More than three dozen hot air balloonists and thousands of people are expected to flock to downtown Fowlerville this weekend for the 10th annual Christmas in the Ville.
The celebration will take place Saturday, December 2nd starting with a balloon launch scheduled for 8am, weather permitting, as well as a scavenger hunt for kids, Santaâs workshop, treat decorating, story time in the window, real reindeer, a balloon sculptor, chili sold by the fire department and a 5k Dashing through the Snow and 1k fun walk for kids. If the weather permits, a second balloon launch will take place at 2pm.
Event Organizer Steve MacDermaid says all of that leads up to the parade that night at 6 at which point they expect there will be well in excess of 10,000 people downtown. To help deal with that, theyâve added a shuttle service that will run from 4:30pm to 7:30pm from four locations; Fowlerville Fairgrounds, Fowlerville High School, the Park & Ride lot and the Masonic Temple.
More information and a complete schedule of events can be found through the link below. (JK)
Christmas In The Ville To Mark 10th Year Lighting Up FowlervilleChristmas In The Ville To Mark 10th Year Lighting Up Fowlerville
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HPS Names Service Person and Support Person of the YearHPS Names Service Person and Support Person of the Year
Howell Public Schools has named the recipients of their annual Service and Support Persons of the Year.
14 district stakeholders spent several hours earlier this month considering a combined 25 nominations for the two awards. In the end, they have selected Three Fires Elementary paraprofessional Karen Helsper as the 2017-18 Service Person of the Year, and Howell Public Schools financial assistant Karen Doran as its Support Person of the Year. Helsper was noted for her ability to be calm, compassionate, and positive at all times, including during the most stressful of situations. Doran, in her role, supports H-P-S employees with their fringe benefits. She is being recognized for her knowledge and patience while helping employees with insurance, savings, and spending accounts.
Both Doran and Helsper will be honored by the Howell Public Schools Board of Education at a board meeting in February. (MK)
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Fenton Couple Ordered To Remove Goats From Their PropertyFenton Couple Ordered To Remove Goats From Their Property
A judge has ruled that a coupleâs pet goats in the City of Fenton must go.
Shaun Hamilton and his wife Tera own Nigerian goats, which are considered miniature, that are kept on their property on Silver Lake Road. However, since the property is zoned medium density residential, farm animals including goats are not permitted. Shaun Hamilton was subsequently charged with keeping unauthorized animals and violating a city ordinance related to animal shelters. The Tri-County Times reports Hamilton pleaded guilty and the family was given an extended length of time by a Genesee County judge to remove the goats from their property.
The family already had plans to move and the judge determined the goats would be allowed to stay with the family. The couple was fined $50 for having an un-authorized structure, and the coupleâs attorney told the Times âThere was no testimony at all that the goats were a nuisance.â Fenton Building & Zoning Administrator Mike Reilly said the contention from the Hamiltonâs perspective was that the goats are really not farm animals but pets, and the judge maintained that âa goat is a goatâ.
The goats must be gone prior to a scheduled case review in court in February. (JM)
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Hartland Community Chorus Continues Tradition With 85th Annual PerformanceHartland Community Chorus Continues Tradition With 85th Annual Performance
An event in Hartland next weekend will represent a local choral groupâs 85th year of performing a classic work for the community.
Messiah, an oratorio by George Frideric Handel, has been performed annually since 1932. Hartlandâs long-standing tradition was started by J. Robert Crouse; a resident who made it his life project to enrich the then-rural area. The tradition has lived on and is continued by the Hartland Community Chorus as a living memorial to Crouseâs memory.
The Chorus will present Messiah at the historic Hartland Music Hall on Saturday, December 9th. The group will be performing the piece in its entirety, which is unique according to Director Kelli Falls. The entire oratorio is about three hours long and Falls says while most people only hear excerpts from it, she is sure many would recognize its most famous song, âHallelujahâ. The Chorus has been rehearsing the full work since October and Falls says their commitment shows. The group is comprised of singers from all over, some of whom have been a member for 25 years or more. The performance begins at 6:30pm next Saturday. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the Cromaine District Library, Hartland Community Education building, or at the door.
Falls will also be directing a separate performance by the Livingston County Choirs this weekend. The three-choir organization has members of all ages and experience. The LCCâs holiday concert, Gloria, will be performed Saturday and Sunday at the Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church in Brighton. Additional information can be found at the link below. (DK)
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Brighton Twp. Man Facing 13 Felonies From Domestic Violence IncidentBrighton Twp. Man Facing 13 Felonies From Domestic Violence Incident
Felony charges have been authorized against a Brighton Township man who reportedly assaulted several of his family members during the course of a domestic violence incident.
51-year-old Thomas Richard Webber is charged with 2nd degree child abuse, two counts of discharging a firearm at a building, four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and six counts of felony firearms. The charges stem from the November 15th incident that was reported as a domestic violence situation.
Webber allegedly strangled his wife, and then assaulted her and his teenage son with a firearm. He is said to have discharged several rounds from a revolver in the vicinity of them both. The revolver was legally registered, but not to Webber. Authorities say Webber also had a meat cleaver, which caused minor injuries to a 67-year-old relative living in the home. Police say no one was seriously injured and the victims refused further treatment after being treated at the scene. Child Protective Services was notified and is investigating as Webberâs 4-year-old was present during the incident.
Webber appeared in court Tuesday and requested an examination, as well as an amendment to his $300,000 cash/surety bond. His bond request was denied, but an exam was adjourned to December 11th. Court records indicate additional time is needed to arrange appearances as the victims now reside in Tennessee.
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Economist: Middle Class Will Benefit Under GOP Tax Plan Economist: Middle Class Will Benefit Under GOP Tax Plan
While one recent analysis of the GOP tax reform plan indicates it will mainly benefit Michiganâs wealthy, one economic expert believes it will be a boon to the state, provide a benefit for middle-income earners and serve as a catalyst for economic growth.
Earlier this week, the Michigan League for Public Policy said their analysis of the bill set to be voted on in the Senate this week would primarily assist the wealthiest 1 percent of Michiganders, while those towards the bottom of the wage scale will be negatively affected. But Michael LaFaive, the Senior Director of the Morey Fiscal Policy Initiative for the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, disputes that analysis. He pointed to a report by the Tax Foundation that concluded the Senateâs version of tax reform would see more than 27,000 new jobs in the state and a substantial after-tax income gain for families with a middle income. "The majority of the beneficiaries of this are going to come from the middle class...the average family with a middle income will see a tax benefit to the tune of about $2,500."
A report from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office indicated that most of the tax cuts that would benefit middle class tax earners would expire within ten years, while the deficit would increase by more than $1.4 trillion. LaFaive says the deficit is most definitely an issue that has to be dealt with, but he prefers to see that done through spending reductions. "I'm very concerned about the deficit going forward as well, but I think that can be addressed with spending cuts, and should be. It can also be addressed with growth. Do I think congressmen have the spine to cut as deep as I'd like to see? No. So I too am a critic in that regard. But in the net analysis, I think growth potential, particularly if we just limit growth in entitlement spending, could do a great deal towards reducing the gap between expected revenues and expenditures."
The Senate on Wednesday passed a procedural vote on the tax bill allowing debate to begin on the measure with a final vote expected either late today or Friday. However, Republicans can only afford to lose two votes if they hope to get the bill passed. (JK)
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Livingston County Has Lowest October Jobless Rate In State Livingston County Has Lowest October Jobless Rate In State
Livingston County is back in the top spot when it comes to having the lowest jobless rate in the state.
Livingston Countyâs unemployment rate stood at 3% in October â ranking number one among all of Michiganâs 83 counties. The local rate stood at 3.3% in September but prior to that, the county was able to maintain the lowest statewide jobless rate for four consecutive months. October changes in the stateâs various local labor markets were typically small and seasonal, according to the Bureau of Labor Market Information & Strategic Initiatives. Total employment and labor force levels declined seasonally in most regions over the month.
Over the year, employment rates generally edged up. However the state says since October of 2016, the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn statistical area that includes Livingston County displayed a significant drop of 1.5 percentage points. (JM)
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Last Chance To Donate A Wreath For A Veteran's GraveLast Chance To Donate A Wreath For A Veteran's Grave
Today is the last day for donations needed to place a wreath on veteranâs headstones in Pinckney.
This is the 4th year that the Village is participating in the Wreaths Across America program, but this year they need some last minute help to make sure they have full coverage. Wreaths Across America is a non-profit organization that recognizes those who served in the 5 branches of military during a ceremony taking place simultaneously across the nation. The Village has roughly 450 recognized veteranâs headstones but they are around 75 wreaths short for the Village Historical Cemetery and need another 30 to 40 for veterans buried at St. Maryâs Catholic Church. Clerk Amy Salowitz said the original deadline has passed, and the new one granted by Wreaths Across America ends at midnight, tonight.
The official ceremony takes place Saturday December 16th, starting at noon in the Historical Cemetery. Donations can be made by cash or check at the Village Hall, or by going online through the link below, and typing Pinckney in the search bar. (MK)
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Naming Rights Secured For Planned Athletic ComplexNaming Rights Secured For Planned Athletic Complex
A ceremony today officially announced a long-tern naming rights agreement for a planned athletic complex in Genoa Township.
Cleary University confirmed that Lake Trust Credit Union has secured the naming rights to the new athletic facility on its Livingston campus through 2028. An amount was not disclosed. Lake Trust Credit Union Stadium will feature lighting for nighttime play, seating room for hundreds of spectators and artificial turf for nearly year-round play and events. 200 student athletes will benefit from the new space, which is scheduled for completion in fall 2018. The venue will support six varsity sports including baseball, menâs and womenâs soccer, menâs and womenâs lacrosse and softball as an official game venue.
The new athletic facility is the latest step in the growth of Clearyâs athletic program, which joined the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics in August. David Snodgrass, Lake Trust Credit Union President and CEO said the, ââ¦state-of-the-art sports complex will enhance the college experience for Cleary students, will have tremendous community impact, and is a catalyst for growth in Livingston County.â That sentiment was echoed by Cleary President Jayson Boyers, who added that the venture strengthens their collective commitment to the Livingston community. (JK)
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Tree Trimming Program In City Of Brighton To Continue Through Winter, Spring Tree Trimming Program In City Of Brighton To Continue Through Winter, Spring
A comprehensive tree trimming program is being launched in the City of Brighton.
Department of Public Works crews will be starting a comprehensive right-of-way tree trimming program that will continue through winter and into spring of 2018. The City says the program is important so that tree limbs and branches hanging over roadways do not damage snow plow trucks, block signage, or obstruct the view of turning vehicles. In order to make the tree look aesthetically pleasing, the City advises there may be a need for crews to trim branches over the roadway and sidewalk. If a privately-owned tree is obstructing the ROW, the City says it will be in direct contact with the property owner to discuss options for trimming.
Anyone with questions or concerns about the ROW Tree Trimming program is asked to contact the DPW at 810-225-8001. DTE photo. (JM)
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Salvation Army Seeks Volunteer Bell Ringers & Donors Salvation Army Seeks Volunteer Bell Ringers & Donors
The Salvation Army of Livingston County is calling all donors and challenging bell ringers this weekend and next.
All donations dropped into red kettles at the Howell Walmart store on Grand River from 1 to 3pm this Saturday will be matched, thanks to a donation from a Howell business.
Then next weekend, the Salvation Army is calling on the community to help them accomplish something never done before - fill every red kettle location, all day long with 100% volunteer bell ringers. Officials say every year, the local Corps depends on paid bell ringers to help fill gaps and ensure that all kettles are manned. However, for next Saturday, they are issuing a community challenge to help fill those locations. Anyone interested in volunteering is asked to visit www.RegisterToRing.com, enter your zip code and choose Saturday, December 9th. That link is provided. (JM)
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World AIDS Day Is Friday - Local Health Officials Say Get Tested World AIDS Day Is Friday - Local Health Officials Say Get Tested
This Friday is World AIDS Day â a day that local health officials say serves as an important reminder that HIV has not gone away.
Over 15,000 Michiganders are living with HIV â including roughly 110 in Livingston County. Officials say 90% of new cases could be prevented through treatment and diagnosis, and many times people donât know theyâre infected and then spread it to others. The Livingston County Health Department recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested at least once, although those with certain risk factors should get tested annually.
HIV is the virus that when infected leads to AIDS, which is a syndrome. Health Promotion Coordinator Chelsea Moxlow says itâs ideal to catch the diagnosis when someone is still HIV positive and hasnât gotten to the point of an AIDS diagnosis. Moxlow tells WHMI there have been significant strides in the treatment of HIV, which can keep those infected healthy for many years. In many cases, treatment can make the virus undetectable in a personâs blood and when it cannot be detected, then HIV cannot be spread.
Moxlow says there is still a need to increase awareness, raise funds, fight prejudice and improve education. The themes of this yearâs World AIDS Day is âincreasing impact through transparency, accountability and partnershipsâ.
Free, anonymous, confidential testing is offered by appointment through the Livingston County Health Department and officials cannot stress enough the importance of getting tested. As part of awareness efforts for World AIDS Day this Friday, the local health department will have red ribbons for clients to take home.
Those wanting to schedule an appointment can call the Communicable Disease Nurse at 517-552-6882. More information is available in the attached press release and link provided. (JM)
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Battery Solutions To Move Out of Green Oak And Howell, Relocating In Milford Township Battery Solutions To Move Out of Green Oak And Howell, Relocating In Milford Township
A tax abatement for a local company in a growing industry will relocate two Livingston County branches to Milford Township.
The Milford Township Board of Trustees discussed a proposed 12 year, 50% Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption request by Battery Solutions, LLC, Wednesday night. Battery Solutions is the largest battery recycling company in North America. They currently have 3 locations, with one in Green Oak Township, their headquarters in Howell, and the third in Arizona. With advancements in lithium ion batteries in personal devices and electric cars in the future, believe that business will be further booming in the next 10 years. The company draws large amounts of business from General Motors, and with the Proving Grounds nearby, feel Milford is an ideal location.
Concerns were raised by the board about the benefits giving such a long tax break would bring. In a presentation, representatives claimed they would go from 78 current employees to 116 by 2022. Treasurer Cynthia Dagenhardt was in support, but waved a cautionary flag when learning that they are trying to leave Green Oak 2 years after a 5-year abatement there ended. With Battery Solutions leasing their new building, some were worried they would leave at the end of the 12 years and the township would not see full tax benefits. 12 years was also longer than any on the board remembered granting in a long time. Supervisor Don Green noted that the Green Oak abatement was on personal property, however, and theirs would be on the building.
In the end a motion was passed by a 5-2 vote for 1 year construction, 9 year abatement, and potential clawback provisions if Battery Solutions tried to leave the township early. Trustees Randy Busick and William Mazzara cast the dissenting votes. (MK)
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Fenton's Water Plant To Receive New Maintenance Program Fenton's Water Plant To Receive New Maintenance Program
A new preventative maintenance program will be implemented at Fentonâs water plant.
A unanimous decision was made at Monday's City Council meeting to hire ATI Group of Fenton to perform quarterly inspections and maintenance on the two HVAC units located at the cityâs water plant. The council stated that the current condition of the two units were very good, however, they would like to maintain the longevity of those units as much as they can. The HVAC units were said to be around 15 years old, but with proper maintenance the council feels as though they can last another five or ten years.
The cost for the new maintenance program will come to $2,700 a year which will be paid through the cityâs water fund. Markland told WHMI he expects the new program to be in place very quickly with the contract set to be signed on Tuesday. (DF/JK)
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Pharmacy Tech Who Stole Over 30,000 Pills Gets Jail Time Pharmacy Tech Who Stole Over 30,000 Pills Gets Jail Time
Sentencing has been handed down to a Howell-area pharmacy technician who stole over 30,000 pills from a local hospital.
35-year-old Kelly Leanne Hodge was sentenced Thursday to 90 days in jail and five years of probation. Judge Miriam Cavanaugh issued the sentence, which also calls for Hodge to make restitution at just over $107,698. The restitution amount is based on the estimated value of prescription medications Hodge admitted to stealing from St. Joseph Mercy Brighton hospital, where she was employed.
Authorities say the pills were stolen during an 18-month period that began in November of 2015. Hospital officials noticed the theft after conducting an inventory which indicated approximately 12,000 pills had been taken over the course of five months. The hospital contacted police and a follow-up audit found nearly 32,000 doses had gone missing in a year and a half.
According to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Hodge's pharmacy technician license was issued in October of 2015, just a month before the theft reportedly began. (DK)
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Services Held For Howell Boy Who Suffered With Two Rare DiseasesServices Held For Howell Boy Who Suffered With Two Rare Diseases
Services were held Thursday afternoon for a young Howell boy who lost his struggle against a pair of rare blood diseases and family and friends are hoping the community can step up and help the family with expenses.
8-year-old Cole Davis was described by his cousin Melanie Swayze as being a spunky, energetic, good kid who was always trying to make you laugh. She said âHe was either driving you crazy running up the walls or asleep. There was no in-between. He was a very energetic. A typical 8 year old kid.â
Cole became ill last March and couldnât shake what the family was told as being a viral infection. A blood test in August revealed that Davis had HLH, a disease that attacks immune systems, and myelodysplastic syndrome, or MDS, which causes bone marrow to fail to produce sufficient healthy blood cells. MDS is extremely uncommon in children, usually found in the elderly, and the family doesnât know how he contracted it. Davis passed away last Sunday in his fatherâs arms.
His mother Michelle said they have seen tremendous support from the community through these trying times. She thanks everyone in Livingston County from the officers and representatives, to their church, softball, and soccer families, including many families theyâve never met have been absolutely amazing. Michelle said that without them and the Lord they would never have made it through.
A gofundme account has been set up to help the Davis family with medical and living expenses. Donations can be made through the link below. (MK)
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Truck Tips Over In Green Oak RoundaboutTruck Tips Over In Green Oak Roundabout
An overturned truck Thursday caused some traffic delays near the Green Oak Village Place Mall.
The box truck fell onto its side around 11:40am in the roundabout on the east side of US-23. A 60-year-old Whitmore Lake man who was driving was uninjured and no other vehicles were involved. However, the accident forced the closure of a lane in the roundabout for about two hours. Itâs believed that the truck, which was carrying a load of diesel engines, tipped when the load shifted.
Witnesses told Green Oak Police it appeared the truck was traveling within the speed limit at the time and no citations were issued at the scene. Assisting Green Oak Police at the scene were the townshipâs fire department, Michigan State Police and Livingston County Road Commission. Picture courtesy of Shane McKenzie.(JK)
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Brighton Twp. Residents File Suit Over Proving Grounds ContaminationBrighton Twp. Residents File Suit Over Proving Grounds Contamination
A group of Brighton Township residents have filed suit in Livingston County Circuit Court to hold General Motors responsible for groundwater contamination resulting from the Milford Proving Grounds.
According to attorney Alexander Memmen, the contamination has caused permanent environmental damage, affected residentsâ home values, caused damages to vegetation and landscaping, damaged and corroded personal property and caused negative health effects. The suit alleges that despite reports citing sodium chloride contamination for more than 30 years, GM actively concealed and ignored the level of pollutants leaching into neighboring groundwater and drinking water sources until 2014. Residents allege that GM has committed fraud, violated the Michigan Environmental Protection Act, was negligent, trespassed and have been a public and private nuisance. They are asking the court to award each affected resident an amount exceeding $25,000 and to force GM to no longer pollute their neighborhood and pay for cleanup and repair costs.
In response, GM said they do not believe this suit has merit, adding that, âSalt deposits naturally occur in this area, and salt is also used on the many nearby public roads during winter.â The company further maintains that âacting as a good neighbor, salt usage at the Milford Proving Ground has been reduced by 60% over the last two decades and GM submits regular reports on the groundwater quality at the Milford Proving Ground to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.â
The lawsuit alleges GM has known about chloride contamination since 1985 when an engineering firm recommended the company monitor chloride levels in wells and surface waters, examine salt usage, and check any new wells drilled at the site for contamination. However, it says after receiving the study results, GM ignored those recommendations and failed to disclose the contamination to regulatory authorities or local residents. (JK)
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Democratic Hopeful For Governor Speaks In Genoa TownshipDemocratic Hopeful For Governor Speaks In Genoa Township
A candidate running for the Democratic nomination for governor made a stop in Livingston County Thursday evening.
Ann Arbor businessman Shri Thanedar spoke before the public and Livingston County Democrats at their executive committee meeting in Genoa Township. Thanedar emigrated from India in 1979, came to Michigan in 1982, and gained citizenship in 1988. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a PhD in chemistry and believes it would do the state well to have a scientist as governor. He spoke of a his understanding and knowledge of climate change, a need to keep the Great Lakes clean and pure, and the importance of stopping large corporations from polluting the soil. He also stated that the disaster in Flint with their water must never happen again in Michigan.
Thanedar told WHMI that he would bring progressive ideas to Lansing. He said, âThe pendulum has swung so far to the right with complete control of all government in Lansing. We really need to start making sure our government works for the people. That means we need to raise the minimum wage to a living wage. We need to have tax fairness. The rich, the ultra-rich, and the corporations donât pay their fair share of the taxes.â
Thanedar continued by saying that large corporations are doing fine as evidenced by their skyrocketing profits. He wants to put an emphasis small businesses and job creations within them. Having run his own for 26 years, he wants to help them and has a plan give college debt relief to students who start their own businesses in Michigan following graduation. Thanedar sold shares of his business to help both his employees and the funding of his campaign. He promises not to take a single dollar from corporate special interest groups. For more on him and his campaign, visit www.shri2018.com. (MK)
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Lansing Man Killed In Howell Township CrashLansing Man Killed In Howell Township Crash
A crash in Howell Township late Thursday has left an Ingham County man dead.
Deputies with the Livingston County Sheriffâs Office were dispatched at approximately 11:44pm to westbound I-96, west of Highland Road for a personal injury accident involving two vehicles. A preliminary investigation indicates a 2011 Infiniti G37 and a 2015 Motor coach were traveling westbound on I-96 when the vehicles collided, sideswiping each other. The Infiniti left the roadway and struck several trees in the median.
The driver of the Infiniti was a 43 year old Lansing resident who was pronounced dead at the scene by Livingston County EMS. The Motor coach driver, a 48-year-old Dearborn Heights resident, and the eight passengers in the coach were not injured and refused medical treatment. Both lanes of westbound I-96 remained closed for approximately five hours during the investigation.
It is unknown if alcohol and/or drugs were involved, however it is believed speed was a factor in the accident. Deputies were assisted at the scene by personnel from the Howell Fire Department, Howell Police Department, Fowlerville Fire Department, Fowlerville Police Department, MDOT, and Livingston County EMS. (JK)
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