6/14/13 - A Hartland Township man who threatened to bring a gun to his wife's workplace has been sentenced. 37-year-old Brian Barnes, who previously pleaded guilty to two counts of assaulting/resisting a police officer, hunting or shooting in a safe zone and a weapons charge, was ordered Thursday to serve six months in the Livingston County Jail with credit for 150 days already served. He was also ordered to serve six months on an electronic tether and three years of probation. The charges follow an incident on January 15th in which police were called out to his home. His wife told authorities that Barnes had sent her a series of threatening text messages following an argument, which prompted her to leave the home and take their children with her. She called 911 after he threatened to bring a gun to the daycare center where she worked. Barnes was allegedly intoxicated and fled inside the residence when deputies arrived, who observed broken glass and spent firearm casings outside. With assistance from crisis negotiators, Barnes eventually came out and was taken into custody. Authorities say while they took the threat against the unnamed daycare center seriously, there was never any danger to that facility as Barnes never left his residence. (JK)
Hartland Man Sentenced for Workplace Gun ThreatHartland Man Sentenced for Workplace Gun Threat
↧
↧
New Director Named for DHS Offices in Livingston & ShiawasseeNew Director Named for DHS Offices in Livingston & Shiawassee
6/14/13 - The Michigan Department of Human Services has named a new permanent director to oversee the offices that serve Livingston and Shiawassee Counties. Alison Morrison has been appointed director of the offices for the two counties effective immediately. Morrison is an 18-year veteran of DHS and has served as acting director of the offices since November 2012. Morrison began her career with DHS as a Children's Protective Services worker, and also managed in foster care, licensing, juvenile justice, adult services and prevention. She spent six years working in the child welfare private sector before joining DHS. Morrison says it's an honor to lead the effort in Livingston and Shiawassee counties for the department and she knows the need for the vital services DHS brings to the community. Morrison says she looks forward to helping provide great service to clients and is actively involved with community collaborative committees and partners. (JM)
↧
Candlelight Vigil Planned For Victim Of Brighton ShootingCandlelight Vigil Planned For Victim Of Brighton Shooting
6/14-/13 - The sister-in-law of the Howell man killed at a Brighton gun range last year is planning a candlelight vigil to remember his life. Kimball was shot in the head by 20-year-old Jessce Lincon Stearn of Howell Township at the Livingston Conservation and Sports Association gun range in June of last year. Stearn pleaded guilty to manslaughter, but prosecutors recently changed the charge against him to open murder in response to reports that he bragged about killing Kimball over an unpaid debt. Kimballâs sister-in-law Ashley Dunlap is planning to hold a candlelight vigil for him at 8:30pm on June 30th. It will take place at the gazebo at Thompson Lake in Howell, and Dunlap tells WHMI anyone is welcome to attend and share memories of Kimball, whom she describes as an amazing brother and uncle. Dunlap is happy with the new charges being brought against Stearn and with how the trial for Kimballâs death is progressing. (TD)
↧
Rogers Pleased State Budget Includes More Funding for Education Rogers Pleased State Budget Includes More Funding for Education
6/14/13 - A local lawmaker says heâs pleased the budget is finished more than 100 days ahead of the start of the stateâs fiscal year. State Representative Bill Rogers serves as Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on K-12 Education. The Genoa Township Republican says the budget signed Thursday by Governor Snyder includes an additional $443 million for public schools and an additional $40 million for early childhood education. He says having the budget accomplished this early will help school districts plan accordingly. Minority Democrats criticized the budget as not spending enough on education to make up for earlier cuts made by Snyder and majority Republicans in 2011. They also said Republicans should have considered giving tax relief to people after raising individualsâ taxes for the 2012 tax year and beyond. The nearly $49 billion state budget sets aside more money to fix deteriorating roads and allows for bridge maintenance. It blocks the state from paying to implement more rigorous standards in reading, writing and math until the GOP-led Legislature says it's OK. Snyder exercised few line-item vetoes, one deals with a high-speed rail project in southwestern Michigan. The spending plan goes into effect October 1st. Pictured is Governor Rick Snyder as he signs the budget in front of a group of Legislative leaders. From left; Lt. Gov. Brian Calley, Rep. Bill Rogers, Rep. Joe Haveman, Speaker of the House Jase Bolger, Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville and Sen. Roger Kahn. AP photo. (JM)
↧
5th Annual Pink Party Packs Downtown Howell
6/14/13 - Downtown Howell was several shades of pink at last nightâs âPink Partyâ, a fund raiser for St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Livingston for supportive care and breast cancer research. The 5th annual event utilized the help of several stores in the downtown area to raise awareness and money and put on a fun evening to bring the community closer. Several establishments in downtown will be donating a portion of the money they made last night towards the fundraiser. Executive Board member of the Pink Party, Sandy St. Onge-Mitter, says their goal this year was to surpass the amount they raised last year, which was $55,000. She tells WHMI the large turnout suggests they will be able to reach that goal. The event included around 60 participating businesses, who offered services, discounts, giveaways and a portion or all of their nightly proceeds to the cause. A silent auction was held at The Howell Opera House, which auctioned off more than 40 items from donors in the area. Yearbooks of this yearâs Pink Party were sold at the Howell Opera House and Breast Cancer survivor Jennifer Altounian appeared on the cover. Altounian tells WHMI she came to The Pink Party to inspire those with low spirits. The Pink Party wasnât a ladies only event- Several gentlemen dressed in tuxedos and pink vests served as escorts to teams who had purchased more than 8 Pink Party passes at a time. The men escorted the teams and served as shopping bag holders as they browsed the downtown stores. Proceeds from The Pink Party will go directly to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Livingston for genetic counseling directed towards breast cancer detection and supportive care. (DK)
↧
↧
Fenton City Council Looking to Fill Vacant Seat Fenton City Council Looking to Fill Vacant Seat
6/14/13 - Community-minded residents are being asked to apply for a vacancy on the Fenton City Council. The Fenton City Council is accepting letters of interest to fill the vacant seat, after Councilman Mike Piacentini passed away unexpectedly last month. Whoever is appointed would fill out the remainder of his term, which expires on November 10th of this year. Applicants must be over 18-years-old, a registered voter and have lived in the City for more than one year. Applicants must also not be in default to the City. Officials say theyâre looking for individuals who have an open mind and a love of the community, but also consider all sides of an issue before making a decision. A committee is expected to be formed to review potential candidates. Letters of interest should be submitted to the Fenton City Clerk no later than 5pm on Friday, June 14th at 301 S. LeRoy Street, Fenton, MI 48430. Anyone with questions regarding the vacancy should contact the Clerk's office at 810-629-2261. (JM)
↧
Site of Old School & Gym to Become New Green Space in Highland Site of Old School & Gym to Become New Green Space in Highland
6/14/13 - The site of an old school building in Highland Township will be transformed into a new, green space for the community. Highland Middle School was shuttered in 2011 by Huron Valley Schools and the decision to raze the building was finalized by the Board of Education earlier this year. Attempts were made to sell or lease the building but no viable options surfaced. However, Highland Township officials requested the opportunity to develop a plan to save the gym as a community center for future use but after several months of talks with the district, both parties agreed to halt attempts due to costs. The process of razing the middle school portion is already underway and contractors will now also demolish the gym. District Spokeswoman Kim Root tells WHMI the township tried to put together a plan to raise private funds to save the gym but ultimately, everyone agreed the timing wasnât right and felt it was best to move forward and raze the gym to create an overall community green space that will lead to the baseball fields that continue to see increased community use. Root says they realize there are lots of fond memories associated with the building but in the end, it wasnât fiscally responsible to continue. Root says theyâre currently about three-quarters of the way done with demolishing the middle school building. The gym portion of the work will not start before June 24th and she expects that the site should be cleared and seeded in time for the start of school. (JM)
↧
Marion Tonwship Passes Budget With Recreation BenefitsMarion Tonwship Passes Budget With Recreation Benefits
6/15/13 - There will be new benefits for Marion residents now that the township board has passed the budget for the fiscal year beginning in July. The townshipâs $1.24 million budget benefits from the population growth experienced by Marion between 2000 and 2010, which brought with it an increase in state aid. While revenues are enough to cover normal expenditures, money is being taken from the townshipâs fund balance to pay for road improvement projects. These include repairs to East Coon Lake Road from D-19 to the township line, minor repairs to Norton Road, and dust control on various township roads. Supervisor Bob Hanvey tells WHMI residents will also get some recreational benefits from the new budget. It includes a new $100,000 item for the township to gain full membership in the Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority. Beginning in July, Marion residents will pay the normal member rate for authority events rather than the higher three-tier rate they currently pay and will be able to get free passes to Howell Area parks. After paying for the road repairs, the township fund balance will still have more than $2 million in reserve, which is more than double the suggested amount. (TD)
↧
Rogers Declines Run For U.S. SenateRogers Declines Run For U.S. Senate
6/14/13 - As had been expected, Congressman Mike Rogers announced today that he will not run for the Senate in 2014. In an e-mail to supporters released by his office, the Howell Republican said he was ââ¦truly humbled by the encouragementâ he had received to run for the Senate seat opening up next year with the retirement of Democrat Carl Levin. But he said that after, ââ¦careful and thorough deliberation and long talksâ with his family, friends and supporters, he determined that the best way for him to continue to have a direct impact for the nation is to remain in the House of Representatives, where he serves as Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. Rogers has been considering a Senate run for months, but various statements in recent days increasingly made it appear he would defer the risk of giving up a politically safe House seat for a move up to the Senate. His departure leaves former Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land atop the GOP field. On the Democratic side, Oakland County Congressman Gary Peters is expected to easily win the Democratic nomination. (JK)
↧
↧
Cell Tower Piggybacking Made Easier In Handy TownshipCell Tower Piggybacking Made Easier In Handy Township
6/15/13 - Handy Township approved a zoning amendment Wednesday making it easier for telecommunication companies to place new antennas within the township. Supervisor Hank Vaupel tells WHMI the amendment removes the required special use permit for cellular providers to place new antennas on existing cell towers. By passing the amendment, the township is now in compliance with recently-passed state legislation. The mandated change reduces the amount of control local municipalities have over the number and placement of cellular antennas, but Handy Township officials have not objected to the change. According to Vaupel, piggybacking is already the preferred method of adding cellular coverage to the rural community. He says this will make it easier for cellular companies to provide coverage to parts of the township that currently lack broadband while discouraging the construction of new cellular towers. (TD)
↧
Livingston Veterans Memorial Project Gets Major Funding Boost Livingston Veterans Memorial Project Gets Major Funding Boost
6/15/13 - A special donation event on Friday more than exceeded expectations in raising funds to renovate the Livingston County Veterans Monument in downtown Howell.
Community members were encouraged to support the project and pay tribute to those who served by making a donation at the dental offices of Dr. Thomas Kellogg in Howell. He originally announced that all donations up to $10,000 would be matched. However by 2pm, Dr. Kellogg says they had already hit that goal and kept getting more donations, so they decided to match up to $20,000. He tells WHMI it was an amazing day full of joy and tears and people starting showing up well before the noon opening to donate. Kellogg says a number of staff, patients, friends and other volunteers helped to make the day a success and there was a wide range of donors from teachers to members of the downtown business community that came out to donate toward the veterans monument enhancement project. The Howell Chapter of the Warrior Brotherhood Veterans Motorcycle Club, pictured left, is a nonprofit made up of combat and non-combat veterans. Some members stopped by to support efforts for the new memorial and dropped off more than $1,500. All of the funds raised will support the project and the match was made possible through The June & Edward Kellogg Foundation. (JM)
↧
Four Charged After 2011 Pot Dispensary Raid Enter PleasFour Charged After 2011 Pot Dispensary Raid Enter Pleas
6/15/13 - All four people charged following a raid on a former medical marijuana dispensary have now entered pleas in the case. Marshall Alternatives in Handy Township was raided in March of 2012 following an alleged sale to an undercover officer, who was said to be posing as a legal card-carrying medical marijuana patient. At a hearing in Livingston County Circuit Court Friday, Owners Alan Marshall and Christi Marshall both pleaded guilty to charges of possession of marijuana with intent to deliver for three spate incidents. In exchange, prosecutors will not seek charges against the couple for two other alleged offenses on December 10th and 12th in 2011. Former employee Stephanie Baxter also entered a plea Friday to three reduced misdemeanor counts of delivering marijuana without remuneration. All three will be sentenced July 18th. Meanwhile another employee, April Sundie Smith, earlier pleaded guilty to the same lesser charge and will be sentenced June 27th. Their cases had been on hold while the Michigan Supreme Court reviewed a similar case, eventually ruling that dispensaries are not permitted under the Medical Marihuana Act approved by Michigan voters in 2008. (JM)
↧
Green Oak Manufacturer Partners With Dutch Green Tech FirmsGreen Oak Manufacturer Partners With Dutch Green Tech Firms
7/9/13 - A new partnership between two Dutch firms and a Michigan company will bring green technology manufacturing to Livingston County. Verwater Elemental out of the Netherlands has acquired the rights to models of turbines and solar panels used in Europe, and Green Oak manufacturer Center PowerD Management began producing one of their models this week. The turbines are vertical, resembling merry-go-rounds rather than windmills, and are meant to harness lower wind speeds than traditional wind turbines while also being less obtrusive. The solar panels are used to heat water rather than produce electricity, providing much greater efficiency and savings over traditional solar cells. Center PowerD is also partnering with StatiqCooling, another Dutch firm, to produce high-efficiency cooling systems. The manufacture of these items is prompting Center PowerD to expand, and they plan to add 90 new manufacturing, sales, and engineering jobs in the coming months. Jan Verwater was one of the Dutch representatives that gathered at Center PowerDâs building earlier today, and he says there are many green technologies in use in Europe that have not found extensive use in America. His company plans to bridge this gap by partnering with Center PowerD and having these technologies produced in America, and more technologies will be brought to Michigan in the future. Together with Representative Bill Rogers, the companies are discussing the possibility of marketing the energy-efficient power and heating technology to school districts to make summer classes or even year-round schooling more feasible. (TD)
↧
↧
Hartland Twp. Accepting Donations For Recreational Parks
7/10/13 - In preparation of the opening of Heritage and Settlerâs Park, the Hartland Township Board of Trustees met last night to discuss concerns and ideas. Project ideas for specifically Settlerâs Park include play scapes, benches, disc golf courses, mountain biking and a dog park. Several community members have mentioned donating to the projects and what specifically their donations would go to. Township Manager James Wickman says they have âa lot of trafficâ through the township hall âand everyone is interested in whatâs going onâ. Treasurer Kathie Horning tells WHMI now is an opportune time to accept donations for the park due to community members paying taxes and utility bills.
Both parks will be opening around the same time and Horning says the communityâs âmomentum is hereâ. Heritage Park, which is located on M-59 west of Pleasant Valley Road, has organized ball fields. Settlerâs Park, which is located on Township Hall grounds, connects M-59 and Dunham Road and will be for recreational uses. Horning says the board wants to have a meeting where they can discuss and prioritize what they will do next. Township Trustee Joe Petrucci says the board is âready for the next major projectâ. Petrucci believes Settlerâs Park is a âneat opportunity to partner with schoolsâ by utilizing the habitats and plant life for students to learn from.
Both parks are expected to be open for the fall season.(DK)
↧
Brighton Twp. Planning Cmsn. Extends Hookah Bar MoratoriumBrighton Twp. Planning Cmsn. Extends Hookah Bar Moratorium
7/10/13 - The Brighton Township Planning Commission decided Monday to extend the moratorium on any new hookah bars or lounges, following the opening of Oasis Hookah Lounge in the shopping plaza on the corner of Old US-23 and Grand River. Township Planner Kelly Mathews says the moratorium was supposed to be in place until August 2nd, but was extended for another 3 months to allow enough time to properly draft a new zoning ordinance. The panel also debated whether a special use permit or general ordinance permit would suffice for future hookah bars. In the end, they decided on a general ordinance permit as there is a significant cost difference between the two. Parking lot security was also brought up as a possible discussion point for the commission's next meeting. (DK/JK)
↧
Health Department Offers Summer Rabies Protection Tips Health Department Offers Summer Rabies Protection Tips
7/10/13 - With summer here, The Livingston County Department of Public Health is reminding that animal bites become much more frequent in local communities and present a risk for rabies, as well as tetanus and other infections. Last year, the state tested 94 animal specimens from Livingston County for rabies, and two tested positive. The health department says wild animals are much more likely to carry rabies but bats pose the most risk for infection, and residents should never handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or litter. The department says never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home and do not try to nurse sick animals to health. Officials say parents should teach children to never handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly. If you do have pets, keep vaccinations up to date. If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, the health department says seek veterinary assistance immediately. If you happen to notice any stray domestic animals in your neighborhood, the department advises contacting your local animal control agency as they may be un-vaccinated and could be infected with rabies. Additional information can be found in the release below. (JM)
↧
Hartland Twp. Debates Whether to Regulate Firework HoursHartland Twp. Debates Whether to Regulate Firework Hours
7/10/13 - Following on the heels of a discussion by Howell City Council about resident complaints over fireworks, the Hartland Township Board of Trustees met Tuesday night to re-evaluate a firework ordinance that they had previously chosen not to regulate. While a current noise ordinance is in place, it does not specifically include fireworks. Township Manager James Wickman tells WHMI the board is reconsidering regulating the hours fireworks can be used. Wickman says as part of the townshipâs due diligence to the community, it is important that they re-evaluate whether hour regulation is appropriate for Hartland residents. This reconsideration came about after the state legislature gave municipalities the choice to put a limit to the hours of use following passage of a law allowing certain fireworks that had been previously prohibited. Board Trustee Joe Colaianne believes âlocal governments should have more of a sayâ but other members were not sure how enforceable the new ordinance will be. They said that often by the time complainants are received about improper firework use and enforcement is called, the incident has already passed. The board has decided to discuss the issue further at their next meeting. (DK/JK)
↧
↧
Sentencing Delayed for Iosco Woman Charged in Petition ScandalSentencing Delayed for Iosco Woman Charged in Petition Scandal
7/10/13 - A Livingston County woman who served as a congressional staffer will wait to find out her sentence on fraud charges concerning nominating petitions. 59-year-old Mary Melissa Turnbull of Iosco Township pleaded no contest in May to committing fraud on the nominating petitions of Livonia Republican Thaddeus McCotter, who was later forced to resign because of the scandal. Turnbull had been set for sentencing Tuesday in Oakland County Circuit Court, but that was adjourned until next Tuesday. No reason was given for the delay. She faces up to five years in prison. McCotter was disqualified from the 2012 congressional primary after the secretary of stateâs office said he lacked the 1,000 valid signatures. He resigned last July, rather than serve the remainder of his term. Authorities say Turnbull and other McCotter aides forged signatures, cut and pasted signatures from other petitions and had people falsely sign statements that they circulated the petitions. Another former staffer, Lorianne OâBrady of Livonia, previously pleaded guilty to five misdemeanor counts of falsely signing a nomination petition as a circulator and was sentenced to 20 days in a work-release program. Two other staffers, Paul Seewald and Don Yowchaung, earlier had charges of conspiracy to commit a legal act in an illegal manner dropped by a Wayne County judge. However, that decision is being appealed by the Michigan attorney generalâs office. (JK)
↧
Suspects Wanted for Robbing New Hudson Bank at GunpointSuspects Wanted for Robbing New Hudson Bank at Gunpoint
7/10/13 - The publicâs assistance is being sought in identifying two suspects wanted in connection with a bank robbery in New Hudson Tuesday morning. The FBI and the Oakland County Sheriffâs Office are investigating the armed robbery, which was reported at the Comerica Bank located at Grand River and Milford Road in New Hudson. Two suspects are said to have entered the bank wearing hats, masks and gloves and brandishing what are believed to have been two semi-automatic weapons. After receiving an undetermined amount of cash, the suspects fled outside where another suspect was reportedly waiting in a get-away car thatâs been described as a gray, four-door Chevy Impala or Malibu. Authorities are reviewing evidence in the case and ask that anyone with information or anyone who might have seen something or someone suspicious in the area is asked to call the FBI Detroit division at 313-965-2323 or the Oakland County Sheriffâs Office at 248-858-4911. (JM)
↧
Brighton Township Man Seeks to Reclaim World RecordBrighton Township Man Seeks to Reclaim World Record
7/10/13 - A Livingston County man's attempt to set a record for blowing up balloons and turning them into sculptures is scheduled to take place at a festival this week. The "Taste of Brighton" takes place Friday and Saturday and starting at 5pm Friday, Tim Thurmond plans to attempt to reclaim his balloon-blowing, sculpture-making crown. He held the record for about nine years, but that was surpassed this year. This time he wants to use more than 6,700 balloons in 24 hours. The 32-year-old from Brighton Township will be blowing up and sculpting balloons next to the Oh My Lolli! candy shop. The festival replaces Summerfest and has been revamped to showcase Brighton's restaurants and shops as well entertainment. (JK)
↧
More Pages to Explore .....
