Fentonâs City Council approved a program to be implemented that will help control the population of Mute Swans and Canada Geese on The Mill Pond.
Director of Public Works Dan Czarnecki approached Fentonâs City Council on Monday night seeking their approval to allow for the proper destruction of egg nesting for Mute Swans and Canada Geese. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has a program where eggs are taken from the nests of Canada Geese so that the eggs will not hatch and continue to overpopulate the area. Czarnecki told WHMI that Canada Geese have been causing issues such as being aggressive towards citizens and creating a dirtier downtown area.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture also provides a similar program to control the population of Mute Swans, which are not considered native to Michigan. City Council approved the swan program for five years while the geese program must be re-approved on a yearly basis. The money for the project will be coming from The General Fund. Czarnecki said he expects the cost to dispose of the geese eggs to be around $500 and stated it will be free of cost to dispose of the swan eggs.
Czarnecki also stated he expects a mixed reaction from the public regarding the program. While he thinks many will be pleased with a cleaner and safer downtown area, he also feels there will be others who will miss the extra animal life around the downtown area. (DF)
Fenton Approves Program To Reduce Population Of Mute Swans And Canada GeeseFenton Approves Program To Reduce Population Of Mute Swans And Canada Geese
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Nominations Due Friday For Volunteer AwardsNominations Due Friday For Volunteer Awards
Two local organizations are once again recognizing a community member that has made a noteworthy and positive impact on the lives of children and this is the final week for nominations.
The Great Start Collaborative and LACASA Centerâs Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Council are partnering to choose a champion for children, which will be announced at a luncheon April 4th. CAP Council Coordinator Holly Naylor says they are looking for nominees that mentor, support or advocate for local kids in a significant way. Naylor says Great Start and the CAP Council will choose a person or persons that exemplify the makings of a Champion for Children without expectation of recognition.
Naylor tells WHMI April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and the Champion award is a reminder of the many individuals in the community that protect and serve children. Nominees will also be recognized at the Champion luncheon. The luncheon will follow LACASAâs Plant a Pinwheel Celebration at the Howell Carnegie Library, which kicks off the April awareness campaign. The deadline to nominate an individual for the Champion for Children Award is this Friday, March 23rd. (JK)
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Brighton Twp. Approves Church's Exclusion From Water Service AreaBrighton Twp. Approves Church's Exclusion From Water Service Area
Brighton Township has given approval for a church to be excluded from the cityâs water service area and for a local water authority to provide water to said church.
Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church, located on Hacker Road in Brighton, has been serviced by a well, which recently tested positive for elevated levels of arsenic. The church resides in a footprint that requires they be provided with water from the City of Brighton through an agreement with Brighton Township. Despite the agreement, the parish never connected to city water.
Both municipalities have taken action allowing the church to exit the agreement in hopes of receiving water from MHOG, or the Marion, Howell Township, Oceola and Genoa Township Sewer and Water Authority. Brighton Township at its Monday meeting also approved an agreement with the city, church and MHOG allowing the water authority to service the church. MHOGâs board and member communities will need to take formal action to complete the switch.
Brighton Township Manager Brian Vick says excluding the church from the cityâs water service area so they can move to a new provider is a more fiscally-responsible method.
The township has recent experience with running a water main from Grand River up Old US-23 to the Lake Trust Credit Union. Vick says that gave them an idea of a ballpark cost, which is approximately $2(m) million including a booster station. Vick says itâs hard to justify that expenditure when the church would only be paying in the neighborhood of $100,000 to connect. (DK)
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Analysis Says 8th District Race Now "Toss Up"Analysis Says 8th District Race Now "Toss Up"
A challenger hoping to replace Republican Congressman Mike Bishop in November says a recent change in the political analysis of Michigan's 8th District is part of a wave that might bring a Democrat into the seat for the first time in almost 20 years.
On Friday, nonpartisan election forecasters at CNN shifted the rating for Elissa Slotkinâs race in Michiganâs 8th district to âtoss-up,â noting that Slotkin raised $140,000 more than Bishop the last three months of 2017, although she still trails in cash on hand by about $260,000.
This is the first âtoss-upâ designation for the Slotkin campaign, and comes on the heels of Conor Lambâs upset victory last week in Pennsylvania, a district President Trump won by 20 percentage points in 2016. The CNN analysis notes that while Bishop won Michigan's 8th with a 17-point margin in 2016, Trump only carried the district by six points. The Slotkin campaign says the âtoss-up" designation is especially significant, given that the 8th District was rated âlikely Republicanâ by the Cook Political Report as late as October of last year when it was shifted to âleans Republican.â They also point to Sabatoâs Crystal Ball, which they say recently shifted its district ratings in favor of Slotkin, who said Monday that, âWhat Conor Lamb did in Pennsylvania, we can do right here in Michigan,â insisting that her campaign was, "moving the needle" building "grassroots support and momentum in a tough district...â
In response, Bishop Campaign spokesman Stu Sandler reiterated the narrative that Slotkin moved back to the district to run for Congress and continues to own a home in Washington, D.C., saying, "she parachuted into the district at the behest of Nancy Pelosi and D.C. Democrats, " and "hid her DC home on her personal financial disclosure which make voters question what else she is hiding." Sandler also said the dynamics at play in the Conor Lamb win last week in Pennsylvania don't apply to Bishop's race for re-election, as "Lamb is not only from a well-known political family, an ex-Marine and a former federal prosecutor, he also avoided criticizing Trump and expressly campaigned as being in favor of gun rights and steel tariffs. He also said he wouldnât support Rep. Nancy Pelosi to remain as minority leader."
Slotkin's campaign manager, Mela Louise Norman, brushed aside the criticisms, saying Slotkin is a, "third-generation Michigander who spent her early life on her family farm in Holly, in Oakland County, where she lives today." Norman added that it is, "disheartening that Congressman Bishop's campaign would distort the record of a fellow Michigander who has spent her career in national service, including three tours in Iraq" as well as, "serving in the White House under both Republican and Democratic administrations." She said Slotkin is "earning the support of voters across the district because of her service-centered mindset and her focus on bringing civility back to elected office."
Slotkin is not the only Democrat running for the 8th District nomination. MSU instructor Chris Smith of East Lansing touts himself as a non-establishment, progressive Democrat, who favors single-payer universal health care, gun regulation and humane immigration policies.
The CNN analysis also updated the race for Michigan's 11th District, which includes South Lyon and Lyon, Highland and Milford townships, from "toss-up" to "lean Democratic," as "Republican Rep. Dave Trott's retirement from this district -- home of Chrysler and many of the American auto giants' workers -- left it vulnerable to a Democratic takeover." (JK)
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20th Annual "Got Art" Exhibit Continues At Howell Opera House20th Annual "Got Art" Exhibit Continues At Howell Opera House
A student art exhibit is again open to the public this week in downtown Howell.
The 20th annual Got Art student art exhibit continues this week with the elementary or K - 5 show at the Howell Opera House. The exhibit started out as a way to display Howell student art in the community but has since grown to include all students from grades K â 12 in Livingston Countyâs public schools. The art show is free and open to the public.
Art instructors for the different schools promote learning in a variety of mediums to enhance the artistic talents of area young people. Organizers say Got Art is their way to promote the talents of art students throughout Livingston County and show appreciation for arts programs in local schools. The elementary show opened Tuesday and will run through Saturday. The shows run from 4 to 8pm Tuesday through Friday and from noon until 5pm on Saturday.
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Conway Township Residents Still Waiting On Cost Of High Speed InternetConway Township Residents Still Waiting On Cost Of High Speed Internet
Dozens of residents showed in Conway Township for an update on what bringing fiber optic internet could cost them.
Roughly 65 people were at the Board of Trustees regular meeting, Tuesday, only to learn they would have to wait a little longer. âNumbersâ was the key word being used throughout the night as township officials, engineers, and residents are still waiting to learn what it will cost to bring high speed internet to the area. Design engineer Mike Grady said they will have a better idea by the first week of April.
A few in the audience still chose to speak their opinions during public comment, with most leaning in favor of fiber optic cable as long as the price is reasonable. Some wanted assurance that when the cost comes in, it will be put to the voters to decide. Conway Township Supervisor Michael Rife confirmed this will be the case. Others were concerned on why it had taken the township so long to get to the point they are currently at. Trustee Larry Parsons said previous boards were hoping to get the internet for free through state programs dating back around 12 years, but it didnât happen. They began pursuing this on their own in, in earnest, during December of 2016. Clerk Todd Anderson agreed that what they have now isnât enough. He called the internet âa way of lifeâ and stressed the importance of making improvements over what they currently offer.
When the township has a better idea of the cost for building the infrastructure they will be able to formulate and propose an internet millage for voters to decide on as part of the August ballot. Trustee Parsons said this would be fairly unique, as only 1 township in the state has passed such a millage. Engineer Grady informed the crowd that the USDA has just begun accepting federal grant applications for better internet. Between $15-thousand and $3-million could be available, but the grant is said to be highly competitive. The Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting when they have a more concrete idea of what the total cost of the project will be. (MK)
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County Board, Judge Honor Retiring Court AdministratorCounty Board, Judge Honor Retiring Court Administrator
A longtime Livingston County court administrator was honored amid his retirement.
Circuit Court Judge Michael Hatty and other judicial staff attended Mondayâs meeting of the Livingston County Board of Commissioners to show support for John Evans upon his retirement. Evans, who was described as a great public servant, was joined by family members at the meeting and was presented with a proclamation for his service and many accomplishments.
Meanwhile, Chief Judge Miriam Cavanaugh has appointed Roberta Sacharski of Howell to fill the position. Sacharski, the current Livingston County Probate Register, was unanimously recommended as the top candidate from a pool of nearly 100 applicants reviewed by an interview panel. James Hughes is the former Regional Administrator for the State Court Administrative Office/Michigan Supreme Court. Hughes has served as Interim Administrator to assist in the selection process and says Sacharski is the âright person at the right time to manage the non-judicial functions of the Circuit and Probate Courtsâ.
A brief swearing in ceremony will be held Friday afternoon in the probate courtroom, at the judicial center, with Judge Cavanaugh presiding. (JM)
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DEQ Meets With Residents Impacted By Contamination PlumeDEQ Meets With Residents Impacted By Contamination Plume
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality says itâs continuing its investigation into a chemical vapor intrusion that could be affecting residents in the City of Brighton and Genoa Township.
About 70 community members attended an informational meeting Tuesday held at the Brighton Community Center and led by DEQ officials. The DEQ reached out to anyone whose property may be impacted by a groundwater contamination plume that originated from improper chemical dumping at an old industrial site on North Fifth Street in the City of Brighton. Attendees were briefed on the history of the contamination, what has been done to mitigate the problem and how the department is proceeding.
The plume undergoing treatment by the DEQ extends approximately 2,500-feet south of the property that the contamination originated from. Recent developments concerning exposure to trichloroethylene, or TCE, have led the DEQ to re-evaluate vapors emanating from the plume in surrounding residential areas.
In continuation of the investigation, DEQ officials say they may be requesting access to evaluate the vapor intrusion of a home. If indoor air levels are found to be of concern, an air purifier will be brought in as a temporary measure and a vapor mitigation system will be installed in the homeâs lowest level. The air will be tested after the installation to ensure any TCE vapors are mitigated to safe levels.
Project Manager Rebecca Taylor says of the 17 homes theyâve received permission to test thus far, five had levels that required installation of a vapor mitigation system.
The DEQ says it expects to complete its investigation sometime this year. (DK)
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Ceremony Will Honor Brighton Area Women's History Roll Of HonorCeremony Will Honor Brighton Area Women's History Roll Of Honor
A ceremony this weekend will recognize the 2018 honorees for the Brighton Area Womenâs History Roll of Honor.
The program to honor the four women selected will be held this Saturday at 2pm at the Brighton District Library. Among those being recognized is Ann Bollin, who was appointed to the Township Planning Commission in 1993, and soon became the first female chairperson. Appointed as Brighton Townshipâs Clerk in 2003, she also serves as a member of the Michigan Townships Association Board of Directors. Julie Fielek began her custom home construction business in Green Oak Township in 1984. She was elected the first women president of the Livingston County Home Builders Association in 1999 and served as the first women president of the Michigan Association of Home Builders Association in 2005. Nancy Fritsch began her career in real estate in 1967, working her way up until she was able to acquire the Coldwell Banker franchise, before selling the business in 2006. She has been a member of the Livingston County Womenâs Club since the 1990s, serving as president, secretary, and treasurer. Mandana âMondiâ Miller owned and operated Heirloom Oriental Rugs since 1993 and served on the Brighton Downtown Development Association from 2009 to 2014 while championing the vocal leadership of women and an open public dialogue in civic affairs.
The Roll of Honor has been recognizing women from the Brighton Area since 2003 as a part of their efforts to bring awareness to womenâs contributions to society. The honorees will be celebrated during Womenâs History Month. Further details are posted below. (JK)
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Appeal On Ruling In Rape Case Will Proceed After Dismissal Motion DeniedAppeal On Ruling In Rape Case Will Proceed After Dismissal Motion Denied
An appeal of a ruling by a local judge that threw out a case against a driving instructor charged with raping one of his students at his home in Hartland Township will continue.
The case against 63-year-old Ningan Hu was dismissed in September by Livingston County Circuit Court Judge Michael Hatty after the prosecution was unable to arrange for the alleged victim to testify. The female college student is a Chinese citizen who was attending school in Windsor, Ontario at that time of the 2016 incident.
Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt says his office was attempting to obtain a special visa for her to return to the U.S. and testify when Judge Hatty refused to grant an adjournment and dismissed the case. An appeal of that ruling was filed with the Michigan Court of Appeals. Last week, a motion by Hu to dismiss the appeal was denied, allowing it to proceed.
The charges were filed after police were dispatched to a gas station in Hartland Township on May 21st, 2016, where they found the 25-year-old woman who claimed Hu had plied her with alcohol until she was drunk and then sexually assaulted her at his home. She told police Hu was her driving instructor and that they had driven across the border into the United States so she could gain driving experience.
Court records list a Windsor address for Hu, however the Hartland residence where the alleged assault reportedly occurred was also said to be his home. (JK)
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Attorney: County Protecting Judge Brennan In Denying FOIA AppealAttorney: County Protecting Judge Brennan In Denying FOIA Appeal
A local attorney says he is disappointed in the Livingston County Board of Commissioners for allegedly protecting 53rd District Court Judge Theresa Brennan in preventing the release of what he feels is public information.
The board met Monday night and voted to uphold denial of a February 16th FOIA request from Pinckney Attorney Jim Fett, on the basis that court records are not subject to FOIA. Counsel stated the court documents requested are not within their purview or authority to release them and commissioners voted unanimously to deny the appeal. Commissioner Kate Lawrence was absent.
Three things were requested under Fettâs FOIA; the settlement reached in the case of Brennanâs former law clerk Attorney Rory Kiler, a complaint filed by a former employee of Brennan, and emails between Brennan and retired MSP Detective Sean Furlong. He maintains the first two are related to an employee settlement/personnel issues versus judicial records, thus should be released. Fett was not critical of the denial in relation to the records request of email exchanges between Brennan and MSP Detective Sean Furlong.
Fett says the Michigan Supreme Court has already ruled settlements are mandatory disclosures under FOIA and the board is not only protecting Brennan but wasting attorney fees by denying the request â adding theyâre preventing disclosure of documents that will ultimately be released anyway later through the discovery process in a federal case he has filed on behalf of 53rd District Court Administrator Francine Zysk.
Fett says as a county taxpayer; heâs entitled to the information and wants it. Fett says his hiring an attorney to file a lawsuit will only cost county taxpayers money because some Lansing attorney told the board they should be withholding the documents. Fett feels thatâs bad advice and self-serving advice since the county attorney will be the one to defend the case. He alleges the county attorney is âlining his own pocketsâ to prevent disclosure of documents that will come out anyway, calling it a waste of money and taxpayer resources.
As for the Rory Kiler case, Fett says the county was faced with exposure from a civil suit and paid him an amount of money they are not willing to disclose at this time, adding as a taxpayer and county resident, he wants to know how much money Brennan cost him. Fett feels itâs a reasonable request, the FOIA should have been granted and heâs very disappointed in the board for continuing to protect Brennan.
County Administrator Ken Hinton and Commission Chairman Don Parker declined comment, saying the full deliberation of the matter by the board is available on the meeting video posted on the county's website. The link is provided. (JM)
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Bishop Introduces Bill To Update IRS TechnologyBishop Introduces Bill To Update IRS Technology
Congressman Mike Bishop has introduced legislation to update technology and processes within the Internal Revenue Service to better protect taxpayer identity and information.
Bishop says that currently, the IRS maintains information technology systems that date back to the early 1960s. The Rochester Hills Republican says, âAmericans deserve an IRS that is operating with up-to-date IT infrastructure to proactively combat identity theft, tax refund fraud, readily assist taxpayers when they are targeted and be held accountable when they fail.â
According to a release from Bishopâs office, the Taxpayer ID Protection and Fraud Prevention Act would increase the amount of refund payments the IRS makes electronically â meaning taxpayers would receive their refunds quicker, cheaper, and more securely. It would also create a digital history for law enforcement in the case of fraud. It would also require the IRS to track âimproper paymentsâ by subcategories including fraud, underpayment, overpayment and mistaken identity not attributable to fraud and also implement measures that give the IRS more time and information to verify taxpayer identity, and match it with the person claiming a refund â before sending the refund payment. Finally, the bill would codify a Public-Private Partnership between the IRS, the tech industry, States and professional tax-preparers to monitor and address cyber threats in real time.
The bill was referred to the House Ways & Means Committee, of which Bishop is a member. (JK)
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Petitions Filed For 2 South Lyon Youths After LSD TripPetitions Filed For 2 South Lyon Youths After LSD Trip
South Lyon Police responded to a call where two juveniles were having a bad trip outside a residence last weekend.
Officers were dispatched on a disorderly person call to 330 Washington Street in South Lyon at 6:30 Saturday morning. A caller reported someone screaming and pounding on doors in the neighborhood. After an initial search of the area turned up nothing, the officers were again contacted by dispatch relaying that someone was trying to break into a shed in the area. Exiting the patrol vehicle, officers saw a 14-year-old white male running naked between two houses, yelling unintelligibly.
Police reported that he seemed completely disoriented, was speaking gibberish, and was making odd, repetitive stuttering sounds. They handcuffed and called in an ambulance. While speaking with witnesses, officers were approached by a 16-year-old male who admitted to taking LSD with the 14-year-old. He said his friend was having a bad trip and that he himself was on the verge of one. A second ambulance was called for him. Both were taken to Providence Park Hospital for treatment.
Petitions were filed for both juveniles, with parents aware of it. Protective services was contacted for the 14-year-old. No narcotics were found on the two. (MK)
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Warden House Becomes 10th Historic District In Green Oak Twp.Warden House Becomes 10th Historic District In Green Oak Twp.
One of the oldest houses in Green Oak Township has been established as a historic district.
The Board of Trustees voted Wednesday to approve the district for property associated with the address for the Warden House. The home, located on Rushton Road, was owned by one of the first settlers in the area, Robert Warden. Warden came from Greenock, Scotland in 1833 and named the township in recognition of his hometown. He is said to have had a significant impact on the area, being very active politically and holding a number of offices.
The effort to establish a historic district for the Warden House was led by the townshipâs Historic District Study Committee. The designation maintains the integrity of the home through a number of protections, including any changes to the façade without the committeeâs approval.
Committee Member Ruth Munzel says the designation preserves the township's agricultural beginnings. She feels the home displays its humble history and can teach children about the area's growth.
The Warden House has been restored and is very close to its original standing, according to committee member Diane Wynings. Wynings is married into the Warden family as Robert and Caroline Warden were her husbandâs great, great grandparents. She lives on 10 acres of the original property and has shared the history with her grandchildren by having them work in the garden with her, noting they are the 7th generation to âget their hands dirtyâ.
Wynings hopes the historic district status will spur interest among community members and encourage them to visit a piece of the past. (DK)
Photo credit: Cheryl Chidester
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Challis Road Construction Set To Begin April 2ndChallis Road Construction Set To Begin April 2nd
Major reconstruction to a busy Brighton road has the Livingston County Road Commission recommending commuters find an alternate route.
Long awaited work on Challis Road is scheduled to begin on Monday, April 2nd. Traffic there has been increasing over several years, and with the new University of Michigan Brighton Health Center set open in September, itâs expected to get worse. As a result, the Livingston County Road Commission has met with the city and U of M and decided to go forward with a $2.1-million reconstruction program.
The project will be completed in 3 phases. Starting on the 2nd, for approximately 3 weeks, Challis will be closed from the railroad tracks to Interior Drive. Interior Drive will remain open to traffic from the east. From April 23rd through the end of August, the section from Interior Drive to Karl Greimel Drive will be closed for water main relocation, road widening, and paving. During this second phase Interior Drive will be open to traffic from the west. The final phase, from August 23rd to the 30th, will be comprised of night time milling and replacing of asphalt from Karl Greimel Drive to Grand River Avenue.
Road Commission Managing Director Mike Craine said the Road Commission is recommending commuters detour using Bauer Road and Brighton Road to access Grand River during construction. Improvements are expected to be completed before the hospital begins receiving patients in September.
Visit http://livingstonroads.org/PROJECTS/ChallisRoadProject.aspx for more details. (MK)
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Mail Carrier From Pinckney Killed After Being Pinned By Own TruckMail Carrier From Pinckney Killed After Being Pinned By Own Truck
A U.S. Postal Service vehicle that rolled down a driveway near Chelsea struck and killed a mail carrier from Livingston County.
Michigan State police say 56-year-old Tracy Sylo of Pinckney died Wednesday in Washtenaw County's Lyndon Township while delivering a package to a home. Police say the mail truck was parked at the top of the driveway of a home that sits on a hill on Blind Lake Road. The vehicle rolled and struck the mail carrier, pinning her between the vehicle and a metal guardrail.
Sylo died at the scene. The death is under investigation and police are working to determine why the truck rolled. State Police ask anyone who witnessed the accident to contact the Brighton Post at 810-227-1051. (JK)
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Putnam Officials Approve Expenditure For Feasibility StudyPutnam Officials Approve Expenditure For Feasibility Study
Putnam Township officials approved a motion to partially fund a feasibility study for a large recreation area up for sale.
Camp Innisfree is struggling Girl Scout Camp that the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is considering purchasing. Part of the DNRâs vision is to have the Michigan Horse Council take over running the facilities while creating the stateâs first premier horse camp. Putnam Township Supervisor Dennis Brennan said that the Board of Trustees is looking at the impact beyond just what the camp would bring. Camp Innisfree sits on 995 acres with 2 private lakes, 7 miles of roads, and nearly 5 miles of trails. Those hiking and biking trails could be connected to existing trail systems in the township. Brennan said he believes there is tremendous potential for a great recreational facility at this spot.
At Wednesday nightâs regular meeting the Board approved a $3,000 expenditure to go towards an $8,000 feasibility study by the Michigan Horse Council. Horse Council President Elect Jean Ligon sits on the Putnam Township Planning Commission and has asked both the Putnam Board and neighboring Marion Township Board for a pledge to help with the costs in the last month. The MHC is contributing $3,000 of their own. Ligon asked Marion officials for $1,000 at their March 8th meeting. Marion Supervisor Bob Hanvey said he needed check the legalities of before he could commit. Brennan said Wednesday that he had been contacted by Marion Township asking about it. The Putnam Supervisor said that after consulting with their attorney, it would not be a problem. The Board was assured there was no issue donating to a feasibility study that would help ascertain how the recreation area might benefit Putnam Township residents and residents of the greater community. (MK)
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Tree Trimming To Continue Through August On North Territorial RoadTree Trimming To Continue Through August On North Territorial Road
Tree trimming work will extend into the summer on some roads in Northfield Township despite protests by residents.
The Washtenaw County Road Commission is performing tree trimming and removal work for safety purposes along North Territorial Road in Northfield and Salem Townships and Mast Road in Webster Township. Lane restrictions are being imposed and the project got underway in February. The Road Commission advises that North Territorial Road from Spencer Road to Gotfredson Road will have on-going maintenance until August for culvert repairs and tree trimming. The road will be under flag control during the operation. While motorists can travel through the construction area, delays are likely and alternate routes are being suggested.
The project has resulted in an outcry from residents who are upset or angered by the tree removal, as some cut down were believed to be hundreds of years old. A Facebook group titled âSave the Dexter Treesâ was started and surpassed 300 members. The Road Commission says it has heard from some residents in favor of the work but many others who are opposed to the removal of trees- noting they take the concerns seriously. Officials say they believe both are good projects to make the roadways safer but they understand residents have some real concerns about the way they were carried out. As a result, the Road Commission recently announced it has decided to step back from a similar project scheduled next year and returned grant funds for it. That work was to take place on North Territorial Road between Huron River Drive and Spencer Road.
The complete advisory from the Road Commission can be viewed in the attachment. FB photo. (JM)
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Northfield Twp. Officer Among 7 Charged With Fraudulent Vehicle ChecksNorthfield Twp. Officer Among 7 Charged With Fraudulent Vehicle Checks
The Michigan attorney general's office has accused seven current and former police officers, including one from a local department, with falsifying state documents for inspections intended to detect stolen vehicles and parts.
Attorney General Bill Schuette announced Thursday the officers who have served several local police departments have been charged in the case. Among them is Lt. Tim Greene with the Northfield Township Police department. The 42-year-old from Romulus had been authorized to conduct inspections by the Hamburg Township Police Department. Also charged was former Van Buren Township Officer Robert Greene, 64, of Canton. He too was authorized to conduct inspections by the Hamburg Township Police Department as was 43-year-old John Greene of Wyandotte, who was a Detroit Public Schools Public Safety Officer. Robert Greene is the father of Tim and John Greene. All three were arraigned on various counts of Uttering and Publishing in 53rd District Court in Howell. Probable Cause Conferences were set for April 4th in front of Judge Suzanne Geddis.
Hamburg Township Police Chief Rick Duffany says the statute which allows specially certified officers to inspect vehicles and ensure they are not stolen before getting a title, gives municipalities a portion of the inspection fee and in a time of tight budgets becomes a necessary way to raise revenue. He says the trio entered into a contract with the township in 2012, which was immediately terminated by the board in November of 2016 after he learned about the investigation. No Hamburg officers were involved nor is the department in any way implicated in the investigation.
The felony charges follow an investigation by the FBI Detroit-Area Public Corruption Task Force and Michigan State Police. Also charged was a Redford Police Department Detective, a Detroit Police Officer, a former Chief of the Bangor Police Department a former Riverview Police Officer. Jeffery E. Peterson, of the Detroit FBI office, said, âThe unlawful conduct committed by these few officers should not tarnish the badges or reputations of the vast majority of Michiganâs law enforcement professionals.â
Schuette says the officers were supposed to ensure that vehicles inspected and approved for motor vehicle titles weren't stolen. He alleges they fraudulently submitted paperwork to the Secretary of State. State Police and the Secretary of State will work together to ensure all vehicles involved in the case have a proper salvage vehicle inspection. They say it may involve directly contacting the registered owners of vehicles improperly inspected to arrange for a new inspection. (JK)
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Local Advocate Fights For And Supports Those With InfertilityLocal Advocate Fights For And Supports Those With Infertility
A local author and expert on infertility is fighting for couples struggling with the issue and encouraging them to stay positive.
Sue Johnston calls herself âThe Infertility Advocate.â Author of 2017âs #1 book on Amazon for infertility support, Johnston also spent time in the nationâs capital lobbying Congress and fighting for more affordable fertility care. Disappointed by Michiganâs âDâ rating for fertility support, sheâs kicked her efforts in high gear, helping the 1 in 8 couples infertility affects. In June she started a support group that has grown from just 1 member to 9. Johnston has also been named mentor for the Midwestern states by Resolve, The National Fertility Association. Through that, she gets to travel around helping people in several states get the support they need and launch their own peer-led support groups.
Johnston said after her book, Detours: Unexpected Journeys of Hope Conceived from Infertility was published, she was reached out to on her website by Olympic silver medal figure skater Nancy Kerrigan. She has since been in contact with Kerriganâs husband who said the couple would be interested in contributing to a new or updated version of the book. Kerrigan suffered 6 miscarriages before giving birth to her 3 children through in-vitro fertilization. Johnston said she is now looking for other people who have suffered from recurring miscarriages so she can compile a focus book.
Johnston calls infertility a delicate topic which is kept private and protected in peopleâs hearts, even though they may need help. Often those who need support emotionally, physically, financially or spiritually, she says, donât know how to ask for it or get it. Johnston will be the guest and shares more on this coming up on WHMIâs Viewpoint program, Sunday morning at 8:30am. Learn more about her and her efforts in the community through the link below. Photo- Instagram (MK)
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