Livingston County Area News Archive

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Tuesday, June 30, 2020

MI Health Groups Call Tobacco Bill Package "Weak"

The package of six bills passed the Senate earlier this month and includes new regulations on the sale of e-cigarettes. One of the bills, SB 784, was sponsored by Brighton Township Republican Lana Theis.

Child Porn Case Adjourned For Pinckney Man

The charges followed an investigation conducted by the Michigan State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which led to a residence in Pinckney where 41-year-old Paul Aaron Kenczyk was living.

Monday, June 29, 2020

Sunday, June 28, 2020

Saturday, June 27, 2020

Friday, June 26, 2020

Fowlerville Family Loses Pets & Home In Fire

Fowlerville Police say they and the Fowlerville Area Fire Authority were called to a house fire in the 200 block of S. Maple Street in the village. 5 dogs and 8 cats were lost in the fire.

Thursday, June 25, 2020

Citing COVID "Uncertainties", Bank Merger Canceled

Arbor Bancorp, Inc. the holding company of Bank of Ann Arbor, announced today that they and FNBH Bancorp, Inc., the holding company for First National Bank in Howell, have mutually agreed to terminate their plan to merge.

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Convicted Freeway Shooter Seeks New Appeal

51-year-old Raulie Wayne Casteel was convicted on several felony counts, including terrorism and assault with a dangerous weapon, for the shootings that took place along the I-96 corridor in 2012.

Theis Shares GOP Plan For Fall Schooling

State Senator Lana Theis says the Republican-led Return To Learn plan will provide districts the flexibility they need to offer children a quality education in the fall.

Local Pastor Holds Conversation On Race

Pastor Yolanda Whiten of St. James AME in Brighton hosted an online event where black leaders in their respective fields shared the obstacles and adversities they had to overcome and still battle against.

Local Lawmaker Introduces Voter Fraud Plan

Republican State Rep. Ann Bollin introduced a plan that she says will help prevent voter fraud in Michigan by making it a felony to knowingly fill out an absentee ballot application with another person’s information.

Tuesday, June 23, 2020

Howell Fire Chief Announces Retirement

Andy Pless has been Chief of the Howell Area Fire Authority since 2008, when he succeeded longtime Chief Jim Reed. Pless, who joined the Howell Fire Department in 1987, announced his retirement last week during the Howell Fire Authority Board meeting.

Detmer Says "Race Nonsense" Is "Fake"

Mike Detmer of Howell was one of the speakers last week during a militia rally in Lansing called the “American Patriot Rally” in which he referenced the ongoing protests against police brutality and systemic racism as "fake"

Monday, June 22, 2020

Specialty Court Helps Substance Abusers Get Help & Avoid Jail

Livingston County's Adult Drug Court is for people suffering from substance abuse issues that are entering the criminal justice system to help them get the treatment they need and stay out of jail. It is the first of three specialty courts WHMI is looking at with a series of reports entitled, “Specialty Court, Specialty Justice”

West Bloomfield Man Charged After Police Chase

28-year-old Eddie Allen III of West Bloomfield was arraigned last week on charges of fraud, fleeing and eluding, resisting police and driving on a suspended license following his arrest June 16th in Putnam Township.

Fatal Rollover Kills Oakland County Man

The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office says deputies were dispatched just before 2pm Sunday to the report of an accident at Northbound US-23 and I-96 in Brighton Township involving a Jeep Liberty and a Chevrolet Corvette.

Local Lawmaker Hosts Virtual COVID-19 Event

An update on COVID-19 in Livingston County, Michigan’s troubled unemployment system and auto insurance reform were discussed during a virtual event hosted by State Rep. Hank Vaupel Friday.

Sunday, June 21, 2020

GOP Primary Candidate Forum Set For Wednesday

WHMI is again teaming up with the Livingston Post and the League of Women Voters of Ann Arbor Area – Brighton/Howell Unit, along with the Hartland Cromaine Library for a primary candidate forum set to be recorded on Wednesday, June 24th.

Drive-Thru Backpacks For Kids Project Planned

Despite challenges associated with COVID-19, the Livingston Educational Service Agency will host the 19th annual Backpacks for Kids project to help provide struggling families with backpacks and supplies.

Bollin Wants COVID-19 Patients Out Of Nursing Homes

State Representative Ann Bollin of Brighton Township has sponsored a resolution approved by the Michigan House calling to end Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s policy of placing coronavirus patients into long-term care facilities.

Saturday, June 20, 2020

New Van Will More Than Double Nonprofit's Reach

On Friday, Bountiful Harvest of Brighton was gifted a transit van courtesy Brighton Light House and the I Will Right Now Foundation. The ribbon cutting on the van was held at Brighton Ford, held a food drive to fill it up before handing it over.

Hundreds Gather At Mill Pond For Anti-Quarantine Rally

Stand Up Michigan hosted the Freedom Fest at the Brighton Mill Pond with music, speakers and memorabilia for sale. The group seeks to pass a referendum that would repeal the 1945 law that allows Gov. Whitmer to continue issuing emergency declarations without legislative approval.

Juvenile Injured In Off-Road Vehicle Crash Friday

The Sheriff's Office says an under-age juvenile from Fowlerville was operating a 2017 Polaris side-by-side ORV when he lost control, causing the vehicle to roll over. An under-age passenger suffered non-life threatening injuries.

Friday, June 19, 2020

Brighton Pastor To Host Online Conversation On Race

Yolanda Whiten is the pastor at St. James AME Church in Brighton. On Tuesday at 3pm, she will lead a Zoom gathering entitled “Race Conversations: A Community Education Time” in which she invites anyone interested in a productive dialogue to join.

State Employee Suspended For Howell Tweet

The woman, who is an employee of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, tweeted May 30th, “the first city to burn in michigan should be Howell, all in favor say I," from an account that has since been deleted.

OLHSA Issues Statement On Racism & Community Action

The Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency says amidst these trying times where families are coping with overwhelming grief, fear and economic hardships; they continue to face another more insidious epidemic - racism.

James Endorses Reckling In House Bid

Republican U.S. Senate challenger, John James, announced his support and endorsement of Meghan Reckling’s campaign to represent the residents of the 47th state house district.

Dem House Candidate Gets Union Endorsement

Donnie Bettes, is the only Democrat running for the 42nd State House District, which is currently represented by Republican Ann Bollin. She recently received the endorsement of Council 25 of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees.

Thursday, June 18, 2020

Reader Erroneously Says Vailliencourt Declined To Prosecute Online Threat

Former Judge David Reader accused Prosecutor William Vailliencourt of declining to file charges in an online threat case. However, Vailliencourt says that is "false" and the case was returned for further investigation to the Howell Police Department. Reader is running against Vailliencourt for the GOP nomination in the August 4th primary.

Local Health Department Clarifies Reported COVID-19 Death Data

As of Wednesday, the department is reporting 417 confirmed cases, 138 probable cases, 27 confirmed deaths, and one probable death related to COVID-19. Of those deaths, 15 are directly related to Livingston County residents residing in Long Term Care facilities.

Howell Teacher Joins Whitmer To Discuss School Re-Opening Plan

Howell High School Teacher Greg Talberg is part of the Advisory Council and spoke at the press conference announcing the Return to School Roadmap which sets minimum requirements and recommendations for students returning to face-to-face learning will be released on June 30th.

Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Theis Says Nursing Home Order "Too Little, Too Late"

Brighton Township Republican issued a statement following Monday's order by Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Director Robert Gordon requiring regular testing and timely and accurate reporting of cases, deaths, personal protective equipment and staffing shortages.

Planning Commission Approves Condo PUD

At its online meeting Monday night, the City Planning Commission unanimously approved the Planned Unit Development contract for The Bluffs at Spring Hill to be situated on a bluff between the I-96 freeway and the Hamilton Farms condominiums at Flint Road.

Tuesday, June 16, 2020

Fire Damages South Lyon Duplex, Injures Resident

The South Lyon Fire Department was dispatched at 3:30am to a home on Brookfield Drive for a reported house fire. Upon arrival, firefighters found a fully involved two story duplex with flames extending to the other side of the structure.

Probation Officer Files Lawsuit Over Dismissed Perjury Charges

The suit was filed last month against Livingston County, Prosecutor William Vailliencourt, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Mike Taylor and Michigan State Police Detective Craig Carberry. It was filed by Shalimar Howard, a Michigan Department of Corrections probation officer who was charged with perjury before the charges were dismissed last year.

Monday, June 15, 2020

St. Mary's In Pinckney Holds Graduation

St. Mary school families joined community members on Friday, June 12th to send off eighth grade graduates with a ceremony and mass. The end-of-year celebration also doubled as a donation drive to collect baby wipes and diapers to support pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sunday, June 14, 2020

Protests Support Black Lives Matter In Brighton & Pinckney

In Brighton, around 50 people gathered Friday afternoon to bring attention to racism, inequality and the Black Lives Matter movement, while in downtown Pinckney several dozen residents turned out to the Towne Square for the same purpose, although they were heckled by one man who shouted , "Go back to Africa!"

BAS Selling Used Chromebook Computers

The district is making the devices available for sale because it is buying 1,900 new Chromebooks at a cost of $340,000 to replace those which were purchased from 2012 to 2014.

Saturday, June 13, 2020

Friday, June 12, 2020

Thursday, June 11, 2020

Tentative Deal Reached With BAS Bargaining Units

Both the Brighton Area Schools Administrators’ Association and the Brighton Education Support Personnel Association agreed to forego any wage, step or benefit increases during the time the contract is in effect.

Genso Lauds Hundley's Silence On "Frivolous" Voter lawsuit

Jordan Genso, the Democratic candidate for Livingston County Clerk, said it was “encouraging” to see Betsy Hundley, the Republican incumbent he seeks to replace in November, not voice support for what he calls a “frivolous lawsuit...attempting to prevent legal votes from being cast.”

Wednesday, June 10, 2020

Junge Receives Endorsement From Sheriff Murphy

Citing Paul Junge’s experience as a deputy prosecutor in a domestic violence unit and as “an appointee in the Trump Administration to stop illegal immigration," Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy offered his endorsement to Junge in the race to unseat 8th District Democrat Elissa Slotkin.

Pinckney Schools Lays Off 22 Teachers

With declining enrollment and impending cuts from the state to per-student funding, the district had to make the tough decision to lay off additional staff compared to years past.

BAS Board Discusses Interim Superintendent

Exactly who will take over on an interim basis for Superintendent Greg Gray when he officially retires on June 30th was a topic of discussion Monday for the Board of Education.

Tuesday, June 9, 2020

Livingston Clerk Named In Voting Rolls Lawsuit

A Republican activist argues in a lawsuit filed Tuesday in advance of the 2020 election that state and local election officials, including Livingston County Clerk Betsy Hundley, should be forced to remove ineligible voters from the rolls in 16 Michigan counties with “abnormally high” registration levels.

Howell Police Say They're Prepared For Future Protests

Police Chief Scott Mannor said county agencies worked very well together to prevent things from turning to a bad situation last Thursday. An event this Thursday remains canceled but Mannor said if something should happen, they’re prepared to handle it.

Cleary Offers Enhanced Dual Enrollment Pathway

Cleary’s tuition-free, four year Enhanced Dual Enrollment Pathway is a partnership with Michigan International Prep School (MIPS). At the end of 12th grade, out-going MIPS seniors can graduate with an associate’s degree and 60 college credits from Cleary.

Cleary Offers Enhanced Dual Enrollment Pathway

Cleary’s tuition-free, four year Enhanced Dual Enrollment Pathway is a partnership with Michigan International Prep School (MIPS). At the end of 12th grade, out-going MIPS seniors can graduate with an associate’s degree and 60 college credits from Cleary.

Monday, June 8, 2020

Brighton's Main Street To Close Fri. & Sat. Through Summer

The resolution by Brighton City Council permits businesses full use of the sidewalks directly adjacent to the business for extra space but no tents. For residents, there’s the creation of individual family eating areas to allow for carry-out style outdoor meals.

District Conducting Superintendent Search Survey

Board of Education President Andy Burchfield says the purpose of the survey is to gather information on what the community wants in a superintendent and what district stakeholders think the criteria for the position should be.

NTSB Unable To Find Cause Of 2019 Plane Crash

The National Transportation Safety Board was unable to find the cause of a 2019 airplane crash into Lake Michigan that left two men dead, including Pilot Randal Dippold, who owned Airservice Enterprise Inc. at the Livingston County Airport

Sunday, June 7, 2020

Hundreds Gather In Brighton To Ally Against Racial Injustice

Several hundred people turned out in the hot mid-day sun Saturday for the event called Brighton Allies for Racial Justice, held at Brighton’s Mill Pond and organized by Brighton resident Jessica Garcia, who serves as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Manager for the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts at the University of Michigan.

Saturday, June 6, 2020

Friday, June 5, 2020

Peaceful Protests Held In Howell & Brighton Thursday

Several hundred demonstrators gathered outside of the historic courthouse in downtown Howell and in downtown Brighton carrying signs in support of the “Black Lives Matter” movement and chanting “Say his name…George Floyd”.

HPS Board Of Education Mulls Budget

The Howell High School Board of Education is facing the challenge all schools districts face with uncertainty from the state on how deep revenue cuts will be for the upcoming year.

Theis Resolution Condemns Domestic Terrorism

Brighton Township Republican Lana Theis co-sponsored the measure with her Democratic colleague from Detroit, Sen. Sylvia Santana, who joined her at the rostrum to introduce the resolution.

Thursday, June 4, 2020

Slotkin & Congressional Leaders Host TV Town Hall Wednesday

8th District Democrat Elissa Slotkin participated in the live event carried on various television stations that offered an update on the COVID-19 pandemic, recent civil unrest in response to police violence and how to confront challenges facing the country.

Recycle Livingston Back Open

After more than two months of being closed down due to the COVID-19 crisis, the local recycling agency re-opened Monday.

Wednesday, June 3, 2020

Suspects Charged In Break-In At Unadilla Store

26 year old Travis Sprague, 18 year old Connor Marshall, and a 16 year old juvenile, all from Dansville, face counts of breaking and entering, safe breaking and possession of burglary tools for the incident.

Platform Aims To Connect Businesses With PPE Needs

With efforts to re-engage Michigan’s economy underway, the Pure Michigan Business Connect program has developed a portal specifically designed to support the personal protective equipment (PPE) needs of businesses as they start the process of re-opening.

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

City of Howell Reaches Out To Community Amid Threats

The City said while it is dedicated to being accommodating for the needs of those who want to voice their concerns peaceful protest, the potential exists for peaceful protests to be hijacked by outside groups. And in fact, organizers of a planned “peaceful protest” set for Downtown Howell on Thursday have postponed the event, citing “overall concern for the safety of our community.”

LCCC To Restart Paused Programs

While they still state a preference of proving help over the phone or internet, LCCC is preparing to gradually phase back in person-to-person meetings and activities.

Monday, June 1, 2020

Whitmer Lifts Stay-At-Home Order

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer lifted Michigan’s coronavirus stay-at-home order Monday, letting restaurants reopen to dine-in customers next week and immediately easing limits on gatherings while keeping social-distancing rules intact.

Police Say Threat Is Just "Social Media Chatter"

The “chatter” in question appears to have begun with a tweet that states, “the first city to burn in Michigan should be Howell, all in favor say I”. It received several thousand likes and retweets before the account holder removed it and then later deleted their account.

Whitmer Temporarily Alters Open Meetings Act

An executive order signed by the Governor allows public bodies, including the Brighton Board of Education next week, to meet electronically as long as they can ensure public participation.

County Extends Pay To Non-Essential Workers

The Board of Trustees voted to extend pay and benefits to that subset of employees, while also exploring the validity of executive orders that keep them from being called back to work.