5/13/13 - The Livingston County-area is again being called on to help a local non-profit that focuses its efforts on veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or traumatic brain injury. Throughout the month of May, Stiggyâs Dogs of Howell Township is competing against twelve other charities from across the country as they seek votes in the Aprons in Action Facebook contest by Home Depot. The organization that receives the most votes during the month will win a $250,000 grand prize, with second place receiving $150,000 and third place getting $100,000. Stiggyâs Dogs, which transforms shelter dogs into individually trained psychiatric service animals for military veterans living with PTSD or brain injury, became eligible for the national competition by winning one of monthly qualifying rounds last July, With the $25,000 gift card and more than 50 power tools received last summer, the organization was able to renovate the sanctuary portion of its Howell Township facility on Bowen Road to meet the needs of veterans who stay at the facilities while training with their dog. Renovations included a wheelchair ramp, first floor bedroom and accessible bathroom, a large garden for sustainability, trails for walking and a training space. Facebook users can vote once per day through May 31st. A link is posted below. You can also hear an interview with Stiggy's Dogs founder Jennifer Petre by Clicking Here (JK)
Local Veterans Group Vying For $250,000 Online PrizeLocal Veterans Group Vying For $250,000 Online Prize
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Local Salvation Army's "Doing the Most Good Week" Underway Local Salvation Army's "Doing the Most Good Week" Underway
5/13/13 - A number of volunteers will be out and about working to do some good and help better the community this week. The Salvation Army of Livingston County is celebrating national âDoing The Most Good Weekâ and a variety of community and human service projects are planned all over the county. Itâs all part of National Salvation Army Week and local volunteers were out planting flowers today to help beautify downtown Howell. Other âhelp your neighborâ projects are planned in Brighton, Hartland and Pinckney all week long while summer lunch bunch collections and sign-ups are underway. On Thursday night, tickets are still available to a special mother and daughter night out event featuring a prominent comedian. Then on Friday, a community garage sale at the Salvation Armyâs 503 Lake Street offices in Howell will round out the week and offer free tours and education about the local Corps. Also in honor of Doing the Most Good Week, the local Corps is selling t-shirts with The Salvation Army shield that read âDoing the Most Goodâ on front, and âIâm a Do-Gooderâ on the back. Officials say this week marks a great opportunity for area youth, small groups, civic organizations, co-workers, family and friends to help by giving as little as two hours of their time and contribute to big results for the community. For more information or to volunteer, click in the link below. (JM)
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2012 State Representative Candidate Files for Brighton Council2012 State Representative Candidate Files for Brighton Council
5/13/13 - A one-time state legislative candidate has entered the race for a local city council race. In a press release today, Brighton resident Shanda Willis announced that she has filed to run for one of the four open seats on Brighton City Council this November. Willis ran unsuccessfully last year as a Democrat against Republican State Representative Bill Rogers, but says her desire to run for council came after her appointment to the Brighton Arts and Culture Commission and ongoing attendance at council meetings. The Brighton High School graduate obtained her nursing degree from the University of Michigan and now serves as a Nurse Case Manager for individuals catastrophically injured in auto accidents. Willis said her focus would be on local fiscal responsibility and economic development to ensure Brighton continues to prosper. The terms of Brighton City Council members Shawn Pipoly, Larry Schillinger, Ricci Bandkau and Claudia Roblee are up this November. Roblee previously announced she is not running for re-election and according to Brighton City Clerk Diana Lowe, Willis joins Bandkau and city resident Susan Walters-Steinacker who have already filed in advance of Tuesdayâs 4pm deadline. Lowe says the other two incumbents, Schillinger and Pipoly, have taken out nominating petitions but haven't returned them with signatures yet. (JK)
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Staffing Changes Planned in Brighton for Upcoming School YearStaffing Changes Planned in Brighton for Upcoming School Year
5/13/13 - Some administrative staffing changes can be expected when students return for classes in Brighton Area Schools next fall. Part of Brightonâs deficit elimination plan that was recently accepted by the state included the elimination of three administrative positions, which Superintendent Greg Gray says percentage wise, matches the give-backs of other employees. Gray says after a number of conversations, he feels they have an excellent plan to ensure a smooth transition for staff, parents and kids. He tells WHMI that Jack Yates, the current grade 11 principal at the high school, will be taking over the full time principal responsibilities at Horning Elementary next year. Gray says Yates has extensive elementary principal experience and will be a great fit there while Gray himself will be heading over to the high school to help fill that void but Gavin Johnson will remain the leading principal. Assistant Superintendent of Finance Dr. Maria Gistinger will be picking up additional responsibilities related to community education including overseeing all of the associate directors there, making sure the budget is taken care of along with the community ed brochure. Assistant Superintendent of Instruction Dr. Laura Surrey, who has building level experience, will be heading to Maltby Intermediate to work with Principal Scott Brenner and assist in any areas needed there. In Grayâs Friday letter to those in the district, he stated the hope is that the budget will continue to improve at the rate it has been lately and that they will be able to look at different options throughout the summer. (JM)
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Brockway Turns Down Plea Deal In Weight Rigging Case
5/14/13 - The owner of a Howell recycling company has turned down a plea deal on allegations that he used a device to manipulate weight scales. Regal Recycling owner Vern Brockway was charged with general weights and measures violations last month. Those charges follow a one-year investigation by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Developmentâs Weights and Measures division as well as the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department. He rejected a plea deal in the case on Monday. He is scheduled to appear in court next on May 30th, with jury selection scheduled for June 6th. Authorities say that the DOA discovered a device on one of Brockwayâs scales during a routine inspection in April of last year. They allege that the device could manipulate the scale to increase or decrease the measured weight of cargo trucks by up to half a ton. A review of the Sheriffâs Department reports by WHMI found statements from an employee who claimed to have seen the device used several times, mostly on trucks bringing scrap metal from a General Motors contract job in Flint. The report also included statements from other employees who said it was common knowledge that the scale was used to reduce the weight of incoming scrap. (TD)
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Howell Township Will Initially Pay for Damaged Sewer Line Howell Township Will Initially Pay for Damaged Sewer Line
5/14/13- The damage caused by Enbridge Energy to a Howell Township sewer line has been deemed irreparable. The sewer line is among two pipelines that were damaged by Enbridge Energy while the company was upgrading a major natural gas and oil pipeline that runs through Livingston County. Neither of the parties involved have taken responsibility for the incident, but are working closely together to create a solution as soon as possible. Board members are working with an engineer to plan the construction of a new sewer line that will lie below the existing one and will follow the same path. This will allow the township to save time and money acquiring an easement to follow a new path. The project will be initially paid for by Howell Township and should be completed by the end of this construction season. (SO)
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Unadilla Man Facing Felony Drug Charges in Maryland
5/14/13 - State Police in Maryland say a Livingston County man is facing felony drug charges after being pulled over last week with nearly 40 pounds of pot in his minivan. Police say the van, driven by 52-year-old Stewart Robert Deerr of Unadilla Township, had a malfunctioning headlight and was pulled over on I-70 last Thursday. Troopers say the man was nervous in talking to the officer, who then called for a police dog to scan the vehicle. After the dog alerted and a search was performed, officers say the trooper found 39 bricks of marijuana in a drum case in the back of the minivan. Police say cocaine was also found in the vehicle.
Deerr has been charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana and cocaine and other offenses. Heâs being held on a $250,000 bond. (JK)
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Newly Redesigned Livingston County Website Goes LiveNewly Redesigned Livingston County Website Goes Live
5/14/13 - After months of planning and preparations, the county governmentâs new website went live yesterday morning. The website has been revamped to be faster, easier to navigate, and have more interactivity such as the ability to purchase LETS tokens online. The new website will also be easier to update, improving the countyâs ability to keep online information up-to-date. Richard Malewicz was hired as the countyâs new Chief Information Officer on April 29th following the retirement of Information Director Paul McNamara. He says the county plans to continue to update the website now that it is implemented. Its latest feature allows residents to buy LETS tokens online, but Malewicz says new features like calendars, surveys, and online forms could be implemented in the near future. The website was designed based around the Oakland County website as a way to leverage existing technology and reduce costs. To visit the new website, click on the link below. (TD)
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Howell Schools to Reduce Budget Deficit With Teacher LayoffsHowell Schools to Reduce Budget Deficit With Teacher Layoffs
5/14/13 - With a budget deficit of more than $3 million looming, the Howell School Board approved budget cuts last night that include teacher layoffs. Superintendent of Finance Rick Terres presented the plan to the board, outlining the budget cuts, new revenue, and fund balance actions that were needed to balance the budget for the coming year. The largest cut was the laying off of 16 teachers, saving the district at least $965,000. Also included was the elimination of 5 other positions within the district for another $335,000. The elimination of the teachers may be mitigated by retirements within the district, with seven retirements budgeted but as many as 14 expected to take place. This would allow some of the laid off teachers to simply shift within the district rather than leave altogether. The school board unanimously approved the recommended budget reductions, but they only add up to about $2.2 million. Terres tells WHMI the remaining $1.25 million will come out of the districtâs $6.2 million fund balance. He says the district has set a 7.5% fund balance position, which is higher than the state average, and spending some of that reserve will help Howell balance its budget without impacting its educational programming. He says the board will have to deal with a budget deficit in the 2014-2015 school year as well, but that one should be less than $2 million. (TD)
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Rogers Says Syria, Boston Bombing Delaying Senate DecisionRogers Says Syria, Boston Bombing Delaying Senate Decision
5/14/13 - Congressman Mike Rogers says his decision on running for U.S. Senate has been delayed by his duties responding to the Boston Marathon bombings and challenges in Syria and North Korea. The Howell Republican chairs the House Intelligence Committee and is being pushed to run for Senate with Democrat Carl Levin's retirement in 2014. Rogers said Monday he'll talk to more people, including his family. He says he's having a "significant impact" on the intelligence committee and must decide if he can have more impact in the Senate. Rogers says it'd be difficult to chair the committee while running for Senate. Rogers has no deadline for deciding but knows other potential GOP candidates are waiting. He also says chances of him becoming the next FBI director are remote. That followed last weekâs recommendation for him to assume that role by the FBI Agents Association. (JK)
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Semi Crash & Fire Closes Westbound I-96 for More Than 6 HoursSemi Crash & Fire Closes Westbound I-96 for More Than 6 Hours
5/14/13 - A truck fire left I-96 motorists with some significant traffic delays and back-ups during the evening commute Monday. Michigan State Police say a semi-truck caught fire just east of Webberville around 5pm after the vehicle blew a tire and crashed into a stand of trees, which spread and caused a brush fire. The westbound lanes of I-96 were subsequently shut down around 5:30 and traffic was diverted off at the Fowlerville Road exit. Serious back-ups were being reported along both east and west bound I-96 for hours, stretching all the way to M-59. The freeway finally re-opened at around one this morning. The truckâs driver was not injured, although he was taken to Sparrow Hospital in Lansing as a precaution. Photo courtesy of Robert Kolm. (JK)
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Union Leader Claims Bylaws Broken by Howell Board MemberUnion Leader Claims Bylaws Broken by Howell Board Member
5/14/13 - The president of the Howell Teachersâ Association accused a school board member of misconduct last night for issuing a press release to defend his actions on the board. At the second call to the public during the boardâs regular meeting last night, Howell Education Association President Jay McDowell, pictured, said a press release from Trustee Michael Moloney violated governance bylaws. McDowell said the press release, in which Moloney said that had the original contract proposal been approved, the district would have seen significant cost increases in the second year of the deal and thereafter. That was despite the recommendation from Superintendent Ron Wilson and Assistant Superintendent of Finance Rick Terres that the board approve the deal they said would actually save the district money due to teacher concessions. McDowell claimed that the violation undermined the boardâs ability to conduct business and negotiate union contracts. Moloney did not immediately respond, but he tells WHMI that since the press release was identified as his own position rather than that of the board, he did not violate any bylaws. He says he simply released it in defense of his own stance when the board rejected a proposed contract by the HEA earlier this year. He said in his view McDowellâs complaint was trivial, technical, and made-up. The press release was issued after a particularly contentious meeting last month, at the end of which Moloney said it would not benefit anyone if school board members started bashing one another to the news media. Moloney says the press release did not contradict his statement during the meeting because he only clarified his own position rather than attacking others. He also disputed he had violated his standard following a Facebook posting in which he made mention of disgraced Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and his corrupt administration while also referencing a new state conflict of interest law that prevented School Board President Mike Witt and his wife, Board Secretary Kim Witt, from voting on the contract. (TD/JK)
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Hartland Optimist Club Honors Volunteer For Work At Teen CenterHartland Optimist Club Honors Volunteer For Work At Teen Center
5/14/13 - The founder and leader of a Hartland after-school center for teens has been honored by a local volunteer organization for her efforts. Kay Fountain is a teacher with Hartland Consolidated Schools and founder of the Next Door Teen Center, located in the old township hall. She received special recognition from the Hartland Optimist Club during a presentation yesterday for her work with the center. She also received a check for the teen center totaling $256, which came from a donation drive last month that was matched by First National Bank. The Next Door Teen Center has 170 registered members, and every school day it hosts 30 to 40 students who take part in activities like soccer, pool, and video games in a supervised environment. It also features computers donated by the Hartland Cromaine Library. For more information on the teen center, follow the link below. (TD)
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Genoa Planning Commission Approves Site Plans for Mt. Brighton Genoa Planning Commission Approves Site Plans for Mt. Brighton
5/14/13 - If all goes as planned, improvements could begin taking shape soon at the Mt. Brighton facility in Genoa Township. The 220-acre complex off Challis and Bauer Roads was acquired by Colorado-based Vail Resorts, which is expected to invest nearly $10 (m) million enhancing the complex. The Planning Commission approved site plans along with an environmental impact assessment, which must still be approved by the township board. The overall project includes re-grading hills, new chair lifts, improvements to the lodge and snow making system, new terrain parks in the front and back of the mountain, a new area for kids and modifications to tow ropes. Additional language was added by commissioners pertaining to the assessment, stipulating a pathway or construction bond for one could be required as part of any future developments on the site. Basically the same lighting will be maintained, although any new fixtures would be shielded and existing ones retro-fitted so as to avoid any negative impact on residents and homes in the area. Assistant Township Manager and Planning Director Kelly Van Marter says the scale of the improvements are very impressive and long overdue, noting Mt. Brighton has always been a jewel in Genoa and the township is excited to have Vail investing in the community and the hill. Vice President of Mountain Development Tim Beck says theyâre very excited to become a part of the community and have been working closely with the township on the project. If all moves along as planned, work could begin sometime in June, and Beck says last nightâs approval from the commission marked an important step. The golf course will continue to operate and Beck says theyâll need to work through the construction process with it so some adjustments will be made, but overall, the public should see a lot of progress in the coming year. (JM)
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Two Relays This Weekend With One Goal: Defeat CancerTwo Relays This Weekend With One Goal: Defeat Cancer
5/14/13 - Two events this weekend in Livingston County will both have the same focus; celebrating cancer survivors while raising money for research and services. Separate Relay for Life events will be held at Brighton High School starting at 7pm Friday and then at Hartland High School starting Saturday at 9am. Both of the 24-hour gatherings will raise money for the American Cancer Society for services and research. The Brighton Relay for Life will take place at Brighton High School, but due to the ongoing construction it has been temporarily moved to a makeshift track set up in the schoolâs parking lot. Organizer Rick Beaudin says that wonât deter them from all of the usual hallmarks of the event, including a Survivorâs Lap to start things off and then a luminary ceremony at dusk to both remember those lost to cancer and those still in the fight. Hartlandâs Relay for Life will also feature those signature events. Beaudin says heâs particularly excited about a special fundraiser Saturday at noon in Brighton featuring legendary Detroit Lions kicker Eddie Murray hosting a football clinic for a $5 charge. You can get complete details about Brighton's Relay for Life by Clicking Here. For information on the Hartland Relay for Life, Click Here. (JK)
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Trial Underway in Fatal Stabbing of Pinckney ManTrial Underway in Fatal Stabbing of Pinckney Man
5/14/13 - The trial has begun for a man charged with stabbing a Livingston County man to death last year. The trial of 37-year-old Ronald Lewis Kennedy, who is charged with 2nd degree murder, began Monday in Oakland County Circuit Court. Kennedy is also charged with assault with intent to murder and domestic violence against his wife. Charles MacDonald Shiffman of Pinckney was found dead of multiple stab wounds December 1st in the front yard of a home in northern Oakland County's Rose Township. Police say Kennedy stabbed the 34-year-old Pinckney man several times after finding him at the house with his wife, 31-year-old Jessica Kennedy. Shiffmanâs family say the two were long-time friends and that he had gone to the home at the womanâs request to help her get out of an abusive relationship. Kennedyâs mother claims her son was attacked inside his home and was merely defending himself. After stabbing Shiffman, police say Kennedy stabbed his wife and forced her into a car before fleeing the area. He was later stopped by police and arrested. Kennedy remains jailed with no bond. An earlier motion by prosecutors to admit other acts of domestic violence during the trial was granted while a separate motion to allow expert testimony was taken under advisement. (JM/JK)
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General Motors to Build New $100 Million Data Center in Milford General Motors to Build New $100 Million Data Center in Milford
5/14/13 - General Motors has announced that it will spend $100 (M) million to build a data center in Milford this year as part of its overhaul of information technology operations. Construction will begin in early summer on GMâs second data center at the Milford Proving Grounds. The company says about $158 million worth of IT equipment will be installed there and itâs expected to open in July of 2014. GM says there will be 350 skilled tradesâ workers on site at the peak of the project, and more than 95% of the construction jobs will come from southeast and central Michigan. It will be built as a companion to GMâs new Enterprise Data Center in Warren and both will focus on high-power computing, using much of the same equipment and material. Officials say the Milford location was chosen because of its specific proximity to Warren, allowing for âmirroredâ data. Officials say that way if one facility is off-line for any reason, the other will have the same data available without interruption. The two new facilities replace a network of 23 data centers operated by GM and three information technology suppliers around the world. GM says itâs saving money by having the centers on existing campuses, which have negotiated bulk utility rates, existing infrastructure and security. The Milford Township Board recently granted GM a 12-year, 50% tax abatement for the project and Supervisor Don Green says itâs about job creation, both temporary and permanent. Green says itâs good to see General Motors rebounding and a lot of time and effort on the part of both parties was spent to make the project a reality. Photo © General Motors. (JM)
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"Survivor" Game Raises $18,000 for Charity At Howell High School"Survivor" Game Raises $18,000 for Charity At Howell High School
5/15/13 - Howell High School students participated in a unique competition last month, raising thousands of dollars for charity in the process. Twelve Howell seniors competed in a challenge based on the television show âSurvivor.â The game has been going on every year since 2008, with competitors staying within the school walls 24 hours a day from Sunday, April 21st to Friday, April 26th. Contestants compete in various contests and are eliminated as the game progresses. Meanwhile, donations are collected and tee shirts sold for students to support their favorite competitors. This year more than 1,300 tee shirts were sold and a grand total of $18,000 was raised for charity. That total will be split between National Alliance for Mental Illness and a fund to assist Howell High alumnus Zac Cain, who has been diagnosed with cancer. This yearâs winner was Maddie May Kroll. Daily videos were posted online throughout the competition. They can be found by clicking the link below. (TD)
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Expo Celebrates Planning & Growing Area Businesses Expo Celebrates Planning & Growing Area Businesses
5/15/13 - An event this Friday will celebrate four years of planning programs that help create and grow businesses in Livingston County. The Livingston County satellite office of the Michigan Small Business and Technology Center will host the expo, and feature a broad range of businesses that have taken part in a variety of programs over the past four years. The extended business planning programs are hosted in conjunction with local chambers of commerce and the expo is an outreach to connect participants to the larger community and communicate with others about their business and ideas. Local satellite office director Nancy Johnson says they have a range of businesses from start-ups to others that have been around for 30 years but are diversifying at the expo. The business expo is free and will run from 8:30am until noon this Friday at the American Spirit Center off Grand River in Brighton. The public along with all small business owners in the county are encouraged to attend. (JM)
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Handy Board Updated On West Grand River Sewer ProjectHandy Board Updated On West Grand River Sewer Project
5/15/13 - Last night, the Handy Township Board got an update on the ongoing West Grand River sewer project that is tied to the municipalityâs looming sewer debt. After developers defaulted on sewer assessments, Handy Township was left with about $2.9 million in charge-backs to the county and twice that in unpaid bonds. The charge-backs will come due in 2014, and the township is currently working with the county to help mitigate the impact on Handy residents. Litigation is ongoing with all parties, but in the meantime the township is still required under contract to complete the portion of the sewer project on West Grand River. Last night, Livingston County Drain Commissioner Brian Jonckheere updated the board on the progress of that construction. He said a new engineer had been found to see the project through to its conclusion, which is scheduled for September. Township Supervisor Hank Vaupel says without the planned developments, the sewer project will serve about five residences. (TD)
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