Hartland Township officials were presented with some expert advice on potential plans for mitigating an invasive plant species.
A non-native species of phragmities has been migrating through parts of Michigan, Livingston County, and Hartland Township. Phragmities is a reed that can grow roughly 8-feet or higher, taking over shallow wetlands and choking out natural plant and wildlife. Multiple acres of Spranger Field and, recently, portions of Settlerâs Park in Hartland Township have been identified as having the weed.
The Board of Trustees, with the help of Public Works Director Bob West, have been investigating methods for reducing their presence since spring. At a meeting in September, they were presented with options with cutting the weed, leaving them be, or using chemicals. Trustees were interested in a 4th option, burning them. At Tuesdayâs meeting, David Mindell of Plantwise was there to share his experience in fighting the plant in Michigan. Mindell, who has seen success fighting phragmities in areas like West Bloomfield, said what he recommends is a chemical application in the fall, followed by burning the leftover thatch in winter. He informed the Board that this will take care of 90-95% of the weeds, which can never be fully eliminated.
Mindell said that with this technique, there is a strong possibility of native plants recovering on their own, without needing to plant for them. Trustee Glenn Harper said he was 100% against using chemicals because of safety concerns for the people applying it, the schools, and the water. Mindell said that the chemical had a short lifespan of 60 days and became inactive in water. He estimated to treat Spranger Park would cost roughly $1,100 for the chemical, and $2,300 for the burn.
Township Manager James Wickman said they would put together some costs and come back at a future meeting to see what the board wanted to spend. (Image- Google) (MK)
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Hartland Officials Hear Expert Advice On Battling Invasive PlantHartland Officials Hear Expert Advice On Battling Invasive Plant
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Fired Veterans Services Director Settles Lawsuit Against CountyFired Veterans Services Director Settles Lawsuit Against County
The former head of the embattled Livingston County Veterans Services has settled his lawsuit against the county and the former head of the committee that oversees the department.
Adam Smiddy filed the lawsuit last November in Livingston County Circuit Court against both the county and Hansel Keene, the one-time chair of the veterans committee. Keene later decided not to seek another term leading the board. Court records show the lawsuit was dismissed October 21st following an out-of-court settlement between the various parties. Smiddy had been fired by the Livingston County Veterans Services Committee in August of 2018. While no official reason was provided for his termination, Smiddy maintained it was the direct result of his efforts to determine exactly what happened to cash and other items donated to the department by a local resident who said she could not obtain a receipt despite repeated attempts to do so. The donor said she had written a $400 check to Keene and made other donations including floor cleaners and a riding lawnmower, but that despite repeated requests for a receipt Keene never provided one.
Smiddy said when he contacted Keene, he admitted cashing the check but only using $125 of it for a plaque, while âretaining the balance.â Keene also reportedly said he had âscrappedâ the lawnmower and kept the floor cleaners in his garage. Smiddy says he informed Keene he needed to provide a copy of the deposit slip, a receipt for the scrapped lawnmower and return the cleaners. But Smiddy was fired by the committee four days later. Smiddy claimed his firing was a violation of the Whistleblowerâs Protection Act and demanded he be reinstated to his position, awarded lost wages as well as damages and attorney fees.
When asked for comment, Interim Livingston County Administrator Cindy Catanach declined to reveal terms of the settlement, but did release a statement that said, âThis case was settled at the recommendation of our municipal risk management insurer, with no admission of liability.â Requests for comment to Keene and the lawyer representing Smiddy were not returned. (JK)
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Pot Use Suspected In Lyon Township CrashPot Use Suspected In Lyon Township Crash
Police say they suspect pot use was involved with an accident involving entrapment in Lyon Township yesterday.
The Lyon Township Fire Department responded Wednesday morning for an accident at 8 Mile and Chubb Roads. Officials said units arrived on scene to find the driver of a Ford Taurus pinned inside the vehicle. The 19-year-old female resident of Whitmore Lake was reported to have been passing vehicles as she traveled eastbound. At the same time, a 27-year-old male resident of Novi, was driving a 2018 Ford Focus westbound on Eight Mile Road. The Ford Taurus then entered the westbound lane and collided head-on with the Focus.
A helicopter was requested but later cancelled. Firefighters removed the roof and doors on the Taurus along with a dash roll using rams. Once the Whitmore Lake woman was freed from the car, she was transported to Ascension Providence Hospital in Novi by paramedics with Huron Valley Ambulance where she remains in stable condition. It is suspected she was under the influence of marijuana at the time of the crash.
A search warrant for her blood was obtained and a blood sample was drawn and submitted for analysis. The results are pending. She was not wearing a seatbelt. Neither drugs nor alcohol appear to be a factor for the driver of the Focus. He was wearing a seatbelt and sustained just minor injuries. Crews were assisted on scene by the Salem Township Fire Department. The incident remains under investigation by Deputies assigned to the Lyon Township Substation. (JM/JK)
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Howell To Host Statewide Robotics CompetitionHowell To Host Statewide Robotics Competition
A robotics competition next weekend in Howell will feature student teams from around Michigan.
Robots from across the state will descend on Parker Middle School on Wright Road next Saturday, November 16th and Sunday the 17th when the Howell Highlander FIRST Robotics organization hosts two FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Qualifier competitions. Over the two days, more than 60 teams will compete with the hopes of advancing to the FIRST in Michigan State Finals. This yearâs FTC competition game is Skystone, in which teams try to score the most points by locating and delivering Stones and Skystones from the Loading Zone to the Building Zone, building the highest Skyscraper, and placing the Capstone on the Skyscraper.
Opening Ceremonies will begin both days at 10:30 a.m., with the qualification, matches starting at 11 a.m. Following the qualification matches, alliance selections will start at 4:45 p.m., and the elimination rounds will begin at 5 p.m. The closing ceremonies are set for 6:30 p.m. The Howell FTC Qualifier, which is free to attend and open to the public, will be held in the schoolâs field house, which is located on the east side of the school. (JK)
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Salvation Army Hosting Final Sign-Up Events For Christmas AssistanceSalvation Army Hosting Final Sign-Up Events For Christmas Assistance
This Friday and Saturday marks the last two opportunities to sign up to receive Christmas assistance through the Salvation Army of Livingston County.
The local Corps is once again looking to help ease financial worries for local families by proving help with food, gifts and toys. Major Prezza Morrison says there are still a lot of different needs in the community and the Christmas assistance is one way they can help provide hope during the holiday season. The Christmas assistance includes a food basket and toys and gifts for kids and teens. Morrison says last year, the Salvation Army helped almost 400 children and gave out almost 10,000 gifts thanks to the generous donations from the community and their collaborative partnership with the Marine Corps League Toys for Tots. Fridayâs sign-up event will run from noon to 7pm and then from 10am to 3pm on Saturday. Both will take place at the Salvation Armyâs 3600 East Grand River location in Howell, near the Speedway gas station and the old Carsonâs store.
Meanwhile, the Salvation Army is also kicking off its annual toy drive this weekend. The collection event will be held Saturday at the Walmart store in Howell, where volunteers will be passing out flyers to shoppers and collecting toy donations as they leave. The Red Kettles will be out and manned by bell ringers, although that campaign doesnât officially kick off until the day after Thanksgiving. Major Prezza Morrison tells WHMI theyâll be collecting toys and other gifts. She says those wishing to help out can just go in and buy whatever they think a child would want or need. Morrison asks that people not forget teenagers when shopping because they assist them too but it can be difficult because people always want to buy things for younger children. The toy drive will take place from 10am to 5pm Saturday with volunteers collecting toys at both doors at the Howell Walmart.
More information about the events and volunteer opportunities can be found through the link. (JM)
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Hartland Officials Approve Liquor License For Sushi BarHartland Officials Approve Liquor License For Sushi Bar
Hartland Township officials have approved a request for the township's last available liquor license made by a local restaurant owner.
Representatives and supporters of Two Guys Sushi, LLC were before the Hartland Township Board of Trustees for a public hearing, this past week, requesting the third and final liquor license available to the township, for their proposed Hatorando Sushi and Bar restaurant. Primary applicant Joe Torrence is a 20-year Hartland resident and said that they've had overwhelming community support for what they believe will be a unique brand of restaurant to the area. Hartland officials discussed it being a sushi bar, with a sports theme. Resident David MacGregor said he liked both the idea of having more independent restaurants in the township, and not having to drive to Brighton to get sushi.
While many in attendance were agreeable with these thoughts, a pair of Hartland officials weren't certain this would be the best use of their last liquor license. Clerk Larry Ciofu said he had nothing against the restaurant and believes it will be a success, but would rather save the last license for a more brick and mortar store. If they were concerned about a business wanting to sell liquor but not having a license available, Township Manager James Wickman said they get one license per 1,500 residents, giving them 3, and that he expects that they will receive a 4th from the state following the 2020 census. Treasurer Kathie Horning wanted to see it used for a business that had to build a building in the area, not confident they would get that 4th license from the census.
Trustee Joe Petrucci was favor of the approval comparing its uniqueness to that of Black Rock, a restaurant that has expanded through the Midwest, but whose beginnings are rooted in Hartland. The Board approved the request 5-2. Two Guys Sushi, LLC still has to receive approval from the state liquor commission before they can receive the Class C license. (MK)
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Fatality Reported Among Morning Traffic CrashesFatality Reported Among Morning Traffic Crashes
Icy road conditions led to multiple crashes across area freeways this morning, including a fatal crash in Genoa Township.
Michigan State Police say they responded to at least three crashes on Eastbound I-96 between D-19 and Latson Road, including one involving a fatality that happened around 6:30am. The eastbound lanes had to be closed for more than an hour while they dealt with the crashes. Officials say early investigation reveals a male driver in a Ford Mustang lost control on an icy overpass, drove off the road, struck a guard rail and two vehicles that were on the shoulder of the road due to a prior crash. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Assistant Post Commander Lt. Michael Sura told WHMI there were no injuries to any of the other motorists, as they had exited their vehicles and were standing behind the guardrails waiting for police response.
Meanwhile, the Livingston County Sheriffâs Office responded to a crash on Burkhart Road over I-96 involving a school bus and another vehicle. The preliminary investigation revealed that a 1999 Dodge Ram truck operated by a 47-year-old Lansing resident was traveling eastbound on Highland Road when he lost control on the overpass for I-96 due to icy road conditions. The Dodge Ram crossed the center line hitting a 2008 International school bus operated by Howell Public Schools. The school bus was operated by a 51-year-old Howell resident and did not have any students on it when the crash occurred. The driver of the Dodge Ram and the passenger, a 27-year-old Lansing resident, were transported to Sparrow Hospital. The driver sustained life-threatening injuries while the passenger is listed in stable condition. The bus driver was transported to St. Joe Livingston Hospital in stable condition. Alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the crash and all occupants were wearing seatbelts. Deputies were assisted at the scene by Livingston County Ambulance and Howell Area Fire Department. Highland Road remained closed for approximately 4 hours while the scene was investigated. The crash remains under investigation by the Livingston County Major Crash Team.
Other crashes were reported on US-23 at Hyne Road and at Silver Lake Road near Fenton and then later in the morning at M-36, where the Michigan Department of Transportation said the left lane of southbound US-23 was blocked.
As winter weather approaches, Michigan State Police remind motorists to slow down on ice and snow. Police advise if you are involved in a crash and there are no apparent injuries, look for a safe location nearby to park your vehicle, such as the shoulder, emergency lane or median. Once parked off the main traveled portion of the roadway, remain in your vehicle and call the police to report the crash. (JK)
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Don Hall Ready For Retirement After 50 Years In FirefightingDon Hall Ready For Retirement After 50 Years In Firefighting
A longtime member of the Brighton Area Fire Authority who has retired after decades of service was celebrated by the community at a packed send-off party.
Captain/Fire Inspector Don Hall is said to have served in every role at BAFA, holding the title of deputy chief for several years and retiring last week as an inspector. He was just a teenager when he began his career in the fire service 50 years ago. Hall considered going off to Vietnam but didnât follow through; instead working as the fire chief at General Motorsâ Proving Grounds in Milford and as BAFAâs training officer before being hired on at BAFA full-time in 2005. Former Fire Chief Larry Lane says at that time they had an arrangement with GM so that the company paid Hall's wages, but allowed the Fire Authority to also use him.
Hall says he never expected the Fire Authority to become as big as it has and has seen many changes over the course of 50 years working in the fire service. Hall says during that time brush fires became less prevalent compared to structure fires, there was a shift from using ground to aerial ladders and, he jokes, people began locking their doors, which meant firefighters had to start learning how to pry them open.
A retirement party for Hall was held Thursday at Brewery Becker in downtown Brighton. The packed event drew not only local friends and colleagues, but firefighters from all over Michigan and out of state that have been influenced and shaped by Hall. Thatâs fitting, according to BAFA Fire Chief Michael OâBrian, who says Hall has made a huge impact on numerous firefighters over a long period of time. O'Brian says that positive impact is a true measure of a person's career, adding that Hall left the fire service better than he found it.
Commonly said among those that know him is that Hall has a great sense of humor and, despite that he is self-proclaimed as a man of few words, supposedly could have had a successful career as a stand-up comedian. Hall says heâll miss his colleagues but teases that theyâll be around and he can always stop in and see them if he really wants to. He tells WHMI heâll be spending his retirement in the area, but is looking forward to "taking it easy for once". (DK)
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Residents Take Advantage Of New Laws To Register To VoteResidents Take Advantage Of New Laws To Register To Vote
Early data shows over 2,000 Michigan residents took advantage of new laws allowing them to vote this past Election Day. The new âPromote the Voteâ constitutional amendment allows voters to register within 2 weeks of an election, up to, and including Election Day. To do so, they must only provide residency verification at their city or townshipâs clerkâs office.
The Michigan Secretary of State is reporting than in the 14 days leading up to this past Tuesdayâs Election Day 2,022 people were verified and registered successfully. Over half of those people did so on Election Day, itself.
Within those numbers, people under 30 made up half of the registrations, with the largest group being young adults, ages 18 to 21. Additionally, the November âPromote the Voteâ numbers showed a large increase when compared to the two earlier Election Days this year, when 600 signed up to vote in May, and 700 in August.
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said that she is excited to see such great new participation in our democracy, and that her office will continue to work with the Bureau of Elections and clerks across the state to ensure voters are educated on and able to take advantage of their new voting rights. (MK)
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Hearings Set Next Week In Tainted Steroid DeathsHearings Set Next Week In Tainted Steroid Deaths
Two men facing second-degree murder charges related to a fatal meningitis outbreak will be back in Livingston County court next week.
Barry J. Cadden and Glenn Chin were transported from federal prisons in Pennsylvania and arrived in Livingston County Wednesday night. Cadden, the co-founder of New England Compounding Center, and Chin, who worked there as a pharmacist, were charged earlier this year by the Michigan Attorney Generalâs Office in connection with 11 deaths in Livingston County. They are both currently serving federal prison sentences for convictions in a separate case related to the 2012 national outbreak.
At least 100 people have died and nearly 1,000 others became ill nationwide because of tainted steroids. The outbreak killed 23 people in Michigan. Investigators connected the compounding pharmacy to Michigan clinics, including Michigan Pain Specialists in Genoa Township, which had dispensed the NECC contaminated steroids.
Next weekâs hearings are set for Thursday and Friday and will allow Michigan witnesses to testify. Out of state witnesses will testify at a follow-up hearing in December. Livingston County District Court Judge Shauna Murphy is deciding whether there is enough evidence to bind the case over to Livingston County Circuit Court for trial. (JK)
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Oceola Officials Ready For Next Step In New Community CenterOceola Officials Ready For Next Step In New Community Center
Oceola Township officials are ready to pursue engineering on a new community center.
With the townshipâs current community center only being usable for meeting space, the Board of Trustees has been pursuing options on a new building that will put the focus on athletics. A couple months ago they received two proposals from developers for between $4.5 to $5-million dollars that would get them not only new meeting space, but also 3 full size gymnasiums for basketball courts, a workout facility, and an indoor track.
At Thursdayâs meeting of the Board, Tim Church, Executive Director for the Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority, said he went to the 5 entities in HAPRAâs jurisdiction to gauge their interest in helping Oceola Township support the maintenance costs for the building. Church said he was met with positive response from all boards, and that the biggest request was that when they came to ask for the money to be budgeted, that they have a full proposal with how the money will be used. Church estimates they will likely ask for somewhere between $10,000 and $15,000 per contributing entity for 3 years. As for operation costs, he was confident that they could run it within their current means.
The next step in the process is for engineering to be done on the site, which will help the Board learn if it is even possible to build their desired facility on the grounds of the current center, or if they have to find a new location. They elected to ask Tetra Tech to submit a proposal for engineering services, expecting it cost around $100,000. (MK)
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Elderly Couple Killed In Crash & Car Fire IdentifiedElderly Couple Killed In Crash & Car Fire Identified
Authorities have identified an elderly couple killed in a fiery freeway crash in Handy Township.
The Livingston County Sheriffâs Office has identified the two victims as 88-year-old Laurence Carlsen and 72-year-old Roberta Carlsen of East Lansing. Both were killed in the crash that happened around 7am October 29th on eastbound I-96 west of Fowlerville Road. The coupleâs 2019 Subaru Ascent ran off the road to the right, then struck a tree and caught on fire. Itâs unknown why the vehicle initially left the roadway and the office is awaiting autopsy reports. Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy earlier told WHMI that because of the condition of the bodies this unfortunately might be one of those crashes where questions remain unanswered. There was no indication of contact with any other vehicle or a mechanical problem and the vehicle appeared to have just drifted off the freeway. The crash shut down a nearly five mile section of eastbound I-96 starting at M-52 in Ingham County to Nicholson Road in Livingston County for roughly five hours.
Laurence was an orthodontist up until his retirement. Roberta was retired from public schools administration and was also a member of the Peace Corps and taught in West Africa, and spoke close to five languages fluently. An obituary states that while their years together as a married couple were limited, they were still able to travel and enjoy many sights together. A private family service will be held in California at a later date for Laurence. Memorial information for Roberta can be found through the provided link. Photos: www.Legacy.com and www.dignitymemorial.com. (JM)
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Runaway Pug Remains At Large Inside GM Proving GroundsRunaway Pug Remains At Large Inside GM Proving Grounds
The GM Proving Grounds in Milford have an intruder, but employees seem more concerned for his safety than the loss of any corporate secrets.
Rex the pug went missing from his home near Commerce and Hickory Ridge roads on Halloween but has been spotted several times since inside the massive track complex where GM puts test vehicles through the paces. Rexâs owner, Annette Jones, told The Milford Times that despite fairly tight security at the complex which spans both Milford and Brighton townships, officials have let her inside twice to search for Rex. Itâs believed the 25 pound dog slipped in underneath one of the gates. On one of the trips, Jones said she came within 20 feet of Rex, but he ran off back into the woods.
She told the paper that he has eluded capture despite her leaving out some of his favorite foods including a McDonaldâs cheeseburger and fries, but speculated he may be surviving on grasshoppers and rabbits. She says that GM security and staff have been very cooperative and are keeping an eye out for Rex.
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Brighton Council Votes to Proceed with Rickett Project This FallBrighton Council Votes to Proceed with Rickett Project This Fall
At its meeting Thursday night, the Brighton City Council voted to finish leveling Rickett Road from the railroad tracks to Church Street this fall so that the street will be safe when reopened to traffic.
Rickett Road from the railroad tracks to Church, and Church St., from Rickett to Grand River, have been closed to traffic for the last few months for reconstruction and replacement of an old sewer line. That has caused traffic problems because Rickett traffic has had to be diverted onto Grand River and Old US-23, which already had heavy traffic volumes.
DPW Director Marcel Goch told council that the weather has been problematic the last several days because itâs been almost too cold to do the work, plus the cityâs contractor is going to stop making asphalt for the season on Nov. 15th. Council agreed that it would be wise to finish the levelling work in the next several days rather than wait until next spring. Goch agrees that would be the wise course of action. He tells WHMI that when the project is completed next spring, the warranty will be honored on the leveling aspect.
The project will result in complete reconstruction of Rickett from the railroad tracks north to Church Street, and rehabbing the pavement of Church St. from Rickett to Grand River. The most significant part of the project is the replacement of an aging, partially collapsed, 8-inch sanitary sewer line. The total price of the project, when combined with the $72,000 in engineering fees, is $1,051,000.
The city will pay for the project using $505,000 from the major street fund, $421,000 from its utilities reserve fund and $53,000 from the newly-created capital reserve fund. City officials stress that none of the funds from the recently passed street millage will be used for the project. Goch says Rickett and Church will likely be reopened to traffic in about one week. (TT)
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Pedestrian Critically Injured While Walking Along FreewayPedestrian Critically Injured While Walking Along Freeway
An accident in Handy Township Thursday night involving a pedestrian and a car has left a Livingston County resident critically injured.
The Livingston County Sheriffâs Office says that deputies were dispatched at approximately 11:21pm to an injury crash on westbound I-96, east of Fowlerville Road. A preliminary investigation indicates that 22-year-old Thor Aric Gail of Brighton was walking west in the westbound lane of travel on the highway when he was struck by a 2008 Chevy Cobalt. The driver of the Cobalt was a 32-year-old East Lansing resident. Gail was initially transported to Sparrow Hospital in Lansing by Livingston County EMS where he was initially in critical condition but is now listed as stable. The driver of the Cobalt was not injured.
Speed and alcohol do not appear to be factors in the incident. Deputies were assisted at the scene by the Fowlerville Fire Department, Livingston County Ambulance and Michigan Department of Transportation. The incident remains under investigation by the Livingston County Sheriffâs Office Major Crash Team. (JK)
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Stockbridge Man Gets Jail For Illegal EntryStockbridge Man Gets Jail For Illegal Entry
Sentence has been handed down to a man who claims he did not intend on stealing anything when he entered a home in Unadilla Township.
33-year-old David Daniel Houk of Stockbridge was sentenced in Livingston County Circuit Court Thursday to 90 days in jail with a credit of 34 days served. He was set to be sentenced early last month; however, he failed to appear for his sentencing and a warrant was issued. The warrant was cancelled when he was arraigned by video in Circuit Court about a week after the no-show.
In August, Houk pleaded guilty to charges of malicious destruction of property and illegal entry. He was originally charged with 2nd degree home invasion, and breaking and entering a building with intent.
The charges are related to the June 19th incident in which police say they received a report of a break-in at a Hadley Road residence in Unadilla Township and officers responded to investigate. A police dog was used to track Houk to a neighboring residence. Authorities say Houk admitted to police that he had entered the garage of the residence but claimed he had no intentions of stealing anything. A door, however, was damaged in the process, which led to the original felony home invasion charges. (DK)
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Lawmaker's Resolution Adopted To Declare November Stomach Cancer Awareness MonthLawmaker's Resolution Adopted To Declare November Stomach Cancer Awareness Month
A local lawmaker is working to raise awareness about stomach cancer.
Republican State Representative Ann Bollin of Brighton Township introduced a resolution to declare November Stomach Cancer Awareness Month in the state of Michigan. Bollin addressed colleagues on the House floor this week and explained that stomach cancer is one of the most difficult cancers to detect in the early stages, leading to higher mortality rates. An estimated 27,510 cases were diagnosed in the U.S. this year and more than 11,000 people lost their lives to the disease. Bollin says they can significantly improve timely detection of stomach cancer if they educate about the symptoms and raise awareness in others. Additionally, she says they must pursue greater research into early screening and diagnosis for stomach cancer.
The resolution was said to be adopted with overwhelming bi-partisan support. Photo: Bollin is joined by Rep. Andrea Schroeder of Clarkston who was diagnosed with stomach cancer last year. (JM)
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City Of Howell Receives Another Glowing Audit ReportCity Of Howell Receives Another Glowing Audit Report
The City of Howell has received another clean audit report.
The City received an âunmodifiedâ opinion, indicating the statements fairly present the financial position of the Cityâs activities. The 2019 audit report was accepted following a presentation during a recent City Council meeting. Representatives from the Rehmann Robson firm again commended the City, management team, and Finance Director Catherine Stanislawski, saying they continue to operate very efficiently. The City has had clean audits for the last several years and received numerous excellence in financial reporting awards â despite continuing budget and revenue challenges and what officials say is a broken state fiscal model. The favorable audit report was said to be a testament to the quality of the financial staff and the rest of the team in regard to how they handle and manage the resources of the city. Interim City Manager Erv Suida tells WHMI the finance department did it again and what a great job with another clean audit, adding they canât speak highly enough about the department and great work that they do.
A memo noted the general fund ended the year with a fund balance of $2.29 (m) million â representing 31.73% of general fund expenditures and transfers out for the fiscal year ending June 20th, 2019. That percentage is higher than the Cityâs target of 20% and Council instructed staff to allocate a portion of the additional funds to making an additional MERS contribution, the upcoming Clinton Street project and the Barnard Center demolition. Whatever revenue is then remaining over the 20% fund balance will be dedicated to the 2020/2021 budget process. (JM)
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Two Events Honoring Veterans Planned In South LyonTwo Events Honoring Veterans Planned In South Lyon
The South Lyon community is gearing up for two events honoring and remembering veterans.
The first is the dedication of the new location of the South Lyon Veterans Memorial in McHattie Park off Lafayette Street at 1:30pm Sunday. Vietnam-Era Navy Veteran Mark Schultz is the Senior Vice Commander at the American Legion Post 338 in South Lyon. He says a large limestone memorial rock previously located at in a city parking lot at the corner of South Lafayette and Liberty Streets in downtown South Lyon has been moved to McHattie Park.
Legacy bricks were also moved and are now arranged in a star pattern as part of a concrete plaza and an American flag will be flown next to the rock. The new memorial was made possible through various fundraising efforts and community donations. Schultz tells WHMI the rock weighs like two tons and it was pretty crazy watching it get moved to the new location. He says it will be re-dedicated in the new location thatâs much more prominent and will offer more exposure for people to see it.
Schultz says all five branches of the military will be represented at the dedication ceremony, which is being done on Sunday afternoon so that it doesnât interfere with what is done to honor soldiers on Veterans Day. He says itâs a joint effort between the American Legion and the VFW and the annual recognition of veterans starts at 11am on Monday. Schultz says that will feature speakers from the national and state organizations, as well as local chapters and color guard presentations. Schultz noted they always hold an event on Veterans Day and conduct the service at the 11th hour and 11th minute of the 11th month â which is when World War II officially ended. He says they would love to see everyone come out and recognize those who gave so much. Schultz acknowledged that attending on Monday can be tough because people have to work but Sunday is an excellent way to come out and show some respect and a little bit of love. Facebook photos. (JM)
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Authorities Seek Man Impersonating Police OfficerAuthorities Seek Man Impersonating Police Officer
Thereâs a man impersonating a police officer in the Livingston County area.
A post on the MSP mobile app says the incident occurred around 9:45am Friday when a person claiming to be a Michigan State Police trooper made a traffic stop on an individual who was driving a commercial vehicle in the area of Layton and Fowlerville Roads in Handy Township. Police say when asked for his identification and business card, the individual fled the scene. The suspect is described as a white male in his late 20âs to early 30âs standing between 5â10â and 6 feet tall and heavy set, weighing 220-230 pounds with no facial hair. The suspect was last seen wearing a dark colored uniform, a dark hat, sunglasses, a silver badge and a name tag that possibly says âSmithâ. The suspect was also wearing a duty belt with a radio and handcuffs but no gun was seen. Police say the man was driving a 2008-2010 Chevy Tahoe model of a dark color with no decals. The vehicle had spotlights and emergency lights in the grill and windshield but no overhead lights. There was no push bar on the front of the vehicle.
Anyone with information about the incident or the individual is being asked to contact the Livingston County Sheriffâs Office at 517-546-2440. (JM)
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