Sign repairs and other work are scheduled on Grand River in the City of Brighton.
The Michigan Department of Transportation will be repairing signs on the I-96 overpass at Grand River Avenue on Tuesday. As a result, there will be a single lane closure on Grand River from 9am to 2pm.
Meanwhile, the city says the Grand River construction is finally coming to a close as the last coat of asphalt has been applied. In the next week, center line painting and intersection markings should be finished and then the final step will be installing new signs. Drivers may experience an occasional lane closure as the work wraps up.
Weekly progress updates are posted on the City of Brightonâs website and Facebook page. (JM)
↧
Sign Repairs & Construction To Bring Lane Closures On Grand River Sign Repairs & Construction To Bring Lane Closures On Grand River
↧
Marion Township Officials To Receive Salary IncreaseMarion Township Officials To Receive Salary Increase
The Marion Township Board of Trustees was split in their decision of how much of a wage increase was deserved for officials.
At their regular meeting Thursday night, board members debated necessity of granting the supervisor, clerk, and treasurer a 17% pay increase. Trustee Scott Lloyd thought up front that that number was âa little high.â Clerk Tammy Beal said she believes through research that it is a deserving amount. Beal said the board asked her to do a wage study to compare what township employees in Marion Township make as opposed to elsewhere. She said that while every township runs things a little differently, what she saw was that the supervisor, clerk, and treasurer were being paid âway belowâ for what service they provide and the hours they work.
Trustee Dan Lowe said that counting a raise in 2012, this is a 32% increase over the last 5 years and compared it to what school teachers got. He said he felt this was a community job meant to benefit the community, and not be a full time occupation. In a memo to the board dated June 15th, it was noted that the supervisor, treasurer, and clerk take on the duties of what a township manager would do, saving the taxpayers $90,000. Lloyd made a motion offering the three a 10% increase with 3% to other employees. That motion failed 4-3. Separate motions for the supervisor, clerk, and treasurer at 17% were made, and passed 4-3, 5-2, and 5-2 respectively. Lloyd and Lowe opposed all 3, Trustee Greg Durbin also opposed on the supervisor.
Durbin did say that he thinks the people running the township are doing a good job. He petitioned for an increase in the insurance stipend for township employees, which would grant those who chose not to enroll in the townshipâs plan an extra $600 a month, as opposed to $500. That motion passed 5-2. Trustee Les Andersen noted that not offering the stipend would actually end up costing the township more in insurance costs, over time. (MK)
↧
↧
Huron Clinton Metroparks Director On Paid Leave Huron Clinton Metroparks Director On Paid Leave
The Huron-Clinton Metroparks director has been placed on leave.
The Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority Board of Commissioners held a special meeting Wednesday and placed Director George Phifer on paid administrative leave following a closed session. Commissioner Steve Williams confirmed the action and said Police Chief Michael Reese will serve as acting director in Phiferâs absence. No official statement or reason why has been provided. Reese told WHMI it is the policy of the HCMA not to comment on personnel matters.
Phifer is responsible for day-to-day operations of the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority in his role as director. He was promoted from deputy director in 2015 and was responsible for the overall administration and operation of all 13 Metroparks. Phiferâs leadership was most recently questioned by Macomb Audubon Society. Itâs unhappy with what it refers to as aggressive management and over-mowing, which damages nesting sites and bird habitats. A fawn was also accidentally run over by a tractor mower at Stoney Creek Metropark in May. Officials said theyâre working with staff to help them identify areas of wildlife before mowing.
Overall, Phifer has a law enforcement background and retired as a captain from the Pontiac Police Department. He became the Metroparks police chief in 2008 and reorganized the department to maximize efficiencies, which led to disgruntled employees and prompted lawsuits.
The Michigan Court of Appeals upheld a lower courtâs dismissal of a sex discrimination lawsuit against Phifer and the authority in March. A judge said âbeing a colossal jerk is not actually unlawful per se, and being arguably unfit for a particular supervisory job does not necessarily constitute an actionable offense.â (JM)
↧
While Proposed Theater's Future Unclear, Modified Layout ApprovedWhile Proposed Theater's Future Unclear, Modified Layout Approved
Plans to construct an Emagine movie theater in Hartland Township may still come to fruition, following the latest action from municipality officials.
The original plans for the theater, which would be built on a parcel north of M-59, east of US-23, received approval from the township earlier this year. The township then sought to establish a district for the parcel so that the theater would be eligible for tax abatement, but the district was rejected by county officials on Monday.
Emagine representatives had previously said without the abatement, the project could not be justified based on projected patronage. However the theaterâs architect, CH Hartland LLC, requested to amend the projectâs previously approved site plans- a request that came before the townshipâs Planning Commission Thursday. The modified plans include reducing the buildingâs size from 64,600 square feet to just over 55,130 square feet. Plans for the interior were also slightly altered by reducing the number of theaters from 10 to nine and creating smaller theaters. The amendments to the plan received unanimous approval from commissioners.
Township Planner Troy Langer says Emagine Entertainment believes the modified theater would fit the communityâs demographic much better than the original plans would have. The plans also allow space for the company to expand the building in the future if the market is strong. Langer says Emagine hasnât confirmed that they will move forward to the projectâs pre-construction phase but that the pieces are in place if they choose to do so.
During the meeting, an Emagine representative told commissioners it was âserendipityâ that led to creating a more efficient design for the theater. He declined to comment or confirm the companyâs plans afterward. (DK)
↧
Vaupel Bill Provides Support In Spina Bifida CasesVaupel Bill Provides Support In Spina Bifida Cases
A new bill from by a local lawmaker will help parents of children with a potential spine problem.
Spina bifida is a congenital condition where the spinal column does not completely close and leaves part of the spinal cord exposed. State Representative Hank Vaupel of Handy Township has sponsored a bill to get parents of unborn and newly born children who may have the condition access to more information and help. The representative said he has heard from mothers of these babies and for many the outlook they received from doctors was gloom, with some being told that the baby would not be compatible with life. The legislation calls on doctors and medical providers to provide parents with information about the condition and recommend additional testing to confirm the diagnosis.
Vaupel, who chairs the House Health Policy Committee, said there have been cases of false positives with spinal bifida. When accurately diagnosed, there are techniques that can be done in utero or right after birth to help the child. Vaupel, who chairs the House Health Policy Committee, stated that credible education and early detection are key. House Bill 4548 was approved with overwhelming support earlier this week and is now in the hands of the Senate Health Policy Committee. If passes through the committee, the Senate at-large will vote on the bill before sending it to the Governor for his signature. (MK)
↧
↧
Charges Dropped Against One Accused Credit Card Thief As Other Heads To TrialCharges Dropped Against One Accused Credit Card Thief As Other Heads To Trial
Charges have been dismissed against one Milford resident charged with stealing credit cards and then using them to buy gift cards in Hartland Township, while the other has been bound over for trial.
20-year-old Avery Snyder and 21-year-old Tyler Graves were each charged last month with three counts each of stealing and retaining credit cards. Snyder was arrested for stealing and retaining a credit card after police found store receipts in her car totaling more than $726 from purchases made with a stolen credit card on May 1 at Meijer in Hartland. The cardâs owner, a 36-year-old Milford resident, told police his vehicle had been broken into the night before while it was parked in his driveway. The cards were then used for more than $2,000 in purchases at stores and gas stations in White Lake, Highland, Wixom, and Hartland. When police reviewed the Meijer storeâs surveillance video, an officer recognized Snyder and Graves and was aware that Graves was wanted for cutting off his tether for being on parole from a 2014 home invasion conviction.
On May 18th, they followed Snyder after she left her motherâs house, observed her pick up Graves, and then drive into downtown Milford, where the officer pulled over the car for a traffic violation and arrested Graves. However, charges against Graves have since been dismissed, with no indication in court records as to why. Snyder, meanwhile, was bound over to Oakland County Circuit Court where sheâll be arraigned July 7th. (JK)
↧
Report: Lyon Township Out Of Running For Foxconn FacilityReport: Lyon Township Out Of Running For Foxconn Facility
A local community is reportedly out of the running to be the new home for a U.S. factory by a Taiwanese company that manufactures Appleâs iPhone.
Foxconn builds electronic devices for companies including Apple and Samsung. The company has been searching for a U.S. site to build a manufacturing plant for the assembly of liquid crystal display screens for the automotive, aviation and defenses industries. Previously two Oakland County sites were being considered, including one in Lyon Township that totals 515-acres and is owned by construction giant Walbridge-Aldinger. However, a report in Crainâs Detroit Business says Foxconn is now looking at a site in Romulus that would give them proximity to Detroit Metro Airport's direct flights to Chinese cities. But future investments are still possible after Foxconn Chairman Terry Gou indicated his company may spend up to $10 billion on multiple facilities in the U.S. over five years.
But before any Michigan investment can happen, a tax incentive program sought by the Snyder administration will have to be approved. The program, which that would allow new companies that create more than 500 new jobs in Michigan to capture up to 50% of their employees' state income taxes, was derailed this week by House Speaker Tom Leonard. The DeWitt Republican canceled a vote after questioning whether Snyder cut a side deal with Democrats. Snyder has been in Europe this week on a trade mission, but a spokesman said he will meet with legislative leaders next week. There will be one last chance to approve the legislation this summer when representatives return to Lansing for a one-day session July 12.
↧
Trucks Crash Head-On Thursday, Drivers Hospitalized Trucks Crash Head-On Thursday, Drivers Hospitalized
Two men were hospitalized following a head-on crash Thursday in Highland Township.
Deputies with the Oakland County Sheriffâs Office Highland Township substation responded around 4:51pm to a report of a head-on injury traffic crash at Harvey Lake Road and East Wardlow Road. A 2004 Dodge Ram, operated by an 18-year-old Highland Township man, was traveling southbound on Harvey Lake Road. Police say thatâs when a northbound 2002 Dodge Ram, driven by a 44-year-old Waterford Township man, crossed left of center and struck the southbound vehicle head on.
One of the drivers had to be extricated from his vehicle by the Highland Township Fire Department. Both drivers were admitted to McLaren Oakland Hospital, where they remain in stable condition.
Investigators from the OCSO Crash Reconstruction Unit responded on scene to assist in the investigation. Police say alcohol does not appear to have been a factor in the crash and both drivers were believed to be wearing their seat belts. The crash remains under investigation.(JM)
↧
Brighton Realtor Reappointed To State Board Brighton Realtor Reappointed To State Board
A Brighton man has been reappointed to the Michigan Board of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons.
On Friday, Governor Rick Snyder announced the reappointments of Ronald Zupko of Brighton and Patrick Dean of DeWitt to the board. Housed within the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, the nine-member board oversees the licensure and practice of real estate brokers and salespersons in Michigan.
Governor Snyder thanked Zupko and Dean for their continued commitment to overseeing the real estate broker and salesperson profession in Michigan.
Zupko is an associate broker with Re/Max Platinum in Brighton and has nearly 25 years of real estate experience. He served in the U.S. Navy for four years and is a former president of the Livingston County Association of Realtors.
Members will serve four-years term expiring June 30th, 2021. Their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. (JM)
↧
↧
Pinckney Camp CEO Named "Entrepreneur of the Year"Pinckney Camp CEO Named "Entrepreneur of the Year"
The CEO of a local camp for children with health challenges has been honored for his entrepreneurship by a global organization.
Doug Armstrong, CEO of the North Star Reach camp in Unadilla Township, was named âEntrepreneur of the Yearâ by multinational professional services firm EY, formerly known as Ernst & Young. Armstrong was among 14 individuals from the Michigan and Northwest Ohio region to receive the award.
North Star Reach welcomes campers ages 7-15 with chronic and life-threatening health challenges with the goal of giving them the full camp experience free of charge. Founded by Armstrong in 2007, the non-profit camp serves 1,500 children and their families annually. The camp opened last summer and operates year-round.
Armstrong is a former nurse and clinical research director at the University of Michigan Transplant Center. (DK)
Facebook Photo
↧
Turnin 2 Property Rezoned, Deadline Set To Clear Remaining MaterialsTurnin 2 Property Rezoned, Deadline Set To Clear Remaining Materials
Hartland Township officials have set a hard and fast clean-up deadline for property owners whose proposed softball complex development has fallen through.
June 7th of this year was the deadline for Black Wing LLC to remove building materials and dead vegetation from their 75 acres at the southwest corner of Clyde Road and US-23. Property developers had begun to construct the Turnin 2 Softball Complex that received approval in 2015, though the project was disbanded last year for reasons unknown to the township.
Last June, the property owners were given exactly one year for material removal, which has not happened. They recently submitted a request to the township for a 60 day extension to solve the issue, which was shot down by the townshipâs Board of Trustees at their meeting Tuesday. The board did however approve an extension until July 11th, which is their next scheduled meeting, for the materials to be removed.
The unanimously approved resolution stipulated that the municipality could use funds from an escrow account to remove the materials themselves on July 12th if property owners have not done so or did not have a plan of action. Neighbors have complained about the building materials on the property, as well as dead trees and inadequate vegetation cover.
Township Planner Troy Langer says Black Wing LLC is looking to sell the property and has kept the materials on the parcel so the partially constructed building could be completed and used for another purpose by new owners. Langer says the property has received some interest, but that one potential buyer in question needed a space that had a building in place already and wouldnât need to be rezoned.
The projectâs architects submitted a request to rezone the property from Conservation Agricultural and General Commercial to Light Industrial, which Langer says will be helpful in selling the land. That request was unanimously approved by the townshipâs Planning Commission Thursday. (DK)
↧
Public Encouraged To Cast Final Votes In Howell Art Project Public Encouraged To Cast Final Votes In Howell Art Project
There is limited time left to vote for artwork on display around downtown Howell.
This marks the third consecutive year of the Howell Art Project. 12 semi-finalist pieces are on display at local businesses throughout downtown Howell and the public is encouraged to vote for their favorite piece at each location. The weeklong public voting period ends Sunday evening. 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.
Votes will be compiled once public voting closes. The Peopleâs Choice award winner will be announced at the Public Art Unveil and Celebration Ceremony in August. Winning artwork will be reproduced and hung on the exterior of buildings throughout the downtown district
Votes can also be submitted online through the link provided. (JM)
↧
Former Auto Shop Worker Admits To Secretly Photographing Women in BathroomFormer Auto Shop Worker Admits To Secretly Photographing Women in Bathroom
A Williamston man charged with secretly photographing women in the bathroom of a Brighton auto shop where he worked has entered a plea.
37-year-old Joshua David Porter pleaded guilty as charged Friday to three counts of capturing/distributing images of an unclothed person and two counts of using a computer to commit a crime. Michigan State Police identify Porter as a Williamston resident, but court records show an Ypsilanti address.
The charges stem from an incident that occurred in April of 2016. Porter reportedly installed a GoPro camera in the womenâs bathroom at Brighton Auto One where he worked, prior to being transferred to the storeâs Wixom location. After a photograph was posted to the Internet, a police raid of the Brighton store was conducted at which time the device was discovered.
He is scheduled to be sentenced July 27th in Circuit Court. (DK)
↧
↧
Portions of Brighton Experience Power OutagePortions of Brighton Experience Power Outage
Part of the city of Brighton was affected by a power outage yesterday afternoon and last eveningâ¦DTE reports that the problem was due to a cable failure. The initial area of the outage was very small, affecting just the northeast part of Brighton, but later had to be expanded when the crew sent to the scene had to remove additional customers in order to address the outage. Power went out in the northeast part of town in the late afternoon and service was restored at about 9:20 last night when affected customers were switched to another circuit. DTE did not have an estimate on the number of residential and commercial customers who were affected by the outage. In addition to residential customers, a large commercial area on Grand River, which includes several restaurants and other businesses, was affected. (TT)
↧
Scrap Tire Collection In July For Livingston County Residents Scrap Tire Collection In July For Livingston County Residents
Livingston County residents have an opportunity unload scrap tires in an environmentally safe manner.
A Scrap Tire Collection sponsored by the Solid Waste Program of the Livingston County Drain Commissioner will be held for Livingston County residents to responsibly dispose of car and light truck tires. The event is free for Livingston County residents and will be held by reservation only on Saturday, July 8th from 9am-1pm. Per State regulations; there is a limit of 10 tires per resident address.
Details are provided in the link and attachment. (JM)
↧
Fenton Student & High School Take Top Honors At Sport Shooting CompetitionFenton Student & High School Take Top Honors At Sport Shooting Competition
A Fenton High School student took top honors at the 2017 Michigan State High School Clay Target League State Tournament.
The Michigan State High School Clay Target League is an independent provider of shooting sports as an extracurricular co-ed and adaptive activity for high schools and students in grades 6 through 12. Student athletes representing 38 Michigan high school teams competed for individual and team achievements at the June tournament, which is held each year following the completion of the Leagueâs spring season.
Student Parker Bundy took home the high overall award at the 2017 State Tournament at the MTA Homegrounds in Mason. Fenton High School also took home the award for top team. (JM)
↧
LACASA's Garden Tour Weekend Returns In July LACASA's Garden Tour Weekend Returns In July
Summer is in full bloom and two events will showcase gardens throughout Livingston County while raising funds to support victims of child abuse and interpersonal violence.
LACASA will host its 19th annual Garden Tour Weekend July 8th and 9th. Guests will be able to explore 14 colorful gardens but get ideas about planting, decorating and staging their own outdoor spaces. Attendees can also learn green-thumb tips from homeowners. City, suburban and rural gardens are featured that have been created with love and lots of imagination. LACASAâs Community Engagement Director Deanna Norris tells WHMI they have a very active and devoted committee that puts a lot of thought into selecting the gardens, saying most are master gardeners and have been involved for most, if not all, 19 years of the event.
The weekend also features a Stargazer Scavenger Hunt, allowing attendees to search for clues and enter a special drawing. Tickets can also be purchased for the annual Blooming Raffle and Summertime Quilt raffle at specified locations.
Twilight in the Garden will be held a couple weeks later on July 22nd, which is LACASAâs midsummer fundraising garden party. Both events are well attended and proceeds stay in the community, benefitting vulnerable children and adults from Livingston County. Twilight tickets are $75. Itâs LACASAâs midsummer fundraising garden party and will be hosted by Linda and Dale Bader of Bader Acres in Howell. That features international wines and cool brews, food, a cigar and spirits bar, and live entertainment in a setting with colorful waterside gardens.
Tickets for LACASAâs Garden Tour are $15 in advance or $20 at gardens during the event. Tickets are on sale at 16 locations throughout Livingston County. Details can be found through the link. (JM)
↧
↧
Crash Leaves Howell Woman In Critical ConditionCrash Leaves Howell Woman In Critical Condition
A single-car crash in Howell Township Saturday that left a local woman in critical condition remains under investigation.
Deputies with the Livingston County Sheriffâs Office were dispatched at approximately 2:20am to Oak Grove Road south of Cindy Drive in Howell Township for a single vehicle injury crash. Preliminary investigation revealed that an 18-year-old Howell resident was operating a 1997 Plymouth Neon southbound on Oak Grove Road when she lost control crossing the center line and left the roadway. After leaving the roadway, the vehicle overturned and came to rest after striking a tree.
The driver was transported to the University of Michigan Hospital by Survival Flight in critical condition. Oak Grove Road remained closed for approximately three hours during the investigation. Speed appears to be a factor in the crash, while alcohol and seatbelt use remain under investigation. Deputies were assisted at the scene by personnel from the Howell Area Fire Department and Livingston County EMS. (JK)
↧
Earl Farm Dinner Will Raise Funds To Purchase Cattle For Local CharitiesEarl Farm Dinner Will Raise Funds To Purchase Cattle For Local Charities
A local family-owned farm will be the location of a benefit dinner next month as a unique way to give back to several community charities.
Brent Earl isnât counting his chickens just yet, but is hoping the Field to Table Benefit Dinner at Earl Farm July 20th will raise enough money to purchase several steers. Earl is looking to donate to organizations in need of food in his own way. He says many people donate money or canned goods, but he wants to purchase steers, raise them on his farm, and then donate the beef to charities in need.
One steer, which costs around $2,500, can supply about 400 lbs of healthy, grass-fed beef. Earl says the farm has the capacity for more cattle, but he does not have the financial resources to purchase more. Earl has a goal to donate 100 steers in his lifetime and by incorporating the community, he may be able to make that impact. He hopes to be able to gift the organizations with quality beef that they often donât receive or canât afford.
It will take about 14 to 18 months for the cattle to become full grown. The steers will then be processed and delivered to the benefitting charities, LACASA, Sonrise Pantry, Family Impact Center, The Torch, and Gleaners.
Rain or shine, the benefit will be held outside near a 60 acre sunflower field. The dinner menu will include many items grown at the farm, and the evening will feature live music. The event is limited to 100 people and tickets can be found at the link below. Anyone unable to attend but wishing to make a contribution can donate at the website as well. (DK)
↧
Pharmacy Head To Be Sentenced In Deadly Meningitis OutbreakPharmacy Head To Be Sentenced In Deadly Meningitis Outbreak
The co-founder of a Massachusetts compounding pharmacy is set to be sentenced in a deadly nationwide meningitis outbreak that killed more than 70 people, more than a dozen of them in Livingston County, and sickened hundreds more.
Barry Cadden was acquitted of second-degree murder charges under federal racketeering law, but convicted on conspiracy and fraud charges. Sentencing is scheduled today in federal court in Boston. Cadden was charged in connection with a 2012 fungal meningitis outbreak that was traced to contaminated injections of medical steroids made by the New England Compounding Center in Framingham.
Of the 778 people who became sick, 76 died â including 15 people who received the NECCâs tainted steroid injections at a clinic in Livingston County. Prosecutors say Cadden ran the center in a dangerous way by skirting industry regulations on sterility in an effort to push production and make more money. Prosecutors will ask the judge to sentence him to 35 years in prison. Cadden's lawyer says he should get 2 1/2 to 3 years. (JK)
↧