The Michigan State Police Brighton Post says an annual holiday collection event was once again successful in providing for local families in need.
The Michigan State Police (MSP) partnered with both Toys for Tots and the Salvation Army over the past holiday season in an effort to provide for families in Livingston and Washtenaw Counties. Participating MSP troopers were able to collect 622 toys at the Brighton Post for Toys for Tots collection and 1,432 non-perishable food items for the Salvation Army at the annual Stuff the Blue Goose event in Washtenaw County. Two patrol SUV vehicles and a trailer were utilized to deliver the toys, which filled the Brighton Postâs lobby.
Post Commander F/Lt. Joel Allen says they ââ¦thank everyone who donated to the continued effort to serve Michigan residents, and help community members build stronger relationships with police.â Pictured is Tpr. Twietmeyer. (JK)
State Police Thank Community For Generous Support Of Holiday CharitiesState Police Thank Community For Generous Support Of Holiday Charities
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School Closings For Friday, January 5thSchool Closings For Friday, January 5th
Brighton Area Schools
Byron Area Schools
Hartland Consolidated Schools
Howell Public Schools
Linden Community Schools
Livingston Educational Service Agency
Pinckney Community Schools
Cornerstone Christian School
Flex Tech High School
Saint Joseph's Catholic School in Howell
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Equipment Fire Prompts Partial Evacuation Of Hatch Stamping Company In HowellEquipment Fire Prompts Partial Evacuation Of Hatch Stamping Company In Howell
A stamping company in Howell had to evacuate a portion of their building after a piece of machinery caught fire this afternoon.
The Howell Area Fire Department responded to reports of a structure fire around 12:30pm at Hatch Stamping Companyâs Robotic Welding Plant on Austin Court, off M-59. Hatch Stamping Company is among the world leaders in highly engineered metal stampings and assemblies for the automotive industry. Fire Chief Andy Pless tells WHMI one of the robot machines at the plant caught fire. Pless says crews arrived and extinguished the fire very quickly and then focused on funneling smoke out of the building. He says an employee was doing some work overhead and a spark flew, catching the machine on fire.
No injuries were reported but part of the facility had to be evacuated due to smoke inside. Pless says damage was limited to the machine that caught fire but the shop area was filled with smoke and it took about half an hour to get that cleared out. He noted the machine that caught fire was an expensive piece of equipment and costs around $80,000-$90,000. Once everything is cleaned up, the company can get back into production. (JM)
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City Of Fenton May Be Next To Join Shiawassee River CoalitionCity Of Fenton May Be Next To Join Shiawassee River Coalition
The City of Fenton may be the next member to join the Shiawassee River Water Trail Coalition.
The Coalition began in 2016 with the goal of promoting public use of Shiawassee River with low impact recreational and tourism matters. They also strive to support and enhance river conservation and stewardship. Earlier this week, the Coalition visited Fenton City Council during their work session to ask them to become the 19th supporting member.
David Lossing, who is Chair of the Coalition said that Fenton is really the missing piece of the doughnut in their coverage of Shiawassee between local municipalities and other non-profit organizations. He said that Fenton coming on board will help them with grants, economic development, and recreation planning that can really promote the region as a paddle town.
City Manager Lynn Markland said that the water trail is important to Fenton as it gives residents a great option for getting outdoors and experiencing nature without having to go up north. City Council will make a decision on whether to join the Coalition at Mondayâs regular meeting. Mayor Sue Osborn took a general consensus of council members to get an idea of where they stood. All spoke in support of joining. (MK)
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Mass Incarceration Will Be Focus Of Cleary University MLK Day EventMass Incarceration Will Be Focus Of Cleary University MLK Day Event
The issue of mass incarceration will be the focus of a first-ever Martin Luther King Jr. Day event being hosted by Cleary University
Dr. Marlo Rencher is Clearyâs Vice President of Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Diversity. She says the best way to honor Dr. Kingâs legacy of social activism is through action on tackling âthe big problems of the world.â Accordingly, the event will start at 10am on Monday, January 15th at the Historic Howell Theater with a screening of â13th.â The Emmy-winning documentary is titled after the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution, which freed the slaves and prohibited slavery. It has been described as an exploration of the "intersection of race, justice and mass incarceration in the United States."
While Rencher says mass incarceration has disproportionally affected the African American community; it is a problem facing all Americans, pointing to the opioid crisis as crossing all social and economic divides. The panel discussion will include Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy along with Mark Fancher, with the Racial Justice Project of the ACLU of Michigan. Also participating are the Rev. Deon K. Johnson from St. Paulâs Episcopal Church in Brighton, Mary King, Executive Director, Michigan Council on Crime and Delinquency and Anthony Lewis with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights.
Rencher says they also wanted to get an inside perspective and will also welcome local resident Robin McCardle, dubbed as a âreturning citizenâ after her own experience with incarceration. The event is free and open to the public. You can find details through the link below.
Dr. Rencher will also be a guest this Sunday morning at 8:30 on WHMI's Viewpoint program. (JK)
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Livingston County's November Jobless Rate Again Best In State Livingston County's November Jobless Rate Again Best In State
Livingston County is still number one when it comes jobless rate rankings.
Livingston Countyâs unemployment rate stood at 2.8% in November, a slight drop from 3% in October, and Livingston again ranks number one among all of Michiganâs 83 counties. The Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget reports that during November, unemployment rates moved downward throughout most of the state. Total employment and labor force levels increased in most regions over the month. The state says only two areas posted notable decreases, including the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn statistical area that includes Livingston County.
The Bureau of Labor Market Information & Strategic Initiatives says jobless rates in most regions in Michigan were up marginally since 2016; however unemployment rates throughout the state have been low since 2017. (JM)
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Two Major Projects To Impact Brighton-Area Motorists This Spring Two Major Projects To Impact Brighton-Area Motorists This Spring
The 2018 construction will be a busy one throughout Livingston County, but especially in the Brighton area.
The Livingston County Road Commission recently adopted the 2018 budget, which includes a list of upcoming road and bridge projects. Managing Director Mike Craine says it will be another big season, with about $16 (m) million worth of construction using a variety of funding sources from federal, special state funds and local funds. Craine noted there has been great cooperation from local townships and cities, which has kept the program moving.
The first project to put on the radar will be on Challis Road between the railroad tracks and Murphy Drive aka Karl Greimel Drive, which will be completely reconstructed and involve widening immediately adjacent to the new University of Michigan facility. Craine says the work will require some long term closures starting probably in May and various ends will be closed, meaning motorists will need to go around on Brighton and Bauer Roads to make the loop.
It will be a complete reconstruction that involves going into the base and rebuilding everything from the bottom up and Craine says the old road needs to be modernized to accommodate traffic that will be associated with the new University of Michigan facility. Although a very intrusive project with various closures, he says it should serve the area for the next 20-25 years. Craine tells WHMI theyâre trying to set up the project so it can move quickly but itâs a lot of work to rebuild the entire road, install a new water main and flatten some of the curves and hills,
The next largest project that will impact traffic is at Lee Road and US-23, which involves shrinking the roundabout on the west side to two lanes. Craine says itâs a complicated job and a lot of work will be done at night but the biggest impact will be the 14-days the circle is completely closed. There will be other required closures at Whitmore and Lee Roads.
Craine says there will be some pain that comes with that construction project and the other at Challis Road but both will be great jobs once done and theyâre working hard to minimize impact. Various other projects are planned in the 2018 construction season, including Eager Road at the intersection of M-59 in Oceola Township, which will be realigned and allow for the installation of a traffic light. The Eager Road bridge, which has been closed, will also be completely reconstructed.
A complete list of primary road and local road and bridge projects is available in the budget portion of the Livingston County Road Commission meeting packet, which is attached. (JM)
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Pinckney School Board Looks To Fill VacancyPinckney School Board Looks To Fill Vacancy
Following a resignation, the Pinckney Community Schools Board of Education is looking for a new member.
Trustee Paul Samways turned in his letter of resignation December 21st, making it effective December 31st. According to Superintendent Rick Todd, Samways cited professional demands as the reason he was stepping down, saying he no longer felt he could devote the time necessary to be an active and effective board member. Todd said Samways letter praised the board and district for, ââ¦making great strides over the past five yearsâ and was confident they are on the right path moving forward, ââ¦in both momentum and leadership.â
The Pinckney Community Schools Board of Education is now considering applications to fill the vacancy. Whoever is appointed will serve through November of this year and then would need to seek election to the board. Applicants must be a resident of the district and registered to vote there, be at least 18 years of age and a U.S. citizen. Anyone meeting those qualifications and that is interested in being considered is asked to submit an application to Todd. Applications are available on the districtâs website, a link for which is below.
Applications must be received no later than 4pm, Tuesday, January 16th. The Board of Education may then interview finalists in open session at the regular board meeting to be held on Thursday, January 25th at 7pm, at which time the board anticipates making an appointment. (JK)
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Church Asks to Withdraw from City of Brighton Water AgreementChurch Asks to Withdraw from City of Brighton Water Agreement
The Brighton City Council says it is willing to grant Shepherd of the Lakes Churchâs request to remove its property from the 2008 water service agreement with the city.
The parish is involved in a 20,000-foot expansion and wants to get its water services from the Marion-Howell-Oceola-Genoa Water Authority - better known as M-HOG, because it is dramatically closer. City Manager Nate Geinzer tells WHMI the city is amenable to allowing the church to withdraw from the agreement, and council unanimously passed a motion to that end. The church occupies two parcels at Hyne and Hacker roads in Brighton Township.
Geinzer says the connection to the city of Brighton water system is over a mile away, whereas M-HOG is right across Hacker Road, which is on the Brighton Twp.-Genoa Twp. line. Geinzer says the proposed withdrawal from the city water agreement must be reviewed by attorneys for both sides and then come back to council for a final vote.
Mayor Pro Tem Shawn Pipoly said he was concerned that if one property owner is allowed to withdraw from the city's water service area, then that could open the door for others to do the same. However, both City Attorney Paul Burns and Mayor Jim Muzzin said they didnât envision wholesale requests by property owners in that area to withdraw from the city water agreement once the Shepherd of the Lakes agreement is given final approval.(TT)
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County Board Halfway Through Broadcasting Trial RunCounty Board Halfway Through Broadcasting Trial Run
The Livingston County Board of Commissioners is halfway through its trial run of broadcasting their bi-monthly meetings.
It was this time last year that a committee was formed and tasked with exploring the concept of broadcasting board meetings. Committee member and Commissioner Gary Childs said he was surprised, himself, to find that they hadnât been broadcasting meetings while many of the municipalities within the county have been for some time.
He said he understands the concern from some residents on this and that their intention has never been hide what they are doing. He said âThere are a small fraction of people that think by not broadcasting, we are trying to not be transparent, which is the farthest thing from my mind. And this is just me talking, not the Board, but I think it would be a good opportunity for all the people to see what weâre all about.â
Childs said the through 3 months of broadcasting they are getting about 600 views per meeting. He said they are getting information like how much and how long people are watching, and where they are skipping around to. When asked about broadcasting the Finance Committeeâs meeting, Childs said they are just concentrating on the Board meetings during this trial run.
The meetings are available online in unedited form usually the day after they occur. They can be found under the government tab on the countyâs website, by clicking on the Board of Commissioners, and then the video link on the left side. A direct link can be found through the link below. (MK)
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Brighton Police Looking For Church VandalsBrighton Police Looking For Church Vandals
A local church was vandalized earlier this week and police are asking for the publicâs help to catch those responsible.
Brighton City Police say that officers were dispatched at about 8:15 Monday evening to St. Patrick Catholic School for a Malicious Destruction of Property complaint. Upon arrival, they found the North East Corner of the building spray painted with red and black paint. After reviewing surveillance video of the incident, officers were able to obtain photos of the two white males that were seen walking from the Brighton Library lot, crossing Orndorf Drive and up the main driveway to the school. That image is posted at whmi.com.
Anyone with information regarding the suspects is asked to call the Brighton Police Department at 810-227-2700. (JK)
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Woman Convicted On Single Count in Sex Trafficking CaseWoman Convicted On Single Count in Sex Trafficking Case
A former Livingston County woman charged in a human trafficking investigation has been convicted of conducting a criminal enterprise.
A jury returned one guilty verdict late Friday against 41-year-old Amber Speed, a former Unadilla Township resident who now resides in Munith. The trial got underway Thursday in Ingham County Circuit Court. Speed was initially charged with nine counts related to running an âescortâ operation and online ads. Prosecutors dropped four of the charges on Thursday after a witness refused to testify. Speed was found guilty of running a criminal enterprise but acquitted on one count each of sex trafficking and pandering. A mistrial was declared on two additional counts of minor sex trafficking and prostitution/pandering after the jury could not reach an agreement.
Multiple instances of Speed allegedly trafficking minors were said to have occurred from 2009 through approximately 2014. Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette said the case stemmed from an investigation by a Michigan State Police Trooper who came across online ads for Speedâs escort operation, involving herself and at least three other girls. The trooper had recently completed human trafficking training. Schuette said âTodayâs conviction shows the importance of training and the need for increased awareness of human trafficking".
Speed faces up to 20 years in prison when sentenced. (JM)
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Great Lakes Program Coming To Brighton District Library Great Lakes Program Coming To Brighton District Library
A unique program about the Great lakes is coming to the Brighton District Library in the New Year.
âUsing Technology to Probe the Great Lakesâ is being presented by The Crossroads Group of the Sierra Club. Itâs the second of two programs in a series about the Great Lakes and Steve Ruberg with the Great Lakes Research Laboratory will talk about his work. Ruberg is a project leader for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which oversees the Great Lakes Research Lab. His team probes the lakes with underwater acoustic technology, video imagery and sensor arrays to uncover mysteries but also help protect the water, fish, plants and people from harm. Organizers say one of the fascinating discoveries to be detailed is deep holes in Lake Huron that harbor unique life forms.
The program is free and open to the public. It will take place from 7 to 9pm at the Brighton District Library on Wednesday, January 17th. (JM)
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Man Accused Of Molesting Boys At Birthday Party Found CompetentMan Accused Of Molesting Boys At Birthday Party Found Competent
A man accused of molesting young boys at a birthday party in Brighton returns to court this month, after being declared competent to stand trial.
38-year-old Andrew Joseph Arnett of Westland is facing charges in two separate cases in Livingston County, both of which relate to inappropriate contact with underage males. A recent evaluation from the state forensic center found Arnett competent to assist in his own defense. He returns to court January 19th for a pre-trial hearing.
Arnett is accused of sexually molesting at least four boys under the age of 13 at a birthday party in Brighton last January. He is facing five counts of 2nd degree criminal sexual conduct and four counts of accosting a child for immoral purposes in that case.
During interviews with children that attended the birthday party, police learned that other children may have been victimized by Arnett in a separate incident in Hamburg Township in June. Those allegations resulted in additional charges of 2nd degree criminal sexual conduct and accosting a child for immoral purposes in a second case. (DK)
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January Is National Radon Action MonthJanuary Is National Radon Action Month
Local health officials are encouraging residents to test their homes this month for a potentially dangerous radioactive gas.
January is National Radon Action Month and the Livingston County Health Department is offering free radon test kits to area residents. Radon comes from the natural radioactive breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and is a part of the air we breathe. It can enter buildings through openings in the foundation floors and walls like sump pump openings, crawlspaces, and cracks. It can become trapped in buildings and lead to elevated and harmful levels. Radon is a tasteless, odorless gas and is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.
The Health Department reports that 1 in 8 Michigan homes are likely to have an elevated level of radon. A study by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality showed elevated levels in 40% of homes within Livingston County. Testing is the only way to know if a home or building is safe. If detected, radon problems can be fixed by qualified contractors for a price that is comparable to many common home repairs.
Free short-term test kits are available through January 31st. They can be picked up at the Environmental Health Division office located at 2300 East Grand River Avenue in Howell. They can also be purchased at hardware and home improvement centers, along with many supermarkets, but attention should be paid to their expiration dates.
For more radon information, contact the State of Michigan Radon Program at 1-800-RADON-GAS, or the Livingston County Health Department at 1-517-546-9858. (MK)
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Gregory Man Admits To Sending Nude Photos To 13-Year-Old GirlGregory Man Admits To Sending Nude Photos To 13-Year-Old Girl
A local man who sent his nude pictures to an underage girl has entered a plea.
18-year-old Craig Allen Holland of Gregory appeared in Livingston County Circuit Court Friday, at which time he pleaded guilty to accosting a child for immoral purposes, using computers to commit a crime, and distributing obscene matter to children.
The charges stem from an alleged online relationship with a 13-year-old girl. Holland reportedly connected with the victim via Facebook. He then sent nude images of himself and convinced her to do the same. Court records indicate this occurred last December and the case was taken over by local authorities in March. Unadilla Township Police Chief Dave Russell says the girlâs mother became aware of the pictures after a friend of the girl brought it to her attention.
Holland pleaded under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act, which will expunge his record if he successfully completes probation. He will be sentenced February 2nd. If Holland is not granted sentencing under the act, he is allowed to withdraw his plea. (DK)
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Salvation Army Still Working On Christmas Campaign GoalSalvation Army Still Working On Christmas Campaign Goal
Christmas might be past, but the Salvation Army is still working towards its annual campaign goal.
The Christmas Campaign is the Salvation Army of Livingston Countyâs largest fundraising effort of the year. Donations gifted through it help keep all services and programs running year round. Some of the programs that could be affected are their shelter and utility assistance programs. The fundraiser also benefits Pathway of Hope, a program that mentors, councils, and educates families in helping them reach self-sufficiency. Their goal for the 2017 campaign was to raise $385,000 from November 1st through the end of January. To date, they have not hit that number and are still seeking roughly $40,000 to reach it.
Donations can be made online through the link below, or by texting HopeLC to 41444. They can also be dropped off in person at 503 Lake Street, in Howell, or mailed to P.O. Box 647, Howell, MI 48844. (MK)
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Two Local Women Appointed To State Boards Two Local Women Appointed To State Boards
Two Livingston County residents have been appointed to serve on state boards.
Governor Rick Snyder announced the appointment of Diane Bockhausen of Howell to the State Police Retirement Board. The nine-member board oversees the Michigan State Police Retirement System and Governor Snyder said Bockhausenâs years of experience with the Michigan State Police will be a great asset. Throughout her career, Bockhausen held the ranks of trooper, sergeant, lieutenant, first lieutenant and inspector and served as the departmentâs Equal Employment Opportunity Officer. She has also worked as a community corrections manager in Livingston County and as an independent contractor for a company that specializes in testing services for public safety officers. Sheâll represent retirees on the state board and serve a three-year term expiring December 31st, 2020.
Governor Snyder also announced the appointment of Jordan Kennedy of Fowlerville to the Michigan Board of Veterinary Medicine. Housed within the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, the nine-member board evaluates and determines minimal entry level competency of veterinarians, and takes disciplinary action against any misconduct of licensees. Snyder noted the groupâs commitment to ensuring Michigan pets, livestock and service animals are properly cared for. Kennedy is a deputy press secretary in the Executive Office of Governor Snyder. She serves on the Farm Bureauâs Board of Directors for the Michigan Livestock Expo and was a member of 4-H for 12 years. Kennedy will represent the general public on the board and serve a four year term expiring December 31st, 2021. The appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. (JM)
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Brighton City Council Chooses Planning FirmBrighton City Council Chooses Planning Firm
The Brighton City Council has chosen a planning firm, but says donât get the idea that it has ditched the Livingston County Planning Dept.
Council Thursday, on a unanimous vote, approved hiring Giffels Webster of Detroit for auxiliary planning services. Since Giffels Webster is already under contract to develop the new Master Plan, council decided it would be more practical and cost-effective to utilize its services. City Manager Nate Geinzer emphasizes that the city will continue to utilize the services of the County Planning Dept. for the majority of its planning services and Giffels Webster will be used as an additional planning tool for the city.
Geinzer says that with the city in the midst of formulating a new Comprehensive Master Plan, a number of steps it will be taking will require updates to the zoning ordinance in order to implement its short-and-long-term goals, and thus, the need for additional planning services. Also, the city will need outside professional planning services to facilitate the types of development that are being sought.
The company will be used on an as-needed basis for guidance on ordinance and land use revisions, special planning studies and similar services. The City budgets each year for consultants and currently has funds that will be used to begin some of the work. (TT)
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Brighton OKs Contract for New Website Design, MaintenanceBrighton OKs Contract for New Website Design, Maintenance
The Brighton City Council Thursday night approved a contract with Revized Software of Troy, MI, for up to $12,500, subject to review by the city attorney with a proper contract drawn up.
The basic cost of the web design service will be $9,000, plus a $2,400 annual hosting and maintenance fee. Geinzer says that websites have become more and more important in the technology and instant communications era. According to statistics, 93% of people who want information from the city get it via its website. Additionally, Geinzer says the city is going through the necessary steps in getting Redevelopment Ready Community certification, and an updated, more user-friendly website has been identified as a priority in that process. Revize offers unlimited monthly support in website management, which includes graphic design.
Geinzer says while Revize is not the cheapest web design service initially, it offers the least expensive annual hosting and fees and provides value added services that exceed those offered by the other two companies reviewed. Geinzer adds that Revize is a Michigan company and its staff will be available throughout the design process, which will also involve input from the community. (TT)
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