The City of Fentonâs Downtown Development Authority provided the final piece to the puzzle that will allow for improvements to Riverwalk.
As the 2015 Streetscape project was nearing completion, the Fenton Parks and Recreation Board began exploring new options to help draw families and visitors into the city. What they came up was a Riverwalk Improvement Project that will add a lot of amenities and fix some existing ones that could use some care. DDA Chairman Craig Schmidt expects the project to be a hit with kayakers. New kayak launches and lockers will be built to let enthusiasts secure their vessel as they shop, eat, and enjoy the downtown area. Other highlights of the project include playground rejuvenation, trail extensions, and wellness stations to be built around the path for those looking to fit more exercise into their walks.
Estimated costs put the project at roughly $430,000. A Trust Fund Grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is available for maximum of $300,000, if the city can provide a 30% match. Public Works Director Dan Czarnecki was before the DDA Tuesday night to ask for the remaining balance of the match which was $41,000 of the $133,000 total. The DDA Board was in unanimous support, feeling this to be money well spent on making Fenton a âdestination city.â
Their committed funds, to be budgeted next year, allows the city to apply for the grant, which must be sent in by April 1st. Work on the improvement project is not likely to start until at least spring 2019. (MK)
Fenton DDA Commits Funds To Support Riverwalk ImprovementsFenton DDA Commits Funds To Support Riverwalk Improvements
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Officials Clarify Difference Between Service & Companion AnimalsOfficials Clarify Difference Between Service & Companion Animals
Officials in Highland Township recently clarified the difference between a service animal and a companion animal when it comes to community buses.
Modifications were made last week to Highland Townshipâs Community Transportation Program rules that define âservice dogsâ as the only animals allowed to ride with their owners on the townshipâs seven-passenger van and four 13-passenger buses. The curb to curb service operates from 8am to 4pm each weekday in Highland Township, Milford Township and the village of Milford.
The Milford Times quoted the townshipâs director of transportation, Kim Viener, as saying service dogs walk on their own four legs and perform tasks specialized for that person, while therapy, comfort and companion animals are still pets. Under that definition, they canât deny service animals from boarding buses with their owners, but they can turn away companion pets.
The clarification of the rules was prompted by a request from a resident who wanted to bring her Maltese, which she carries in a carrier around her neck, onto a bus. The resident defined it as a service animal and said her therapist had given her a comfort animal certificate. But Viener said to confuse the two classifications would âopen up a whole new can of worms.â (JK)
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Teen Held On $10 Million Cash Bond For Online Threat Against South Lyon High SchoolTeen Held On $10 Million Cash Bond For Online Threat Against South Lyon High School
A student that made a threat through social media to re-enact the Florida shooting at South Lyon High School this past weekend has been arraigned.
Ryan Robert Debruyne of Green Oak Township, who turns 18 today (Wednesday), was arraigned shortly before 5pm Tuesday in front of Magistrate Andra Richardson in 52-1 District Court in Novi on a charge of making a false report or threat of terrorism, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A $10 (m) million cash bond was set, with no 10%.
Debruyne is alleged to have sent a friend a Snapchat message on Friday asking if he would like to re-enact the Florida shooting that left 17 people dead. Both attend South Lyon High School and the friend reported the message to authorities on Saturday. Officers from the South Lyon Police Department, deputies from the Oakland County Sheriff's Office Lyon Township substation and Green Oak Township Police officers interviewed the family and suspect. The teenâs parents were said to be cooperative and a thorough search of the family's home and vehicles was performed. Police said no firearms were found in his possession or under his control and South Lyon Community Schools administrators were notified immediately. The district sent out a parent communication Monday commending the student for reporting the threat, although nothing was disclosed about the actual incident.
Debruyne remains in custody and will be lodged in the Oakland County Jail. A probable cause conference has been scheduled for next Wednesday, February 28th at 9am before Judge Travis Reeds. (JM)
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Eviction Filed Against Owners Of Longtime Brighton Clothing StoreEviction Filed Against Owners Of Longtime Brighton Clothing Store
A court hearing is set to hear a dispute over the tenancy of a Downtown Brighton storefront.
Patrick Tortora, the landlord of the building at 306 W. Main Street, currently occupied by Beverly Raeâs, has filed suit to evict the owners of the longtime womenâs clothing store. A court hearing is set Thursday in 53rd District Court to hear the dispute that began last fall when word first surfaced that a coffeehouse and part-time theater was being considered for the location. That was news to Beverly Raeâs owners, Debbie and Tom Carley, who have operated the store for 25 years, the last eleven at that location. The Carleyâs said they have a lease until 2020.
Brighton City Council last month approved a special land use permit for Marcus and Amy Goller to operate a part-time theater in the building. Because the coffee shop was already a permitted use in that area, the special land use permit was needed only for the theater operation. Amy Goller told council she wants to use the second floor of the building as a place for acting lessons for children.
However, final site plans would still need approval from the city and officials say they have not received any site plans or additional requests related to the proposed coffeehouse and theater. (JK)
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Roads Closed Due To FloodingRoads Closed Due To Flooding
Recent heavy rains and melting snow have led to impassable roads, prompted flood warnings and even evacuations in parts of the state.
At approximately 11am, the Washtenaw County Road Commission closed Spencer Road between North Territorial Road and Five Mile Road due to flooding. Officials say the road will remain closed to the traveling public until further notice.
In Fenton, police advise that Dauner Road, west of Eddy Lake at the swamp, is closed due to flooding. Signs and barricades have been placed there by DPW crews and only local traffic is being permitted. (JM)
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Groundbreaking In April For Emagine Theater In HartlandGroundbreaking In April For Emagine Theater In Hartland
A much anticipated movie theater is scheduled to break ground this spring in Hartland Township.
Emagine Entertainment is proceeding with construction of a theater in the Hartland Towne Square development off M-59 and is expected to host a groundbreaking event in April. The announcement was made during an informational session following the regular Hartland Township Board meeting Tuesday night.
Hartland Township Manager James Wickman tells WHMI Emagine Theater has been working diligently to get prepared to break ground soon and recently indicated they wanted to hold a ceremony in early April. He says they're waiting on a date but are certainly looking forward to celebrating that.
The theater project is proceeding despite not receiving a tax abatement as initially hoped. The original plan called for eleven theater screens, but that was moved down to nine screens to reduce the cost of the project. A 55,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility is planned that will feature 1,140 seats. There is the option down the road to add two more screens at the theater. (JM)
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Health Department Investigating Tuberculosis ExposureHealth Department Investigating Tuberculosis Exposure
The Livingston County Health Department says itâs working to identify patients and staff at three healthcare facilities that may have been in contact with a worker who was recently diagnosed with tuberculosis disease.
The worker, who was unknowingly ill with tuberculosis at the time, worked at St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor and Livingston hospitals and the South Lyon Senior Care and Rehab facility. The worker may have been in contact with more than 600 individuals between May 1st of 2017 and January 31st of this year. The individual is currently receiving treatment and is not working at this time.
Health Promotions Coordinator Chelsea Moxlow-Lantto says the Livingston, Oakland and Washtenaw county health departments are working with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and healthcare facilities to determine the health status of patients and staff that may have been in contact with the worker. That is being done through phone calls and letters.
Moxlow-Lantto says itâs not a guarantee that someone who came into contact with the worker contracted the disease, but should talk to their doctor if they feel theyâre showing symptoms. Tuberculosis is a treatable bacterial disease that spreads through the air from one person to another. Symptoms can include a bad cough that lasts more than three weeks, weakness or fatigue, chills, fever and night sweats.
Both hospitals are providing blood tests and treatment to affected patients and staff that have been notified they may have been exposed. The rehab center is providing testing to current staff and patients and is contacting those who formerly worked or were treated there.
Anyone with specific questions can also contact the Livingston County Health Department at 517-546-9850.
The full press release from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services can be viewed at the link below.(DK)
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Local Students Hold Walkout In Memory Of Florida Shooting VictimsLocal Students Hold Walkout In Memory Of Florida Shooting Victims
Itâs been one week to the day since the tragic school shooting in Florida and around 200 students at a local school held a walkout, along with others across the nation.
After learning students at Scranton Middle School were planning to take part, administrators and staff began planning a way to safely support students and allow them to assemble peacefully and show respect for the 17 lives tragically lost in Florida last week. An impromptu walk-out was organized, and about 200 students made the choice to join the movement and conduct a walk-out at noon, during lunch period. It was said to be a respectful gathering, and some students held hands while others bowed their heads.
Attendance was optional and participation not required. Officials said while they value educational minutes, they also know that student advocacy and students taking responsibility for their safety in schools is equally important. A letter issued to Scranton Middle School parents is attached. (JM)
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15 Years Later, Still No Answers In Cold Case Murder15 Years Later, Still No Answers In Cold Case Murder
Itâs a Green Oak homicide that fifteen years later is a cold case without any answers.
19-year-old Anthony âNikkiâ Nicholas was found shot to death in a farmhouse on property between M-36 and Spicer Road on February 21st, 2003. Nicholas lived life as a woman and made a living as a female impersonator in Detroit area bars. Green Oak Township Police Chief Jason Pless says the murder is still a cold case that they continue to work. Pless has said there are two hopes that will break the case: either someone comes forward with information or there is some type of forensic development with physical evidence and changes in technology to help identify a suspect.
Authorities previously indicated they believed Nicholas was murdered at the abandoned farmhouse, as opposed to being killed elsewhere and then dumped locally, but remain open to any possibility. Anyone who may have information on the unsolved homicide is asked to call the Green Oak Police Department at (810) 231-9626. Anonymous tips can also be made to CrimeStoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. (JK)
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Yum Yum Tree In Downtown Brighton To CloseYum Yum Tree In Downtown Brighton To Close
A popular restaurant and ice cream stop is downtown Brighton is going out of business.
Yum Yum Tree located at 140 West Main Street next to the Mill Pond is closing after this weekend. The owners made the announcement on Facebook Wednesday, after word got out quicker than imagined. The restaurant has offered âa taste of olde fashioned goodnessâ in downtown Brighton for years, and is a popular spot to enjoy ice cream and desserts. The owners are inviting everyone in for one last visit, including previous staff and regulars.
The last shifts will be Friday, Saturday and Sunday but ending times are vague. Details can be found on the Yum Yum Tree Facebook page. The link is provided. Facebook photo. (JM)
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Community Says Thank You And Farewell To Howell Chamber PresidentCommunity Says Thank You And Farewell To Howell Chamber President
A longtime member of the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated her many years and upcoming retirement with the community Tuesday.
A âThank You and Farewellâ party was held at Clearyâs Pub for Pat Convery, who is retiring next Friday. Convery became chamber president in 2003 but began her tenure with the chamber in 1990 managing the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest. Since then, she has twice received the Michigan Chamber Professional Award and was recently named Howellâs 2017 Citizen of the Year.
Howell City Manager Shea Charles attended Converyâs retirement party. He says she has been an incredible asset to the community, remaining dedicated through the highs and the lows. Mayor Nick Proctor says Convery has been an institution in Howell and will remain one, adding that she is a pivotal person who helped energize the downtown area. Proctor says even though she will stay engaged, he will "miss the heck out of her."
Convery says sheâll miss the people sheâs worked with the most, even though she isnât moving away from the area she loves. Convery says the community is full of collaborators and get-it-done people, and knows that her successor will bring new excitement and ideas for them to build upon.
Convery says some of her fondest memories are winning the Outstanding Chamber of the Year award in 2016 and watching Balloonfest grow. Looking ahead to retirement, Convery says she intends to make as few or as many plans as she wants. She does however know she wants to swim, travel and spend time with family. As for her own future and the city of Howellâs, Convery says sheâs looking forward to whatâs on the horizon. (DK)
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Scranton Middle School Students Walkout Wednesday In Support Of Shooting VictimsScranton Middle School Students Walkout Wednesday In Support Of Shooting Victims
Since last weekâs tragic Florida school shooting, officials say young people across the country have been looking for ways to become activists and fight against school violence. Thatâs exactly what a large number of students from Scranton Middle School in Brighton did Wednesday.
In support of the friends and families of the 17 lives needlessly lost in Florida, many schools and students made the choice to do a 17-minute walk-out in support of changing laws and in the hopes of getting lawmakers to pay attention to youth for support of laws to protect them in schools. About 200 students at Scranton Middle School joined the movement and conducted a walk-out at noon on the football field. Administration was made aware that some students were choosing to participate in the event around 10am and began planning a way to support their advocacy efforts and allow them to assemble peacefully. It was said to be a respectful gathering, and some students held hands while others bowed their heads. Attendance was optional and participation not required.
13-year-old Autumn Smith is an 8th grader who felt it was important to take part. She told WHMI better security is needed to prevent future tragedies, and called the shootings ridiculous.
Her mother, Angela Smith, talked with her daughter after school about the significance of the 17 minutes, moments of silence and the importance of why she was out there, saying her daughter felt it was the right thing to do, not just because her friends were doing it. Smith feels one school shooting is too many and something needs to be done whether tighter security, changes in gun laws or more help for people who might have a mental disability but there definitely needs to be a change. Smith said sheâs very proud of her daughter for standing up and taking steps to initiate change. Smith supports the Second Amendment but feels stricter guidelines are needed because as a parent, you canât be afraid to send your children to school or that youâll never see them again; just as students shouldnât be afraid to go to school because itâs supposed to be as safe place.
Officials said while they value educational minutes, they also know that student advocacy and students taking responsibility for their safety in schools is equally important.
Brighton Superintendent Greg Gray tells WHMI they put their safety plan in place and it happened during the time frame of the third lunch, when students typically are outside. He commended administration and staff for how they monitored and handled the event and helped support kids working through the situation, adding they did a nice job with a very tough issue. Gray says he hopes parents are also talking to students at home as well. He says this was a chance for them to voice their opinions to trusted school personnel and officials â adding heâs glad students feel they can trust and rely on them for their safety and security and have somebody to talk to.
Gray feels they were able to manage the situation very well and he feels it turned out to be a positive outcome. He says it was pretty impromptu and a short turnaround but they had already been in the process of planning for similar situations coming up. A national school walkout is planned March 14th to protest gun violence, along with another in which high school students plan to walk out on April 20th - the 19th anniversary of the Columbine shooting.
A letter issued to Scranton Middle School parents is attached. Picture - Snapchat (JM)
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Public Comment Requested For Water Resources PlanPublic Comment Requested For Water Resources Plan
The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments is asking for public comment on their new Water Resources Plan for the region.
SEMCOG brings together the governments within 7 counties, including Livingston, to solve regional challenges and enhance the quality of life for residents. The new Water Resources Plan they are preparing focuses on 28 policy recommendations and actions relating to restoring and keeping the water in southeast Michigan safe. It places an emphasis integrated water resources management, natural resources protection, and water infrastructure systems.
The plan was developed using the help of a 70 member Water Resources Task Force. Several regional surveys, stakeholder planning sessions, and public forums were used to help draft the document.
The plan, when finished, will be incorporated into SEMCOGâs 2045 Regional Transportation Plan for Southeast Michigan. A link to the plan can be found below. (MK)
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Police Investigate Student Argument At Whitmore Lake High SchoolPolice Investigate Student Argument At Whitmore Lake High School
Police are investigating a student incident at Whitmore Lake High School.
Northfield Township Police were called to Whitmore Lake High School Wednesday morning after two students got into an argument in a classroom. Superintendent Tom DeKeyser issued a statement and summary of events in an effort to inform the community on the situation, how it was handled, and address any concerns. He says the argument ensued after a rude remark from a male student, which prompted another male student to remark that âthis type of behavior leads students to bring weapons to schoolsâ.
DeKeyser says both statements were made in anger but he is working with Northfield Township Police to make sure no threat exists. As an added precaution, the student was moved off-site. He says the schools never went into lockdown because there was no threat of violence, no weapons were ever on-site and the incident was well managed by the teacher with immediate support by the Dean of Students. DeKeyser says police were on-site only for assistance in investigating the incident and the district will be operating a normal schedule throughout the process.
The investigation by the Northfield Township Police Department is ongoing, and Chief Bill Wagner says no further comments are being made at this time. (JM)
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Livingston Walk For Warmth Aims To Raise Over $92,000Livingston Walk For Warmth Aims To Raise Over $92,000
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 Agencyâs Annual Walk for Warmth event is set for this Saturday, February 24th at the Hartland Educational Service Support Center. About 250 families received utility assistance as a result of last yearâs 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 yearâs 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)
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Training Exercise Planned In Brighton For Aftermath Of Active School ShooterTraining Exercise Planned In Brighton For Aftermath Of Active School Shooter
A training exercise next month will help county and local officials prepare for how to handle the aftermath of the unthinkable.
On Tuesday, March 6th, a simulation will be held on how to react after an active shooter situation at Brighton High School. With the events last week in Florida, where 17 students and teachers were gunned down during school, officials say they are aware of how sensitive an issue this is. However, they nonetheless need to be prepared for what everyone hopes will never happen here.
Therese Cremonte is Livingston Countyâs Emergency Manager and will be coordinating the exercise, which will actually take place at Maltby Intermediate School on Bauer Road between 10am and 2pm that day. She says they have actually been planning this since last year, but the events of the last week make it even more clear how important it is to be prepared.
The scenario on March 6th will deal with what happens after the shooter has been neutralized and officials will need to reunite kids with their parents and arrange for how to handle the media. "We know that if a large disaster or event, especially an active assailant were to take place in Livingston County in one of our schools, the media would immediately flock to the area and we need to have a plan to be able to work with our media so they can get messages out and they can let us know what information is needed by the public."
Cremonte says the public will see fire and police rescue vehicles in and around Maltby and Mt. Brighton on March 6th, and theyâre hoping to alleviate as much of the potential concerns and misunderstandings by thoroughly publicizing the training exercise in advance.
That day is a âRecords Dayâ in the Brighton district in which only students in 7th through 12th grades will be in attendance, leaving Maltby, which hosts 5th and 6th graders, available for the exercise. (JK)
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Livingston County Middle School Honor Band Performs TonightLivingston County Middle School Honor Band Performs Tonight
Local middle school band students that comprise a county honor band will come together tonight for their first-ever performance.
The Livingston County Middle School Honor Band is a new program created by middle school band directors from around the county. Students will spend the day working in sectionals, and as a full band, preparing for tonightâs inaugural Livingston County Middle School Honor Band Concert. Seventh and eighth-grade students from Howell Public Schools, Brighton Area Schools, Fowlerville Community Schools and Hartland Consolidated Schools were all nominated to participate in the band by their band directors.
Howellâs Parker Middle School band director Jeff Stimson says over the summer, several of the middle school band directors from local school districts got together to begin planning the honor band. Collectively, the band directors felt that an honor band would be a wonderful way to honor, reward and recognize students that go above and beyond the normal call of duty for band class. Stimson says theyâre very excited about the inaugural performance and look forward to growing the idea and experience.
The Livingston County Middle School Honor Band Concert is free and open to the public. The show starts at 7:30pm and will be held in the Fowlerville Alverson Center for Performing Arts located at 700 North Grand Avenue. Facebook photo. (JM)
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League Of Women Voters Reboots Efforts In Livingston CountyLeague Of Women Voters Reboots Efforts In Livingston County
A national organization recognized for registering and informing voters reintroduced themselves to residents of Livingston County, Wednesday.
The League of Women Voters of the Ann Arbor Areaâs Brighton-Howell Unit held their first meeting in many years at the Howell Carnegie District Library. Thirty people attended, mostly women, with a couple men sitting in, as well. The league was once present in the area but disbanded in the early 2000s for reasons that nobody present was entirely sure of. Ellen Lafferty, co-chair of the Brighton-Howell unit, said their mission is to educate and encourage voters. They focus a lot of time on getting people from high school students to senior citizens registered to vote. They hold candidate forums, and produce guides to issues and proposals voters will see on ballots.
Though they donât support any political party, the league does take a stance on certain issues. Terri Wilkerson, of the Ann Arbor unit, said they support the closing of the Line 5 pipeline that runs under the Mackinaw Bridge. They also support independent commissions drawing district lines. The Brighton-Howell will spend their first 2-3 years working under the umbrella of the Ann Arbor unit. If the league is satisfied with the unitâs integrity after that period, they could become their own chapter. All are welcome to join, women and men, 16 years of age and up. Attendance and participation in some events are free. Membership is $70 a year and gains the member benefits of all 3 levels, local, state, and national, of the league. Their next meeting is March 21st. More information can be found at www.LWVBrightonHowellArea.org. (MK)
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Marion Township Working Towards New Noise OrdinanceMarion Township Working Towards New Noise Ordinance
Marion Township may become a quieter place to live if their new noise and nuisance ordinance passes.
The Board of Trustees discussed engine braking and other loud vehicle noises at their regular meeting Thursday night. The issue was brought to them by frustrated residents last summer. Many complained at a board meeting about people riding noisy dirt bikes on private property near their homes. The problem, they learned, was that police were limited in what they could do because a specific nuisance ordinance for their problem didnât exist. Trustee Greg Durbin said he started checking the laws and discovered language in an existing zoning ordinance that would fit their needs, without needing to be changed. It would just have to be taken out of zoning and adopted as a general ordinance.
The board also discussed the persistent problem with large trucks jake braking. Also called, engine braking, itâs a method of slowing a truck down but with the side effect of potentially causing dangerously loud noises. Durbin said that while there is no law against engine braking specifically, there is an option for the township to protect residents from excessive noise. Durbin said the language from the current zoning noise ordinance is perfect and also vague enough to allow police to enforce it. He offered two additional methods of addressing the matter to the rest of the board. One is to send letters to local trucking companies asking for their cooperation in not practicing engine braking techniques in Marion Township.
The other is to place signage in strategic locations warning truck drivers against noise violations. The ordinance is being sent to the townshipâs lawyer for review before continuing the process of moving it from zoning to general. (MK)
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Sanitary Sewer Overflow Discharge In City Of HowellSanitary Sewer Overflow Discharge In City Of Howell
Recent flooding and snow melt led to a sanitary sewer overflow in the City of Howell.
The City of Howell experienced a sanitary sewer overflow that started at 12:30pm Tuesday, lasting until approximately 1:15pm Wednesday. An estimated 387,000 gallons of diluted wastewater entered the Marion Genoa Drain and was diluted approximately 85% by rainwater. The City says the diluted wastewater overflowed from a manhole located on the south side of Pulford Street, just west of Hadden Street and entered a storm basin 10 feet away, that ultimately discharges into the Marion Genoa Drain.
Officials say the discharge occurred due to an excessive winter rain event that included heavy snowmelt and over 3.2 inches of rain. That caused flows to exceed the capacity of the Waste Water Treatment Plant, resulting in the sanitary sewer system. (JM)
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