game, and various birds including the endangered Kirtland's warbler (pictured) that people come to Michigan to see. (JM)
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Howell High School Student Charged With Sexual Assault Headed To TrialHowell High School Student Charged With Sexual Assault Headed To Trial
A Howell High School student has been bound over for trial on charges that include multiple counts of sexual assault and extortion.
17-year-old Scott William Minton appeared for a probable cause conference in 53rd District Court Wednesday. Judge Suzanne Geddis determined there was sufficient evidence and bound Minton over to Circuit Court. Minton faces nine felony charges, five of which allege first degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of assault with intent to commit sexual penetration. He is also charged with two counts of extortion and one count of distributing or promoting child sexually abusive material.
Howell Police say the charges are the result of an April 1st incident that occurred on property adjacent to Howell High School. Although Minton was just 16 years old at the time of the alleged incident, he was charged as an adult. Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt has said while it isnât common practice to charge a juvenile as an adult, his office will do so when the circumstances are appropriate. He declined to release any further details on the case but noted the offenses were committed between April and May of this year.
If convicted on the charges, Minton could face up to life in prison, although a juvenile sentencing option would also be available. Future court dates have not been scheduled at this time. (JM/DK)
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Vaupel Introduces Resolution Regarding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Vaupel Introduces Resolution Regarding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
A local lawmaker has introduced a resolution to bring awareness to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders in the state of Michigan.
State Representative Hank Vaupel delivered a speech on the House floor during Thursdayâs session in support of his resolution, stating Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders are entirely preventable and he hopes all citizens will increase their knowledge of the effects of fetal alcohol exposure as well as their level of compassion for those affected by the disorders. The incidence rate is estimated at one out of every 100 live births.
Vaupel, a Handy Township Republican who chairs the House Health Policy Committee, says children are the most important resource in the state and the disorders pose a serious threat to the potential health of future generations. Vaupel says they need to do everything possible to reduce fetal alcohol exposure and increase awareness for its harmful effects.
More information about FASD is available on the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website. The link is provided. (JM)
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99-Year-Old Howell Man Killed In Head-On Crash Identified 99-Year-Old Howell Man Killed In Head-On Crash Identified
Authorities have identified a local man killed in a head-on crash Friday morning.
The two-vehicle accident happened on Mason Road, west of Kern Road in Iosco Township. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Office has identified the victim as 99-year-old Maurice Coles of Howell. Preliminary investigation revealed that Coles was traveling westbound in a 2006 Chevrolet Impala when he attempted to pass another vehicle in a no passing zone. The Impala struck a 2000 Ford F250 head-on that was traveling eastbound. Coles was pronounced dead at the scene while the driver of the Ford, 60-year-old David Grimm of Fowlerville, was transported to Sparrow Hospital with unknown injuries. The roadway was closed for approximately 2 ½ hours while deputies investigated.
The Sheriffâs Office says both drivers were wearing seatbelts, and speed and drugs do not appear to be factors in the accident, which remains under investigation. (JM)
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Local Lawmakers Support Legislation To Ban Local Taxes On FoodLocal Lawmakers Support Legislation To Ban Local Taxes On Food
Legislation continues to advance in Michigan to ban local taxes on food, beverages and gum, with local lawmakers in support.
HB 4999 would prohibit local governments in Michigan from taxing certain foods and beverages. No local government in Michigan is now considering such a tax on soda and other sugary and artificially sweetened items. But lawmakers say ordinances have been approved in other states, and they want to make a pre-emptive strike. The House passed the bill 107-1 Thursday.
State Representative Hank Vaupel who chairs the House Health Policy committee was among those in support. The Handy Township Republican says itâs difficult for a community to tax its way to health. He says allowing municipalities to impose a tax on food would have devastating consequences for families, farmers, small grocery stores and markets. Vaupel feels low-income families that already struggle to make ends meet would see their budgets stretched even thinner and farmers could find it difficult to sell their products.
A coalition that includes farmers, grocers, food banks and a labor union is backing the bill. It says beverages taxes in the Chicago area and Philadelphia have driven up prices and "killed hundreds of jobs." Health groups and local governments oppose the legislation. Testimony submitted by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network said 20% percent of all cancers are caused by poor diet, physical inactivity, excess weight and too much alcohol consumption. Thus taxing sugary drinks would likely to create an economic disincentive to reduce consumption which could aid in fighting obesity and decrease the risk of cancer.
Michigan could be the first state to bar local taxes on all foods. The bipartisan legislation banning local food taxes passed 31-5 in the Senate, with support from all Republicans and six Democrats. Local Senator Joe Hune voted in support. The earliest the Legislature could finalize the legislation is next week. (JM)
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City Of Brighton Hires Arborist City Of Brighton Hires Arborist
The Brighton City Council has decided to hire an arborist, a person defined as a professional in the cultivation, management, and study of trees and shrubs.
At its meeting Thursday night, council voted to retain the services of Family Tree Doctor on an on-call basis. In deciding to hire an arborist, there was no mention of plans to update the Mill Pond area with a new band shell and improved amphitheater area.
Many citizens objected to the plans, which will result in removing what were originally five out of six shade trees â and in the revised plan four out of the six trees â to make more room for the band shell area. During the debate it was brought to the cityâs attention that Brighton - which is a Tree City USA - has been out of compliance for several years with the rules, which stipulate that the community have an arborist.
The arborist will be used to determine the health of, and to maintain, trees on city property and in the city right-of-way, and to determine the best course of action for trees that are dead or dying. The arborist will also make recommendations for the plantings of trees in certain areas to ensure that the city keeps its status as a Tree City USA
There were two bids received â from Arbor Master Tree Service and Family Tree Doctor. Although Arborâs bid was slightly lower, it was pointed out that the arborist had just recently become certified. Conversely, the owner and arborist of Family Tree Doctor has been an arborist in the International Society of Arboriculture for over 20 years and has a Bachelor of Science degree in forestry.
Council unanimously voted to approve hiring Family Tree Doctor at a rate of $100 per hour. The contract will be for three years, with an annual renewal. (TT)
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Annual Community Baby Shower To Benefit New And Soon-To-Be ParentsAnnual Community Baby Shower To Benefit New And Soon-To-Be Parents
Several local organizations are partnering together once again for an event aimed at helping new and expecting parents in Livingston County.
The 3rd annual Community Baby Shower will be hosted by the Great Start Collaborative of Livingston County, LACASAâs Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Council, and United Healthcare this Saturday, October 14th. The shower will take place from 9am to 12pm at the Bennett Recreation Center on West Grand River Avenue in Howell.
Organizers say the free event is for all new and expecting parents in Livingston County and includes food, raffle and door prizes. Information will be provided regarding resources, goods and services available to young families in the area. The shower will also feature educational programs that discuss safe sleep, infant crying, and how to handle a sick child.
More information and registration details can be found at the link below.
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Public Meeting Tuesday On Regional Trail Connection In Island Lake Rec AreaPublic Meeting Tuesday On Regional Trail Connection In Island Lake Rec Area
A public meeting is planned Tuesday regarding a regional trail connection in the Island Lake State Recreation Area that will connect two local communities.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is hosting the meeting to gather input on the proposed project, which will provide a non-motorized regional trail connection between Green Oak and Lyon Townships. The trail is designed to provide increased safety for bicyclists who utilize Island Lake, reduce vehicle congestion within the recreation area, provide an official trail entrance along Lee Road and enhance current trial crossings.
Unit Manager Andrew Haapala tells WHMI Island Lake is a highly used recreation area thatâs also home to several natural, cultural and historic features, and they want to make it even more accessible to residents throughout the region. Haapala says engineering of the proposed regional trail connection provided some real challenges, due to the protection of the eastern massasauga rattlesnake and other natural area. He noted the engineering firm was well aware of those challenges and worked closely with the department to provide strategies to overcome these during the design phase. Once complete, the regional trail connection in Island Lake will be part of the Great Lake-to-Lake Trail, which will eventually traverse from Lake Michigan to Lake Huron.
DNR staff will discuss the proposed regional trail connection and answer questions during the public meeting, which will take place from 7 to 8:30pm at the Green Oak Township Hall on Silver Lake Road. (JM)
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