http://www.whmi.com WHMI 93.5 FM Radio Station for Livingston County Michigan with News, Traffic, and Weather Service for Howell and Brighton en-us Wed, 16 May 2012 17:45:00 EDT 5/16/12 - A local crossing guard hit in a school parking lot Tuesday afternoon is showing signs of improvement. The crossing guard has been identified as 52-year old Susan Nanette Hazzard. She was originally listed in critical condition at the University of Michigan hospital in Ann Arbor, where she was taken by ambulance yesterday. Her condition has been steadily improving and as of this afternoon, a hospital spokeswoman told WHMI Hazzard was listed in fair condition. A 16-year-old Hartland High School student who lives in Brighton was said to be driving as fast as 60 mph when he hit Hazzard and witnesses reported that the Hartland Township woman was thrown into the air from the impact and landed on her head. An investigation by the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department is ongoing and the teen could face charges. Sheriff Bob Bezotte says speed and drugs appeared to be factors and suspected marijuana was found inside the teen's vehicle. He says preliminary investigation shows the teen dropped something on floor and bent down to retrieve it but hit the gas pedal in doing so. A passenger in the car is then said to have grabbed the wheel to try and get control of the vehicle. After hitting Hazzard, Bezotte says the vehicle jumped a curb and went into a nearby field and hit a tree before finally coming to rest. The teen is not being identified but Bezotte says he was uncooperative at the scene and also refused a drug test so a warrant for a blood draw was obtained and he was later released to his parents. The results of that could take two to three months. Bezotte says once interviews and the investigation are complete, a report will be forwarded to the prosecutor’s office, which will then determine if any criminal charges will be filed although he says no decision would be made until the blood test results come back. The Harland Consolidated Schools district said in a statement today it was saddened by the accident and its thoughts and prayers were with their employee and her family. (JM) http://whmi.com/news/article/14452 http://whmi.com/news/article/14452 http://whmi.com/news/photo/small/14452/14452.jpg http://whmi.com/news/article/14452 Wed, 16 May 2012 17:45:00 EDT 5/16/12 - The Old Fenton Fire Hall could soon have new life after all. The Fenton Downtown Development Authority solicited proposals from the community after Michigan Brewing Company backed out of a prior deal due to financial issues. Letters of interest have since been received from four parties wishing to be considered for re-development of the Old Fire Hall on North Leroy Street downtown. They include the owners of Arbor Brewing Company and Corner Brewing Company; the owners of the Clarkston Union and the Union Woodshop; the owners of Lockhart BBQ, Royal Oak Brewery and Detroit Beer Company as well as the owners of Tavern 131 in Milford and Ciao Amici in Brighton.DDA Executive Director Michael Burns tells WHMI the four firms that submitted letters are all very qualified and its going to be a difficult decision because there are some very elite candidates. He feels the most interesting part of the entire process was that the city didn't have to approach anyone, adding the fact they were able to draw in such impressive candidates is due to the hard work of the DDA and its investment in the revitalization of downtown Fenton over the past few years. A selection committee consisting of three DDA members will meet Thursday to review the proposals and select candidates to interview, which will take place next week. A financial analysis of the final candidates will then be conducted and a recommendation will eventually be made to the full DDA Board for approval. (JM) http://whmi.com/news/article/14450 http://whmi.com/news/article/14450 http://whmi.com/news/photo/small/14450/14450.jpg http://whmi.com/news/article/14450 Wed, 16 May 2012 17:18:00 EDT 5/16/12 - The Hartland Township Board got a visit from Sheriff Bob Bezotte at its regular meeting last night to warn them about the sale of the drug K2 in the township. K2 is a synthetic form of marijuana sold legally as incense to people over 18 at gas stations, party stores, and head shops around the country, including Livingston County. Despite its legal status it is frequently smoked by young people and parolees trying to get high without testing positive for marijuana. Smoking K2 leads to complications not seen with marijuana including vomiting, seizures, and brief psychotic episodes. Bezotte will be visiting township board across the county this week to make sure they are informed about the nature and continued sale of K2 in their townships. Last night, he identified the smoke shop near the CVS pharmacy on M-59 as one place in Hartland Township where K2 is sold. The owner of the Clyde Road Sunoco, which is now a Mobil gas station, told WHMI that he has never sold the product due to its potential harmful effects and doesn’t believe in selling those types of substances to the community. Bezotte tells WHMI that the sheriff’s department is teaming up with the Livingston County Community Alliance and coalitions from Pinckney, Hartland, and Howell to take action against the sale of K2 and options such as picketing sellers are being discussed. Bezotte also visited the Tyrone Township Board last night and says he will visit the Brighton Township board tonight. (TD) http://whmi.com/news/article/14444 http://whmi.com/news/article/14444 http://whmi.com/news/photo/small/14444/14444.jpg http://whmi.com/news/article/14444 Wed, 16 May 2012 11:51:00 EDT 5/16/12 - A Webberville man labeled as a “person of interest” in an unsolved Iosco Township murder is facing numerous weapon charges. Livingston County Sheriff Bob Bezotte tells WHMI that three warrants have been authorized for 23-year-old Anthony Sean Duke. He is expected to be arraigned Thursday on the eight felony firearm charges. Bezotte says Duke was named a person of interest during the course of their investigation into the death of Ronald Hauser and Duke was found to be in possession of the weapons. Since Duke is a convicted felon, he cannot legally possess any weapons. Bezotte says the investigation into Hauser’s murder continues and declined to provide additional details about Duke’s involvement, citing the open case. Hauser was found shot to death in his basement and local investigators believe that robbery was the motive for the murder. Hauser owned a tree-trimming service and was known to keep large amounts of cash in his home and on his person. (JM) http://whmi.com/news/article/14442 http://whmi.com/news/article/14442 http://whmi.com/news/photo/small/14442/14442.jpg http://whmi.com/news/article/14442 Wed, 16 May 2012 11:03:00 EDT 5/16/12 - Officials from communities around the state will be converging on Brighton next month to hear and see for themselves Brighton’s success story in revitalizing its downtown. Downtown Development Director Matt Modrack, who is the instigating force behind the event, says the workshop will be a chance for downtown Brighton to showcase itself as a shopping and dining destination. Much larger communities - among them those with trendy downtowns such as Northville and Plymouth – will be coming to see what Brighton has to offer and will eat lunch at local restaurants. Those attending from the approximately 28 communities will range from city managers to mayors to DDA directors. The reason why they are coming to Brighton is the success of its downtown redevelopment liquor license program. Brighton officials will go over the process of creating a downtown redevelopment district and how to apply for the special license to serve alcohol. Modrack tells WHMI that with the exception of Grand Rapids, Brighton has obtained more redevelopment liquor licenses than any other community in the state. Modrack says the success of downtown Brighton, which has no vacancies currently, is directly attributable to the DDA’s aggressiveness in obtaining downtown liquor licenses for its restaurants and pubs. The state program makes them available at a much lower cost than obtaining a Class C liquor license through conventional channels. The purpose of the special licenses is to improve the business climate in downtown areas and they cost the applicant $20,000, considered a bargain. The workshop will be held on June 15 at the Chamber of Commerce Conference Center on East Grand River. (TT) http://whmi.com/news/article/14438 http://whmi.com/news/article/14438 http://whmi.com/news/photo/small/14438/14438.jpg http://whmi.com/news/article/14438 Wed, 16 May 2012 03:58:00 EDT 5/16/12 - A millage will appear before Howell Township voters for sanitary sewer and water services. The decision to place the 3.5 mill, five year proposal on the August ballot was made at Monday night’s board meeting. Resident Mike Tipton, who is running as a Democrat for an open trustee seat, attended the meeting and told WHMI this comes after a substantial increase in water and sewer rates that essentially doubled what residents are paying. He feels township officials aren't exploring all of the available options. "There's some land they could sell (but) they don't feel the market is right. We could just wait for the next few years that a millage like this wouldn't be required. It seems rather ironic that this board that's been controlled forever by the Republican administration is considering these hefty tax increases without trying these other alternatives first." Township Clerk Carolyn Eaton says the township is short $1.3 million a year toward sewer and water debt and the millage would just barely cover the debt and generate approximately $1 (m) million a year. The township doubled sewer rates about three years ago from $4.50 to $9 per 1,000 gallons but to cover the existing debt, it would need to be $18. Voters turned down a millage proposal a couple years ago and the situation has only worsened since then and the debt keeps escalating every year. Eaton says they have enough to get through this year and hopefully if approved, the millage should keep the township going so it can possibly pull though this. Eaton says by law, they can only collect two mills and it’s just not enough. "We have cut jobs, we have cut our hours, we have cut pay and put freezes on our pay for over the last four years now. We have done everything we can and what we are doing is draining our general fund...within the next two years if we don't get a millage we will probably end up going into receivership." If the millage does pass, it can only be used for sewer debt and Eaton says the board would only collect what’s needed out of the 3.5 mills. (JK) http://whmi.com/news/article/14446 http://whmi.com/news/article/14446 http://whmi.com/news/photo/small/14446/14446.jpg http://whmi.com/news/article/14446 Wed, 16 May 2012 03:41:00 EDT 5/16/12 - Business owners and managers from around the county came to hear a presentation by Bill Zehnder, owner of the Bavarian Inn restaurant in Frankenmuth, yesterday afternoon. Zehnder addressed more than 100 people as part of the Livingston Economic Council’s semiannual luncheon. During his presentation, Zehnder discussed the challenges faced by his family-owned business in the decades since its founding and the strategies his family has used to overcome them. He offered advice and insight to local family-owned businesses, encouraging them to communicate and coordinate with one another and be willing to accept outside help and advice. He spoke personally to local businessman Joe Parker, who owns C&B Machinery in Livonia and is behind the new Heart of Howell development planned for construction this year. Parker tells WHMI that all of his business ventures are family-owned and he was glad to learn from Zehnder’s experience. The next meeting of the Livingston Economic Club will take place in October and will have business counselor Chris Brogan as its featured speaker. (TD) http://whmi.com/news/article/14439 http://whmi.com/news/article/14439 http://whmi.com/news/photo/small/14439/14439.jpg http://whmi.com/news/article/14439 Wed, 16 May 2012 02:15:00 EDT 5/16/12 - Yesterday marked the filing deadline for candidates looking to run in the August primary and it was a busy day for local clerks. County Elections Supervisor Joan Runyan told WHMI that there were many last minute candidate filings yesterday at various municipal offices, and all of the affidavits received must be verified so they were busy getting information updated and online. There will be some contested races following the filing deadline. In Genoa Township, Republican Supervisor Gary McCririe is being challenged by Kevin Spicher for the seat. The Supervisor’s seat is also contested in Putnam Township where Republican Supervisor Ron Rau is being challenged by Bob Stone and Jerry Balk on the GOP ticket and Mike Porath on the Democratic side. Other contested races in the county are the offices of prosecuting attorney, where Republicans Lyle Dickson, Carolyn Henry and William Vailliencourt have filed along with Democrat Matthew Evans; Sheriff in which incumbent Bob Bezotte is being challenged for by C.J. Maier and Tom Ash; and in the non-partisan Probate Court judgeship, Miriam Cavanaugh and Lori Marran have both filed to replace Carol Hacket Garagiola, who declined to run for another term. Updated filings may be found on the county clerk’s website. You’ll find a link below. (JM) http://whmi.com/news/article/14443 http://whmi.com/news/article/14443 http://whmi.com/news/photo/small/14443/14443.jpg http://whmi.com/news/article/14443 Wed, 16 May 2012 01:05:00 EDT 5/15/12 - A local crossing guard is listed in critical condition after being hit in a school parking area after classes let out this afternoon. Deputies with the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department responded to the personal injury accident at 2:37pm that happened in the parking area of Hartland High School. Authorities tell WHMI that a 16-year-old student who lives in Brighton was driving a 1999 Mercury Sable when he hit a 52-year old Hartland woman, who was working as a crossing guard for the district. Based on investigation and witness reports, deputies determined the student was traveling at a high rate of speed, with some reports as fast as 60mph, when he hit the woman, who then flipped into the air and landed on her head. She was transported to the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, where she is listed in critical condition. The Sheriff’s Department says both speed and drugs appear to be factors. Suspected marijuana was found inside of the student’s vehicle and the department was in the process of obtaining a warrant for a blood draw on the student. (JM) http://whmi.com/news/article/14441 http://whmi.com/news/article/14441 Tue, 15 May 2012 15:52:00 EDT 5/15/12 - The Howell Public Schools Board of Education voted last night to spend down some of its fund balance as part of a coordinated reinvestment strategy that will hopefully attract additional students into the district. On a 5-1 vote, the board moved ahead with drafting a budget for the 2012-2013 school year that will spend $633,000 on seven new positions, including a new administrator, counselors and at-risk reading coaches. That is among $1.5 million the district would spend on new buses, technology and maintenance. Supporters of the plan say that with a projected loss of between 75 and 125 students next year, the district will be facing an operating deficit of $3.4 million and this plan is a credible first step to begin reversing that trend and ensure the district’s long-term financial health. But Trustee Mike Moloney, who cast the lone no vote, saw it differently, saying the district was headed down the “wrong path” by making a decision he didn’t see as financially sound. But that notion was met with a vehement objection from the board’s Vice President Mike Witt. "We're not being irresponsible here. We're doing better than any district in Livingston County financially and this is...a work in progress that we've worked on for months...so to make the statements that you made Mr. Moloney, I'm sorry but that's ridiculous." Moloney responded by saying the board's decision was "ridiculous." Several board members, including Board President Ann Routt, concurred with Witt’s assessment that the district had made enough cuts and needed to improve its programs going forward. As to the notion of the district having an operating deficit, Associate Superintendent of Business Rick Terres tells WHMI it is important to remember that the district routinely heads into a budget year with an operating deficit, which it then offsets throughout the year. He says the district has been financially stable and is simply using some of the funds to reinvest in itself as any responsible entity would. Terres added that the district recently learned that its credit rating had been boosted from an “A” rating to an “A+” from Standard & Poor’s, one notch below the state’s own rating. The board will vote to approve the final budget for the upcoming school year before the end of June. (JK) http://whmi.com/news/article/14437 http://whmi.com/news/article/14437 http://whmi.com/news/photo/small/14437/14437.jpg http://whmi.com/news/article/14437 Tue, 15 May 2012 11:43:00 EDT 5/15/12 - Three resolutions passed by the Livingston County Commission last night will provide a new terminal building for the Livingston County Spencer J. Hardy Airport. Airport Manager Mark Johnson says the existing terminal (pictured) on Grand River is about 50 years old and too small for the needs of the growing airport. The project approved last night will construct a larger terminal building on Tooley Road north of the runway. Johnson says the new terminal will provide more space for travelers to meet and relax as well as putting forward a more attractive first image for visitors to Livingston County. The total project cost is about $850,000, of which the Federal Aviation Administration will pay about 95%. The remainder will be paid for through Michigan Department of Transportation grants and local funds. Johnson says the MDOT grant money is already in hand and needs only to be approved by the Board of Commissioners on Monday. An airplane ramp for the new building is currently under construction and should be finished about three weeks before construction on the new building begins in July. The new terminal should be up and running by the end of October. (TD) http://whmi.com/news/article/14436 http://whmi.com/news/article/14436 http://whmi.com/news/photo/small/14436/14436.jpg http://whmi.com/news/article/14436 Tue, 15 May 2012 11:02:00 EDT 5/15/12 - The Genoa Township Planning Commission met Monday night to discuss plans for a new medical office building and upgrades to a gas station. The commission recommended that the township board approve the rezoning request as well as the environmental impact assessment for the medical office building, which would be located on Bendix Road. The commission also approved the site plan, which is contingent upon the rezoning from medium density residential to office service district being completed by the township board. The property is slightly more than one acre in size and the county planning department must also make a recommendation before any final approvals. Commission Chairman Doug Brown told WHMI that the person interested in buying the property and moving ahead with the development remains unknown to them and the petitioner was being represented by Notable Realty and is said to have a medical interest in the community. Brown says they felt it made good sense to have a small medical building right next door to a larger medical center in close proximity. It was also indicated during the meeting that financing has been secured for the project. Meanwhile, the Planning Commission also recommended approval of a special use application, site plan and impact assessment that will allow for a small addition in back of the Speedway gas station located on Grand River as well an outdoor storage area. The addition will not be visible from Grand River. Brown says the gas station has been there since the early 90’s so this allowed the commission the opportunity to spruce up the building and bring the landscaping there up to today’s standards. (JM) http://whmi.com/news/article/14434 http://whmi.com/news/article/14434 http://whmi.com/news/photo/small/14434/14434.jpg http://whmi.com/news/article/14434 Tue, 15 May 2012 09:48:00 EDT 5/15/12 - Three new administrators were hired by the Hartland School Board last night, including one to replace Tracey Sahouri as assistant principal of Hartland High School. The district re-assigned Tracey Sahouri from her role as Principal of Creekside Elementary School to Assistant High School Principal following an investigation by the Michigan Department of Education that concluded a breach of security occurred in administering the MEAP test to 4th grade students. The district controversially chose not to renew Sahouri’s administrative contract for next year so she will begin teaching at Hartland High in the fall. Sahouri, who has since filed a civil lawsuit against the district, will be replaced by Kate Gregory (pictured), the current dean of students for the high school. Outgoing Hartland High Principal Chuck Hughes tells WHMI Gregory was a natural choice and regardless of the controversy around Sahouri, the staff of the high school has accepted Gregory as the district’s choice for assistant principal. Hughes will take a new position as director of curriculum and administration next year. Last night the board approved hiring Fowlerville Junior High School Principal Ben Mainka as the new Hartland High principal to replace him in the fall, selecting him from almost three dozen applicants to the job. Farms Intermediate School Counselor Mary Day was also promoted to assistant principal of that school last night. Meanwhile, no recommendation came before the board Monday night to expel the 18-year-old student identified as the person responsible for sending text and online messages that led to the one-day closing of the high school last month. That means he will be allowed to graduate. Prosecutor David Morse announced last week that he was declining to press criminal charges against the teen. (TD) http://whmi.com/news/article/14435 http://whmi.com/news/article/14435 http://whmi.com/news/photo/small/14435/14435.jpg http://whmi.com/news/article/14435 Tue, 15 May 2012 03:57:00 EDT 5/15/12 - An elderly Brighton woman charged with hoarding dozens of cats inside of her home who was set to go to trial next week has entered a plea instead. 80-year-old Carol Anne Adams pleaded no contest to a single count of abandoning/cruelty to 4 to 10 animals in connection with a raid on her two Brighton homes more than a year ago. Adams entered the no-contest plea at a hearing yesterday in Livingston County Circuit Court, which is not an admission of guilt but is treated as such during sentencing. The deal also stipulates that upon successful completion of probation, the charges may be dismissed. More than two dozen cats and one dog were seized during the raid in April of 2011. Both homes where the animals were living were later condemned by the city for various code violations. The case came to light after neighbors complained about smells and a large number of cats at one of the homes on Woodlake Drive. Five of the cats had to be euthanized with the remaining animals placed up for adoption. Adams will be sentenced June 28th. (JM) http://whmi.com/news/article/14433 http://whmi.com/news/article/14433 http://whmi.com/news/photo/small/14433/14433.jpg http://whmi.com/news/article/14433 Tue, 15 May 2012 02:12:00 EDT 5/14/12 - US Senate hopeful Clark Durant made a campaign stop in front of Howell’s Historic Downtown Courthouse today on his way to turn in his ballot petitions in Lansing. Durant is attempting to take the GOP nomination away from longtime congressman Pete Hoekstra and run against incumbent Senator Debbie Stabenow in the November election. Rather than hand in the petitions to put himself on the ballot, Durant chose to lead a convoy of supporters, who he describes as “bikers and moms,” to the state capital. He made campaign stops along the way including one in Howell, where he has local connections to the Ann Arbor Railroad. Local petitioners, led by Brighton resident Renee Pettingill, gathered 1,400 signatures for Durant’s campaign in Livingston County. About 30 residents greeted Durant, including eight motorcycles. During the stop Durant delivered a stump speech at the courthouse promoting himself as an unconventional candidate. He tells WHMI that he believes the existing politicians have caused more harm than good and the unusual way he is delivering his petitions is part of an image of nonconformity. He views his supporters as a cross-section of the voting public who back him as an alternative to career politicians. Durant says he has the roughly same cash-on-hand funding as Hoekstra at about $1.5 million. Stabenow has raised nearly $7 million, but Durant expects her past performance to work against her in the election. (TD) http://whmi.com/news/article/14431 http://whmi.com/news/article/14431 http://whmi.com/news/photo/small/14431/14431.jpg http://whmi.com/news/article/14431 Mon, 14 May 2012 11:32:00 EDT 5/14/12 - A Livingston County attorney is handling multiple lawsuits claiming the hiring and promotion practices of the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority police department favors minority candidates over older white males. At least four lawsuits have been filed since November against the authority, which oversees 13 parks including Kensington and Huron Meadows, claiming age, race or sex discrimination. Pinckney attorney James Fett is representing several of the claimants. Among them is 63-year-old Cmdr. Harley Rider of Dexter Township, who says he was improperly passed over for the chief's job in 2008 in favor of Police Chief George Phifer, who he says was less qualified. Authority officials dispute that. His case is scheduled for trial in July. Rider, a commander in the department and also the Dexter Township clerk, told the Free Press that the atmosphere of the department changed drastically after the hiring of Phifer. Rider says a campaign of retaliation began against anyone who complained about Phifer's employment that included multiple transfers that at one point took him from a 5-mile commute to 90-minute commute and a stripping away of his responsibilities and oversight. Fett told the paper that the alleged focus on diversity is illegal and is “…a code word for jamming old white guys." George Steele, an attorney representing the park system, says many complaints about the department stem from a reorganization begun in 2005. He acknowledged some officers are unhappy, but says the park system has a "professionally organized and efficient" department. (JK) http://whmi.com/news/article/14430 http://whmi.com/news/article/14430 http://whmi.com/news/photo/small/14430/14430.jpg http://whmi.com/news/article/14430 Mon, 14 May 2012 09:43:00 EDT 5/14/12 - The history of Howell will come alive this weekend during an event that aims to celebrate the past while preserving it for the future. The 9th annual Howell History Days celebration this Saturday will provide free entertainment, demonstrations and exhibits including historic building tours and as many as 30 craft vendors. Other activities include a tractor alley, butter churning, free children's books and two workshops for kids that start at 10am - Renee Chodkowski, also known as the Great Foodini, will host Cooking with Kids while “Draw with Me” will be hosted by Rick Schlaack. The event is sponsored by the Howell Area Historical Society and the Howell Carnegie District Library. The historical society owns and maintains the depot museum on Wetmore and Walnut Streets, which was built in 1886 and was the first building in the county to be recognized on the national Historic Register. To learn more about Howell History Days, click on the link below. (JM) http://whmi.com/news/article/14432 http://whmi.com/news/article/14432 http://whmi.com/news/photo/small/14432/14432.jpg http://whmi.com/news/article/14432 Mon, 14 May 2012 08:11:00 EDT 5/14/12 - Congressman Mike Rogers told a national television audience yesterday that the leak of an al Qaeda bomb plot aimed at an American aircraft amounted to "premature chest thumping," by the Obama Administration. Speaking on CBS' "Face the Nation", the Howell Republican, who chairs the House Intelligence Committee, said he has ordered a preliminary review and could open a full committee investigation or refer it to criminal charges to the F.B.I. Last month, a double agent volunteered to smuggle a sophisticated underwear bomb onto an American plane and bring it down. Instead, he turned it over to the U.S. government. It was later revealed that the intended suicide bomber was a double agent, working with the CIA, Saudi intelligence agencies and the United Kingdom's MI6. The controversy is over the fact that the operation was leaked to the Associated Press before it was complete and before congressional leaders had been informed about it. "Well, it's clear that the information was leaked, and that information was presented at some point to the CIA. The CIA at that point tried to put that story back in the can for-- for security reasons. We had-- people's lives were at stake during this particular operation. And that's where it gets a little murky which is why I've ordered the review. This is not anything that should be used for a headline. Our national security should be exempt from any November at any time in any year." But a U.S. official who spoke on the condition of anonymity, rejected the idea that the leak was in any way coordinated saying the administration had fought to prevent the information from coming out, and then to delay the AP's publication of it for operational reasons. (JK) http://whmi.com/news/article/14428 http://whmi.com/news/article/14428 http://whmi.com/news/photo/small/14428/14428.jpg http://whmi.com/news/article/14428 Mon, 14 May 2012 05:09:00 EDT 5/14/12 - The Michigan Department of Transportation has some big plans to revamp the US-23/I-96 interchange and is looking to get public feedback at a pair of meetings Thursday. M-DOT is looking to gain input on the new proposal before any construction occurs, which would be done in conjunction with building three new bridges over northbound and southbound US-23, and over Old US-23, that would also require the demolition of about a dozen homes located where the freeway splits off through the interchange. M-DOT Spokeswoman Kari Arend says the new plan would repair the bridges at I-96 and US-23 but also involve the construction of six additional new lanes there, basically in-between the existing eastbound and westbound lanes of I-96 and turn it into more of a collector/distributor ramp. Arend says construction would more than likely start in 2015 and 2016 at the interchange but they are still in the very initial stages of the project planning. The public is encouraged to learn more and offer input at two sessions this Thursday at the Brighton Township Hall. The first will run from noon to 2pm and the second from 5 to 8pm. Picture courtesy of www.canhighways.com. (JK) http://whmi.com/news/article/14429 http://whmi.com/news/article/14429 http://whmi.com/news/photo/small/14429/14429.jpg http://whmi.com/news/article/14429 Mon, 14 May 2012 04:12:00 EDT 5/14/12 - An open house to celebrate the completion and opening of the new Putnam Township Fire House was held Saturday. The fire department outgrew its old fire house of 30 years and asked township voters to approve the construction of a larger $1.5 million fire house on M-36 near the township hall. That project was completed last year and the fire department moved into the new building in December, but the open house was delayed until this weekend to make sure the weather would permit residents to take full advantage of the facility. Residents attended the open house throughout the day to enjoy free food, cotton candy, demonstrations of equipment and simulators from various departments, and games and attractions for kids including a bounce house. The open house was also attended by emergency departments from all over the county including the Sheriff’s Department, Brighton Fire, Livingston County EMS, and the Red Cross. The fire department increased its available vehicle bays from five to 13 by moving to the new facility, allowing all of the department’s vehicles to be kept and maintained indoors. Department vehicles now also enjoy direct access to M-36 without having to worry about traffic in downtown Pinckney. (TD) http://whmi.com/news/article/14426 http://whmi.com/news/article/14426 http://whmi.com/news/photo/small/14426/14426.jpg http://whmi.com/news/article/14426 Mon, 14 May 2012 04:01:00 EDT 5/13/12 - The Brighton Board of Education has approved unlimited schools of choice in the district for the 2012-13 academic year. Superintendent Greg Gray says unlimited schools of choice means that as long as there is room, students from other school districts will be allowed to enroll in any grade, K-through-12, for the fall term. Gray tells WHMI the Board of Education approved a limited schools of choice program earlier this year but amended that last week to offer an unlimited program. Gray says the 620 schools of choice students enrolled in the Brighton Area Schools this year is a record. Participating in the schools of choice program is a good source of income because the district receives the per-pupil revenue when a student from a neighboring school district enrolls in the Brighton program. (TT) http://whmi.com/news/article/14427 http://whmi.com/news/article/14427 http://whmi.com/news/photo/small/14427/14427.jpg http://whmi.com/news/article/14427 Sun, 13 May 2012 12:53:00 EDT 5/12/12 - The Michigan State Police Brighton Post was one of the top collection sites during a National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. A total of 693.7 pounds of prescription drugs were collected and all 29 MSP posts participated in the “take back” effort, with the Brighton Post located off of Old US-23 collecting a total of 41 pounds. Michigan State Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration and numerous other local law enforcement agencies across Livingston County took part in the effort in late April, which offered an anonymous venue for residents to dispose of unwanted, expired or unused prescription drugs for safe destruction. (JM) http://whmi.com/news/article/14422 http://whmi.com/news/article/14422 http://whmi.com/news/photo/small/14422/14422.jpg http://whmi.com/news/article/14422 Sat, 12 May 2012 06:48:00 EDT 5/11/12 - A gravel-hauler truck crash caused major traffic backups along I-96 Friday near the Oakland County line. Local authorities say the truck was traveling along eastbound I-96 at around 8am Friday when it left the roadway just before Pleasant Valley Road, going several hundred feet into a wooded area and pond where the front portion then fell on its side. The truck leaked fuel into a small pond, which necessitated hazardous material containment and an environmental cleanup. A specialty towing company was brought in with heavy equipment to try and remove the truck, which was partially submerged in thick mud. Crews were working for hours to pull the truck out and get it upright while also unloading material in the trailers. The driver of the truck is said to have suffered minor injuries. The right lane of eastbound I-96 was closed near Pleasant Valley Road to allow for cleanup efforts and backups were originally reported past the US-23 interchange. The freeway finally re-opened to traffic at around 4pm. (JM) http://whmi.com/news/article/14420 http://whmi.com/news/article/14420 http://whmi.com/news/photo/small/14420/14420.jpg http://whmi.com/news/article/14420 Fri, 11 May 2012 17:23:00 EDT 5/11/12 - The Howell mother of a young girl diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder is urging community support at a walk next weekend designed to raise both funds and awareness. The Angelman Syndrome Walk-A-Thon is a 2.2 mile walk that will be followed by a picnic next Saturday at Linden County Park. Angelman Syndrome is a complex genetic disorder that primarily affects the neurological system, resulting in delayed development, intellectual disabilities, severe speech impairment, seizures and problems with movement and balance. It is rare in that one in every 15,000 children are diagnosed and Tyfanie Faron of Howell received the news when her daughter Avery was 2-years-old. She tells WHMI they noticed Avery had a speech delay, which prompted them to get some genetic testing done and resulted in the diagnosis. After that, Faron says they connected with the Angelman Foundation and were able to get in touch with other families and form a support network, which is why she is urging community support for the walk. All of the funds raised will go to the Foundation, which seeks to advance awareness, understanding and treatment with the ultimate goal of finding a cure. A benefit dinner is also planned Monday evening at Tomato Brothers in Howell in which a portion of proceeds will be donated in Avery’s name. You can find details about that as well as information about the walk in the events section located to the right of our webpage. (JM) http://whmi.com/news/article/14424 http://whmi.com/news/article/14424 http://whmi.com/news/photo/small/14424/14424.jpg http://whmi.com/news/article/14424 Fri, 11 May 2012 16:59:00 EDT 5/11/12 - A local recycling company is under investigation after a complaint was filed against it by the state. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Weights and Measures division filed the complaint against Regal Recycling after discovering a scale that was out of tolerance during a routine inspection. The company operates two facilities in the Howell area, one in Whitmore Lake and another in Ann Arbor. The complaint was filed with the Livingston County Prosecutor’s Office, which turned the matter over to the Sheriff’s Department for additional investigation. Sheriff Bob Bezotte tells WHMI interviews are being conducted and they are currently working the state, which turned over the possible evidence to them. He says that has since been sent to the crime lab, which will determine if there is any viable evidence to indicate intentional mis-use of the device. He notes that the Department of Agriculture routinely checks these devices to make sure they are legitimate and that nobody’s tampered with them, adding that this is the first time he has seen one actually seized and a criminal report filed. Bezotte says detectives should wrap up interviews by the end of next week and have the investigation complete before the end of the month. (JM) http://whmi.com/news/article/14423 http://whmi.com/news/article/14423 http://whmi.com/news/photo/small/14423/14423.jpg http://whmi.com/news/article/14423 Fri, 11 May 2012 15:21:00 EDT 5/11/12 - A canoe race this weekend will honor the memory of a Milford man who gave his life trying to save two drowning teenagers. The Doug Killenbeck Memorial Canoe Race will take place this Saturday at Milford’s Central Park. The 48-year-old husband and father was said to be an accomplished athlete and has been described by family members and friends as a selfless guy who knew the dangers of the water but took the risk anyway. He drowned while attempting to rescue two teens whose canoe overturned in choppy water near the base of the Huron River Dam in Milford in May of last year. Killingbeck was a member of the Michigan Canoe Racing Association, which is hosting this Saturday’s memorial race. It will run from noon to 6pm and will start and finish at Central Park in downtown Milford. The competitive races are expected to draw some of the country’s best marathon racers to the area and registration begins at 11am. For more information, click on the link below. (JM) http://whmi.com/news/article/14421 http://whmi.com/news/article/14421 http://whmi.com/news/photo/small/14421/14421.jpg http://whmi.com/news/article/14421 Fri, 11 May 2012 10:09:00 EDT 5/11/12 - A hearing is set next month on a proposal to replace more than 200 miles of pipeline in Michigan, including a 50-mile stretch from Stockbridge to Ortonville that would run through Livingston County. A June 6th hearing is scheduled by the Michigan Public Service Commission to a proposal submitted by Alberta-based Enbridge Incorporated to replace portions of the pipeline, known as Line 6B, to reduce the number of future maintenance needs and restore capacity. The 30-inch-diameter pipeline, originally installed in 1969, runs from Griffith, Indiana, to Sarnia, Ontario. Joe Martucci, a spokesman for Enbridge, told The Time Herald of Port Huron that the pipeline has been operating at a reduced pressure since 2010. It produces 243,000 barrels of oil a day with the pressure restrictions, but projections show the new pipeline will produce about 500,000 barrels of oil a day. The existing pipeline will be decommissioned and remain in place with the new pipeline placed about 25 feet from the existing line. Several landowners along the pipeline’s route have expressed concerns about how the additional land will affect them, with some saying it will require decks to be removed and stands of mature trees cut down. Others have expressed dissatisfaction with the compensation being offered by Enbridge. Martucci has said the company is offering fair market value. Meanwhile, a petition from a Livingston County property owner to intervene in the case has since been resolved. The Michigan Nature Association owns 20 acres in Tyrone Township that would be affected by the pipeline project. MPSC records indicate that they have since reached an agreement with Enbridge and have withdrawn their petition. After the commission hears the case both for and against the project at the June 6th meeting, they will then issue a decision at a later date, most likely before the end of the year. If they do vote for approval, Enbridge will then be able to pursue eminent domain in circuit court in those instances where landowners have not reached an agreement with the company. (JK) http://whmi.com/news/article/14419 http://whmi.com/news/article/14419 http://whmi.com/news/photo/small/14419/14419.jpg http://whmi.com/news/article/14419 Fri, 11 May 2012 05:58:00 EDT 5/11/12 - A Howell High School senior has been named a 2012 U.S. Presidential Scholar. The U.S. Department of Education has announced that Claire Kwan is one of 141 high school seniors named a U.S Presidential Scholar. The honor is given to those who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, artistic excellence, leadership qualities and character while making significant contributions to their community and school. Inclusion in the program is considered one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors. More than 3,000 candidates qualified this year based on their exceptional performance on either the College Board SAT or the ACT Assessment as well as their academic and artistic achievements. When Kwan was a junior at Howell High School, she accomplished something that few people manage to ever get - a perfect ACT score of 36. At the time, she told WHMI that she was looking into a science or math based career, perhaps in the medical or engineering fields. Kwan and the other scholars will be honored for their accomplishments during a ceremony in Washington, DC June 16th through the 19th. (JK) http://whmi.com/news/article/14418 http://whmi.com/news/article/14418 http://whmi.com/news/photo/small/14418/14418.jpg http://whmi.com/news/article/14418 Fri, 11 May 2012 05:09:00 EDT 5/11/12 - Northwest Elementary in the Howell Public Schools district has been named the “2012 Bike to School Day” award winner. This past Wednesday marked “Bike to School Day”, which is a yearly event that celebrates the school commute and encourages families to safely try out riding. The Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority says Northwest Elementary won the award by a landslide with over 40 students and faculty members taking part in this year’s event. "Bike to School Day” was just the first of many upcoming events to recognize May as National Bike Month. Local residents are being encouraged to save on gas money and get some exercise next Friday, May 18th when the Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority will be celebrating “Bike to Work Day”. The Bennett Recreation Center will be providing free coffee, juice, bagels and donuts on your way to work and riders can also enter their name into a prize raffle. For more details, click on the link below. (JM) http://whmi.com/news/article/14414 http://whmi.com/news/article/14414 http://whmi.com/news/photo/small/14414/14414.jpg http://whmi.com/news/article/14414 Fri, 11 May 2012 01:01:00 EDT 5/11/12 - The Marion Township Board of Trustees approved moving forward with at least two road new road projects at its regular meeting last night. The board approved a motion to request contracts from the Livingston County Road Commission for construction projects on Peavy Road and Cedar Lake Road this summer. The Peavy Road project will pave the road from Mason Road to Tracilee at an estimated cost of $210,000. The second project will repair the surface of Cedar Lake Road between Jewell and Norton Roads at an estimated cost of $250,000. Both of those will be paid for out of the township’s general fund. The township board also discussed a request by the residents of Bonnie Circle, a public road south of Norton Road that is in need of repair. 21 of the 23 families on Bonnie Circle have requested a special assessment district to pay for $150,000 in repairs to the road. Last night the board discussed the possibility of creating the SAD and providing no-interest financing for the project. The possibility of contributing a fraction of the cost was also discussed but ultimately dismissed by the board. (TD) http://whmi.com/news/article/14417 http://whmi.com/news/article/14417 Fri, 11 May 2012 00:43:00 EDT