An event in Brighton this weekend will mark a sad anniversary approaching next week.
Next Thursday, December 14th will mark the fifth anniversary since the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, in which 20 children and six adults were shot to death. To mark the tragedy of that day and honor those who lost their lives, several community groups are coming together Sunday from 4-6pm at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in downtown Brighton for a candlelight vigil.
Among those putting together the gathering are the Livingston County chapter of Michigan Moms Demand Action, St. Paul's Episcopal Church and the Michigan Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence. Speakers will include the Rev. Yolanda Whiten, the Pastor at St. James AME church in Brighton; Minister Julie Brock of the Community Unitarian Universalists in Brighton, the Rev. Deon K. Johnson of St Paulâs Episcopal Church; gun violence survivor Lesley Schafer LeBrun, gun violence survivor and Survivor Engagement Lead at Everytown for Gun Safety, and Linda Brundage, executive director of Michigan Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence. Also expected to speak is Gretchen Whitmer, former Senate minority leader and a candidate for the Democratic nomination for governor.
The event is part of a nationwide tribute in partnership with the Newtown Foundation, Newtown Action Alliance, Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, Everytown Survivor Network and Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, Faiths United to Prevent Gun Violence, Organizing for Action, States United to Prevent Gun Violence, St Marks Episcopal Church, and Women's March. (JK)
Brighton Vigil Will Mark Sandy Hook AnniversaryBrighton Vigil Will Mark Sandy Hook Anniversary
↧
↧
Probation Violation Has Teen In Shooting Plot Facing Prison TimeProbation Violation Has Teen In Shooting Plot Facing Prison Time
A second probation violation has one of the teens sentenced for plotting to shoot up Linden High School facing prison time.
17-year-old Kody Brewer of White Lake Township was sentenced to serve five years of probation for his role in conspiring with two other boys to bring guns to Linden High School in October of 2015, kill a particular student and then, âshoot up the school.â He had originally been charged with attempted first degree murder, but later entered a plea to one count of attempted false report of terrorism. But Genesee County Deputy Chief Assistant Prosecutor John Potbury confirms to WHMI that Brewer violated his probation, although he didnât disclose the nature of the violation. However, because this is Brewerâs second violation, they will be asking for prison time.
Brewer violated terms of his probation earlier this year while he was out on bond and awaiting sentencing. At the time, Genesee County Circuit Court Judge Joseph Farah ordered Brewer to jail for multiple violations including getting suspended from school five times, nearly being expelled, carrying a cell phone and creating a social media account against court orders. When he was sentenced in June, Judge Farah made clear this was the final chance he would be offered to avoid prison. A new court date for this latest violation has yet to be set.
Brewerâs co-defendants, 20-year-old Ryan Stevens was also sentenced to five years of probation after spending nearly a year in the county jail, while 17-year-old Lamarr Dukes served a yearlong stint at a rehabilitation program in Pennsylvania. (JK)
↧
Animals Seized From Pet Rescue Being Evaluated For Health & Temperament Animals Seized From Pet Rescue Being Evaluated For Health & Temperament
Animals seized from a local non-profit rescue organization after being found in unsanitary conditions are being evaluated and medically treated.
Livingston County Animal Control received complaints and responded to Last Chance Rescue in Howell Township late last week before returning Wednesday to serve two search warrants simultaneously; one at the facility and another at a private residence of someone affiliated with the rescue. Director Aimee Orn says after observing the animals and living conditions, the decision was made to seize the animals. Over 120 animals, mostly dogs and cats, were seized from both locations along with a couple of birds.
Complaints prompted the investigation. No matter where the complaints come from, Orn says there must be violations to seize animals and in this case, the big thing was unsanitary conditions and animals that required medical care. Orn says theyâve had some calls from concerned individuals and the seizure was not related to any alleged inner fighting in the organization. Once on scene, she says they make their own observations based on laws. Orn was recently hired and therefore is not familiar with the organization. She says itâs unfortunate but this could very well be a case of someone who started out with good intentions years ago but is now overwhelmed and understaffed and the animals were suffering because of it.
Orn says the director of the shelter and the owner of the private residence voluntarily surrendered a majority of the animals. The dogs ranged from smaller Chihuahua mixes to larger breeds. All animals adopted out must be spayed or neutered, have current vaccines and medical completed. Orn says those voluntarily surrendered will be evaluated for temperament and health one by one, and put up for adoption, likely sometime next week.
Animals not being surrendered will be housed at the local shelter as evidence until the investigation is complete. Orn says they are looking at violations under state cruelty and neglect laws, which is what the unsanitary conditions fall under. She says their report with a recommendation will be sent to the Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office, which will make any decision on potential charges. (JM)
↧
Brighton DPW Busy Salting, Plowing & Concluding Leaf Pickup Program Brighton DPW Busy Salting, Plowing & Concluding Leaf Pickup Program
The Brighton Department of Public Works will likely be out plowing snow on Saturday. Thatâs because at least one inch of snow, and perhaps a couple, are predicted for that day in the area.
In addition, the DPW will be busy next week performing the final leaf pickup of the season. City DPW Director Marcel Goch tells WHMI they have been behind this fall because the leaves fell from the trees so late in the season, but theyâre now catching up, and have just one week to go.
Goch says DPW crews were out salting Thursday night due to the annual Ladies Night Out in downtown Brighton. He says the city wanted to make sure the main streets of town were in good shape and safe for shoppers. (TT)
↧
Green Oak Bond Rating Will Aid In Construction Of New Police StationGreen Oak Bond Rating Will Aid In Construction Of New Police Station
Green Oak Township has been assigned a top-tiered bond rating, driving down interest rates on upcoming expenditures.
Moodyâs Investors Services recently assigned the township a Aa2 rating, which is one of the highest bond ratings a municipality can receive and indicates a very low credit risk. With plans to construct a new police station at a cost of approximately $4.5 million dollars, the good rating will help immensely in securing a lower interest rate, according to township officials.
On Wednesday, the townshipâs Board of Trustees approved recommendations from the Building Committee to award bid packages for the police station project in the amount of approximately $2 million dollars. Supervisor Mark St. Charles says the bids are for construction of the buildingâs foundation and stabilizing it for the winter. He says the hope is to have the station open by fall of 2018.
Treasurer Susan Daugherty says the township will receive additional bids Tuesday, at which time officials will also know the exact interest rate on project bonds. Funding is expected to arrive January 4th.
St. Charles says in addition to the police station project, the good rating will also benefit Special Assessment Districts (SADs) currently forming in the township. The rating will drive SAD interest rates low, making the score âgood for everybodyâ. (DK)
↧
↧
Fundraising Underway For 2018 Polar PlungeFundraising Underway For 2018 Polar Plunge
Community members who will brave icy waters next month for a good cause have already begun raising funds for the yearly Michigan Law Enforcement Polar Plunge.
The event is held annually to raise money for the Special Olympics of Michigan, which provides free sports programs for athletes with intellectual disabilities in Livingston County. Local individuals and teams have already begun fundraising for the event, which will be held on Saturday, January 27th. Participants of the Livingston County Polar Plunge will jump into Leith Lake, located behind Brighton High School.
Special Olympics Michigan will host 28 Polar Plunges in 2018, and over 200 athletes in Livingston County will benefit from the Brighton event. The pre-plunge party, registration, 50/50 raffle and family friendly activities will be held inside the schoolâs gymnasium. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. The parade of costumes and awards will begin at 1:30 p.m.
A link to more information and registration details can be found through the link below. (JK)
↧
Oceola Couple Faces Frustrations With Restrictions On Family Barn Oceola Couple Faces Frustrations With Restrictions On Family Barn
A local family is frustrated that they arenât being allowed to use their property as freely as other residents.
Leo and Rachelle Wines own Ponderosa Ridge Farm on Brophy Road in Oceola Township. In 2016 they held a pair of commercial weddings at their barn, and were issued a court order to cease operations until they gained the necessary approval of the township. The Wines were told they needed approvals from the health, building, and fire departments, a site plan, and a special use permit. They said they achieved the latter two, but had been given the run around and sent in circles with the department approvals. Due to financial stress, they did not continue past the site plan and have ceased commercial operations. Leo said they have had around 50 inquiries about weddings that they have had to decline because of this and that that equates to a lot of lost revenue for both them and the township. The Wines were back before the board Thursday night to answer for a family wedding they held for their daughter in September. It was revealed that the court order not only disallowed commercial business, but also social gatherings of any type. They claim that was not part of the original order and was added without their knowledge this past April. Township attorney Neal Neilsen said that was added by the Winesâ own lawyer and initialed in. Leo exclaimed to the board that he never would have agreed to not allowing social gatherings. Rachelle told WHMI they felt like they were being denied their rights that every other property owner has. She said they feel they are being discriminated against, being told they canât hold birthday parties, barbecues, or anything at their homestead.
The Board of Trustees had sympathy, with many saying they didnât disagree that they should be able to hold private family events, but because of the court order it becomes tricky. Supervisor Bill Bamber said theyâve always been open to reopening this case if the Wines can get approval from the necessary departments, but theyâve never been able to. The Supervisor said they have made no decision on whether or not pursue legal action against the Wines, and that he hopes they donât have to. (MK)
↧
Brighton City Councilman Serving On New Parks & Recreation Task ForceBrighton City Councilman Serving On New Parks & Recreation Task Force
A Brighton city councilman who serves on a newly formed task force will attend the first meeting next week.
The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments earlier announced the appointments of Jeff Bohm, Chair of the St. Clair County Board of Commissioners as chair of its newly formed the Parks and Recreation Task Force. Brighton City Councilmember Kristopher Tobbe will serve as Vice Chair. Both are active in parks and recreation endeavors in their respective communities and officials said they look forward to their perspectives in enhancing Southeast Michiganâs parks and recreation system.
As a member of the Brighton Arts and Cultural Committee, Tobbe has assisted in such initiatives as the planning of Brightonâs newest park â the Brighton Arts and Cultural Committee Sculpture Garden â the Brighton Veterans Memorial, and the newly revised Mill Pond area master plan.
The task force will analyze the regionâs parks and recreation system to understand how well the system meets the needs and desires of residents and visitors, identify connections and gaps in accessibility to parks and trails, and ensure that maintenance and continued improvements can be made strategically. The group will also guide establishment of benchmarks and develop regional policies with the goal of seeking opportunities for implementation at the local level. The project will take eight-12 months to complete the work.
The first meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 13th at 9:30am at the SEMCOG offices. (JM)
↧
Hartland High School Receives Grant To Fund College-Prep ProgramsHartland High School Receives Grant To Fund College-Prep Programs
A local high school is the recipient of a grant that will be used to prepare students for college.
Hartland High School was recently awarded a $25,000 grant from the Michigan College Access Network, or MCAN. The funds from the Reach Higher System Impact Grant program are to be used in providing resources for schools to implement changes that prepare students for a college education and their future careers. Hartland will be using the money specifically to launch a career and college ready class that explores post-secondary education options, as well as a preparatory component to help students in their college placement exams.
Hartland High School Counselor Erica Empie says in preparing students, itâs important to recognize that one size does not fit all. Empie says trade schools, two-year programs, and apprenticeships are other avenues theyâll explore through the classes funded by the grant. She believes training after high school is imperative when it comes to obtaining a job that provides a salary one can live on.
For the last several years, Hartland High School has been pursuing initiatives aimed at increasing the college-going culture, while exploring data to understand why students do or donât attend. Only 11 Michigan high schools received the grant, all of which had different ideas of how they would use the grant money to promote college preparation. Empie says if one of the schools finds an initiative that was noticeably successful, MCANâs philosophy is it is shared with others.
Hartlandâs new programs will kick off January 29th; the start of the second half of the school year. (DK)
↧
↧
Livingston County Burn Ban Lifted Livingston County Burn Ban Lifted
A burn ban is no longer in effect for Livingston County.
The ban was issued jointly by all fire departments across the county earlier this week. Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority Chief Adam Carroll says the open burning ban has since been lifted, effective at noon today.
Although the ban has been lifted and the wind has returned to a normal breeze, Carroll cautions that the dry weather still means there is the risk of fires becoming out of control. He further reminds that residents should follow all open burning permitting and/or requirements of their community and thanked everyone for their cooperation. (JM)
↧
Attorney Questions County Seizure Of Animals From Last Chance Rescue Attorney Questions County Seizure Of Animals From Last Chance Rescue
The attorney representing a non-profit pet rescue organization is raising questions about the recent seizure of roughly 120 animals.
Livingston County Animal Control received complaints and responded to Last Chance Rescue in Howell Township late last week before returning Wednesday to serve two search warrants simultaneously; one at the facility and another at a private residence of someone affiliated with the rescue. Violations were found as far as unsanitary conditions and animals needing medical care, which prompted the decision to seize the animals.
Howell Attorney Tom Kizer is representing Last Chance Rescue. He is the former husband of the shelter director Sharon Kizer. He questions why all of the animals were seized so suddenly, including obvious pets of the owners, versus working with them to address issues. Kizer says the actions are reasonably upsetting and feels itâs a case of government overreach. He says Animal Control indiscriminately seized everything and some of the animals were pets, not shelter animals, and should be returned. He says Animal Control has possession of a dog extremely well cared for and owned by the 96-year-old mother of Sharon Kizer, a companion to a widow. He says the situation is also disruptive to the animals, noting another blind dog the director has kept and cared for. Kizer tells WHMI heâs waiting to see what the evidence shows or doesnât show as to why all of the animals were seized. Kizer says not all of the dogs might have been in perfect health, as they are rescue dogs that come from all different types of circumstances. However, he knows based on history that a considerable amount of time and money is spent to provide care for the animals so heâs waiting to see what the purpose and intent of everything was.
Animal Control Director Aimee Orn tells WHMI when on scene, there were great concerns for the safety and well-being of the animals and they were not comfortable leaving them there. She says concerns were also relayed to shelter staff at that time. Orn noted that if there are concerns for the animals they will be removed, not left behind. She was hired by the county in late October and is not familiar with the organization. Orn stressed these are never personal attacks on any person or organization but strictly for the safety and well-being of the animals of Livingston County.
The majority of the animals seized were voluntarily surrendered and will eventually be placed up for adoption. Animals not being surrendered will be housed at the local shelter as evidence until the investigation is complete.
Orn earlier said they were looking at violations under state cruelty and neglect laws, which is what the unsanitary conditions fall under. She says their report with a recommendation will be sent to the Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office, which will make any decision on potential charges. (JM)
↧
Northfield Township To Update Master Plan In 2018Northfield Township To Update Master Plan In 2018
An update to the master plan is in the books for Northfield Township in 2018.
The Planning Commission began to prepare for opening the document which serves as the roadmap for future development at their meeting Wednesday night. Every 5 years townships are required to at least review their master plan, if not update it. Chairman Larry Roman said that while they need to open it, the existing plan is still in serviceable shape. He said that while it is an update, he doesnât believe it will be a total overhaul as what they have currently on the books is still pretty good. Roman explained that some of the challenges the Planning Commission will face with this update are in looking at future developments in the US-23 corridor and North Territorial area. They will be looking at all the properties in those areas that are either residential or mixed use. Considerations will also be given to the North Village area, which is ready to be put out for proposal for development. Since the last update, which was in 2012, the township has also instituted a Land Preservation Committee. Trustee Janet Chick noted that she wanted to see it incorporated in the updated plan, as well.
Commissioners are expecting to begin early next year with the process taking most of 2018 to complete. Roman said that when the time comes, they will welcome any input residents and business owners have with regards to what they would like to see in the plan.(MK)
↧
American Legion Post 141 To Host 36th Annual Christmas Day Dinner American Legion Post 141 To Host 36th Annual Christmas Day Dinner
An annual Christmas Day dinner in Howell welcomes anyone needing a hot meal or good conversation.
The 36th annual dinner on December 25th will be held at the American Legion Devereaux Post 141 at M-59 and Grand River Avenue in Howell Township. From noon to 4 pm, a free, traditional Christmas dinner will be available in-house at the Post for anyone in need of a hot meal or good company. Fellow veteran organizations and volunteers will also prepare, serve and deliver to the âMeals on Wheelsâ seniors who are on the county nutrition program and to shut-ins across the area.
Officials say dishwashers during the day and help with clean up are welcome, and a volunteer sign-up sheet is available at the American Legion Post. Reservation information and details on how to schedule a meal are available by calling 517-546-2534 or email legionpost141howell@gmail.com. (JM)
↧
↧
Brighton Council OKs Street Utility ProjectsBrighton Council OKs Street Utility Projects
Brighton City Council Thursday night approved spending $114,000 for two projects involving upgrades in the underground utilities of several streets.
The funds will be used on North Second St. and in the Northwest neighborhood. According to City Manager Nate Geinzer, the Second St. utility project will involve installing a larger sanitary sewer line to replace the inadequate 8-inch sewer line which currently serves the area, and increasing the size of the 6-inch water main to improve water pressure and flow.
The design also includes wider, 5-feet sidewalks, although the original suggestion for bike lanes was removed because of cost considerations. The street is planned for complete resurfacing because it will have to be torn up to make way for the underground utility improvements.
The northwest neighborhood project includes not only the streets traditionally identified as the northwest neighborhood but also several streets east of Second, including First, Walnut, Chestnut, and Center. This involves preliminary design and engineering work including storm sewers which will connect to the Main Street storm interceptor. Geinzer says the project is just a preliminary step toward the ultimate goal of putting in curb and gutter on those streets and providing a new street surface.
Geinzer says the two utilities projects will take place next spring. The Downtown Development Authority has agreed to pay for the Second St. portion and the city will pay for the northwest neighborhood project mostly through the utilities fund.(TT)
↧
South Lyon Man Caught With Cocaine Gets JailSouth Lyon Man Caught With Cocaine Gets Jail
Sentencing has been handed down to a South Lyon man caught with cocaine during a traffic stop.
20-year-old Elijah Christopher Dalke was sentenced Thursday to nine months in jail and two yearsâ probation. He will also be placed on a SCRAM tether for 90 days and must complete adult education and rehabilitation courses. Dalke was sentenced by Judge Michael P. Hatty in Livingston County Circuit Court. Dalke pleaded guilty as charged last month to delivery or manufacture of narcotics/cocaine less than 50 grams and consumption of alcohol by a minor.
The charges stem from Dalkeâs arrest in September, after a traffic stop by Green Oak Township Police turned up 5.5 grams of cocaine in his vehicle. Green Oak Police Chief Jason Pless said officers had responded to reports of a fight at the Woodland Ridge Mobile Home Park in South Lyon, spotted Dalke driving away from the scene, and pulled him over. The officers reported smelling alcohol and administered sobriety tests, leading to his arrest for operating while intoxicated. A search of his vehicle turned up three small packages of cocaine, which Pless says appeared packaged for delivery.
The subsequent felony cocaine charge authorized against Dalke typically carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison. (DK)
↧
FERC Affirms Denial of Blanket Construction Certificate For Rover PipelineFERC Affirms Denial of Blanket Construction Certificate For Rover Pipeline
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC, is standing by its decision to deny a pipeline companyâs request for a blanket construction certificate.
In February, FERC issued a certificate authorizing Rover Pipeline LLC, to construct and operate approximately 510 miles of new pipeline and related facilities from the Appalachian supply area to an interconnection in Livingston County. However, FERC denied Roverâs request for a blanket construction certificate to perform certain routine construction activities and operations.
In explaining their reason for denial, FERC stated Rover âcould not be relied upon to comply with the environmental regulations required for all blanket certificate projectsâ. FERC supported its decision in light of an incident in which historic properties were damaged by Rover during construction. Rover requested a rehearing, but FERC upheld the denial last week, making the conclusion that Rover intended to circumvent the National Historic Preservation Act by choosing to demolish a historic building.
Additionally, FERC says pipeline companies have an âongoing obligation to supplement certificate applications with relevant information and provide documentation of consultations with the State Historic Preservation Officeâ, but stated that Rover did neither. An official copy of FERCâs letter denying the rehearing can be viewed at the attachment below.
↧
Lyon Township Accepting Letters To Santa Lyon Township Accepting Letters To Santa
Children in Lyon Township have a convenient location to get in touch with the man in red this Christmas season.
Lyon Township is once again serving as a drop off point for letters to Santa Claus. The municipality invites children to come in and drop off letters in a special mailbox set up in the lobby of the Lyon Township Municipal Center, located on Grand River.
Letters to Santa can be dropped off during normal business hours. Officials say if a child would like to receive a response, then they should make sure to include a mailing address on the letter. Photo: Lyon Township. (JM)
↧
↧
Brighton Police Extend "Pigs for Wigs" Program Another MonthBrighton Police Extend "Pigs for Wigs" Program Another Month
If you see a Brighton Police officer and he is sporting a beard these days, thereâs a good reason. The department held a âNo Shave Novemberâ last month â in which officers were allowed to go the entire month without shaving â and decided to expand it another month, all for a very good cause. Each officer who grew a beard contributed $50 toward the âPigs 4 Wigsâ cause in November and was required to donate another $50 this month if he continued to wear a beard.
This marks the fifth year of the âPigs 4 Wigsâ effort, which was kicked off with the Milford Police Deptâs. annual âBoo Bashâ. Pigs 4 Wigs is a local grassroots non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides wigs and support services at no charge to children and young adults experiencing hair loss due to cancer, burns, and other disorders. The wig recipients range in age from 3 to 18, and are located throughout Michigan.
Every wig provided is custom-fitted, age-appropriate, and individually cut and styled as requested by a child or teenager to help them feel comfortable and confident. The organization is committed to helping children cope by offering medical and educational support services at no cost to families. The program is based in St. Clair Shores and all services are funded entirely through contributions made by individuals, companies and organizations. (TT)
↧
Bench Memorializes Former Brighton DDA DirectorBench Memorializes Former Brighton DDA Director
A bench commemorating the man who was known as a visionary for what downtown Brighton has become has been installed in his memory.
The Brighton Art Guild worked with Hell Creek Forge on the project to memorialize former Downtown Development Authority Director Matt Modrack. Modrak came to Brighton in 2005 and was instrumental in helping shape the downtown area into what it has become. He was also known as an ardent supporter of the arts and as one who loved to sail. Modrack passed away in August 2016.
Brighton Art Guild member Sarah Grusin said they were honored to take on this project as it would reflect well on their organization, the city, and the man. She said Modrack was very important to the arts in Brighton and that the guild wanted to show him that they appreciated his caring and devotion.
The bench is made of marble and stone, with wood incorporated from one of Modrackâs sailboats. A brass plaque graces it that reads, âSailor, Visionary, and Friend of the Arts.â The bench was installed Wednesday by blacksmith James Roth on the east side of the building at 202 West Main Street in Brighton. It faces the Mill Pond so that visitors can sit and rest on it while overlooking the city that Modrack helped shape. (Photo- James Roth, Facebook) (MK)
↧
Lyon Township Gets New Fire Engine Lyon Township Gets New Fire Engine
Itâs out with the old and in with the new for the Lyon Township Fire Department.
Bids were sought in the fall to replace the Lyon Township Fire Departmentâs aging Engine 1. Two were received and reviewed by a committee, with a recommendation to award the bid to Pierce at a cost of $685,444. The recommendation and purchase was approved by the Lyon Township Board. The company was said to be selected for their favorable pricing, reduced cost for paying in full, performance history and customer service.
The engine carries 1,000 gallons of water with an additional 40 gallons of foam to help make rural operations more functional. Itâs said to mirror the capabilities of a tanker, and has a larger water tank than most engines. The engine also has a booster line that can be used for grass fires, trash fires, small fires, and exposure to cancer causing agents. Officials said another important safety factor on the engine was the amount of both emergency lighting and scene lighting. Photo from Lyon Township newsletter shows what the new engine will look like prior to any graphics being added. (JM)
↧
More Pages to Explore .....
