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Cardboard Sled Races And More Coming To KensingtonCardboard Sled Races And More Coming To Kensington

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A competition in innovation, creation, cardboard is happening on sled hills of Kensington Metropark this weekend. The Michigan Crossroads Council, or MCC, is holding their first cardboard sled race and Winter STEM Olympics at the Metropark on Saturday. STEM is a school curriculum that prepares students to integrate science, technology, engineering, and math into their thinking routines and mindfulness. The MCC is holding this family friendly event in celebration of the upcoming Winter Olympics. A torcher bearer from the Salt Lake Games will be at the event with their torch and a chance for people to have their pictures taken holding it. Activities will be taking place at 2 locations within Kensington beginning at 10am. Event organizer Eric Suender invites people of all ages to come and take part in a torrid race made of homemade sleds down the slopes. Suender said about people building their own sleds that it should just be cardboard and duct tape. The MCC doesn’t want any nails, screws, hard plastic or the like that could potentially damage the wildlife. Suender said, “We want people to be innovative and creative, and it’s a competition using cardboard that way.” Kensington is currently the only Metropark with snow machines on their sled hills so Suender says the races will take place whether Mother Nature cooperates or not. Materials have been donated to allow people to create their own sled if they can’t in advance. At the hill will also be a Legoland Discovery Center and warming hut with hot chocolate and concessions. The other half of the event will take place at the farmhouse. Several activities and games are planned, along with the petting zoo being opened. A link to find more information can be found below. (MK)

Final Input Meetings Set Thursday For PSD Assessment Increase PlanFinal Input Meetings Set Thursday For PSD Assessment Increase Plan

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The final two information sessions to get input on a plan that would double the current annual assessment for business owners will be held Thursday by the Brighton Principal Shopping District. The current multi-year assessment is set to expire in April with no replacement decided upon. Through the assessment, the PSD is able to provide funding for various strategies and promotional efforts. The proposal by the PSD Board is to double the current annual assessment of 14 cents per square foot of first-floor space to 28 cents. While some business owners have expressed concern about the plan being too excessive, others like PSD Chairman Mark Binkley say that if it’s approved, they’ll be able to do many things they currently can’t due to budget limitations, including a re-branding of downtown Brighton and expanding its marketing area. On the other hand, Binkley says if the assessment is not approved and the old one is allowed to expire, the PSD would likely disband, along with all the programs and promotions it sponsors. That would include curtailing events like A Taste of Brighton and Ladies Night Out. The final two meetings will be held Thursday at 8am and 6pm, with both taking place in council chambers at city hall. (JK)

Hartland Township Officials Discuss Rising Fire BudgetHartland Township Officials Discuss Rising Fire Budget

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The Hartland Township Board of Trustees reviewed the upcoming budget for the fire department with a cautious eye towards the future. Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority Chief Adam Carroll presented an early budget proposal to the board during their information and discussion session following their regular meeting Tuesday night. Many on the board spoke with concern about the rising costs of operations. With the current budget having been set at $1.42 million, they questioned and looked for reasons for next year’s estimated $1.6 million need. Township Supervisor Bill Fountain said they’re still not back to bringing in pre-recession revenue dollars. He noted the $1.2million in revenue from 2008-09, and said it still might be another couple years before they hit that again. Fountain said the Fire Authority is living within their means, but that they have to be prepared for what happens in the next 3 to 4 years before the millage is re-upped. Township Manager James Wickman hinted at something needing to change by the time the current millage is up to counteract the rising costs. That could be a higher millage in 4 years. Some members of the board were also curious about Deerfield and Tyrone Township’s stake in the budget. Health care costs in the new budget have also gone up 50% since the 2013-14 budget. Fountain said this is something that is happening across the board, and that the department may need to begin exploring the option of having employees pay into it, like other township employees. Meanwhile, Carroll is searching for ways to keep the Authority competitive with others in region. He stated a need to attract and retain part-time employees, while trying to secure with them that his department is their top priority. The Fire Authority’s budget will need to be passed as part of the Township’s which is due April 1st. (MK)

Livingston County Teens Killed In Crash Near Williamston IdentifiedLivingston County Teens Killed In Crash Near Williamston Identified

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The two Livingston County teens killed in a single-car crash on I-96 near Williamston have been identified. Juliana Ward-Brown, a Howell High School student, and Darian Locklear, a Brighton High School student, were involved in the crash that happened Tuesday afternoon near Williamston Road. Their names were included in emails sent out to parents in their respective districts. Both girls were just 16-years-old. They were heading west when their vehicle went out of control, entered the median and hit a tree. Police closed the westbound lanes between M-52 and Williamston Road for about four hours. The Ingham County Sheriff's Office and Williamston Police Department assisted at the scene, as did the Williamston and Leroy Township fire departments and paramedics from the Northeast Ingham Emergency Services Authority. The crash remains under investigation, but authorities say alcohol does not appear to be a factor. Picture courtesy of WLNS.(JK/DK)

Milford Man Who Led Police On Car And Foot Chase Enters PleaMilford Man Who Led Police On Car And Foot Chase Enters Plea

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A Milford man who led a police chase, crashed his vehicle, and then attempted to run from officers, has entered a plea. At a hearing Tuesday, 28-year-old Jonathon Liddy pleaded guilty as charged to reckless driving, third-degree fleeing a police officer, operating while intoxicated, assault and battery, and assaulting, obstructing, or resisting a police officer. As part of his plea, prosecutors agreed to one year in the Livingston County jail and four years of probation. Liddy will be sentenced March 1st. Liddy was charged as a result of the November 22nd incident that began when a Howell Police officer saw Liddy’s vehicle cross the center line multiple times while driving on Walnut Street. Liddy reportedly made a wide turn onto Mason Street and then onto McPherson Park Drive, at which time the officer attempted to pull him over. Howell Police Chief George Basar says once the lights were activated, Liddy sped up to about 70mph on the road that has a speed limit of 35mph. Liddy lost control of the vehicle at a curve in the road in front of Thai Summit, hit a curb, and then fled on foot. Chief Basar says Livingston County Sheriff’s deputies assisted in catching Liddy, who was then taken to a hospital. Liddy reportedly refused to submit to a blood test and was uncooperative to the point that he had to be physically restrained. Authorities say he even tried to bite a security guard. (DK)

Livingston Walk For Warmth Aims To Raise Over $92,000Livingston Walk For Warmth Aims To Raise Over $92,000

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Community members are being encouraged to beat cabin fever while raising funds to heat homes during an upcoming indoor walk-a-thon. The Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency’s Annual Walk for Warmth event is set for February 24th at the Hartland Educational Service Support Center. About 250 families received utility assistance as a result of last year’s event. Fundraising Chairperson Brent Earl says there is definitely a need in the area, though it may not be widely known as Livingston County appears to be an affluent community. Earl says just $500 can help three families in need. At the event, participants walk laps around the inside of the building. Entertainment and perks like refreshments and t-shirts will be included. Earl says this year’s fundraising goal is to beat what was raised last year, which was about $92,000. Livingston and Oakland County hold separate Walk for Warmth events and the money raised at each will stay in the respective counties. Individuals and teams can sign up online. Registration the day of begins at 8:30am and the walk kicks off at 9. More information can be found at the link below. (DK)

New Legislation Would Protect Young Victims Of Sex-Based CrimesNew Legislation Would Protect Young Victims Of Sex-Based Crimes

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New legislation from a local lawmaker would further protect young victims of sex-based crimes. State Representative Lana Theis of Brighton introduced the bill package Wednesday. It comes in response to a recent case where a 16-year-old offender was charged with 31 felonies against multiple victims. The Brighton Township teen ultimately pleaded guilty to 6 of them, including 1st degree criminal sexual conduct. Theis said in a statement that the punishment handed down to the offender did nothing to rehabilitate them, get justice for the victim, or to protect the community. She said the 45 day rehabilitation assignment the offender was given “is utterly insufficient.” She spoke of concern about whether the victims were going to have to go back to school with their offender, and what these bills do is help protect against that. Under current law, schools must expel any student who commits criminal sexual conduct in a school building or on school grounds. New legislation would require schools to expel students who are convicted of criminal sexual conduct against any student enrolled in the same school district. It also prohibits the offender from enrolling in a school building that the victim attends and extends any personal protection orders to keeping the offender from entering the victim’s school. The two House Bills have been assigned to the House Law and Justice Committee. (MK)

Northfield Township To Revise Zoning OrdinanceNorthfield Township To Revise Zoning Ordinance

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The Northfield Township Planning Commission is opening up their zoning ordinance to check for needed changes. Commissioners met with the township’s planning consultant during their regular meeting Wednesday night to solidify their path towards addressing the ordinance amendment. Planning Consultant Paul Lippens said that if they are going to do this, they should try to be as comprehensive as possible. Some on the commission weren’t sure this was completely necessary as they’ve had a tendency to make changes as needed along the way. Chairman Larry Roman thought it still served a good purpose and would set a more solid foundation moving forward. Three major parts of the zoning update process were highlighted. First came the need to do a broad technical review of the ordinance. This includes looking at things like lot requirements, setbacks, and architectural and landscaping standards. Then Lippens suggested that there were some urgent amendments that could be addressed, like setting up guidelines for temporary permits. Third he recommended coordinating findings from the technical review to find substantial fixes that could be done within the existing Master Plan. As the process moves along, Lippens projected 2 to 3 public hearings will have to be held. The Planning Commission is hoping to have this project finished in the calendar year. (MK)

Thieves Targeting Vehicles In Parking LotsThieves Targeting Vehicles In Parking Lots

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A rash of vehicle break-ins and thefts around the area have police warning people about leaving valuables in their cars. The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office has responded to multiple reports of Larcenies from Motor vehicles in the past couple weeks. Sheriff Mike Murphy said this is not a case of “car surfing,” where young kids go through a subdivision checking for unlocked cars, but rather something more unique and organized. This group is breaking in car windows to get inside. Murphy said the suspects are working southeast Michigan pretty hard. There have been reports of similar crimes having been committed in Livingston, Oakland, and Wayne Counties. “It’s an organized group, no question about it,” Murphy said. “Quite frankly, they’re pulling into a parking lot and looking in windows. If they see something they bust a window, grab it, and they’re gone.” On January 26th three vehicles at Hilton Elementary in Brighton Township were broken into. Three more were hit on February 3rd at the High Flyers Sports Arena in Genoa Township. Bags, purses, and personal items left in plain sight were reported as being stolen. One victim of a similar theft at a YMCA in Milford during this spree reported having 7 of her credit cards accessed by thieves at once. Murphy and the rest of the Sheriff’s Office are reminding drivers and passengers to lock their vehicles and avoid leaving valuables like wallets, electronic devices, or medication in the car. If you must, then consider securing them in the trunk or at least out of view. Murphy asked anybody with information on the robberies or who witnesses suspicious activity in a parking lot to call the Sheriff’s Office or 911. (MK)

Rep. Vaupel’s Bill Allowing More Humane Animal Euthanasia Headed To GovernorRep. Vaupel’s Bill Allowing More Humane Animal Euthanasia Headed To Governor

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A local lawmaker’s bill allowing more humane, safer animal euthanasia is headed to the governor’s desk. The Michigan House on Tuesday gave final legislative approval to Republican State Representative Hank Vaupel’s bill that provides more humane options for euthanizing badly injured or sick animals. The bill would allow stronger tranquilizers to be used early in the euthanasia process to better calm and immobilize animals. Training would be required for those using the tranquilizers. Vaupel, a long-time veterinarian from Fowlerville, said in some cases, badly injured animals can become dangerously aggressive and difficult for people to handle. He says it’s important to have options to safely and humanely restrain animals in these cases, which is in the best interests of the animals and the people handling them. Vaupel worked with the Michigan Humane Society, the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association, the Department of Agriculture and other groups while putting together the legislation. House Bill 4813 is now headed to Governor Rick Snyder for his consideration. (JM)

Stockbridge Man & Williamston Man Reject Sex Assault PleaStockbridge Man & Williamston Man Reject Sex Assault Plea

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A Stockbridge man and Williamston man charged in an alleged sexual assault case are finally expected to stand trial later this year. 27-year-old Vincent Albert Gentilozzi of Williamston and 33-year-old Jon McClain Martin of Stockbridge were arrested in 2016 after a lengthy investigation by the Ingham County Sheriff's Office. Authorities originally received a report in March of 2015 that a 17-year-old female had been sexually assaulted by two men in Stockbridge Township. Warrants in the case were finally authorized in September of that year and the 1st District Michigan State Police Fugitive Team then apprehended both defendants. The case has been languishing in Ingham County Circuit Court for a year and a half with various motions, delays and adjournments. But court records show that both men on Wednesday rejected plea deals, sending their case to trial June 11th. Gentilozzi faces three counts of 1st degree criminal sexual conduct with multiple variables while Martin is charged with two counts of the same. Each are also charged with a separate count of furnishing alcohol to a minor. (JK)

Communities Stunned By Death Of TeensCommunities Stunned By Death Of Teens

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The Howell and Brighton communities have been stunned following the death of two teen girls Tuesday evening after a car crash near Williamston. Juliana Ward-Brown, a Howell High School student, and Darian Locklear, a Brighton High School student, both 16, were heading west on I-96 when their vehicle went out of control, entered the median and hit a tree near Williamston Road. According to a post on the website meijeraaahockey.com, they were on their way to practice as members of the Meijer 16U Girls hockey team. Tom Berry, Meijer AAA Hockey director, was quoted as saying they were "all devastated - in shock. There is no guidebook to navigate this kind of tragedy. My heart breaks for their families, their teammates and their friends.” Meijer AAA Hockey will have grief counselors from Ele's Place in Lansing on hand for players, coaches and parents during regularly scheduled practice times today at The Summit in Lansing. Counselors are also expected to be available at both Howell and Brighton high schools. A GoFundMe account has been set up to help the Ward-Brown family with funeral expenses. That link is below. State Police say the crash remains under investigation, but that alcohol and speed do not appear to be factors. Picture courtesy of meijeraaahockey.com (JK)

Winter Weather Advisory Prompts Local Snow EmergenciesWinter Weather Advisory Prompts Local Snow Emergencies

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The cities of South Lyon, Howell, and Brighton, and the village of Pinckney have declared snow emergencies with the forecast calling for a significant accumulation of snow. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory beginning at 3am and continuing through midnight Saturday. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 7 inches are expected. Officials for the City of South Lyon say their snow emergency will be in effect starting at 8am tomorrow morning and will last through 1pm Sunday. Brighton officials say their emergency will be in effect from 9am Friday through 10am Saturday. Pinckney’s declaration begins at 6am and will stay in effect through noon Saturday. Howell’s will run from 7am Friday through 9am Saturday. The intention is to allow DPW crews the opportunity to properly remove snow and ice. All vehicles parked along the designated snow emergency routes in the municipalities will be either ticketed or towed. Stay tuned to WHMI and whmi.com for the latest weather updates and school closings.

New Museum Exhibit To Explore Manufacturing During WWIINew Museum Exhibit To Explore Manufacturing During WWII

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A special exhibit on the manufacturing that helped the United States win World War II is opening up at the Yankee Air Museum. Manufacturing Victory: The Arsenal of Democracy will be coming to the museum on the grounds of the Willow Run bomber plant this Thursday. This new traveling exhibit is produced by the National World War II Museum and will be at Willow Run for all to explore through the middle of May. Julie Osborne, Curatorial Director for the Yankee Air Museum said visitors will find a lot to learn and lot to do with several family friendly interactives like videos, kiosks, and touch screens to explore. The exhibit follows the industrial journey that took the United States from a nation unprepared for war into the superpower that helped lead the Allied Forces. It ties in the connections and importance of the Willow Run plant and the large role that women in the area performed. Osborne said that at peak production, 40% of the women in the area worked at the plant, and without those Rosie the Riveters, the outcome of the war would have been different. More information on the exhibit and everything happening at the museum can be found on their website, www.yankeeairmuseum.org. The Yankee Air Museum is located at 47884 D Street in Belleville, on the grounds of the Willow Run Airport. (MK)

Brighton PSD Holds Final Meeting on Proposed AssessmentBrighton PSD Holds Final Meeting on Proposed Assessment

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The final meeting on the proposed Brighton Principal Shopping District property assessment increase was held Thursday night. The current assessment expires on June 30th and, if the new amount is approved, the PSD Board wants it to go on the tax rolls this summer. Only downtown buildings are charged the PSD assessment, not the businesses themselves. The PSD Board is proposing to double the current assessment to 28 cents a square foot for first floors of Main Street buildings and 13 cents per square foot for properties along Grand River. Judy Parsons, who owns the Parsons Building on West Main, says she doesn’t like the fact that under the proposal, 70% of the revenues would go toward improving the holiday lighting displays. PSD Chair Mark Binkley has said that a substantial amount would go toward expanding the marketing area and doing more with billboard ads and other types of promotion. The assessment, if approved as proposed, would increase revenues by $42,000 to an annual total of $112,000. Brighton Assistant to the City Manager Jessica Leinhardt tells WHMI the legal procedure that the proposed assessment is required to go through at this point. Leinhardt says the assessment, if it passes council scrutiny, would be in effect for four years. (TT)

Howell Man Enters Plea In Car Crash DeathHowell Man Enters Plea In Car Crash Death

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A Livingston County man facing 2nd degree murder charges in a fatal traffic crash has entered a plea. 20-year-old Jordan Watson of Howell is accused of being intoxicated when he drove into two Waterford Township homes on October 9th on 2016 with four other people in the vehicle. One of those passengers, 19-year-old Gage Remsberg of Highland Township, remained hospitalized until his death two months later. Authorities then charged Watson with 2nd degree murder as well as eight other counts including OWI causing death and serious injury and OWI with a suspended license causing death and serious injury. On January 11th he entered a no contest plea to the charges. But two weeks later his attorney filed a motion to withdraw that plea saying Watson was like a “deer caught in the headlights” and unable to think logically when he made the plea and could not comprehend that he was charged with 2nd degree murder. On Wednesday, Oakland County Circuit Court Judge James Alexander denied the motion. Sentencing is set for February 14th. Authorities said Watson was traveling south on Scott Lake Road in excess of 90 mph, when his vehicle crashed through the attached garage of an unoccupied home and into the side of an adjacent home. Watson reportedly had a blood-alcohol content of 0.32% at the time of the crash, four times the legal driving limit. Also charged in the case is 18-year-old Sophia Buttazzoni of Commerce Township who was a passenger in the vehicle. Police say the car in question belonged to her father, but she had legal control over it that night and is accused of knowingly allowing Watson to drive while he was intoxicated. Buttazzoni is set to go to trial March 22nd. (JK)

Coon Lake Road Homeowners Want Road Re-designated As PrimaryCoon Lake Road Homeowners Want Road Re-designated As Primary

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Several residents approached Marion Township officials wanting to know what it would take to get their stretch of deteriorating road paved. While the Board of Trustees had planned on discussing their primary road projects for the year Thursday night, they were first detoured for near an hour for a discussion on non-primary Cedar Lake Road. Multiple people who live on or adjacent to Cedar Lake spoke to the poor conditions and rising traffic numbers on a mile and a half stretch between Coon Lake Road and Burkhart. The township engineer explained the general rule of thumb is that it costs $1 million per mile. Not being a primary road means that they wouldn’t receive cost sharing from the Livingston County Road Commission for the project, and that the township would have to fund it itself. Trustee Les Andersen gave residents hope in relaying that in a conversation with Road Commission Managing Director Mike Craine, Craine told him he had not experienced a request to turn a road into a primary road be rejected. Marion Township resident Mary Killeen was pleased that the ball at least seems to be moving in the right direction. She said, “We came tonight to see what the issues are. We learned a lot, they seem to be listening and offering to proceed with a least a letter to the Road Commission.” Andersen said that without the road being a primary road, the money just isn’t there. He said they’ve only paved a couple over the last 35-40 years, and it’s been all they can for do the last 10 to keep existing blacktop maintained. A road millage that could have helped failed a few years ago. Ultimately it’s the state’s decision to change the designation, but Andersen said he couldn’t see why they wouldn’t do it, as they don’t have a dog in this fight. Picture courtesy of Google Street View. (MK)

Man Involved In Restaurant Break-Ins Gets PrisonMan Involved In Restaurant Break-Ins Gets Prison

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A Marion Township man involved in break-ins at two local restaurants has been sentenced. 22-year-old Wyatt Marshall was sentenced Thursday to a minimum of one year in the Michigan Department of Corrections to a maximum of ten years, with a credit of 64 days served. He will also be required to make restitution at just over $4,662. Marshall, along with 20-year-old Michael Tournier of Marion Township and 21-year-old Taylor Schulte of Howell Township, were charged with breaking and entering a building with intent, possession of burglar’s tools, and third-degree retail fraud as a result of the November 27th break-ins. Tournier and Schulte also appeared in Livingston County Circuit Court this week, where they pleaded guilty as charged. Both are petitioning to be sentenced under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act, which will expunge their record if they successfully complete probation. They will be sentenced next month. Authorities say the trio broke into the Pizza's Champ and Arby's restaurants in Genoa Township. Tournier is a former Pizza's Champ employee, while Marshall used to work at Arby's. Schulte is said to have driven the getaway car. Police believe the three suspects robbed Pizza’s Champ, then stole a crowbar from the Genoa Township Walmart and used it to break into Arby’s. Chris Schmidt of the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office connected the retail fraud incident to the restaurant break-ins after watching surveillance video from Arby’s and Walmart. Some of the money from the robberies was recovered, although just how much was stolen overall remains unclear. (DK)

Hartland Veteran To Compete For Awareness Of Homeless IssueHartland Veteran To Compete For Awareness Of Homeless Issue

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A local veteran is hoping to raise awareness about an issue close to her heart by participating in a national competition. Hartland resident and Army veteran, Kelly Meade, has reached the semifinals of the Ms. Veteran America competition. In June, she will be competing in Arlington, Virginia with the hopes of making the finals held in Washington D.C. in October. Meade, who served as a truck driver in the Army in the late 1980’s, says the event falls right in line with her continued advocacy for veterans and the issues that impact them. Meade has served as a veteran treatment court mentor for four years, which is how she became acquainted with the competition. Meade says the statistics are staggering with women veterans 2 to 3 times more likely to be homeless than any other group in the U.S. adult population, while 70% are also single mothers. She says the pageant will incorporate a push-up competition, question and answer session and a talent portion in which she’ll be belly dancing. Advancing to the finals will also depend on fundraising for the cause and how much attention she can get to her Facebook and Twitter pages to help advance awareness of the homeless veteran issue. Her Facebook page is KellyM4MVA2018. You can also follow her on Twitter; @KellyM4MVA2018 Tax deductible donations can be made through the link below. All Proceeds from this event support the national nonprofit Final Salute Inc. (JK)

Local Resident Killed After Crashing Into Pet Supply StoreLocal Resident Killed After Crashing Into Pet Supply Store

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A local resident is dead after crashing their car into a pet supplies store in Hamburg Township. At approximately 12:40 pm, the Hamburg Township Police Department, the Hamburg Township Fire Department and Livingston County EMS personnel were dispatched to the report of an injury accident on Chilson Commons Circle near M-36. Upon arrival, officers found that a 2003 Buick Century had struck the front of the building of The Wild Indoors Pet Supplies store located at 9560 Chilson Commons Circle. The driver of the vehicle, a 77-year old Hamburg Township resident, was pronounced deceased at the scene. A 76-year old female passenger in the vehicle suffered minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital by Livingston County EMS. No other vehicles were involved in the traffic crash and no one outside of the vehicle was injured. The investigation of the crash is ongoing.
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