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WHMI 93.5 - Livingston County's Own

Gen. James Rogers to Head Redstone Arsenal at Huntsville

9/2/10 - Army General James Rogers, who was raised in Brighton, will be installed next week as commander of the Redstone Arsenal at Huntsville Alabama. The ceremonies will take place on Friday, Sept. 10. In attendance will be Rogers’ father, John Rogers of Brighton Township, along with the general’s wife and children and members of his extended family, both military and civilian. At Huntsville, Gen. Rogers will be in charge of ensuring that airborne military hardware such as helicopters, drones and guided missiles get to American military units wherever they’re needed around the world. Rogers, now a two-star general, has had a distinguished military career that began with his appointment and subsequent graduation from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1979. His last position was as commanding general for the First Theater Sustainment Command at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Before that, he was commander of the Army Joint Munitions Command and prior to that was chief of the logistics operations division at U.S. Central Command, or CENTCOM. He has received numerous medals and awards and has a master’s degree in engineering from the University of Michigan. (TT)

 

Local TEA Party Holds Demonstration in Hell

9/2/10 - Wednesday night, exactly 666 days after the election of President Barack Obama, a gathering at Hell’s Dam Site Inn was hosted by TEA Party affiliate Retake Our Gov. Despite some rain showers more than 200 people attended the event, which included State Representative Cindy Denby, candidate Joe Hune, and author Dr. Dave Janda as speakers. Topics included calls for reduced government spending, encouragement for citizen participation in government, and arguments against the president’s methods for health care reform. The meeting was held less than a day after an incumbent Republican senator from Alaska conceded her party’s nomination to a relatively new candidate due in part to the influence of the TEA party. Despite the TEA Party’s heavy reliance on conservative speakers and influence over Republican politicians, participants are quick to point out that the Party is not an offshoot of the GOP. An even larger TEA Party rally is planned for Saturday, October 16th. It will be held at Schoolcraft College, and organizers are hoping for 2000 attendees. (TD)

 

Local Businessman Cleaning Up Vacant "Eye Sore" In Howell Twp.

Green Oak Man's CSC Conviction Upheld

9/2/10 - The conviction of a Livingston County man imprisoned for sexually abusing a relative’s adopted son has been reaffirmed by the same court that last year overturned it. 41-year-old Douglas Eugene Camp of Green Oak Township is serving a 4 to 15 year sentence following a 2008 conviction in Lenawee County for second degree criminal sexual conduct. The Michigan Court of Appeals originally reversed the conviction, finding that Camp’s protection against a double-jeopardy prosecution had been violated when a previous acquittal in Livingston County was mentioned, prompting the judge to declare a mistrial. Camp was then convicted during a second trial. The appeals panel ruled that was improper as Camp hadn’t agreed to a mistrial. The Michigan Supreme Court ruled otherwise, saying it wasn’t clear whether or not an agreement had been made. It sent the case back to the appeals court for further review. After taking into account the ruling from the state’s highest court, the appeals court recently upheld the conviction. Camp, who remains incarcerated at a correctional facility in Branch County, is up for parole in November 2012. (JK)

Attachment: CampConvictionAffirmed.pdf

 

Charter School Set To Open New Facility In Brighton

Cyclist Struck In Hit & Run Crash Upgraded To "Fair" Condition

9/1/10 - The condition of a professional cyclist from Livingston County who suffered serious injuries in a hit-and-run crash is improving. 39-year-old Jason Lummis of Pinckney was struck by a pickup truck at the intersection of Dexter-Pinckney and Fleming roads in Dexter Township last week as he rode home from his workplace in Ann Arbor. Lummis, who is a member of the Bell's Brewery Professional Mountain Bike Team, has since been upgraded to fair condition but suffered several severe fractures and internal injuries. Meanwhile, a cycling safety advocate is still offering a $500 reward in the case. Joe Mizereck is the founder of the “Three Feet Please” campaign that educates drivers about the amount of space cyclists need for safety. He tells WHMI that he was sickened by the news of Lummis and the number of hit-and-run crashes involving cyclists continues to increase. He says many drivers are distracted today and not only to they need to make room for cyclists, but just pay attention to whats going on. As for cyclists, he says they need to be both predictable and visible when out on the road. More information about Mizereck’s campaign can be found at www.3feetplease.com. Meanwhile, the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Department continues to investigate the incident. Anyone with information can contact the Washtenaw County Sheriff tip line at (734) 973-7711. (JM)

 

Man Sentenced For Local Animal Neglect Faces New Charges

9/1/10 - Less than two weeks after being sentenced on animal neglect charges involving horses in Livingston County, a Redford Township man will be arraigned in Wayne County on similar charges. 36-year-old Eric Wenderski and his mother, 66-year-old Patricia Wenderski are charged with animal cruelty after more than 50 dogs, cats and rabbits were found living in their Redford Township home (pictured) last month. The house was declared unlivable by township officials, who are seeking to have it demolished and have the costs passed back to the Wenderskis. On August 20th, Eric Wenderski was sentenced to ten days in the Livingston County Jail and two years probation involving the discovery in April of dead, mistreated and malnourished horses on a Conway Township farm. His attorney said that after Wenderski’s sister had her leg amputated, he had attempted to take over their care but became overwhelmed. Eric Wenderski and his mother are set for arraignment tomorrow in 17th District Court in Redford Township. (Photo courtesy of myFOXDetroit.com)

 

Brighton City Council To Discuss "Decision Pending" Sculpture

9/1/10 - A controversial nude statue is expected to be a topic of discussion when the Brighton City Council meets tomorrow night. The sculpture of a nude man, titled “Decision Pending”, is located at the south end of the Mill Pond on Main Street in downtown Brighton. In a surprise vote placed on the agenda at the last minute two weeks ago, Council voted 4-3 to move the statue from its prominent location to a place to-be-determined by the Arts and Culture Commission. The statue has become a fixture of the downtown scene since it was installed as part of the Brighton Biennial four years ago. However, some have objected to the nudity, while others have said it’s merely ugly and not art as they perceive it. Former council member John Tunis has been conducting a petition drive to keep the statue where it is and says in talking with residents, he says it appears as if the majority have no problem with statue. The issue is listed as an action item on tomorrow night’s meeting agenda but Tunis is asking Council to postpone the discussion until its September 16th meeting. He says council made a fast decision that took a lot of people by surprise and with the upcoming holiday weekend, a lot of people are out of town so he feels the issue should be put off. The meeting starts at 7:30pm at city hall. Meanwhile Tunis says he’ll continue circulating petitions, which are still available at various downtown merchants. (JM)

 

Brighton High School Student Wins Nike Shoe Design Contest

9/1/10 - A Brighton High School student has won a Nike shoe design contest. 15-year-old Allen Largin was the grand prize winner in the 2010 Future Sole design competition.
Largin is a junior at Brighton High with an ambition to design shoes and has been playing basketball since 5th grade. He was among 11,500 people who entered the contest and won in the high school category. He recently flew out to Nike headquarters in Oregon for the announcement of the winners and gave a 10 minute presentation to Nike shoe designers. Largin will receive $5,000 worth of computer design software and Brighton High School is set to receive a $5,000 grant. (JM)

 

GOP Candidates Speak At Brighton Tea Party Gathering

9/1/10 - More than 60 people attended an educational meeting of the Brighton Tea Party held Tuesday night at the American Spirit Centre in Brighton. The meeting was meant to inform voters on the candidates and issues that will be on the November ballot, including the race for the Michigan Supreme Court and the proposed state Constitutional Convention. Congressman Mike Rogers spoke at the event, telling attendees that the convention, which is up for approval by state voters this November, would be risky and expensive and thanked them for becoming active and involved in the system. But perhaps no issue has had a bigger impact from the Tea Party’s perspective than the health care overhaul passed earlier this year. Rogers tells WHMI that Republicans and Tea Partiers alike are working to stymie its full implementation. Both of the Republican Party’s nominees for the Michigan Supreme Court, Judge Marybeth Kelly and incumbent Justice Bob Young, also spoke at the event, as did GOP State Representatives Bill Rogers and Cindy Denby. Brighton Tea Party organizers say they will be holding a rally on October 16th at Schoolcraft College with a goal of getting 2,000 attendees. Mike Rogers confirmed during Tuesday night's meeting that such large demonstrations do impact how legislators see the constituency. (TD)

 

New High School Program Offered To Livingston County Students

9/1/10 - A new optional high school experience is being offered to Livingston County students. Local districts are collaborating with the Livingston Educational Service Agency to implement a project-based learning program called “Widening Advancements for Youth” or W.A.Y. It’s designed for students in grades 9 though 12 that are suspended, expelled or homebound for a prolonged period of time as well as 5th or 6th year seniors. The one year program provides an extended period of time for kids to work on project-based curriculum through both online experience and learning labs over at LESA. Howell Superintendent Ron Wilson tells WHMI that the program focuses on the mastery of learning standards that can be applied to the Michigan Merit Exam and curriculum. He says this program provides the same curriculum that would be delivered in the regular classroom and has a 90% success rate, even with kids who have struggled academically. Wilson says kids learn in different ways and have different learning styles so the district must think out of the box and be receptive to all kids learning needs. He says the district needs to be looking at how things are changing in our society, changes in learning styles and the needs of students but it must also be receptive to making those changes as they come about. This program is different than alternative education and Wilson says its just another way to offer more students opportunities. Enrollment for the new W.A.Y program is being done on a first come-first serve basis and there are 60 slots available for all five of the county’s school districts. For more information, log onto www.Howellschools.com. (JM)

 

Police Situation On US-23 In Green Oak Causes Delays Tuesday

9/1/10 - A police situation on US-23 in Green Oak Township yesterday evening looked a lot more interesting that it really was. Numerous police departments had a man pulled over and were arresting him on northbound US-23 near the Lee Road and I-96 interchange, prompting gawker delays and numerous calls from motorists during the evening commute. However, Green Oak Deputy Police Chief Jason Pless tells WHMI the situation was really much ado about nothing. He says Ypsilanti Police had issued a be-on-the-lookout notice to departments about a suspect possibly involved in a kidnapping. He was thought to have taken his girlfriend from her Ypsilanti residence against her will and the woman’s sister called police to report the kidnapping. The suspect’s vehicle was located and stopped near the interchange by local authorities and the Hamburg, Green Oak, Brighton and Michigan State Police departments were all at the scene. Pless says as it turns out, the claim of kidnapping was false and she was never taken against her will so all of the subjects were released. Meanwhile, there were major traffic back-ups on northbound US-23 at 6 Mile Road due to an overturned gravel hauler that stretched all the way into Ann Arbor. (JM)

 

Fowlerville Company Moving & Expanding In Livingston County

9/1/10 - A plastics company currently located in the Village of Fowlerville has announced that it will be making a move to provide for expansion and the creation of new jobs. American Compounding is a contract manufacturer for large chemical companies located on Veterans Drive in the Village but it's moving to an undisclosed site in Livingston County. Co-Owner of American Compounding Randy Rudisill says the expansion and move is necessary in order to accommodate new business and unfortunately, it could not resolve issues with expanding on site. Other sites in the village were also considered but in the end weren’t viable options. The company received two tax abatements on the current site and Rudisill says it will meet those obligations for repayment but also make a significant contribution to a community project. The company has been working with the Economic Development Council of Livingston County and Executive Director Fred Dillingham tells WHMI that a grant has also been filed on behalf of the Fowlerville Downtown Development Authority. If successful, he says it would provide for a 12,000 square foot commercial lot on Grand River to house the farmers market and other community activities. Rudisill adds that they met last week with the village finance committee to inform them of the move. He says they didn’t want to leave the area and have always had a wonderful relationship with the community that has been generous and mutually beneficial. Rudisill says they did have other alternatives outside of the county but this is their community and they wanted to stay here. The company has a contract that requires additional capacity in the New Year and is working through due diligence on the new site and hopes to be operating prior to January 1st. (JM)

 

Lawsuit Filed Over 2007 Cell Tower Fire In Howell

8/31/10 - More than three years after a cell phone tower located on Howell Public Schools property caught fire and burned down, the district’s insurance company is suing both the manufacturer and owner of the tower. The 177-foot tower, which was built by Commstructures Incorporated of Florida and owned by American Towers Incorporated of Massachusetts, was destroyed in the July 24th, 2007 fire. Steel repair work being done by a sub-contractor using a torch caused the internal wiring to catch fire and within two hours it began to lean dangerously to the side. It was eventually dismantled by work crews. SET SEG, a Lansing-based insurance company that insures more than 400 school districts in Michigan including Howell, filed the civil suit in Livingston County Circuit Court claiming both companies were negligent. SET SEG paid out more than $100,000 to Howell Public Schools, which is not named in the lawsuit. Both companies have denied negligence in regard to the fire and resulting damage. A trial has been set for June of 2011 in front of Circuit Judge Michael Hatty. (JK)

 

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WHMI 93.5 - Livingston County's Own

High School Football Week 2 Results

BAY CITY, Mich. (AP) - Federal prosecutors have dropped a criminal complaint against a Colorado man accused of helping his father threaten Michigan congressman Bart Stupak over his vote on health-care legislation. David Hesch was charged with mailing a letter to Stupak that threatened to paint the Mackinac Bridge with the Democrat's blood. Prosecutors say they continue to investigate.

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Campaign finance reports show Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Snyder has given his campaign $6.1 million and raised $2 million from other donors. Democratic rival Virg Bernero's report was not available late this afternoon.

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Federal grants totaling about $86 million are being awarded to 28 of Michigan's lowest-achieving schools. The schools were identified based on state testing results from 2007 to 2009. Schools must take steps to improve including instructional reform strategies, overhauling staff or closing and reopening as a charter school.

PONTIAC, Mich. (AP) - Former Pontiac mayor and state lawmaker Clarence Phillips has died at age 69. His son, Kaino Phillips, says he died in his sleep yesterday in his home. Services are pending. Phillips was mayor from 2006 until the end of last year. The Democrat was elected to the state House in 2000 and served three terms.

BUXTON, N.C. (AP) - Federal, state and local authorities will wait until daybreak to check for damage on North Carolina's Outer Banks. The string of barrier islands are being buffeted by Hurricane Earl. Its winds have weakened to 105 mph but officials say the storm is still dangerous. Earl is expected to keep hugging the Eastern Seaboard. It's expected to eventually make landfall in western Nova Scotia, Canada.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - For the second time in five months, there's been an oil platform fire off the coast of Louisiana. This time, the Coast Guard says no one was killed and there was no leak. Thirteen workers were rescued from the water. The Mariner Energy platform is about 200 miles west of the BP's ruptured well.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Engineers have removed the temporary cap from BP's ruptured well. Collection vessels have been standing by just in case. The cap was removed so that a failed blowout preventer can be replaced before a relief well intersects the blown-out well. Once that happens, the well will be cemented at the bottom.

HONOLULU (AP) - Six people, four in the U.S. and two in Thailand, have been indicted in connection with what the FBI is calling the largest human-trafficking case ever in the U.S. The recruiters are accused of tricking 400 laborers from Thailand to the U.S. and then forcing them to work.

WASHINGTON (AP) - There could be an uptick in the unemployment rate. The August employment report is scheduled to be released Friday. The private sector is forecast to add a net total of only 41,000 jobs, the fewest since January.