The mandatory 5-year review of Putnam Townshipâs Master Plan has been completed by their Planning Commission.
It was the opinion of the commission that the existing plan still met the needs, requirements, and overall intent of the township. As a result they passed a resolution recommending to the Board of Trustees that it does not need to be opened up and worked on. Trustee Norm Klein felt that leaving the master plan as-is it gave the township better control over commercial properties that may want to come in. When the review process began last year, much of the focus was around the large number of non-conforming lots found within Putnam Township, and if it was necessary to do anything about it. Chairman Jeff Lomber said they then began to look at ways to fix issues on these lots that will help residents while not requiring the plan to be opened.
Many of the problems came with setback distances for accessory buildings. Lomber said the commission has recently rewritten the language in the ordinance to help property owners better avoid the need to go before the zoning board of appeals. The new language set guidelines for setbacks that will more easily allow people on non-conforming lots to build accessory buildings and not go through the variance-process. Zoning Administrator Ken Damrel said this looks like it will solve a lot of issues. Township Planning Consultant Brian Borden said it will allow more residents to do construction while also protecting the neighbors. The recommendation passed by a 5-1 vote, with Glen Hood voting against it. (MK)
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Putnam Township Planning Commission Finishes Master Plan ReviewPutnam Township Planning Commission Finishes Master Plan Review
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Services Set For Howell Woman Killed In CrashServices Set For Howell Woman Killed In Crash
Services have been set for a Howell woman who was killed when her car crashed into a tree in northern Michigan.
21-year-old Mackenzie Gibbon died early Thursday morning north of Standish when her car went off I-75. Arenac County authorities say their initial investigation indicates Gibbon either fell asleep or lost consciousness before the Mercury Milan she was driving left the roadway and crashed into a large tree in the median. The crash, which was reported at 3:12am, remains under investigation.
Visitation for Gibbonâs friends and family will be held from 10am to noon on Saturday, June 24th at the Borek Jennings Lamb Chapel in Howell, with funeral services to follow at noon. (JK)
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D-19 Construction Ready To Roll Monday D-19 Construction Ready To Roll Monday
Now that schoolâs out for summer, construction projects are kicking into high gear.
The next leg of the D-19 improvement project in Marion Township will be starting up Monday and is a continuation of work being done over the last four years. It will start from just south of Triangle Lake Road to just north of Coon Lake Road but also include thee two adjacent portions of Coon Lake Road, roughly 1000 feet on either side of D-19.
Livingston County Road Commission Managing Director Mike Craine tells WHMI it involves daytime construction with traffic maintained via flag control. He says the good news is D-19 should be a pretty quick job overall and everything is set to go Monday. He says they anticipate starting milling and should have that done by the middle of the week, along with some light pavement leveling. If the weather holds, crews will take a break during Balloonfest weekend and then be back the following week. He says all of the projects on the major commuter routes such as Brighton Road, Spencer Road and D-19 are expected to wrap up by August.
D-19 is a heavily traveled road, thus Craine cautions there will be some backups since milling will be done on both Coon Lake and D-19 for the project. (JM)
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Warrant Issued For Local Man Charged In Fatal Hit And RunWarrant Issued For Local Man Charged In Fatal Hit And Run
A Fowlerville man is facing charges connected to a fatal hit and run pedestrian collision is wanted by authorities.
The warrant for 20-year-old David Michael Vega of Fowlerville was authorized Thursday. Vega is charged with failure to stop at the scene of an accident resulting in serious impairment or death, which is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison.
Green Oak Township Police and Fire and Rescue Personnel responded to a call September 2nd for an unresponsive man on Whitmore Lake Road, north of Eight Mile Road. The body of 19-year-old Ambrose Ian Sullivan of Northfield Township was discovered on the shoulder of the roadway. He was determined to be deceased at the time of the discovery. Police believe he was struck around 2am as he walked home from his job at the Whitmore Lake McDonaldâs. The details surrounding the crash have not yet been released. (DK)
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Graves Among Legislators Investigating Lax Child Abuse MonitoringGraves Among Legislators Investigating Lax Child Abuse Monitoring
A state representative from Linden is among lawmakers who have vowed to investigate allegations that the stateâs Department of Health & Human Services has mishandled cases of child abuse and neglect in multiple counties.
Over ten years ago, Childrenâs Rights, a national watchdog organization, sued Michigan for failing to protect children in the state. Based on a recent report, the advocacy group is now alleging that the state has failed to properly investigate claims of abuse and neglect, and conduct background checks on relatives bringing foster children into their home. In May, The Lansing State Journal reported that some abused or neglected children may have been temporarily ignored because supervisors in Marquette, Muskegon, and Barry County reported inaccurate information or assigned cases to employees who werenât even present in the office to work them. Since then, three former workers have also come forward, saying that similar situations occurred in St. Clair, Monroe, Ingham, and Wayne County.
Representative Joseph Graves serves constituents of the 51st District, which includes the cities of Fenton and Linden. Graves, a Republican and chair of the House Oversight Committee, has said the allegations are âvery concerningâ if they are true. In a written statement, Graves goes on to say, âThese are very vulnerable children. We should be doing all we can to protect them. I will continue to investigate this issue.â At a hearing last week, John Bursch, attorney for the Department of Health and Human Services, says the department has looked through the allegations and found no wrongdoing. (JK)
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Grand River Construction Mostly Complete, Signage Going Up Along CorridorGrand River Construction Mostly Complete, Signage Going Up Along Corridor
Construction on Grand River in Brighton is just about wrapped up.
With the final coat of asphalt on Grand River having been applied, the contractor will start the final center line painting and special markings at the intersections. That should take place this coming week, if not sooner.
The City says there is also new signage that needs to be installed along the Grand River corridor, so drivers might see an occasional lane closure. Once that has been done, the remaining barricades will be removed and the project will be complete. (JM)
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Brighton City Police to Get New Video Surveillance SystemBrighton City Police to Get New Video Surveillance System
At its meeting last week, the Brighton City Council approved a bid for the video camera surveillance package by Absolute Sales International totaling just under $42,000.
A second bid, by Knight Watch, was rejected because it did not meet the minimum specifications outlined in the bidding process. Police Chief Rob Bradford says the system currently in use is about 10 years old and very âantiquatedâ.
Bradford says the new system will allow the police dept.to convert its existing system from analog to digital. Also, seven new video cameras will be installed that are similar to the ones in the Imagination Station playground area, which are just one year old. Bradford also says purchase of the new cameras will allow the department to expand its coverage of the downtown area.
The funds for the new system will come out of the 38-hundredths-of-a-mill (.0038) police dept. millage previously approved by the voters. Bradford adds that the department will continue to increase the number of surveillance cameras in the downtown area in the next couple of years, also using funds from the voter-approved millage. (TT)
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Brighton School Board Expected to Approve Top Candidate for Orchestra ProgramBrighton School Board Expected to Approve Top Candidate for Orchestra Program
Brighton school board members were told at their meeting last Monday that a committee has selected a qualified teacher to coordinate and instruct the new orchestra program that will begin in the fall.
The district had not had orchestra as an elective in the past, but an improving financial picture has led the board to add the instrumental music program beginning with the fifth grade and eventually proceeding though high school.
A committee consisting of administrators, teachers and parents has chosen Steven Hernandez to be the teacher. In its initial year, Hernandez will be teaching just 5th graders, with the intention to add a grade each year. That way, Supt. Greg Gray tells WHMI, it will assure a continuous field of candidates from year to year. Gray adds he wants the orchestra program to also go down into the lower grades as well. In the first year, while the orchestra program is in its infancy, Hernandez will also help out with other music programs in the district.
Elsewhere, the board was told the committeeâs choices to fill two vacant administrative positions. Among them is William Renner as principal at Spencer Elementary for the retiring Mary Williams. Renner spent 15 years as a teacher in the Brighton Area Schools before becoming principal of an elementary school in the Brandon, MI, School District.
The other selection is Jennifer Hiller, a former assistant principal at Farmington High School, who has been picked as a grade-level principal at Scranton Middle School in Brighton. The board is expected to confirm the hirings at its meeting on June 26. (TT)
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Highland Man Pleads To Church Break-InHighland Man Pleads To Church Break-In
A Highland Township man has entered a plea in connection with a breaking and entering incident at a local church.
22-year-old Calvin Vallette pleaded guilty as charged to breaking and entering a building with intent. The incident happened at the Highland Hills Baptist Church on Woodruff Lake Road near Milford Road just before 7:30 on the morning of May 25th. The pastor had arrived to find that the building had been broken into and that the party responsible was possibly inside the church. The pastor found Vallette and held him until deputies arrived.
The pastor told authorities that cash was missing from his drawer and a large quantity of cash in small denominations was found in Valletteâs pocket. He eventually admitted to police that he had broken into the church on two prior occasions. Vallette will be sentenced June 29th in Oakland County Circuit Court. (JK)
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Howell Art Project Returns, Public Voting Underway Howell Art Project Returns, Public Voting Underway
The Howell Art Project kicks off this week, with the public encouraged to vote for artwork around town.
Art is on display at local businesses and attractions throughout downtown Howell and the public is encouraged to vote for their favorite piece at each location. The weeklong public voting period got underway yesterday and will run through Sunday.
This marks the third consecutive year of the Howell Art Project. Itâs somewhat modeled after the DIA Inside/Out Art but because thatâs application based and canât come back to the community every year, the volunteer-led Main Street Design Committee decided to bring in work from local and statewide artists, thus the Howell Art Project was born.
Howell Main Street Chief Operating Officer and DDA Director Cathleen Edgerly tells WHMI more and more art is submitted each year and a higher caliber of art is reaching a wide network of artists and work. Through the years, she says they continue to see more and more prominence of art and the importance it has in bringing people together as a form of place making and just celebrating Howell as a community. Edgerly says 3-D art has also been incorporated this year, although that is not up for a public vote because the pieces and locations have already been selected.
Artwork can be viewed at the Howell Carnegie District Library, the Howell Opera House, Kokopelliâs Korner and Uptown Coffeehouse. Individuals can vote for their favorite piece by texting the code displayed on it and top artwork will be displayed on the exterior of buildings. Votes will be compiled once public voting closes Sunday. The Peopleâs Choice award winner will be announced at the Public Art Unveil and Celebration Ceremony in August. Votes can also be submitted online through the link provided. (JM)
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Fenton Twp. Boating Accident Could Lead To ChargesFenton Twp. Boating Accident Could Lead To Charges
Charges are possible in a Fenton Township boating accident that injured a 12-year-old girl.
The June 4th incident occurred around 8:45pm just north of the DNR public launch on Lake Ponemah. Core Rae Thomas was swimming in the lake when she was run over by a speedboat. Witnesses say the boat did not stop. The boat in question was located after a several-hour search of the shoreline by patrol deputies. The Genesee County Sheriffâs Office has indicated that they plan to submit the case to the prosecutorâs office for review of possible charges.
Thomas, who continues to recover at Mott Childrenâs Hospital in Ann Arbor, had to undergo surgery to repair tendons and to hold bones together for what appeared to be two large lacerations of her foot. Her mother says that the tendons to four of her toes were severed in the accident and doctors say she has permanently lost feeling in the right side of her foot, but should be able to walk eventually. Thomas has reportedly developed an infectious disease as a result of the antibiotics she was given for her leg.
A gofundme page has been set up to assist with Thomasâ medical bills. Over $3,700 has been raised thus far to meet the $10,000 goal. A link to the page is below. (DK)
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Grand Opening Of Love Inc. Resale Store Wednesday Grand Opening Of Love Inc. Resale Store Wednesday
A grand opening is planned this week to celebrate a new resale store with a multifaceted mission.
The resale store is located at 1225 East Grand River, near a gym in the Promenade Shopping Center in Howell. Love Inc. Executive Director Katherine Janego says the store has multiple objectives and allows them to continue to support the most vulnerable individuals in the community. 100% of proceeds from the store will stay in Livingston County. She says generous contributions have helped get the store up and going, which offers everything from toys and clothes to furniture and household goods.
The store further provides incentives for Love INC participants of the New Creation: A Transformational Journey program. Itâs a new program that strives to help people get their lives on track and moving in a positive direction. Participants just finished up a 12-week class and through their hard work, have earned vouchers to use in the store. Those interested also have the opportunity to learn the retail environment, which could be added experience on a resume.
A donation blast was held this past weekend and the store is ready to open come Wednesday. A grand opening celebration is planned from 10am to 6pm, with a ribbon cutting at noon with the Howell and Brighton Chambers of Commerce.
The store will be open regularly from 10 to 6pm Monday through Saturday. Janego says volunteers are always needed and anyone interested can contact the Love Inc. office in Howell. (JM)
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Submissions Sought For Photography Exhibit In Hyne Alley This Summer Submissions Sought For Photography Exhibit In Hyne Alley This Summer
Local artists have a little time left to get submissions together for an art exhibit in Brighton.
The Brighton Arts and Culture Commission (BACC) is seeking submissions for The Story of Us: Photography Exhibit, which will be on display in Hyne Alley this summer. The goal of the photography exhibit is to showcase Brighton community members, their stories, and project a unified, community story. The Commission is looking for active portrait photographs of Brighton community members. Selected photos will be displayed in the photography exhibit in Hyne Alley throughout the summer. The deadline for submissions is approaching June 23rd.
A link to submission guidelines is provided. (JM)
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Northfield Township Prepares New Budget For ApprovalNorthfield Township Prepares New Budget For Approval
The final touches are being put in place for the preparation of Northfield Township approving their 2017-18 fiscal year budget.
The Board of Trustees discussed and debated the needs of the township versus the costs of serving the public at their meeting last week. Supervisor Marlene Chockley pointed out that the last budget overlapped 2 boards, and with turnover there and in the township office, the process has been challenging. She said that the new controller has only had a few weeks to work with her and the budget, and that they had lost their old township manager who knew what many of the line items on the document were for. Chockley addressed the board and those in attendance stating that staffing is one of their largest concerns. She said the code enforcement officer is only supposed to be in for 8 hours a week, but is currently coming in more due to necessity. As far as building/planning goes, she said that they currently have only 1 person on staff and she is swamped with work and could use help. The board discussed the prospect of having a salary study done to help bring salaries that are believed to be low up to a more appropriate level.
Residents had a chance to speak their mind on the budget during a public hearing held during their meeting. One stated that his concern was with the park downtown and that he didnât care what it cost to turn it into a hometown destination. Another was concerned about proposed cuts to the community center. The Chair of the new Land Preservation Committee asked for support and patience as they continue their efforts. Supervisor Chockley thanked everyone for voicing their thoughts and stated that anyone else with comments or questions can feel free to email her. The board will now get to work on finalizing the numbers in the budget to prepare it for approval at their next meeting, June 27th. The budget is due July 1st. (MK)
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Shiawassee Man Charged After Assaulting Conservation Officers Shiawassee Man Charged After Assaulting Conservation Officers
A Shiawassee County man faces several felony charges after assaulting conservation officers last month.
73-year-old William Fisher of Owosso was greeted by two conservation officers from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources May 21st after they had received a complaint about possible illegal deer hunting. Authorities say Fisher threatened and obstructed the officers by lifting the patrol car with his tractor and then swinging what appeared to be either a crow bar or tire iron in a threatening manner.
Conservation officers Jason King and Robert Slick arrested Fisher at the scene and from items found and statements made by the suspect, a search warrant was issued for his home. A search yielded 25 firearms, a large amount of ammunition and illegal explosive components. Fisher is currently charged with two counts of obstructing an officer and two counts of felonious assault. However, because Fisher is a convicted felon, officials say he will most likely face additional felony charges. He is due back in court on Wednesday. (AS)
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Fowlerville Couple In Online Duct Tape Contest For Prom CreationsFowlerville Couple In Online Duct Tape Contest For Prom Creations
34 rolls of duct tape and more than 50 hours later, a Fowlerville couple had constructed their prom outfits inspired by vintage-modern steampunk style.
The gold, bronze and brown creations from 18-year-old Rozlin Opolka and 19-year-old Conner Hawry featured a steampunk theme with cut-out gears. The Victorian-era clothing designs are inspired by 19th-century industrial steam-powered machinery. Rozlin told WHMI it cost less to construct the duct-tape dress and duct-tape tuxedo than purchase the traditional prom dress and rent a tux.
The prom theme of "Vintage Travel" was unknown to the couple when they were designing their outfits, so they fit right in and said it was an amazing way to end senior year with a bang.
The two are now in the running to win up to $10,000 each through a contest sponsored called âStuck at Promâ by Duct Tape. Online voting is open through July 5th. A link is provided. (JM)
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Howell's Weatherly Named Mr. BaseballHowell's Weatherly Named Mr. Baseball
Howell's Sam Weatherly was named Mr. Baseball Monday night at the annual banquet honoring those selected to play in the annual all-star game. Weatherly is the first Howell player, and fourth from the county overall, to earn the honor, which was voted on by the Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association.
Weatherly, who was drafted last week by the Toronto Blue Jays, batted .482 for the Highlanders as a centerfielder, while on the mound was 6-2 with a 0.78 earned-run average. He has signed to play baseball at Clemson and will begin school there next week.
Weatherly and teammate Caleb Balgaard will play in Tuesday's MHSBCA All-Star game at Comerica Park. They are the first Howell players in recent memory to be named to the game.
Weatherly is the second LIvingston County native in a row to be named Mr. Baseball. Hartland's John Baker, now at Ball State, shared the award last year. Brighton's Ron Hollis won it in 1991 and Drew Henson won in 1998.
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Genoa Township Board Questions Participation In SPARK Genoa Township Board Questions Participation In SPARK
It appears as though a local municipality is bowing out of a participation agreement for county-wide economic development services.
The Livingston County Economic Development Council has an agreement with Ann Arbor-based SPARK to provide economic development, recruitment and retention services in the area.
Livingston County is the largest contributor financially but most all local municipalities participate, with the exception of some smaller rural communities. Genoa Township already participates and the contract is an annual item, with the cost for services totaling $22,600. It was on the agenda at Monday nightâs board meeting.
Member Jim Mortenson raised some questions about those involved and it was stated that Brighton Township is no longer going to be participating in SPARK. The perceived understanding was that Brighton Township did not recognize the regional benefit and claimed it would be doing this type of service internally. Mortenson called that âtroublingâ and asked that staff gather further clarification in why Brighton Township dropped out. A request for comment has been placed with Manager Brian Vick.
Meanwhile, the Genoa Township board ultimately tabled the item and agreed to seek a presentation from SPARK since there some new board members following last Novemberâs election that are unfamiliar with the organization and services provided.
A link to information from SPARK about Livingston County services is provided. (JM)
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School Officials Say Three Fires Transition Plan Moving Forward SmoothlySchool Officials Say Three Fires Transition Plan Moving Forward Smoothly
With the end of the current school year, the integration of two Howell elementary schools will pick up speed.
During Mondayâs Board of Education meeting, Three Fires Elementary Principal, Robert Starkey, updated the board on the status of the process to close Southeast Elementary School and move its students to Three Fires starting this fall. The board voted to make the transition last fall based on the under-utilization of Three Fires, and district officials say they have been preparing for a smooth transition for parents, students, and staff. Starkey says he is determined to make sure Three Fires still maintains their âsmall school feel.â
Starkey addressed the board on everything that has been completed so far and the dates in which everything will be completed by. The school has already given student and parent tours, staffing has been completed, and all technology supplies have been ordered. The restructuring of the playground is set to begin later this week and will be completed by July 31st. Teachers will complete packaging their supplies on June 30th and will be given building access on August 1st. During the month of August, staff will receive training courses which pertains to disability awareness, crisis prevention, and teacher-to-student interactions.
Starkey said he believes the transition is moving at a good pace and says the overall vibe of the transition is a positive one. (DF/JK)
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All-Day Closure Planned For Chilson Road At Railroad Crossing WednesdayAll-Day Closure Planned For Chilson Road At Railroad Crossing Wednesday
A portion of Chilson Road will be closed all day tomorrow to allow the Livingston County Road Commission to make emergency railroad repairs.
Chilson Road will be closed all day Wednesday at the CSX Railroad, located between Beck Road and Grand River Avenue in Genoa Township, for railroad/highway grade crossing repairs. Currently CSX is anticipating the work will take one day only, but it is possible additional time may be needed depending on conditions and the extent of the repair.
Motorists are advised to plan an alternate route. Signs will also be posted near the crossing today to remind community members of Wednesdayâs closure.
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