By Jon King & Jessica Mathews / News@whmi.com
A fire just before noon today forced the evacuation of the Hidden Harbor condominium complex on Candlewood Trail in Brighton.
Two units on the third floor caught fire, which was spreading throughout the attic and smoke was seen pouring out of the upper floors of units. Brighton Fire Chief Mike OâBrian tells WHMI multiple people were trapped and crews worked quickly. He says they were able to rescue four people - one off a ladder, one who was unconscious and two who were carried out of the structure. OâBrian said one person is hospitalized in critical condition from severe smoke inhalation, one was treated and released and two others were not transported from the scene. The main building has 24 apartment/condos. OâBrian says half are basically uninhabitable while the others could probably re-open in week or so after they get cleaned up. The fire remains under investigation but OâBrian says it has been deemed suspicious.
Residents displaced by the fire are being assisted by the American Red Cross. The Hamburg, Howell, and Green Oak Township Fire Departments assisted at the scene as did Livingston County EMS and the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART). The Hartland Area Fire Department also provided coverage during the incident.
Resident Critically Injured in Brighton Condo FireResident Critically Injured in Brighton Condo Fire
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Virtual Youth Led Summit To Offer Prevention, Leadership MessageVirtual Youth Led Summit To Offer Prevention, Leadership Message
By Jessica Mathews/News@whmi.com
The first Virtual Youth Led Summit (V-YLS) in Livingston County is scheduled this Friday morning â offering a prevention message while educating youth about increasing awareness and reshaping social norms.
For the past academic year, students from all public school districts in Livingston County have been working on a Youth Led Summit. It was designed to be an opportunity for youth to come together and showcase their talents and abilities to create, develop, implement, and lead. Originally, organizers were asking for youth to âforgoâ a day of school and attend the summit âin person and liveâ. Faced with the challenge to cancel or postpone the event, Livingston County Youth Led Prevention Coordinators Sarah McGeorge and Sandra Parker decided to go virtual and host the event via Zoom this Friday from 8:45am-1pm. the Livingston County Community Alliance is sponsoring the event, which is funded through a federal grant, but various agencies collaborated on it.
The Summit will feature nationally renowned Keynote Speaker Ty Sells, breakout sessions centered on Mindfulness Training with Yoga, Anti-Vaping Education, Communication skills and Personality Traits as well as music and dancing. Attendees receive a free t-shirt and a gift certificate for Subway lunch. Speakers will talk about the power of acceptance as well as how to have a conversation about prevention with peers but in an educational, non-pushy way.
Parker says itâs an excellent opportunity for youth to get away from their school and home environment. Parker said youth can take a break and learn something from other peers in the community and across the state â noting people have rising anxiety and depression so learning about mindfulness and yoga can help to work through things and different situations while learning life skills. McGeorge told WHMI students worked hard on coming up with the logo, tag line and who they wanted to speak at the event â which is Create. Lead. Succeed â The Skyâs The Limit. She said itâs a leading experience for students that will also look great on college applications and resumes.
Students from Livingston County or surrounding areas are encouraged to participate but will need to register online as spots are limited. A link is provided.
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County Clerk Says Secretary Of State "Blatantly Disregarded" LawCounty Clerk Says Secretary Of State "Blatantly Disregarded" Law
By Jon King / jking@whmi.com
Livingston Countyâs clerk is speaking out in opposition to a decision by Michiganâs Secretary of State to mail out absentee ballot applications to all 7.7 million registered voters ahead of the August primary and November general election.
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat, said Tuesday the $4.5 million cost will be covered by federal coronavirus relief funding. The decision was not welcomed by Republicans, who said the money would have been better spent on protective equipment for polling places and election workers and on machines to more quickly process absentee ballots. It also created a Twitter war of words between Benson and President Donald Trump, who erroneously tweeted out that Benson was planning to mail out the absentee ballots themselves. He later deleted that and re-tweeted correctly that was it just applications that were to be sent. But Trump then threatened to hold up further funding by claiming, without evidence, that mail-in voting is susceptible to fraud, although experts say such incidents are rare, especially in national elections. Benson says that by mailing out the applications, "we have ensured that no Michigander has to choose between their health and their right to vote. Voting by mail is easy, convenient, safe and secure, and every voter in Michigan has the right to do it.â She also responded to Trump, pointing out that similar decisions were made by her Republican counterparts in Iowa, Georgia, Nebraska and West Virginia.
Regardless, Livingston County Clerk Betsy Hundley also dissented against the move, although her opposition was based on the legality of the decision itself. In a statement (posted below), Hundley, a Republican, said while she supported âthe right of all registered voters to cast an absentee ballot and encourage all voters who want to vote using an absentee ballot to do soâ she contends the law still requires voters who wish to receive an absentee ballot request it in writing from their city or township clerk. Hundley, who serves on the stateâs Election Modernization Advisory Committee, says that as recently as the March 10th presidential primary, clerks were prohibited from mailing an absent voter ballot application to all registered voters within their jurisdiction as it required a verbal or written request from the voter.
While Benson similarly sent out absentee ballot applications to all impacted voters in the May 5th election, in which Michigan saw record turnout, an argument could be made that was an unusual circumstance as Gov. Whitmerâs stay-at-home order to combat COVID-19 was still in effect. A move to do so for the August primary and November general election is likely to end up in court. In response to Hundleyâs release, Jake Rollow, Director of Communications & External Affairs for the Michigan Secretary of State said that absentee voter applications are mailed nearly every election cycle by both major parties and âcountless advocacy and nonpartisan organizationsâ and that they had âfull authority to mail applications to ensure voters know they have the right to vote safely by mail.â He said residents can request an application online at https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/
However, there is case law that backs up Hundleyâs interpretation. A 2008 Michigan Court of Appeals decision involving the Macomb County clerk, ruled against her sending absentee ballot applications to every voter over the age of 60. The ruling noted that election law is expressly under the Legislature's control and "the power to mail unsolicited ballot applications to qualified voters is not expressly stated anywhere in (the) statute." Hundley says the Michigan Constitution provides the legislature the authority to enact laws governing absentee voting and that, âEvery Michigan resident should be concerned when the executive branch of government unilaterally determines what laws are valid and will be followed and what laws will be blatantly disregarded even during a time of crisis.â
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Hidden Harbor Condo Fire Deemed SuspiciousHidden Harbor Condo Fire Deemed Suspicious
By Jessica Mathews/News@whmi.com
A large fire at the Hidden Harbor condominium complex in the City of Brighton is being investigated as suspicious.
The fire broke out around noon at the complex off Candlewood Trail. Brighton Fire Chief Mike OâBrian says someone reported the emergency from behind the condo so they didnât have an exact address but crews at the main fire station on Grand River could already see smoke coming from the area. Upon arrival, crews found two units on the third floor on fire spreading into the attic and were able to safely get four people out of the structure â one via a ladder, two who were carried out and another found unconscious. OâBrian says one person was hospitalized in critical condition from severe smoke inhalation, another was treated and released, while two others were treated at the scene. OâBrian says a many people were affected as the main building has 24 units. He says 12 are uninhabitable due to water, smoke or fire damage while the other 12 could re-open in a week or so after cleaning. OâBrian says their fire marshal and inspectors worked with police on scene and the cause remains under investigation but has been deemed suspicious.
OâBrian tells WHMI they were able to get the fire under control in about an hour, although it took a little longer because of the spread into the attic and some hot spots crews had to get access to. He commended crews on scene. OâBrian said having that many people trapped demonstrated the ability of staff to respond quickly, get everyone out and limit the fire spread â adding everyone did outstanding work and theyâre very proud of all the effort.
The Hamburg, Howell, and Green Oak Township Fire Departments assisted at the scene as did Livingston County EMS and the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART). The Hartland Area Fire Department also provided coverage during the incident.
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Fenton Woman Pleads Guilty By Insanity In Laundromat StabbingsFenton Woman Pleads Guilty By Insanity In Laundromat Stabbings
By Jon King / jking@whmi.com
A ruling of not guilty by reason of insanity has been issued for a Fenton woman charged with a stabbing at a laundromat in Brighton.
36-year-old Stephanie Rohn was arrested after police say she stabbed two people inside the Tubs & Tumblers Coin Laundry in the 700 block of W. Grand River on September 17th and then stabbed herself. Police say she also attempted to stab a third person, who escaped injury. When Brighton officers arrived at the laundromat, they found Rohn holding a large knife against her stomach. Officers were able to âde-escalateâ the situation and take Rohn into custody without further incident.
Four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon against Rohn were authorized by the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office after Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt disqualified his office due to a relationship with one of the victims. She was originally referred to the stateâs Center for Forensic Psychiatry which determined she was competent to stand trial.
But records show a judgement of not guilty by reason of insanity was entered in Livingston County Circuit Court on April 2nd. Rohn, who had faced four years in prison, was ordered back to stateâs Center for Forensic Psychiatry for further treatment.
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Lansing Kroger Employee Says They Battle Virus Every DayLansing Kroger Employee Says They Battle Virus Every Day
By Jon King / jking@whmi.com
Theyâre being called essential during the COVID-19 crisis, but a union representing grocery store workers says they arenât being treated that way.
The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) union Wednesday called on food retailers, including Kroger, to extend hourly hazard pay, also referred to as âheroâ pay, for frontline workers. Kroger announced last week it was ending the $2 an hour extra pay and instead providing one-time bonuses for its workers. But in a national conference call with reporters, the union presented members from across the country, including Kristine Holtham, a 53-year-old Kroger meat department worker in Lansing. Holtham said she and her fellow workers âprepare like weâre going into battle with the virus.â Holtham added, âWe are exposed to thousands of people every day for hours, and the reality is it only takes one person to expose an entire store. Kroger ended our âhero pay,â but the crisis is not over. I face each day with anxiety, and it gets worse when I see customers refuse to wear masks. I am a mother and my children need me to stay healthy.â Holtham said both local governments and retailers needed to better enforce safety practices in stores, including the possible use of security guards.
While Kroger has not responded directly to the unionâs assertions, it did say that since March it has invested $700 million in additional pay, and that the one-time bonus payments that will replace it will cost another $130 million. The bonus, $400 for qualified full-time associates and $200 for qualified part-time associates, will be paid in two installments on May 30th and June 18th.
But UFCW International President Marc Perrone challenged grocery executives to publicly state they think the dangers of COVID-19 have passed if they chose to stop hazard pay. He added that hazard pay was just one issue, and called on food retailers to better enforce shopper compliance with store policies on protection from coronavirus.
Kroger says it is supporting its employees by offering testing when needed along with emergency leave and paid time off to workers affected by the virus. The retailer says it has also limited the number of shoppers in its stores, while also installing shields and physical distancing floor decals.
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County Officials Updated On Potential Meals On Wheels GrantCounty Officials Updated On Potential Meals On Wheels Grant
By Mike Kruzman / news@whmi.com
Livingston County officials were updated on efforts that could see the local Meals on Wheels finding a new permanent home.
Livingston County Meals on Wheels has been in the county for the past 30 years. While there have been many operational and facility changes in that time, the program has never had dedicated kitchen facilities of their own. Currently they are leasing out a space with Hartland Consolidated Schools at the old high school. Livingston County Planning Department Director Kathleen Kline-Hudson told the Board of Commissioners at their latest online Finance Committee meeting, that they only have 750 square feet of kitchen and storage space, which is very inadequate for their needs. Meals on Wheels workers are cooking in 3 shifts, splitting time with other tenants, and packing meals in the hallways. In normal times, they cook 1,500 meals a day, to be split between residents in Livingston County and western Oakland County. During the pandemic, they are averaging an extra 500, daily. However, other tenants of the leased space in Hartland arenât using the space during the outbreak.
The Board of Commissioners approved a resolution allowing them to apply for a Community Development Block Grant that would help them find a new location, last fall. When the pandemic hit in March, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation put a halt on all non-COVID-related projects until fall. It was only about a week later, however, that they decided that because Meals on Wheels serves a vulnerable population that they will be considered, and asked for more application details. Kline-Hudson shared with commissioners the progress. She said the most substantive changes have been the completion of a site plan and architectural renderings for a 1.3 acre site in Hartland Township. An initial environmental assessment of the site has also been completed.
The project is expected to cost $2-million. The grant would cover 50%, with the remainder being split between Livingston County and the Community Outreach Services Corporation. Commissioners asked if they might not be eligible for a better split with recent stimulus money being approved by the federal government. They were told by MEDC representatives said that while that could be requested, they didnât want to speculate on an answer, as where all the CARES money is going, is still not fully known.
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Small Town, Big Hearts Initiative Raises $75,000Small Town, Big Hearts Initiative Raises $75,000
By Mike Kruzman / news@whmi.com
Tens of thousands of dollars have been raised to help Brighton businesses better weather the outbreak. Last month, the City of Brightonâs Downtown Development Authority, with support from Lake Trust Credit Union launched the Small Town, Big Hearts Initiative. The program used the Patronicity platform to connect 25 participating Brighton businesses in need of assistance with residents who enjoy patronizing them.
The City of Brighton, in a release, is announcing that, to date, more than $75,000 in relief contributions has been made. 750 individual contributions have accounted for over $50,000 from the community, with Lake Trust matching $25,000. Five businesses were also awarded $1,000 grants from Lake Trust for embodying their âIdeas to Live Byâ philosophy. The Grateful Spirit Award went to London Beauty. The Weâre All in This Together Award was won by American Awards and Engraving. The Authentic Impact Award went to Hush. Rosyâs Boutique was the recipient of the Spirit of Lake Trust grant, and the Spirit of Brighton Award was won by Champâs Pub.
DDA Chairman Tim Corrigan said that this initiative shows what is possible through collaboration and thinking outside of the box with community stakeholders. He said the support the community has shown for downtown businesses has been overwhelming. While the fund matching portion of the initiative has ended, the platform remains open for businesses within the DDA to join and for residents to contribute.
To support a local business through the Small Town, Big Hearts Initiative, visit www.patronicity.com/brighton.
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County Clerk Says Secretary Of State "Blatantly Disregarded" LawCounty Clerk Says Secretary Of State "Blatantly Disregarded" Law
By Jon King / jking@whmi.com
Livingston Countyâs clerk is speaking out in opposition to a decision by Michiganâs Secretary of State to mail out absentee ballot applications to all 7.7 million registered voters ahead of the August primary and November general election.
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat, said Tuesday the $4.5 million cost will be covered by federal coronavirus relief funding. The decision was not welcomed by Republicans, who said the money would have been better spent on protective equipment for polling places and election workers and on machines to more quickly process absentee ballots. It also created a Twitter war of words between Benson and President Donald Trump, who erroneously tweeted out that Benson was planning to mail out the absentee ballots themselves. He later deleted that and re-tweeted correctly that was it just applications that were to be sent. But Trump then threatened to hold up further funding by claiming, without evidence, that mail-in voting is susceptible to fraud, although experts say such incidents are rare, especially in national elections. Benson says that by mailing out the applications, "we have ensured that no Michigander has to choose between their health and their right to vote. Voting by mail is easy, convenient, safe and secure, and every voter in Michigan has the right to do it.â She also responded to Trump, pointing out that similar decisions were made by her Republican counterparts in Iowa, Georgia, Nebraska and West Virginia.
Regardless, Livingston County Clerk Betsy Hundley also dissented against the move, although her opposition was based on the legality of the decision itself. In a statement (posted below), Hundley, a Republican, said while she supported âthe right of all registered voters to cast an absentee ballot and encourage all voters who want to vote using an absentee ballot to do soâ she contends the law still requires voters who wish to receive an absentee ballot request it in writing from their city or township clerk. Hundley, who serves on the stateâs Election Modernization Advisory Committee, says that as recently as the March 10th presidential primary, clerks were prohibited from mailing an absent voter ballot application to all registered voters within their jurisdiction as it required a verbal or written request from the voter.
While Benson similarly sent out absentee ballot applications to all impacted voters in the May 5th election, in which Michigan saw record turnout, an argument could be made that was an unusual circumstance as Gov. Whitmerâs stay-at-home order to combat COVID-19 was still in effect. A move to do so for the August primary and November general election is likely to end up in court. In response to Hundleyâs release, Jake Rollow, Director of Communications & External Affairs for the Michigan Secretary of State said that absentee voter applications are mailed nearly every election cycle by both major parties and âcountless advocacy and nonpartisan organizationsâ and that they had âfull authority to mail applications to ensure voters know they have the right to vote safely by mail.â He said residents can request an application online at https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/
However, there is case law that backs up Hundleyâs interpretation. A 2008 Michigan Court of Appeals decision involving the Macomb County clerk, ruled against her sending absentee ballot applications to every voter over the age of 60. The ruling noted that election law is expressly under the Legislature's control and "the power to mail unsolicited ballot applications to qualified voters is not expressly stated anywhere in (the) statute." Hundley says the Michigan Constitution provides the legislature the authority to enact laws governing absentee voting and that, âEvery Michigan resident should be concerned when the executive branch of government unilaterally determines what laws are valid and will be followed and what laws will be blatantly disregarded even during a time of crisis.â
However, Rollow has since responded back concerning the 2008 court decision, telling WHMI that, âThe circumstances of that case are distinct from the current scenario in numerous ways, including:
First - unlike the then Macomb clerk, according to Michigan Election Law, the Secretary of State is the chief election officer of the state with supervisory authority over elections.
Second - in Macomb County the clerk was on the ballot, and sent applications to only a subset of voters, and the court found that subset (age 60 and over) happened to be those likely to favor the clerk's candidacy. Secretary Benson is neither on the ballot nor sending applications to a specific group of voters.
Third - the Macomb case took place before the constitution was amended to give all voters the right to vote absentee, and before the unprecedented coronavirus crisis, which calls on our leaders to take action to ensure all Michiganders' rights and safety are protected.â
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Two Hospitalized With Severe Burns After House FireTwo Hospitalized With Severe Burns After House Fire
By Jessica Mathews/News@whmi.com
Two people suffered severe burns in an early morning house fire in the Fowlerville area.
The Fowlerville Fire Department responded around 4:25am Thursday to a structure fire at a single family home on Valley Meadow Lane west. Fire Chief Bob Feig says the fire started in the basement and caused heavy damage through the whole house but itâs still too early to say if the home is a total loss. He says the fire remains under investigation and one male and one female suffered severe burn injuries. He says they were transported to a hospital by Livingston County EMS in serious to critical condition.
Feig says crews had the fire under control in about 30 minutes but then remained on scene for some salvage and overhaul to make sure the fire didnât extend to other parts of the home. Feig says they were assisted on scene by the Howell and Unadilla Township Fire Departments, North Ingham Emergency Services or NISA, the Disaster Assistance Response Team or DART and the Livingston County Sheriffâs Office.
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Judge Tosses GOP Lawsuit Against WhitmerJudge Tosses GOP Lawsuit Against Whitmer
DETROIT (AP) â Gov. Gretchen Whitmer prevailed Thursday in a high-stakes challenge from Republican lawmakers who sued over her authority to declare emergencies and order sweeping restrictions during the coronavirus outbreak.
A 1945 law cited by Whitmer, a Democrat, is not limited to local and regional emergencies only and can have no end date, said Judge Cynthia Stephens of the Court of Claims.
The lawsuit by the House and Senate grew out of frustration with Whitmerâs one-size strategy to stop the spread of the coronavirus by keeping people at home statewide and shutting down businesses, even if some regions were not harmed much by the virus or COVID-19.
The Legislature did not extend Whitmerâs disaster emergency declaration in late April but she acted anyway, pointing to the â45 law.
The Legislature preferred a 1976 statute that gives it a say in emergency declarations after 28 days. Indeed, the judge said the governor canât use that law to extend emergencies without input from lawmakers.
The decision was a third time that a Court of Claims judge ruled in favor of Whitmer. The other lawsuits were brought by residents, a business owner and a new group that has organized protests at the Capitol.
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No Cause Yet For Suspicious Fire In Hidden Harbor ComplexNo Cause Yet For Suspicious Fire In Hidden Harbor Complex
By Jessica Mathews/News@whmi.com
The investigation into a suspicious fire at a condo complex in the City of Brighton continues and is expected to take some time to complete.
A large fire broke out at the Hidden Harbor complex off Candlewood Trail around noon on Wednesday. Many people were said to be affected as the main building has 24 units. Half were deemed uninhabitable due to water, smoke or fire damage while the other half could potentially re-open in a week or so after cleaning. One person was hospitalized in critical condition from severe smoke inhalation, one was treated and released and two others were treated at the scene. The Brighton fire marshal and inspectors were working with Brighton Police on scene as the cause was deemed suspicious.
Police Chief Rob Bradford tells WHMI the investigation is still ongoing and it may take some time to come up with an exact cause. He noted they just did the on-scene investigation Thursday and it will take some time to get it pieced back together where they would feel comfortable making a statement about cause. Bradford said the victim who was hospitalized is still being treated for heavy smoke inhalation.
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Candidate "Disappointed" In Clerk's Stance On Absentee BallotsCandidate "Disappointed" In Clerk's Stance On Absentee Ballots
By Jessica Mathews/News@whmi.com
A Democratic candidate says heâs disappointed in the Livingston County clerkâs decision to make absentee voting a partisan issue and encouraging voters to vote from home in the midst of a pandemic should not be a partisan issue.
Livingston County Clerk Betsy Hundley spoke out Thursday in opposition to a decision by Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to mail out absentee ballot applications to all 7.7 million registered voters ahead of the August primary and November general election. However, Hundley asserted that her opposition was based on the legality of the decision itself. Hundley, a Republican, said while she supported âthe right of all registered voters to cast an absentee ballot and encourage all voters who want to vote using an absentee ballot to do soâ she contends the law still requires voters who wish to receive an absentee ballot request it in writing from their city or township clerk.
Jordan Genso of Brighton is the only Democratic candidate running for the county clerk position in the August primary, and will challenge Hundley this November. He said he was saddened the countyâs top election official chose to add more partisan polarization to what should be a very reasonable policy from the Secretary of State â encouraging absentee voting and making it easier to do so during a global pandemic. Genso maintains it was an opportunity for elections officials across the political spectrum to demonstrate that bipartisanship can still grow during a time when it is in danger of becoming extinct. Genso stated around 30% of the voters in Livingston County cast absentee ballots and around 60% of those ballots have historically been for Republican candidates â stressing voting with an absentee ballot is not a partisan issue.
Hundley has declined to comment on Gensoâs press release, which is attached. A link to our original article on Hundley's announcement is also provided.
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Chambers, Visitors Bureau Ask Whitmer To Reassign County To New Safe Start RegionChambers, Visitors Bureau Ask Whitmer To Reassign County To New Safe Start Region
By Mike Kruzman / news@whmi.com
Business leaders in the community are coming together to ask the Governor to change Livingston Countyâs region in her MI Safe Start Plan.
The MI Safe Start Plan, implemented earlier this month, outlines how re-engagement of Michiganâs economy can take place within phases in different regions across the state. Livingston County is in region 1, which includes the hardest COVID-19-hit counties, despite lower numbers than 8 of the 9 in the region. Based off region numbers, this Detroit region would be the slowest to fully re-open.
Thursday, the Howell, Brighton, and Hartland Chambers of Commerce, along with the Livingston County Visitors Bureau joined fight with local legislators to request being moved into the neighboring Lansing-area, region 5. Together, the Bureau and Chambers have written a letter to Governor Whitmer, entitled âA United Front for Livingston County.â In it, they point out that Livingston County is already included in the Lansing Region of the Emergency Preparedness region developed by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
Greater Brighton Area Chamber President Pam McConeghy writes that while they recognize there is a significant portion of the Livingston County community that commutes east, the stateâs numbers reflect the spread has slowed significantly locally. Howell Chamber President Janelle Best said the Livingston County Chambers collectively represent thousands of businesses who have worked hard and are ready to open with proper procedures and plans in place.
A full copy of the letter can be found below.
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Hartland Twp. Looks To Boost Safe Re-Opening of BusinessesHartland Twp. Looks To Boost Safe Re-Opening of Businesses
By Jessica Mathews and Mike Kruzman /News@whmi.com
As restrictions on businesses are lifted in the coming months, Hartland Township is said to be putting their âBusiness Friendlyâ slogan into action and looking to boost the safe re-opening of local businesses.
The Board of Trustees is currently drafting a resolution to temporarily relax ordinances pertaining to outdoor dining and sales to help keep safe social distancing practices. The Township ensures that the process for businesses to make these changes will be streamlined. A press release states the plan will involve a simple permit with no fees and an easy submission process as the goal is to help businesses with limited indoor seating and retail capacity to expand to outdoor space to help establish a successful launch. Hartland Township has stepped up to assist these businesses and has reached out to other governmental agencies to confirm that they are also willing to streamline their processes in these challenging times.
Township Supervisor Bill Fountain said they want to give businesses all the tools they need to succeed but because of social distancing, they know that businesses wonât be allowed to open at full capacity when phased re-openings begin. He said if working to relax restrictions when it comes to outdoor seating will allow restaurants to serve a larger number of patrons in an open, safe atmosphere; then theyâll make it a reality in their community. Fountain said heâs reached out to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission, the local Fire Authority and the local Health Department and all have been quick to respond and willing to advocate for the cause.
At an online meeting, Thursday, Township Planner Troy Langer said they are using the special event application, and no fees will be charged. The application gives them a name, phone number and email, and when the 30-day approval is up, it helps them reach out to ask if the business owner wants to continue for another 30 days. Applicants also need to provide a visual of their outdoor plan, that could be as simple as a hand drawing on a site plan. Langer said they can even help with finding a site plan. The plan and application will then go to the fire department for approval. Hartland Deerfield Fire Chief Adam Carrol said his department can even go out to a businesses to consult and help design where things can safely go outside.
Fountain said even though the Board still needs to approve this plan, as far as they are concerned, it takes place immediately and will not be enforced against.
Langer said the turnaround from applying to approval should be no longer than 1 day.
The release notes the Michigan Liquor Control Commission is also making it easier for liquor licensees to move business outdoors by simplifying their licensing process for outdoor services. As a âReopening Workgroupâ was formed to share ideas and consider suggestions from restaurants and bar owners on what they needed to help them prepare for reopening, they were able to streamline application processes pertaining to outdoor services. Links to applications can be found on a new Reopening Resources webpage. The link is provided.
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Practice Safe Gatherings Memorial Day WeekendPractice Safe Gatherings Memorial Day Weekend
By Mike Kruzman / news@whmi.com
County officials are advising residents to continue safe steps while gathering with others this holiday weekend. At yesterdayâs press conference, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that effective immediately, she was allowing small gatherings of no more than 10 people, provided they wear face coverings when indoors and maintain social distancing guidelines.
Livingston County Emergency Management and the Livingston County Health Department, in a release, point out that now more than ever, individual actions impact the health and safety of others. Together they are sharing a series of tips and reminders to help residents come out of Memorial Day weekend as healthy as they entered it: Keep the gatherings small and under 10 people; meet outside; stay at least 6 feet apart; wash or sanitize hands often; wear masks if possible; and do not share food, drinks, or other items. Everyone should bring their own snacks or serve food with single serving utensils. If you do choose to meet indoors, do so in a large space and make sure it is cleaned and disinfected before and after the gathering. If possible, choose activities that present lower risk for coming within anotherâs 6-foot space. And if you choose to travel this weekend, buckle up, follow speed limits, and donât drink and drive.
By following these tips, Emergency management and the health department believe residents can continue to do their part in slowing the spread and protecting their families and community.
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City Council Votes To Dissolve Brighton PSDCity Council Votes To Dissolve Brighton PSD
By Jessica Mathews/News@whmi.com
It wasnât unanimous but the Brighton City Council met virtually Thursday night and approved a resolution to dissolve the Principal Shopping District and associated special assessment districts.
The PSD was created in 2006 to promote economic activity and marketing of the downtown. However, it has not collected any special assessment revenues since 2017 and there is a sunset clause for it to dissolve this November. At the last meeting, Council voted 6-1 to have staff bring forward a resolution to dissolve the PSD. Manager Nate Geinzer said staff did their best to characterize comments and conversations had over the years. The City is facing budget challenges like many other municipalities and it was noted nothing is budgeted toward the cost â meaning general fund revenues go toward staff time, their attending meetings and keeping minutes and answering FOIA requests. Some members supported a broader look at economic development from a more comprehensive city-wide approach, while others questioned the urgency to disband and felt the resolution was rushed.
Members Renee Pettengill, Kristoffer Tobbe and Jim Bohn all voted against the resolution, questioning the urgency and the way it was brought to Council. Pettengill commented she didnât understand the urgency and questioned why not just let it continue and sunset in November or give the PSD board a chance to reinvent themselves and come up with funding. Bohn also didnât see any absolute urgency to disband and said that given issues businesses face, there could be big need for marketing in the downtown area. Tobbe said the PSD has been working for many years to make the town marketable and make it a destination and didnât feel now was time to pull the plug. He said itâs been a success with and without funding and argued itâs not a tax but a special assessment. Tobbe said he was disappointed in the way the resolution came to Council and felt it âcooked and bookedâ before it got to the table.
As for members who supported dissolving the PSD, Mayor Shawn Pipoly commented they havenât heard any reports, ideas or plans for the future and the PSD has basically been dormant, adding he has heard from businesses that are opposed to keeping it going. Councilman Jim Muzzin noted the PSD board can continue to meet and come up with ideas as other different stakeholder groups do but felt like having five more months of expenses and staff time was a waste of funds. He further questioned any future SAD getting passed and said he couldnât support taxing business after COVID-19. Mayor Pro-Tem Susan Gardner commented there is support for alternate means of supporting the DDA district as a whole but the mechanism of the PSD tax has served its purpose and perhaps itâs time to move on and take a different approach or kick off a new effort to serve a wider areas of businesses and people. Councilman John Emaus stated the promotion of Brighton is important but felt the vehicle is wrong and they need to have flexibility and mechanisms to advertise for the whole city. Emaus stated the PSD is a carved out statute that allows them to create a limited small district within the City and tax businesses in that district for the direct benefit of those businesses. He said he failed to see the equal treatment of businesses across from each other on the same street and taxing one to benefit all but ignoring other parts of the City. He commented theyâre taxing a small handful of businesses for the advertising benefit of all businesses around them and not treating commercial establishments equally â stressing Council needs to think of the whole city, not just the downtown.
PSD Board Chairman Mark Binkley had urged Council to postpone the decision - commenting that everyone likes the benefits but no one want to pay for it and disputed assertions that no plans have been presented. Binkley said they were before Council before but no action was taken and in February, Council indicated discussions would resume after the budget process but now it just got dissolved. Binkley said he was flabbergasted, sad and disappointed and hopes Council can come up with magic money for marketing somewhere â adding theyâve done a big disservice to small businesses along Main Street and Grand River.
Staff noted that the DDA has been having conversations about increasing community promotion budget items as well working on a new vision and those will continue, possibly as early as June. The resolution that was approved is attached.
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Sunday Marks 30 Years Since Disappearance Of Teacher Near FowlervilleSunday Marks 30 Years Since Disappearance Of Teacher Near Fowlerville
By Mike Kruzman and Jon King / news@whmi.com
The Livingston County Sheriffâs Office Cold Case team continues to search for answers in the disappearance of an Okemos woman 30 years ago this Sunday near Fowlerville.
Paige Renkoski was last seen alive on May 24th, 1990. Authorities that day found Renkoskiâs vehicle, still running with shoes and her purse inside, pulled over on westbound I-96 near the Fowlerville exit. Several witnesses told police that they saw the 30-year-old Renkoski talking to a man in a maroon minivan that was parked behind her car. All attempts to positively identify the man have failed.
Renkoski had dropped her mother off at Detroit Metro Airport around 11:30 that morning, and then visited a friend in Canton Township. A clerk at a store west of I-275 remembered her coming in to purchase beer between 2:30 and 2:45pm.
The Livingston County Sheriffâs Office Cold Case team has continued to work on the case over the years. Deputy Robert Geschtman is an investigator with the team. He said that through the years authorities have received 1,200 tips on the case leading them in many directions, but to no avail so far. At one point in 2011, they hoped the case was progressing after tips led them to use ground-penetrating radar at several sites, but again they came up empty. Several theories are out there on what may have happened, but Geschtman says most are just that - theories. One of the most popular suggests the minivan bumped Renkoskiâs car as she drove along the freeway as a ruse to get her to pull over. But Geschtman said there was no evidence of a bump on Renkoskiâs car, nor of any mechanical failure, for that matter. Geschtman says he thinks itâs possible that somebody flashed a badge at Renkoski, getting her to pull over. He said there are people out there who know what happened and they are going to need to come forward to help break this case.
Anybody with information is asked to email the online tip line at coldcasetips@livgov.com, or call the Sheriffâs Office tip line at 517-546-TIPS.
To hear more on the case and efforts being used to find the truth, tune in to WHMIâs Viewpoint this Sunday morning at 8:30, when Getschman will be the special guest.
Pictures (courtesy of Livingston County Sheriff's Office)
Top - Paige Marie Renkoski
Middle - Suspect sketches
Bottom - Interior of Renkoski's car
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Whitmer Extends Stay At Home Order Through June 12thWhitmer Extends Stay At Home Order Through June 12th
LANSING, Mich. (AP) â Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Friday extended Michiganâs stay-at-home order just over two additional weeks, through June 12, also keeping closed theaters, gyms and other places of public accommodation at least until that time.
She also extended her emergency declaration through June 19.
âWhile the data shows that we are making progress, we are not out of the woods yet. If weâre going to lower the chance of a second wave and continue to protect our neighbors and loved ones from the spread of this virus, we must continue to do our part by staying safer at home,â Whitmer said in a statement.
She announced the steps the same bars and restaurants in northern Michigan were allowed to reopen after a two-month shutdown because of coronavirus restrictions.
The region has not been hit as hard with COVID-19 as other areas of Michigan.
The owner of Bradyâs Bar in Traverse City had a message for people who are thinking of making a road trip: Stay away from her business.
âWe deserve to feel safe and I would like to keep my staff and customers as safe as I can, and Iâm asking that people from downstate donât come in until theyâre quarantined or their areas are also opened up,â said Nolen Sleder.
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Stay Safe From Mosquito And Tick-Borne IllnessesStay Safe From Mosquito And Tick-Borne Illnesses
By Mike Kruzman / news@whmi.com
The local health department is again participating in a program that helps scout for dangerous, disease carrying bugs.
The Livingston County Health Department is continuing their participation for a second year in the stateâs Vector-Borne Disease Surveillance and Prevention Program. According to LCHD Health OffIcer and Director of Environmental Services, Matt Bolang, the main thing they are looking for is the black legged, or deer tick, that carries Lyme Disease. The program also is testing mosquitoes, looking for West Nile virus- which has been found in Livingston County, and for mosquitoes that may be carrying the Zika virus. Later in the year efforts will turn to identifying Eastern Equine Encephalitis.
Bolang said this year, in particular, more people are enjoying the outdoors because of the governorâs executive order, and they should be careful. He and the rest of the Livingston County Health Department remind that prevention is the best way to protect yourself and your family. Tick bites can be prevented by avoiding tick-infested areas and clearing high grass, brush, and leaf litter. Everyone over 2 years old should use insect repellents with DEET. Wearing light colored clothing can help to more easily spot ticks. And perform daily tick checks, looking under arms, in and around ears, behind the knees, and especially in the hair. Pets should also be checked, as they can easily bring the ticks in from outdoors. To stop mosquito bites, wear long sleeves and use insect repellents. Empty standing water around the house, and install or repair screens on doors and windows to keep the bugs outside.
Anybody who finds a tick and wants it identified is encouraged to take pictures of the tick, and send it to health@livgov.com. Somebody from the department will identify the tick and send information and additional instructions, if needed, back.
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