Sick of winter? You’re in luck. Woody, Michigan’s official groundhog, says spring will come early
Woody the Woodchuck made her prediction for the season during the Howell Nature Center’s 25th annual Groundhog Day Celebration on Thursday, Feb. 2. Despite clear skies and sunshine, Woody wasn’t scared by her shadow back into her den, meaning she didn’t see her shadow and spring will come early. The Howell Nature Center began the day’s celebration at 7:30 a.m. at 1005 Triangle Lake Road. While it may have been a chilly morning, it didn’t stop people from participating in all kinds of activities, including the event’s annual Groundhog Day costume contest. Now, that she’s made her annual Groundhog Day prediction, Woody is back in her house, likely to sleep until spring really does arrive.
mlive.comWill winter end soon? Michigan’s Woody the Woodchuck ready to give her prediction
Woody the Woodchuck, a female groundhog, is planning to make her 25th prediction in front of a live audience around 8:30 a.m. for Groundhog Day on Thursday, Feb. 2, at the Howell Nature Center. The Howell Nature Center is planning to bring more than just weather predictions on Groundhog Day. Participants are asked to “come dressed to impress as winter, spring, a groundhog or anything you see fit,” the event listing stated. To learn more about this upcoming event, visit the Howell Nature Center’s event page or its social media. Read more from The Ann Arbor News:2 Ann Arbor restaurants named semifinalists for James Beard Award5 fun things to do in Ann Arbor this weekend (Jan. 27-29)$3M renovation will bring expanded offerings to Busch’s in Dexter
mlive.comSheep rescued from partially frozen lake, reunited with owner
LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MI -- One lucky sheep was saved from a partially frozen lake in Livingston County on Monday. Brighton Area Fire Authority responded to a call around 2 p.m., Jan. 16. about a lost sheep making its way onto Lake Chemung in Genoa Township, located between Brighton and Howell. Officials believe the animal got tired and decided the lake was a good place to rest. With the help of passersby, fire officials were able to reunite the sheep with its owner that same day. Furlong estimates the sheep wandered around two to three miles from where its owner lives.
mlive.comHowell wins title at Jim Dewland Classic, Western second, Portage Central third
PARMA -- Howell won the team title at the 59th Annual Jim Dewland Classic on Saturday, picking up 256.5 points to beat out second-place Western by 53 points. Portage Central took third with 201. The Highlanders stood atop the podium in
mlive.comTrump’s Attorneys in Closed-Door Court Hearing After Contempt Reports
(Bloomberg) -- The day after Donald Trump effectively gave up his court fight over government documents seized by the FBI from his Mar-a-Lago home, his lawyers were in a Washington courthouse amid reports the Justice Department has asked for the former president to be held in contempt in connection with the records probe.Most Read from BloombergCeline Dion Brings Attention to Stiff Person Syndrome: Here’s What It IsPutin Says Russia May Add Nuclear First Strike to StrategyStocks Drift With Wall
news.yahoo.comMissing Toddler Quinton Simon’s Babysitter and Grandma Have Blazing Row
Chatham County SheriffGeorgia toddler Quinton Simon has been missing for a week—and tensions are flaring.The 20-month-old’s grandmother, Billie Jo Howell, who had custody of him and his siblings, reportedly barged into the home of his babysitter, Diana McCarta, sparking a blazing argument.Howell was reportedly incensed that McCarta spoke about creating a memorial for Quinton.“My baby’s not dead,” the grandmother could be heard yelling on video recorded by McCarta’s daughter and obtained by WSAV.
news.yahoo.comLeader takes 3-shot advantage into final round of Tournament of Champions
Brett White of Caledonia shot 5-under-par 67 Tuesday on Boyne Mountain’s Monument course to take a three-shot lead into the final round of the 30th Michigan PGA Tournament of Champions. At 12-under 132, the Korn Ferry Tour player has a three-shot lead over Beau Breault, a mini-tour player from Howell who also shot 67 in the second round to sit at 9-under 135.
mlive.comAutomotive country club with condos, European-inspired race course gets green light in Howell
Father-son development team Mark and Jordan Dick unveiled plans for Motorsports Gateway Howell, which they call an exclusive “automotive country club,” last fall. Read more: Developers unveil plans for 2.2-mile ‘European-inspired’ race course, ‘garage condos’ in HowellThey envision a 2.2-mile European-designed track overlooked by two-story, 1,200-square-foot “garage condominiums,” where members can store automobiles and take in the race course from exterior balconies. It continues to be an absolute pleasure to work with them on this venture,” Howell City Manager Erv Suida said in a statement. The pricing for the condos starts at about $408,000 for “founding owners,” and developers are still marketing the opportunity to sign-up for one online. Future phases will bring a pit lane clubhouse, rentable member garages, added condo units and an extension of the circuit bringing it to 2.2 miles.
mlive.comHot air balloons take to the sky for Michigan Challenge in Howell
HOWELL, MI - They may be full of hot air, but these balloons are the real deal. There will be hot air balloons launching throughout Howell this Michigan summer weekend. The 37th Annual Michigan Challenge Balloonfest takes place in the Howell area starting Friday, June 24 and running through the weekend. You can check out the balloons take off from their launch point at Howell High School, 1200 W. Grand River Road. To learn more about hot air balloons, you can also meet the pilots at 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 25 on the launch field at the high school.
mlive.comThe Upkeep Games hopes to bring alcohol to Ann Arbor gaming experience
ANN ARBOR, MI -- An Ann Arbor game store is hoping to bring beer and wine to its visitors’ playing experience. Upkeep Games, 2121 W. Stadium Boulevard in Ann Arbor, was one of eight businesses approved by Ann Arbor City Council earlier this month for a Class C liquor license, which allow a business to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises. Upkeep Games, which also has a location in Howell, opened in Ann Arbor in early March. “We’ve had such a strong community support, both in our Howell locations and already in our Ann Arbor location,” Savage said. Our goal is to provide the service to the people that are already wanting to play games in our stores,” Savage said.
mlive.comBoys lacrosse state finals: Hartland captures first title, Forest Hills Central regains supremacy
HOWELL-- Last season, Hartland suffered a heartbreaking loss in the Division 1 state championship game to Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice. In Division 2, Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central had been climbing to get back the state title game and finally got back to the mountain top on Saturday. The Rangers overcame a 3-0 deficit early to captured their fifth state title with an 11-8 win over Detroit Country Day. It was the program’s first state championship since 2019. The Rangers capped the season with an undefeated season at 21-0, while DCC finished the year at 19-3.
mlive.comHere’s everything you need to know about MHSAA boys lacrosse state finals
Two of the state’s most historic boys lacrosse programs will compete once again for Michigan High School Athletic Association state championships on Saturday. A state title victory for the Warriors would also give them their 16th state championship in program history. Hartland returns to the state finals for the second straight year and will seek its first state title after falling to Brother Rice in last year’s state championship game. With EGR’s loss in the D2 state semifinals, Forest Hills Central will look to regain its control of the state championship instead. If you would like your local high school sports news delivered free to your inbox daily, click here and sign up for one of our local high school sports newsletters.
mlive.comTrial date in Brighton PFAS cleanup case pushed into December
HOWELL, MI — Litigation between the state of Michigan and the former owner of a Brighton factory contaminated with toxic PFAS chemicals will be tried this winter. Livingston County Judge Michael Hatty set a Dec. 12 trial date in a case filed against Asahi Kasei Plastics North America, (APNA), by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. The trial date was previously pushed from June to September. More: First Michigan PFAS trial set for 2022“They backhandedly got their extension,” said Joseph Callow, a partner at Keating Muething & Klekamp, an Ohio firm which is part of a group of outside firms called the Fields Team that’s litigating Michigan PFAS cases under special contract. “This is going to be the first PFAS trial in the state and we’re excited that, whatever happens in the next couple months, that we’ve got a pretty firm trial date,” Callow said.
mlive.comGirls wrestlers from the Jackson area punch tickets to state
JACKSON -- Wrestlers punched tickets to state in the girls wrestling regionals on Sunday in Hartland and Howell, with eight wrestlers from the Jackson area moving on. In the Blue Regional at Hartland, three Jackson-area wrestlers qualified.
mlive.comCast a vote for the Athlete of the Week in the Jackson area for February 14-19
JACKSON -- Here is the latest ballot for a new week’s worth of voting for Athlete of the Week in the Jackson area. Jackson wrestler Jaylon Riggins qualified for the state tournament by winning a regional title Saturday at Howell. Grass Lake’s Kate Starkey looks for a teammate to pass to during a high school girls basketball game at East Jackson High School on Feb. 16, 2022. Stephen Hertzfeld, East Jackson wrestlingHertzfeld won the regional title at Lutheran Westland on Saturday at 103 pounds to qualify for state. Stockbridge's Gwen Rogozinski (4) shoots during a girls basketball game at Stockbridge High School on Friday, Jan. 17, 2020.
mlive.comJackson’s Riggins headed to state
HOWELL -- Jackson wrestler Jaylon Riggins is headed to the state meet after claiming a regional championship on Saturday at Howell. The 160-pounder won the regional title with a 7-3 decision over Holt’s Alex Russell in the final. Jackson’s Kyle Bonner was pinned by Grandville’s Jordan Kaat in their first-round match at 285 and Bonner fell to Rockford’s Luke Guerra in the first round of wrestlebacks. Jackson’s Trevor Moorehouse reached the bloodround at 112 but lost on a major decision to Kalamazoo Central’s Rohan Marion. At 152, Jadion Range lost on a major decision in his first-round match to Grandville’s Dylan Cummings, then lost to Brighton’s Nathan Stark 8-3.
mlive.comWhere to get Girl Scout Cookie extreme milkshakes, available for a short time only
HOWELL, MI - If you’ve ever wondered what Girl Scout Cookies taste like as milkshakes, wonder no more. Four Girl Scout Cookie shake flavors will be available through Sunday, February 27, Thin Mint, Tagalong, Trefoil and Samoa. M Street made these last year for the first time for one weekend only and they were a huge hit. “The Girl Scout Milkshakes are popular because we are supporting so many young female entrepreneurs, and of course, the cookies are amazing too,” said M Street co-owner and former Girl Scout Emily Mazaris. “We grew up as Girl Scouts and know how exciting it was to sell cookies.”M Street is also buying Girl Scout Cookies at both of its locations.
mlive.comSee Michigan’s official groundhog predict 6 more weeks of winter
HOWELL, MI -- Woody, Michigan’s official groundhog, predicted six more weeks of winter during the 24th annual Groundhog Day Prediction Saturday, Feb. 5, at the Howell Nature Center. The groundhog nearly predicted an early spring, but she was spooked by her shadow with one second left on the clock and ducked back into her house. Before Woody’s grand entrance, the staff at Howell Nature Center hosted a snack and costume contest for attendees. Attendees were encouraged to stay after the large rodent’s weather prediction to enjoy hot chocolate, Groundhog Day themed coloring sheets and learn about what the Howell Nature Center does. 17 Groundhog Day 2022More from MLive:‘We are losing all of these children’: Inside the push for an Ypsilanti-area community centerAnn Arbor bus ridership has plummeted amid the pandemic.
mlive.comIt’s official: Woody the Groundhog declares six more weeks of winter
HOWELL, MI -- If you are hoping for a short winter, think again. Woody, Michigan’s official groundhog, predicted six more weeks of winter during the 24th annual Groundhog Day Prediction on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022, at the Howell Nature Center.
mlive.comWinter says, ‘Not yet.’ Snowstorm delays Woody the Woodchuck’s Groundhog Day prediction
HOWELL, MI - Winter promises to make its presence known on the very day Michigan’s official groundhog was set to weigh in on the possibility of the season’s early end. Woody the Woodchuck’s annual prediction has been delayed because of the impending snowstorm, the Howell Nature Center announced in an email on Feb. 1, Groundhog Day eve. As the tradition goes, a groundhog that sees its shadow means winter will last six more weeks. The Nature Center is extending the deadline to participate in its Groundhog Day costume contest to 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, and a sign-up link is available online. The winner of its themed snack contest will still be announced on Feb. 2, alongside Groundhog Day-themed social media content, officials said.
mlive.comYear in jail, probation ordered for Michigan insurance agent who embezzled $375K from clients
LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MI – A Howell insurance agent charged with embezzling more that $375,000 from clients has been sentenced to jail and probation. Livingston County Circuit Judge Michael Hatty sentenced Alicia Holbrook-Bloink Thursday, Jan. 27, to serve one year in jail and three years of probation after pleading guilty to conducting a criminal enterprise, embezzlement and tax evasion, according to a statement from Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.
mlive.com6 more weeks of winter? Michigan’s Woody the Woodchuck to weigh in on Groundhog Day
Woody the Woodchuck, a female groundhog, is expected to make her 23rd annual prediction at 8:30 a.m. on Groundhog Day at the Howell Nature Center. Woody is Michigan’s version of Punxsutawney Phil, the groundhog that emerges from his burrow on Gobbler’s Knob in Pennsylvania to perform the annual duty. As the tradition goes, a groundhog that sees its shadow means winter will last six more weeks. Woody-watchers also can sign up for a Groundhog Day costume contest. “Come dressed to impress as winter, spring, a groundhog or whatever you see fit,” the event listing exclaims.
mlive.comMichigan’s first PFAS site cleanup trial is scheduled to begin this year
HOWELL, MI — The first civil trial to arise out of Michigan’s multi-year pursuit of cleanup at toxic PFAS contamination sites is scheduled to take place this summer. Ashai claims the site doesn’t pose an immediate threat to public health because the surrounding community is connected to municipal water. The state’s environmental litigation is rooted in a multi-pronged effort to investigate and clean-up PFAS contamination by the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team (MPART), a team created by former Gov. Rick Snyder in the wake of the Wolverine contamination discovery that was reconstituted within EGLE by Gov. You have to do that if you’re going to make the laws in our state stick.”Related stories:Superfund listing eyed for Wolverine PFAS sitesMichigan PFAS site list surges past 100Nessel claims AFFF makers hid risks in new lawsuitMichigan sues 17 companies over PFAS pollutionMichigan PFAS activists join forcesBiden EPA plans key PFAS regs by 2023No safe PFAS level?
mlive.comState lawmaker will argue case should be thrown out after rejecting plea deal, attorney says
HOWELL, MI — State Rep. Jewell Jones, D-Inkster, will argue the case against him should be thrown out after rejecting a plea deal in his drunk driving case, his attorney said Monday. Jones’ attorney, Byron Nolen, told MLive Monday that the 26-year-old lawmaker was not satisfied with the conditions of the plea deal he was offered because it would have forced him to plead to too many counts.
mlive.comSee photo as Grand Blanc faces Rochester Adams in the state semifinal
HOWELL, MI -- An undefeated season for Grand Blanc has come to an end. The Bobcats lost 40-20 to Rochester Adams (13-0) in the MHSAA Division 1 state semifinal on Saturday, Nov. 20 at John Dukes Field at Howell High School. Adams will face Belleville at 1 p.m. next Saturday at Ford Field in the Division 1 championship game. If you would like your local high school sports news delivered free to your inbox daily, click here and sign up for one of our local high school sports newsletters. READ MORE FROM MLIVE:Live high school football updates from state semifinal games around MichiganMLive picks winners for every high school football state semifinal game
mlive.comMan in police custody after couple found dead in Southeast Michigan
HOWELL, MI – A double homicide suspect was arrested in Oceola Township, just outside of Howell, after a husband and wife were found dead Friday, Nov. 19. Michigan State Police troopers located the bodies of Dale Dormanen, 75, and his wife Joan Dormanen, 79, in their home after being called to the residence. Around 7:16 a.m., Michigan State Police responded to an active-threats complaint at the house on Maple Leaf Lane. Police later located the dead homeowners. Michigan State Police say the investigation is ongoing and more information about the suspect will be released at a later date.
mlive.comDeath reported near Howell being investigated by Michigan State Police
LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MI – Michigan State Police are investigating a death reported near Howell Friday morning. A notice was issued at 10 a.m. Nov. 19, saying troopers from the MSP Brighton Post were investigating the death of a person in Oceola Township, northeast of Howell in Livingston County.
mlive.comSee photos as Grand Blanc earns district title with win over Howell
GOODRICH, MI -- For the first time in 102 years of the program, the Grand Blanc football team is 11-0. The Bobcats hoisted the MHSAA Division 1 district trophy after a 49-28 victory over Howell on Friday, Nov. 5 at Goodrich High School. Fourth-ranked Grand Blanc will face No. RELATED: Grand Blanc football team makes history with 49-28 win over Howell in district finalsMLive was present to document all of the action. If you would like your local high school sports news delivered free to your inbox daily, click here and sign up for one of our local high school sports newslettersREAD MORE FROM MLIVE:Flint-area high school football scoreboard for playoff Week 2Live high school football updates from district final games around Michigan
mlive.comGrand Blanc football team makes history with 49-28 win over Howell in district finals
GOODRICH, MI – They’ve been playing football at Grand Blanc for 102 years and no team has won more games in a single season than the 2021 Bobcats. The Bobcats set a school record Friday with their 11th victory against no defeats but more importantly their 49-28 win over Howell moved fourth-ranked Grand Blanc into next week’s regional championship game against No. “It’s a relief,” said Grand Blanc coach Clint Alexander. The offense bailed us out when we needed it.”The win over Howell gave Grand Blanc the third district football championship in school history and first since 2011. So, if you think they’re going to relax, they’re not,’” Alexander said.
mlive.comFlint-area high school football scoreboard for playoff Week 2
The Grand Blanc football team swarms head coach Clint Alexander, middle, as he lifts the MHSAA Division 1 district trophy after a 49-28 victory over Howell on Friday, Nov. 5, 2021 at Goodrich High School in Goodrich. (Isaac Ritchey | MLive.com)Isaac Ritchey | MLive.com
mlive.comGrosse Ile in state soccer finals for 4th straight year after 2-0 win over Flint Powers
Heck, some people might argue the Red Devils are already there after reaching the Division 3 state championship game for the fourth straight year. Grosse Ile will be playing for its third consecutive state championship after beating Flint Powers Catholic 2-0 Wednesday in a semifinal game at Parker Middle School in Howell. “It’s not going to be four state championships (in a row) unfortunately because we lost the one when these guys were freshmen three years ago,” said Grosse Ile coach Jonathan Evans. It’s maybe surreal right now.”Grosse Ile was the clear favorite entering the game as the Red Devils were ranked No. Grosse Ile had at least seven prime scoring chances in the first half yet couldn’t get on the scoreboard before the intermission.
mlive.comTimes, dates for second-round football playoff games involving Flint-area teams
FLINT – Four Flint-area teams advanced to the second round of the high school football playoffs with victories Friday night and two will be playing at home in this week’s district round. At 10-0, the Bobcats have matched a school record for single-season victories after beating Holt 25-6 last week. In Division 7, defending state champion New Lothrop (7-3) will visit powerful Pewamo-Westphalia. New Lothrop, which also won the 2018 Division 7 state title, is making its 22nd straight playoff appearances. 2 in the final poll, won Division 7 state titles in 2016, 2017 and 2019.
mlive.comPowers Catholic boys advance to state soccer semifinals for first time since 2017
FLINT – Powers Catholic is headed back to the state soccer semifinals. The win moved Powers (13-9-2) into the semifinal at Howell’s Parker Middle School against Grosse Ile at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 3. Grosse Ile is 18-1-1 and was No. The Chargers are in the final round of the tournament for the first time since 2017, when they beat Williamston 4-2 to win their third state championship. The state championship game is Nov. 6.
mlive.comBlinken pays tribute to Colin Powell
Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivered remarks on Colin Powell’s life and tenure at the State Department after his death from complications of COVID-19 at the age of 84. Powell, who was the first African American to serve as secretary of state, was also reportedly battling multiple myeloma, a blood cancer that suppresses the immune system.
news.yahoo.comRussia closes NATO missions as ties plunge to new low
Russia says it's suspending its mission to NATO and closing the alliance's offices in Moscow, as relations with the Western military bloc plunge to new depths. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is announcing the moves after NATO expelled several members of Moscow's delegation to the alliance for alleged spying.
news.yahoo.comU.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin reacts to death of General Colin Powell
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin reacts to news of General Colin Powell's death from COVID complications at the age of 84. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes joined CBSN with more reactions to the death of the former secretary of State and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and other stories from the White House.
news.yahoo.comHistoric Howell Theater is ‘active with many spirits,’ ghost hunters say
HOWELL, MI — The Historic Howell Theater offers more than just movie screenings, popcorn, fountain drinks and sweets this time of the year. During this spooky season, the theater will be hosting its annual ghost hunts to the public for the seventh year in a row. PPS will be turning 12 years old on Oct. 30, however this will be its seventh year orchestrating ghost hunting tours at the Howell Theater. “The Howell Theater is a very interesting place that’s active with many spirits,” said Suminski. All proceeds from the ghost hunts are fundraised for the ongoing restoration and operation of the historic movie theater.
mlive.comPresident Joe Biden visiting Michigan to pitch $1 trillion infrastructure agenda
HOWELL, MI - President Joe Biden will visit Michigan for the first time since July in an effort to build public support for his Build Back Better agenda, including the infrastructure plan currently pending in the U.S. House. The visit will pitch the $1 trillion infrastructure bill approved 69-30 by the Senate in August. Like the infrastructure bill, this next phase of his agenda is under deliberation and debate in Congress. This is Biden’s first visit to Michigan since July’s trip to King Orchards in Northern Michigan. Read more from MLive:‘Cherry pie’ brings President Joe Biden to Michigan ahead of Fourth of JulyJill Biden visiting Michigan to discuss safely reopening schoolsMassive infrastructure bill ‘great for Michigan,’ says senators celebrating likely passage
mlive.com3 Howell students charged as adults for pretending to befriend new student, beating him up at skatepark
Three students from Howell Public Schools are being charged as adults after they pretended to befriend a new student so they could lure him to a skatepark and beat him up while recording it for social media, according to officials.