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Wednesday, August 20
Lack Of Interest Stalls Howell Non-Public Program
8/20/08 - A lack of eligible students will put a plan on hold this year to offer elective courses in the Howell Public School District to home-schooled and parochial students. A meeting Tuesday night to gauge interest in the courses only drew about 30 people; most of whom it turned out would be unable to take the proposed classes because of a new state law. The recently passed legislation prevents nonpublic students from taking courses outside their home districts if those districts already offer it. Superintendent Ted Gardella tells WHMI that many of those who came to last night’s meeting were indeed from outside the Howell district. However, he says there also just weren’t the number of students they need to offer the courses and still generate revenue for the district. That was one of the key rationales supporters of the plan had put forward. At least 25 students would be needed for each class, but only 21 were interested at the elementary level, with just five or six at the middle or high school level. Gardella says based on those factors, its unlikely the district will move ahead this year. Gardella says if other districts were interested in a regional approach, then they might be able to offer something in the future. (JK) Howell Bicyclist Critically Injured In Clinton County Crash
8/20/08 - A Howell man remains in critical condition after being hit by a car Monday in Clinton County. The 22 year old man, who is not being identified by the Clinton County Sheriff's Office, was riding a bike Monday afternoon in Victor Township when he was hit by a 2006 Saturn Vue traveling westbound on Round Lake Road. The Howell man, who is a Michigan State University student, was transported to Sparrow Hospital in Lansing and last listed in critical condition. The driver of the Saturn, a 42-year-old Laingsburg woman, along with two young passengers, was not injured. An investigation is continuing. (JK) Howell Twp. Officials Skeptical About Truck Stop Roundabout
8/20/08 - The Howell Township Planning Commission got a chance Tuesday night to get a look at preliminary plans for the Road Trip Oasis Project, which would construct a top-of-the-line truck stop near the Tanger Outlet Center. Markham Enterprises, the Okemos-based company behind the project, is awaiting rezoning of the area to build the truck stop, which they say would be completed within a year. Besides the rezoning, the biggest obstacle is a proposed roundabout to handle the increased traffic volume, and township officials expressed skepticism that such a configuration could work there. Planning Commission Chairman Marie Karas says the project isn’t likely to proceed until another solution is found. But according to developer Randy Markham the roundabout wasn’t in their original plan. He said it was proposed by the Livingston County Road Commission. Markham says he has no preference about how to handle traffic as a roundabout would cost roughly the same amount as a standrad intersection improvement. A public hearing to discuss rezoning the property will be held on September 7th. The proposed truck stop would be an environmentally-friendly building with a 1969-theme. (JK) Aria Booksellers In Downtown Howell To Close Doors
8/20/08 - The Howell businesswoman who brought thousands of people downtown with the release of every Harry Potter book is closing up shop. Mary Ellen Aria, owner of Aria Booksellers for the past six years, was earlier was forced to cut every employee and manage the business on her own in addition to raising three teens as a single mom. The business has been on the market since April but it never sold and Aria says it’s simply time to put family first and move on. Aria was well known for her popular downtown events and tells WHMI she leaves with great memories. All of the books in the store are on sale along with furniture and toys. Some furniture will be auctioned off in a silent auction on September 15th. After the storefront closes, a date for which has yet to be set, the business will run as an internet and telephone sales business. (JM) Meeting To Kick Soccer Project Forward In Hartland Postponed
8/20/08 - There’s been another delay in the collaboration between Hartland Township and the Michigan State Youth Soccer Association. The MSYSA earlier offered $35,000 per acre for just under ten acres of township-owned parkland at Fenton Road and M-59 to construct its state headquarters and soccer fields. The township then entered into a purchase agreement with the association for the property. However, the land is part of a 65 acre parcel that was bought in 2001 with the help of a grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Because the grant stipulated the land be used only for recreation, the DNR must approve of any deal. The township has since submitted a parks plan along with the purchase agreement to state officials for review and was expecting to get a ruling from the DNR at a meeting today in Lansing. But Hartland Township Trustee Joe Petrucci told WHMI that they were again left off the agenda. Petrucci says the DNR has promised an October meeting. He says they remain in contact with the association, which has agreed to wait until October while it finishes up financing. Petrucci says the DNR has promised an October meeting and he anticipates approval so they can proceed with the sale. (JM) Tuesday, August 19
Open Burning Ban In Effect In Hartland & Deerfield Townships
8/20/08 - Due to the recent dry weather, an open burning ban is in effect for the areas serviced by the Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority. All outdoor burning is to be stopped until further notice, including campfires and fireworks. At Tuesday night’s Hartland Township Board meeting, Supervisor Bill Fountain stated that there was a brush fire at the Majestic Golf Course over the weekend, which was the result of a cigarette along with the dry and windy conditions. While the burning ban is in effect until significant rain hits in Hartland and Deerfield Townships, officials expressed that it would be best if all county residents abided by it. (JM) Congressman Rogers Protests No Vote On Off-Shore Drilling
8/19/08 - As House Republicans began the fourth week of their floor protest Tuesday, Brighton Congressman Mike Rogers says the effort is beginning to have an impact. A handful of Republicans began the protest August 1st when Congress adjourned for its summer recess by remaining in Washington and holding ad-hoc sessions on the House floor while demanding that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi call legislators back into session and vote on expanding offshore oil drilling. Rogers was one of those congressmen making speeches today. He tells WHMI that Russia’s recent incursion into Georgia is proof positive that the United States needs to stop sending its money to foreign countries that harbor ill-intent. Rogers says that House Republicans are committed to getting a vote on opening up offshore oil drilling. While Speaker Pelosi said over the weekend that such a vote would take place when Congress returns to session in the first week of September, GOP leaders say it isn’t enough and want her to call an emergency session now. (JK/JM/LS) ASE Survey: Local Employers Seek Cost Containment
8/19/08 - With the continued stagnant economy in Michigan, a recent survey of area businesses indicates that cost controls are a major priority. The 2008 Livingston County Benefit Survey was compiled by the American Society of Employers and polled 55 local companies, representing more than 12,000 workers. It’s a cooperative effort of the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the Michigan Works Livingston Service Center. Perhaps the biggest change from the last survey in 2006 concerned retirement plans. 83% of respondents this year said they offered a defined contribution plan like a 401K, a substantial increase over the 36% who said so two years ago. Defined contributions offer a much lower bottom line for employers compared to a traditional pension plan. Other results showed that 41% of the employers surveyed have increased the cost employees are paying for their health care benefits, while 32% have implemented or expanded wellness plans to help decrease health care costs. Additionally, more than 80% of local employers have instituted a smoking policy, with 31% banning it entirely. Coincidentally, the number of companies offering health care coverage has declined by 3% since 2006; dental coverage is down 7%. The survey also showed tuition reimbursement becoming a popular benefit being offered because so few employees can actually take advantage of it. Highlights of the survey will be posted at www.howell.org. (JK) Livingston County EMS Re-Organizing Department
8/19/08 - The Livingston County EMS department is expanding to better serve the community. The Board of Commissioners Monday night approved the department’s hiring of six new full time paramedics, one full time operations manager and the upgrading of a business manager, two shift coordinators and a clerk. This will allow the department to staff ambulances at peak times which will in turn, reduce response times and improve service according to EMS Director Jeff Boyd. He says call volume has increased by nearly 6% or around 600 calls annually and this will ensure five ambulances are on 24/7 and eight others will be on at peak times. Boyd says the implementation phase will begin immediately with the posting of positions and hiring. Boyd anticipates it will take four months or so to re-organize staff and he hopes to have everything complete by January or February. Meanwhile, commissioners also approved a contract through 2013 that will allow for the installation and implementation of electronic patient care reporting software. That will allow medics to input patient information directly into a computerized database. (JM) Village Of Fowlerville Appoints New Clerk From Within
8/19/08 - The Village of Fowlerville has a new clerk, but she’s likely to be a very familiar face to anyone who’s stopped by during office hours. The council unanimously appointed Kathy Arledge to the position at the recommendation of Village Manager Joseph Merucci. Arledge has been working in various office staff positions over the last 4 and a half years. Merucci tells WHMI it was clear he made the right selection when he started getting the word out to village council members about who he was thinking about promoting; many suggested her name to him before he could get a word out. All council members spoke highly of Arledge. She replaces former Clerk Doreen Murphy who resigned two weeks ago for personal reasons. (LS) County Commissioners Approve 1.7% In Department Reductions
8/19/08 - County Commissioners met last night and approved a budget amendment that finalizes reductions in all county departments. Chairman Bill Rogers tells WHMI they’ve been working on this for the better part of four months now and they are actually looking at a five year projection due to the state of affairs across Michigan and all municipalities. The immediate response to the situation was an across the board 1.7% in reductions for every department, at the discretion of individual department heads. Rogers says that target could also be achieved through revenue enhancers. As part of an overall plan, no general fund positions are being replaced that become vacant and county offices are being consolidated. (JM) Village Of Fowlerville Mulls Paying More For School Liaison
8/19/08 - Though the school district is facing tough financial times, Fowlerville Community Schools is hoping to reinstate their liaison officer to a full time position with the financial help of the village. Last year the officer was downgraded to part time from full time in previous years. He worked for 20 hours at the school and 20 hours for the village and the two entities split the cost 50/50. This year the school district is hoping to get him back to full time with them but they can only afford to pay 60% of the cost and have asked the village to pick up the remaining 40% of the tab. The issue was up for discussion at Monday night’s village council meeting. Manager Joseph Merucci and the village attorney are expected to hammer out a deal to bring to the village council at their next meeting set for Tuesday, September 2nd. If the agreement is approved, it would prompt the police department to hire another full time officer to replace the liaison. That’ll cost between $53,000 and $68,000. Merucci tells WHMI either way, they are planning to visit other municipalities included in the school district to see if they'll chip in since the set up has village residents paying twice for the service. (LS) Marion Township Man Facing Attempted Murder Charges
8/19/08 - A Marion Township man facing attempted murder charges after an incident late Sunday night has been identified. 40 year old Paul William Smith was arraigned on one count of assault with intent to murder, three counts of felonious assault, possession of a firearm while under the influence and killing or torturing an animal. Deputies with the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department responded shortly before midnight to Clearview Drive off of Pingree Road on a report of a resident shooting a dog and firing at his neighbors. Livingston County Undersheriff Mike Murphy told WHMI that Smith had become upset over a property-line dispute and had come out of his house with a rifle that he fired at his neighbors. He then shot and killed the neighbor’s dog and pointed the rifle and made death threats against the woman and her children. Smith’s brother was able to disarm the man and subdue him until deputies arrived. He was then arrested without further incident and lodged in the Livingston County Jail. Authorities say that alcohol appears to be a factor in the confrontation. (JK) Livingston Economic Development Council Seeks Funding
8/19/08 - The Livingston Economic Development Council made a presentation to the County Board of Commissioners Monday night about where it’s been and where it needs to go. The complete EDC presentation is attached below. Director Fred Dillingham tells WHMI that the county is its largest funding partner but also a major benefactor through the tax base the EDC brings to the community. In 2007; there were 37 projects, $177 (m) million made in investments, 760 new jobs created and 1,240 jobs retained. He says the goal of the presentation was to update commissioners on the past year’s accomplishments but to also indicate that the EDC is experiencing some troubling times. Dillingham says whenever the economy goes south, the work they do becomes even more important but it does require commitments from public and private sector partners. The EDC is also looking to create a five year funding plan to sustain growth and tangible objectives. Meanwhile, Commissioners have scheduled a joint bus tour with the EDC on September 10th to visit with local companies. (JM) Monday, August 18
Suspects Arrested In Fowlerville Wal-Mart Robbery
8/18/08 - Fowlerville Police have announced the arrest of two suspects in an armed robbery last week. Both men entered the Fowlerville Wal-Mart last Wednesday night and robbed a cashier at gunpoint before fleeing in an SUV. Subsequent investigation led to information that both men lived in the Jackson area. On Saturday, one of the suspects was arrested on unrelated charges and is currently being held in Jackson County. Then yesterday, the second suspect was arrested on armed robbery charges and is currently being held in Genesee County. Fowlerville Police Sgt. Everett DeGrush said the suspects are also wanted for at least half a dozen similar robberies in Genesee and Ingham counties. DeGrush says they expect the pair will be back in Livingston County later this week to be charged in the Wal-Mart robbery. (JK) Gas Prices Reverse Downward Trend In Michigan
8/18/08 - After a more than a month of steady decreases, gas prices have bumped up slightly both across the state and in Livingston County over the last week. The latest survey from AAA Michigan shows that out of the 2800 stations they surveyed statewide, the average price went up a cent to $3.87 a gallon. A survey of 29 stations in Livingston County showed gas prices went up a nickel to $3.93 a gallon. Although pump prices have gone up a bit, AAA Spokeswoman Nancy Cain tells WHMI she expects that trend to change because the price of crude oil has gone down significantly. The highest price locally registered in the City of Brighton at a station near I-96 at $4.03 a gallon while the lowest price of $3.86 was recorded at a station in Green Oak Township off Whitmore Lake and Lee Roads. (LS) Judge Blocks Health Care Switch For Brighton City Retirees
8/18/08 - The City of Brighton was hoping to save just over $100,000 a year by switching over 17 retirees to a different health care plan but a local judge stopped the move in a ruling this morning. The Michigan Association of Police Officers filed a complaint on behalf of a retired sergeant seeking court action since the change from a traditional Blue Cross-Blue Shield plan to a Blue Cross PPO was set to occur this week. While the city said it had the right to change plans, the union argued an earlier contract didn’t allow a switch without their consent. According to court officials, Livingston County Circuit Court Judge David Reader granted a temporary restraining order to block the city approved switch. The case will likely go to arbitration. Attorney Dennis Gabrain is representing the city and tells WHMI he expects to address city council about the matter on Thursday. He says the order specifically applies to the sergeant and it’s unclear if the changes will apply for the other 15 retirees. City Council meets this Thursday at 7:30 pm. (LS) Volunteers Sought For Wednesday's "Day Of Caring"
8/18/08 - Officials with the Livingston County United Way say they anticipate an increase in the number of volunteers for the 7th Annual Day of Caring this Wednesday. Last year, 700 volunteers pitched in at over 65 work sites across Livingston County and officials say they have already lined up at least 800 volunteers to work at 80 sites. The chairperson for this year’s event is Livingston County Commissioner Maggie Jones, who tells WHMI that while they’re close to meeting their basic manpower needs for Wednesday, they can always use more help of any kind. Some of the projects that will be run include sprucing up area parks and recreational facilities, painting, fall clean up or minor general repairs at senior citizens homes, school supply drives at area stores and visits with area shut-ins. For more information on how to volunteer, call the Livingston County United Way at 810-494-3000 or log onto www.lcunitedway.org. Gun Barn Raid Leads To Two Arrests
8/18/08 - More details have been released concerning last week’s raid on a Highland Township gun store. On Friday WHMI reported that the Gun Barn on M-59 had been raided by federal agents and closed down, but authorities did not release any further information. Over the weekend, it was learned that agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives executed a federal search warrant on the Gun Barn and seized all of the store’s guns while arresting two Highland residents, Gabriel Kish and Debbie Summers. They were charged with selling firearms without a license. ATF agent Robin Shoemaker says a yearlong investigation found the pair allegedly sold firearms even though the store's federal license was revoked in 2004 for rule violations. Both were released on $10,000 unsecured bonds, pending a September 3rd pretrial exam. A second store in Genesee County’s Otisville was also raided. (JK) Whitmore Lake Concert Hopes To Find "Lost Voices"
8/18/08 - A concert to benefit a Michigan non-profit group that operates locally hopes to be the biggest house concert in the world. Organizer Mike Ball’s deck will serve as the stage in Whitmore Lake on Sunday, August 24th and half of the audience is expected to be floating in pontoon boats on the lake itself. Folk music artists Josh White Jr., Kitty Donohoe, Peter “Madcat” Ruth and others will volunteer their time to help raise money for Lost Voices whose goal is to provide creative programs for incarcerated youth. Ball tells WHMI that he sees a lot of potential in the kids that he has worked with, including many at Maxey Boys Training School in Green Oak Township. Officials at Maxey say the program has led to improved behavior by youth offenders. Ball and others share their stories of inspiration with WHMI on this weekend’s edition of Viewpoint that airs Sunday morning at 8:30. Tickets for the show are available on their website lostvoices.org. More than $6,000 was raised at last year’s concert for the charity. (JK) Sunday, August 17
Livingston County's First County-Wide Park to Open
8/17/08 - Livingston County’s first county-wide park – to be called Lutz Park after the property donor – will be formally dedicated this coming Friday, Aug. 22. The park is located on Lutz Road in Cohoctah Township, just south of the Shiawassee County line. The impetus behind the park is the gift of 302 acres of farmland and forest that Owen Lutz gave to the county in his will. His only desire was that the land be left in its pristine condition and that the park be for passive recreation, such as walking and hiking. County Commissioner Ronald Van Houten, who chairs the county board’s parks and open space committee, spearheaded the effort to develop the park after the property became the county’s upon Lutz’s death in 2005. The park includes a 1.3-mile, groomed nature trail, wetland areas, interpretive signs and stops for viewing wildlife, picnic tables and benches and a parking area. Visitors may see blue herons, sandhill cranes, wild turkeys, eagles and other wildlife. The county has established the Livingston Foundation to handle maintenance and other costs associated with the park. The dedication ceremony, and a tour of the park, will be held on Friday at 4 p.m. You can get more information on Lutz Park by going to the county’s Web site of co.livingston.mi.us. (TLT) Saturday, August 16
Prrrrfect Weather Greets Catwoman & Melonfest Parade
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8/17/08 - TV's former Catwoman, Lee Meriwether, was the guest of honor at this year's Howell Melon Festival Parade, joining thousands of people who lined Grand River to see the annual parade roll by. Although shorter than in past years, the Melon Festival Parade drew positive reviews from most everyone who watched it. Included among those was Ms. Meriwether, who is in town this weekend with her husband, Marshall Borden, a Howell High School graduate, for a reunion. The 1955 Miss America told WHMI that she thoroughly enjoyed the hometown flavor of the event. In past year's the parade would last up to an hour and a half, but this year was over in less than 45 minutes. (JK) Friday, August 15
Write-In Livingston County Democrats Make November Ballot
8/16/08 - By healthy margins, six Livingston County Democrats managed to wage successful write-in campaigns and will appear on the November ballot alongside local republicans. Official results were released Friday after being certified by the County Board of Canvassers. All six candidates backed by the local party got enough votes to get on the ballot. As a result, there will now be contested races in both Putnam and Green Oak Townships for the supervisor post. For the county Board of Commissioners in District 8, Democrat Dave Buckland will face Incumbent Republican Commissioner Dennis Dolan. In the Hamburg Township race, Democrats Debby Buckland, Linda Taylor and Shannon Piper will appear on the ballot in the Clerk, Treasurer and Trustee races. Democratic Party Chairwoman Judy Daubenmeier tells WHMI that the hope is to demonstrate that bi-partisan government is he best for our local communities. (JM) Swartz Creek Man Pleads Guilty In Motorcycle Chase
8/16/08 - One of three suspects who led authorities from four different police agencies on a high speed motorcycle chase in July has entered a plea in the case. 21 year old Cory Barkiewicz of Swartz Creek pleaded guilty Friday to 4th degree fleeing a police officer and reckless driving in exchange for a charge of driving on a suspended license being dropped. Barkiewicz may also petition the courts to be sentenced September 25th under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act, which means he will have no criminal record if he successfully completes probation. State Police at the Brighton Post say the chase began after a motorist called 9-1-1 to report that three men were riding their motorcycles at a high rate of speed on eastbound I-96 near Fowlerville. They refused to stop for a state trooper who tried to pull them over near M-59. The trio eventually split up with Barkiewicz and 22-year old Christopher Bailey, also of Swartz Creek, fleeing onto Grand River through Brighton and then trying to hide out at the Brighton Big Boy, where they were arrested. 21-year old Andrew Porter of Lansing was pulled over on the freeway near Flint Road. Porter and Bailey also face fleeing and eluding and reckless driving charges. They’ll be back in court August 29th. (JM) Two Men Arrested Following High Speed Chase Friday
8/15/08 - Two men were arrested Friday afternoon after leading local authorities on a chase that reached speeds in excess of 130 mph. A 23 year old man from Holt and a 26 year old Westland man were riding café style motorcycles, also known as “crotch rockets”, along I-96 near Lake Chemung at 2:30pm. Livingston County Sheriff Bob Bezotte tells WHMI that's when they began receiving calls from concerned citizens and deputies caught up with the men on westbound I-96 near Mason Road in Howell but they refused to stop. They got off at the Fowlerville exit and the Holt man surrendered. The Westland man kept going and got back on the freeway heading eastbound. He was chased into the Brighton area but authorities lost him. Bezotte says he eventually ran out of gas and stopped at a Brighton gas station, which is where a deputy passing by matched his description to earlier reports. The Brighton City Police Department and Michigan State Police assisted in the chase. Both men were lodged in the Livingston County jail for fleeing and eluding and are expected to be arraigned this weekend. (JM) Cuts At Gannett Will Not Affect Livingston's Daily Paper
8/15/08 - A company memo at Gannett newspapers says they plan to cut 1,000 jobs. That’s about 3% of their workforce. Although the Livingston County Daily Press and Argus is owned by the newspaper giant, subscribers will be happy to know the cuts will not affect the county’s daily. General Manager Rich Perlberg tells WHMI the Press & Argus falls into a separate division than the one in which cuts are being made. Gannett says about 600 of the jobs cut will come in the form of layoffs while the others will result from attrition. Gannett says declining circulation and advertising revenue are the main reason for the ax. (LS) Gun Barn In Highland Township Raided By Federal Agents
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8/15/08 - A sign on the front door of Highland’s Gun Barn says they are “closed today” following Thursday’s raid on the M-59 business. Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with the assistance of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department and Michigan State Police Troopers, raided the Gun Barn. Officials said they anticipated a large seizure of unnamed items and couldn’t supply more information about the case until it’s unsealed in court. The Milford Times reports that the agents brought a 30-foot moving van, two storage units, and a K-9 unit to the Gun Barn and could be seen carrying firearms out of the store. Federal agents have apparently been investigating the business for about a year and a second Gun Barn, in Otisville in Genesee County, was also raided by ATF agents the same day. (LS) Red Light Running Traffic Crashes Up Across Livingston County
8/15/08 - The number of crashes caused by motorists running red lights increased in Livingston County last year. There were 45 local traffic crashes in 2007 caused by people running red lights compared to 35 in 2006. That’s according to statistics released by the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments or SEMCOG. Officials tell WHMI that everyone is in a hurry these days and while there is a lot of construction and congestion, motorists need to remember to stop on red. Last year, there were three red light crashes at the Grand River and Latson Road intersection, two at Michigan Avenue and Sibley Street as well as two at M-59 and Hartland Road. Others averaged one or two. While there was an increase in red light crashes in Livingston County, numbers have been decreasing across the region. Officials attribute that to the better timing and visibility of traffic signals as well as the addition of all red phases to signals. Meanwhile, traffic crashes in general were also up in Livingston County. There were 5,401 crashes last year compared to 5,097 in 2006. (JM) OLHSA Encouraging Weatherization Applications Now
8/15/08 - Many hot summer weekends remain this year, but fall will be here before you know it and soaring energy prices will likely have an effect on your energy bill. In an effort to help low income residents prevent debilitating bills from appearing in the mailbox in the first place, the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency is once again offering the federally-funded Weatherization program. The program provides a free home energy audit and energy conservation services, like ensuring proper insulation and ventilation, to eligible home owners and renters. Lisa Bica Grodsky is the Resource Development Coordinator for OLSHA’s Housing and Energy Department. She tells WHMI the price of energy and the slump in Michigan’s economy has definitely affected the program’s popularity. Grodsky says interested residents should make an appointment now while the waiting list is rather short. In the past, she says procrastinators haven’t been able to take advantage of the program before winter begins. For more information, or to receive an application, call OLHSA Housing and Energy at (248) 209-2760 or their Howell office at (517) 546-8500. You can also visit the state's website by Clicking Here for more info. (LS) Clark Lake Homeowners Say Neighbor Is Ruining Lake
8/15/08 - Residents that live on Clark Lake on Brighton Township voiced safety concerns at a public hearing Thursday night hosted by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The Homeowners Association is working to change watercraft control from “no high speed boating” to “electric motor only”. High speed boating is defined by law as when a boat reaches planing condition. Residents say Clark Lake used to be quiet and peaceful but they now fear for their safety after neighbor Chris Malysz decided to use his personal watercraft on the lake. Malysz is against any changes to the ordinance and disputes that there is a safety threat, saying he rides the craft with his six year old son. Both the Brighton and Genoa Township Boards would need to approve any ordinance changes, since a small portion of the lake is also in Genoa. Interested persons who were unable to attend the hearing can submit written comments in the next 30 days to: Department of Natural Resources, Law Enforcement Division, Attn: Sgt. Al Bavaskas, 26000 W. Eight Mile Road Southfield, MI 48034 (JM) Renovation Sale At Cromaine Library In Hartland
8/15/08 - A renovation sale at the Cromaine District Library in Hartland drew a crowd Thursday. The library is undergoing renovations and officials uncovered numerous items that were no longer needed. Laptop computers were the biggest draw at the parking lot sale and went in less than five minutes. The Youth department decided to let go of a large stuffed dog that has been in the children’s area for years but it found a new home quickly. Residents Jim and Marie Brucker plan to take their new “pet” to the Royal Oak Woodward Dream Cruise in their 1965 Thunderbird. (JM) Thursday, August 14
Suspects Sought In Armed Robbery Of Fowlerville Wal-Mart
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8/14/08 - Police are seeking two suspects in the armed robbery of the Fowlerville Wal-Mart store Wednesday night. Police Chief Thomas Couling says that shortly after 9pm two males entered the store and approached one of the cashiers. They then demanded money and displayed a weapon. After providing the suspects with an undisclosed amount of money, they exited the store. It’s believed they were picked up outside by a subject driving a dark gray or black mini van, possibly a 2000 to 2004 Oldsmobile or a GM model. The first suspect is described as a black male, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing 160 pounds, wearing a white t-shirt and athletic shorts. The second suspect is a white male, approximately 6 feet tall with a heavy build wearing a black jean jacket and shorts. He also had three tear drop tattoos next to his right eye. Both subjects were believed to be approximately 20 to 25 years of age. Anyone with information about the suspects is asked to contact the Fowlerville Police Department at 517-223-8711. (JK) Initial Report Shows Hotel Is Not Louder Than Urban Street
8/14/08 - Although there have been numerous noise complaints this summer, it appears the South Lyon Hotel isn’t any louder than a busy urban street. After being visited by the city’s police department several times in July for noise complaints, the downtown restaurant’s co-owner paid city council a visit at their July 28th meeting seeking advice on how best to resolve the issue. After Councilwoman Erin Kopkowski, a neighbor to the establishment, voiced her objections to the business’ noise level, she admitted to personally making many of the complaints. The council then resolved to have the police department monitor the noise level with a loaned decibel reader to see how bad the problem actually was. Documents WHMI obtained through a freedom of information request show officers took more than 30 readings from locations surrounding the hotel from July 30th through August 3rd. Without traffic passing by, the highest reading was 62 decibels; which is equivalent to a normal conversation between people standing roughly 3 to 5 feet apart. When there was traffic traveling along Lafayette Street, the decibel readings did go as high as 89 – which is considered inside the normal range on a busy urban street. City Manager David Murphy tells WHMI they resolved this week to have the city’s attorney look at their noise ordinance, which he says is very vague, and recent rulings in court with similar situations. They may also take other readings downtown to see how loud the hotel is compared to other areas. (LS) Roundabout Planned For Top Of The Line Truck Stop
8/14/08 - A new roundabout may be installed at the intersection of M-59 and Parsons road. The intersection is serves as the entrance to the Tanger Outlet Mall, but an Okemos-based developer has plans for a new high-end truck stop to be built at the intersection. The roundabout would help manage the increased traffic volume from the truck stop. Road Commission Managing Director Michael Crane says the private developer will be largely responsible for the roundabout project. The new truck stop will be themed around the year 1969, with classic cars and memorabilia, and is designed to be considered among the best in the world. Crane says the roundabout is necessary to manage the big, slow trucks that will likely use the busy intersection. (JK)
Litigation In Transmission Line Project Moving Ahead
8/14/08 - The legal battles continue when it comes to an overhead power line project currently under construction. ITC Transmission of Novi is now in the process of constructing a 120 kilovolt overhead transmission line through Oakland and Livingston Counties. The company received approval in May of 2007 despite repeated attempts to have the lines buried by Hartland Township officials and area homeowners. Township officials decided not to appeal but Attorney Michael Watsa who represents 30 homeowners along Pleasant Valley Road has filed an appeal in state court. His briefs are filed and ITC and the MPSC is expected to do the same within a month or so but it’s expected to be another six months to a year before a hearing date is set. In addition to the appeal case, ITC is now seeking easement rights on two parcels of property along Pleasant Valley Road to clear trees from the right of way where the transmission line will be constructed. Those condemnation hearings are behind handled by a co-counsel. As for the easements, ITC says the condemnation hearings are not expected to affect the route but concern the appropriate financial compensation sought for the parcels. (JM)
Infant Taken From Parents After Fowlerville Traffic Stop
8/14/08 - An infant was taken into protective custody following a routine stop in Fowlerville Wednesday that police are calling "a disturbing situation". Michigan State Police troopers with the 1st District Hometown Security Team pulled a vehicle over near Fowlerville Road and I-96 for defective equipment. Authorities tell WHMI that the 19 year old father came out of the car as if to distract from something inside of the vehicle. Troopers soon noticed a four week old baby that was unsecured in the back seat. The infant also had a pacifier held into its mouth with electrical tape that was strapped across both cheeks. Officials also noted the car was very hot and had no air conditioning. The vehicle was searched for drugs but nothing was found. Livingston County Child Protective Services were called and placed the infant with its grandparents. The father and 18 year old mother were released pending review and possible charges through the Livingston County Prosecutors Office. (JM) Howell Woman Killed On Oak Grove Road Identified
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8/14/08 - The Howell woman that died Tuesday following an accident on Oak Grove Road in Howell Township has been identified. 39 year old Stacy Rossi was driving a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica northbound on Oak Grove Road when it appears she became lost and made a u-turn directly into the path of a 2000 Chevy Silverado pick-up truck driven by a 49 Fenton area woman. Rossi later died from injuries sustained in the crash. While University of Michigan Survival Flight was called out to the scene, it was not used to transport anyone. There were four other passengers in Rossi’s vehicle and a total of five individuals in the pickup truck. Everyone was treated and released at the scene with the exception of Rossi. Speed and alcohol are not believed to be factors in the crash and seatbelts were used. A portion of Oak Grove Road was closed for hours as a result of the crash, which remains under investigation by Michigan State Police at the Brighton Post. (JM) Dexter Schools A Step Closer To Hiring New Superintendent
8/14/08 - The Dexter School Board has been searching for a new superintendent since March and it appears they are now the closest they’ve been to fulfilling that goal. Although he was hesitant to label him “the finalist”, board President Larry Cobler tells WHMI the board unanimously selected Executive Director of Instruction for Birmingham Public Schools Robert Glass (pictured) at Monday’s meeting. He has served in that position for several years and came highly recommended. Next Cobler says they’ll conduct further interviews, a site visit to Birmingham, and have Glass visit to Dexter in order to meet the community. Retiring Superintendent Evelynn Shirk has agreed to stay on until mid-September, at which time the board should decide if Glass is the man for the job or if they’ll hire an interim superintendent. The board is looking for public input; find more information and how to get involved on Dexter School's Website. (LS) Wednesday, August 13
Former County Jail Inmate To Get $190K In Settlement
8/13/08 - A settlement has been approved that will end a long-running lawsuit filed against Livingston County, the sheriff’s department and nearly two dozen corrections officers. The lawsuit was filed nearly five years ago by 30 year old Shaun Leary of Pinckney who claimed a beating he suffered in the jail in February of 2000 was the result of Correction Officers Denis McGuckin and Scott Stone letting other inmates know he was charged with criminal sexual conduct involving a 9 year old girl. The county’s insurance carrier has agreed to pay a $190,000 to settle the case, which is mostly from Leary’s attorney fees. The Michigan Department of Corrections has also put a hold on any money Leary might get to pay for his incarceration. Sheriff Bob Bezotte tells WHMI they felt they had sufficient evidence to go to trial and win. However, he says the county decided it was in their best interests to settle the case based on the insurance company's recommendation. The settlement is final and all of the defendants were permanently dismissed from the case. Sheriff’s officials have insisted all along that Leary knew beforehand there would be a fight, but didn’t tell anyone in charge because he mistakenly thought it would be against just one other person. Leary, who is serving a 12 to 40 year sentence after pleading no contest to the criminal sexual conduct charges, claims he did tell an officer, but nothing was done. (JK/JM) Work Progressing On New Hamburg Township Fire Station
8/13/08 - The Hamburg Township Board received an update Tuesday night on how work at the new fire station on M-36 is progressing. The new hall is made possible through a $3.5 million bond issue approved by voters in 2006 for land acquisition and construction. Exterior work is wrapping up and insulation is going in at the apparatus bays, which will be dry-walled soon. Garage doors are also going in and plumbing work is nearly done. Electrical work is continuing and officials anticipate completion in mid to late fall. Board members approved the installation of an outside irrigation system and well out of contingency money for the project, which is under budget. Landscaping will also be done this fall due to delays with getting the municipal water system online, which should happen by mid to late fall. Trustee Pat Hohl suggested the well for irrigation versus hooking into the new water system, which brought about some debate as a forthcoming ordinance will require all new construction to hook into the system. Officials eventually agreed it would cost the township too much to irrigate that parcel and a well would better serve its needs. Supervisor Cindy Pine voted against both motions for the irrigation system and the well. This was the first time any contingency money was used for the new station and after the expenditure, the fund will stand at $65,702. (JM) Howell Schools Discuss Reduction In Athletic Pay To Play Fees
8/13/08 - The Howell Public Schools Board of Education weighed on the concept of reduced pay to play athletic fees at Monday’s meeting. The district is looking into ways to increase student participation and revenue while making sports more affordable for families. A presentation was made to the board about participation and fees. While there are several formulas, officials are focusing on two simple ones which both include a cap for families and a "pay-one-price" approach. That would allow parents to pay a flat fee per child so they could play as many sports as they want during the school year. As of now, high school athletes pay $140 per school year for their first sport, $120 for the second and $90 for the third. You can view those proposed formulas in the attachment below. So far, board members and athletic officials have been very receptive to the concept of reducing fees. If the board approves the reduced fees at its August 25th meeting, the Howell district would have the lowest pay to play rates in Livingston County. (JM) Tuesday, August 12
Hamburg To Execute Wireless Livingston Deal - But Skeptical
8/13/08 - The Hamburg Township board has agreed to “not spend another dime” on the Wireless Livingston project. The project intends to one day blanket the entire county with wireless internet but things have stalled while officials search for a financial backer. Board members earlier also voiced concerns about protecting township assets and requested amendments to the agreement. A regional co-op group denied those requests saying they could be addressed through local ordinances, policies or asset agreements. Board members then approved the wireless agreement with the stipulation that language be added incorporating references to those potential documents. Last night, it was made known that the co-op group was pleased Hamburg was on board but felt current language addressed concerns. While the agreement will still be executed without any changes, board members also approved a motion to adopt a policy that no funding will be put toward the initiative until plans for a viable, functioning system are presented. Township Attorney John Drury again expressed skepticism at the project's economic viability, but county officials earlier indicated that they are still working diligently to secure funding. (JM) 10 File For 3 Open Howell School Board Seats
8/12/08 - 10 total candidates are vying for three open seats on Howell School’s Board of Education. Two of the seats are full four year terms while the other is a partial term that stretches until December 31st, 2010. While candidate Debbie Drick filed to run for the full term, she tells WHMI she had a change of heart since the partial term was uncontested. She withdrew her original application and then reapplied to run for the partial term against incumbent Dan Fondriest. Eight hopefuls are competing for two 4-year seats including; Phillip Arrington, Patricia Howle, Chris Kauserud, Doug Moore, Robert E. Parker, Ann Routt, Mark Michaels, and current board member Michael Yenshaw. Mark Michaels was appointed Monday night to serve until the November election after secretary Kim Shumaker resigned. (LS) Fenton Mother Faces Murder Charges In Deadly Crash
8/12/08 - The mother of an 8-year old Fenton girl killed in a car crash this spring now faces several charges in the case, including second-degree murder. 41-year old Kelly Arthurs admitted to drinking and using cocaine before losing control of her SUV at nearly 70 mph in a 45 speed zone and crashing into a utility pole in Mundy Township March 10th. Second grader Kelsey Jo Caswell died because of injuries suffered in the crash while her twin sister Kasey required hospitalization. Now charged with three felonies including second-degree murder, operating under the influence causing death and operating under the influence causing serious injury, Arthurs faces up to life in prison. She was arraigned in court this afternoon and is being held on a $10,000 cash bond. (LS) Ohio Man Pleads Guilty To Brighton Bank Robbery
8/12/08 - An Ohio man charged with nine bank robberies, including one in Livingston County, has pleaded guilty. 64 year old Michael James McPartland entered the pleas this afternoon in U.S. District Court in Toledo. He faces up to 20 years in prison and $200,000 in fines on each count. McPartland was arrested in April in Ohio after a string of robberies that included four banks in Michigan. Among those was the Brighton TCF Bank on February 15th, along with banks in Adrian, Hillsdale and Dundee. He agreed to plead guilty to all nine federal charges of bank robbery after a psychological exam found him competent to stand trial. McPartland won’t be sentenced on the bank robbery charges for at least three months while a pre-sentence report is completed. However, he still faces state charges of felonious assault and failure to comply with a police officer stemming from his arrest in which he led Northwest Ohio authorities on a 10-mile chase and rammed a police car while driving in reverse. (JK) Howell Still Looking At Classes For Non-Public School Kids
8/12/08 - Despite some doubt by board members at Monday night’s meeting, the Howell Public Schools district is still investigating the possibility of offering elective courses to non-public school students. It has been looking at offering courses to home schooled and parochial students to generate much needed funding. The initial plan is to have four offerings at the elementary, middle and high school levels. In order to make the program financially viable, 25 students would be needed at each level. The original concept was to house students in portions of Parker High School but administrators expressed that it may make more sense to utilize portables behind Howell High School instead. While some board members had doubt about how much revenue this could actually generate, it was agreed to finish out the process and go to the final step of creating a focus group that would survey interest from parents, how many students they would commit to such a program and their thoughts on its structure. Superintendent Ted Gardella tells WHMI that some of the courses bring in highly qualified teacher issues and there is also Public Act 219 to deal with. That act was approved as part of the state school aid budget and could also affect plans for the program as it requires parents of home schooled students to first approach their resident district to offer the course. Findings and more secure numbers will be presented at the next board meeting on August 25th. (JM) Fowlerville Octogenarian Plans Annual Paradise To Hell Trek
8/12/08 - For the fourth year in a row, a Fowlerville resident will be strapping on his walking shoes and making the trek from Paradise in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to Hell in Livingston County. While that 355-mile journey would seem impressive by any standard, it’s even more so considering that the man walking all those miles is 89 years old. Clayton Klein began making the journey in 2005 as a fundraiser for Hospice of Michigan. However, this year’s journey will not feature the usual Labor Day walk across the Mackinac Bridge as Klein will be at Comerica Park that day sitting with team owner Mike Ilitch watching the Tigers take on the Yankees. Ilitch invited Klein after reading his book “A Well Kept Secret”, the true story of his late wife’s friendship with Tiger great Hank Greenberg. He told WHMI’s “Marino & The Morning Crew” that the interest in the story has led to a playwright working up a script for possible production into a play and/or a movie. Klein will start his trek from Paradise to Hell a few days later than usual. He plans to leave the U.P. on September 6th and arrive in Hell on September 26th. For more information about walking with Klein, to help in any way, or about Hospice contributions, e-mail him at clayton@firststep.net. Updates on Clayton Klein and his 2008 Paradise to Hell Walk schedule will also be posted at www.susanparcheta.com Brighton School Board Approves $200K In Cuts; Spares Busing
8/12/08 - Parents and district employees marched up and down the streets outside of the Brighton Area Schools board meeting last night, protesting the possible outsourcing of school jobs and the elimination of busing. Board members approved approximately $200,000 in budget cuts which included eliminating several clerical and advisory positions, reducing the special education supply budget, and converting to third-party contracts for non-staff coaching positions. Busing service was spared by officials, who claimed quality and enrollment would suffer from such a move. The board decided not to allow retirement-eligible administrators to convert to third party contracts and also decided not to eliminate one of the mechanic positions in busing garage. That still leaves approximately two million dollars left to be cut from the budget, but Superintendent Jim Craig says they have to proceed cautiously as drastic cuts in expenditures, people and services could cause long term damage to the district. When it comes to busing, Craig says it’s an essential expectation and if they don’t provide it people will leave in droves. He also added that conversion to third-party contracts are a last resort for the district. Craig made contingent cuts in the district’s budget, which he says will allow the board to get it in line by June 30th, which is required by law. (JK) Mark Michaels Appointed To Howell Board Of Education
8/12/08 - The Howell Board of Education voted to appoint candidate Mark Michaels as its newest board member at Monday's meeting. This was the 5th time Michaels has applied for an open seat on the board and he was chosen over six other candidates. He is a self-employed handyman with a degree in finance and previously worked in the insurance field. Michaels is married to a Brighton teacher and has two daughters attending Howell schools. He tells WHMI the future of the district looks promising and he wants to focus on openness, community involvement and unity in moving the district forward. Michaels replaces Kim Shumaker, who resigned as she was moving outside of the district with her family. He will serve out the remainder of her term until the November general election. At that time, voters will elect three people to the board to replace three former board members who resigned before their terms were up. Michaels tells WHMI he has already filed to run for the seat. He joins five others that have filed for those seats including incumbent Michael Yenshaw, Bob Parker, Kris Kauserud, Pat Howle and Debi Drick. The deadline to file applications for the open seats is today. (JM) Photos of Dog Attack Victims Can Be Used At Trial
8/12/08 - Photos of two residents killed last year by attacking bulldogs may be shown at the upcoming trial of an Iosco Township woman who owned the dogs. That was one of the rulings Monday from Livingston County Circuit Court Judge Stanley Latreille, who said that the photos could be used in the trial against Diane Cockrell. Cockrell is charged with two counts of keeping dangerous animals causing death, a 15 year felony, as well as a misdemeanor count of allowing her dogs to stray. Authorities say four American Bulldogs owned by Cockrell were loose last September when they attacked and killed 90 year old Edward Gierlach (Gear-lock) and 56 year old Cheryl Harper. Cockrell’s attorney also asked the judge to the have the ability to question the jurors himself, which was denied. Cockrell’s trial is set to begin on August 25th. (JK) Monday, August 11
Howell School Board Hires New High School Principal
8/12/08 - Howell High school has a new Principal. The Board of Education met Monday night and unanimously approved hiring Aaron Moran. Moran previously served as principal of LakeVille Middle School, which is where Howell's new superintendent came from. Moran will replace former Principal Bill Smith, who was hired as superintendent of Kent City Community Schools. Moran tells WHMI he’s both excited and nervous about coming to the district. He says he wants to build relationships with students as they make the transition from the Parker campus to the newly renovated Howell high school building. Moran starts in his new position Tuesday and was hired in with a $119,000 initial contract. (JM) Federal Grant Gets Brighton Firefighters New Air Packs
8/11/08 - Brighton firefighters are sporting new air packs after receiving a federal grant worth nearly $250,000. The “Assistance to Firefighters” grant is through the Department of Homeland Security. Brighton Fire Marshall Mike O’Brian tells WHMI it will allow the Brighton Area Fire Authority to purchase approximately 55 new air packs with a 10% match. O’Brian says the packs they currently use are about 15 years old and definitely in need of replacement, especially considering that they don’t meet current safety standards. He says the new packs will also have fittings that allow Brighton firefighters to share oxygen with firefighters from other departments in emergency situations. (JK) LACASA Seeks Men To Walk A Mile In Women's Shoes
8/11/08 - Livingston County men and other community members are being sought to take part in the 3rd annual “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes: The Men’s March to Stop Rape, Sexual Assault & Gender Violence”. The event, which features area men literally walking one mile around the Tanger Outlet Center in high heels, benefits the Livingston Area Council Against Spousal Abuse, or LACASA. The idea behind the event is to raise awareness about sexual violence and give men a chance to show their support. LACASA’s Development Director Julie Smith tells WHMI that "Walk A Mile In Her Shoes" is an excellent way to take a very serious subject and give it a spin that allows for conversation on the topic to take place. In turn, that conversation then creates more awareness about sexual assault and violence. Livingston County Undersheriff Mike Murphy currently chairs LACASA's Board of Directors and has taken part in the event from day one. He says it can be quite a task to find women's shoes that will actually fit his feet, but usually turns to the internet. Murphy says the event is not only a whole lot of fun, but completely worthwhile. "Walk A Mile In Her Shoes" will be held August 23rd. Details cab be found in our "Livingston County Events" section at right. (JK) South Lyon Woman Elected To Lead Civil Air Patrol
8/11/08 - A South Lyon woman has been elected as the national commander of the Civil Air Patrol. 46 year old Amy Courter’s unanimous election makes her the first woman to head the nonprofit group. The Civil Air Patrol, made up of 56,000 pilots and others nationwide, performs 90% of the nation's search-and-rescue efforts ordered by the U.S. Air Force. Courter, who was previously a vice president of information technology at Valassis Communications, has been the group’s interim leader for the last year. Courter said her top challenges in the job would be getting the word out about who the group is and building relationships with all of the other organizations they need to partner with. (JK) Saturday, August 9
Pinckney Ratifies Contract With Buildings & Grounds Staff
8/9/08 - Buildings and ground staff in the Pinckney Community Schools district have a new contract. The Board of Education approved the deal reached with the Pinckney Building & Grounds Staff Association which covers the upcoming school year. The contract incorporates issues that were discussed to avoid privatizing the group. That includes a wage freeze for the next school year but a 2.7% wage reduction starting on May 30th, elimination of vision benefits, freezing longevity payments, early retirement of group members and a reduced work year for three employees on a voluntary basis. Significant changes were also made in the healthcare arena and members will move to a less costly priority heath program with co-pays. Language changes were also made in the contract addressing seniority, layoffs and recalls, leaves of absence and sick leave. (JM) Friday, August 8
Local Team Seeks Walkers For Mental Illness Event
8/9/08 - Organizers of a local team are looking for more members to join them at the NAMI Michigan Walk next month on Belle Isle. Emily Parsons is a Brighton graduate who was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder after showing symptoms for years. Since then she’s been active in organizing groups that raise awareness of mental illness. She tells WHMI NAMI, which stands for the National Alliance on Mental Illness, provides support and education programs concerning mental illness. It covers a multitude of disorders including post-traumatic stress, panic and anxiety, depression, eating, obsessive compulsive, and schizophrenia. Although this will be her first time participating, Parsons tells WHMI the event is designed to be a fun way for those who deal with mental illness and family and friends surrounding them to raise hope concerning what are still stigmatized illnesses. The walk on September 28th hopes to raise $150,000 for the organization, and Emily’s team, known as “Living Healthy in Livingston” has a personal goal of $1,000. They are looking for teammates and donations for the 5k, which also includes many family-friendly activities. To get involved, email Emily Parsons or visit their Living Healthy in Livingston webpage. (LS) Father Accused Of Beating Daughter's Boyfriend To Stand Trial
8/8/08 - An Iosco Township father will stand trial on a variety of charges including felonious assault. 55 year old William Watt was bound over to Livingston County Circuit Court this week following testimony. He’s accused of chasing down his 18 year old daughter and her 34 year old boyfriend on April 6th after they left the defendant’s Coon Lake Road home. When they got to Bull Run Road, Police say Watt rammed into the back of the boyfriend’s pickup truck and ran it off the road near the Countryway Party Store, where he proceeded to beat him. A clerk from the store tried to intervene and was also injured by Watt. Watt is facing two counts of felonious assault along with two counts of misdemeanor assault and battery and one count of malicious destruction of property. He was found competent to stand trial last month. (LS) Fire Destroys Pole Barn And Contents In Putnam Township
8/8/08 - A pole barn and its contents are a complete loss following a fire Friday afternoon in Putnam Township. The fire began shortly after noon on Gawley Road near Bentley Lake north of the Pinckney Village limits. The long driveway to the isolated residence caused firefighters some trouble in getting tankers to the scene. Also hindering the efforts was fuel and other flammable tanks stored inside the 50 by 50 foot barn. Two vehicles and many other items, estimated to be worth more than $100,000, were also destroyed. No one was injured and the cause is still under investigation by the Putnam Fire Department. Assistance was provided by Howell, Unadilla, Hamburg, Dexter, Green Oak and Chelsea Fire Departments. (LS) WALLY Study Presented To Local Leaders; Issues Remain
8/8/08 - The validation study for a proposed commuter rail line between Ann Arbor and Howell was formally presented to both Washtenaw and Livingston County officials this week. County and City of Howell officials were updated Thursday morning and as in most cases, funding is the critical issue. The study puts start-up costs in the neighborhood of $32 million for “Wally” or the Washtenaw and Livingston Line. The coalition and others involved had estimated it would only cost around $7.2 (m) million. The extra capitol is needed to improve railroad tracks and put gates at crossings which would in turn help the trains travel faster. County Commission Chairman Bill Rogers tells WHMI that future meetings will occur to discuss issues and determine if this project can really be pulled off. He says it will also entail the federal and state governments as well as M-DOT and the train system. The study identities 24 critical items to get the system up and running but officials say that it could happen within a 16-month timeline if funding can be secured. To view the validation study Click Here (JM) Thursday, August 7
Howell Man Gets Jail Time For Possession Of Drugs
8/7/08 - A Howell man has been sentenced in a drug case. 23 year old Joseph Tulip was already on parole when he was arrested in Fenton in May after a search of his truck turned up psychedelic mushrooms. Tulip was pulled over for speeding by an officer who searched his car and discovered the mushrooms in the glove box. After being interviewed by a detective the next day, he admitted to owning the drugs. A subsequent search of his home in Livingston County turned up seven bags of the mushrooms in a safe, along with 30 vicodin pills, 13 bags of marijuana and marijuana buds. Tulip was on parole for possession of cocaine and 2nd degree home invasion. He pleaded guilty last month to possession of the controlled substances with intent to deliver and being a fourth time habitual offender. Although his attorney argued it was just a slip up, Livingston County Circuit Court Judge David Reader said the quantity was too big not to be dealing. Tulip was sentenced to a year and a half to 15 years. (LS) No One Bids On Former Hoskins Site At Auction In Lansing
8/7/08 - A contaminated eyesore in Hamburg Township went up for auction today but no one bid on it. Repeated attempts to find a buyer for the parcel have been frustrated by tax issues. In June, a $1.2 million federal tax lien had surfaced on the Hall Road property formerly owned by the Hoskins Manufacturing Company. The company is now known as HSKM Incorporated and officials pleaded guilty last month in federal court for violating the Toxic Substance Control Act. The property had gone into foreclosure when Hoskins neglected to pay more than $460,000 in back taxes. Detroit-area businessman Romel Casab bought the property at auction in 2006 but that was rescinded when the federal tax lien showed up. He was prepared to bid again this year, when again the lien surfaced. After several discussions with the IRS, Casab told WHMI he didn’t plan on making a bid for the property today in Lansing. Casab said that had he been able to acquire the property, he had lined up a restaurant equipment company willing to build a facility on the site. The minimum bid was $502,550. The site was vacated about 7 years ago after being used as a metal producing facility. Drums of used motor oil, antifreeze and other contaminants remain inside the building, which has become a target for vandalism and arson. State Officials tell WHMI it will probably be put back on the auction block in October. (LS) Congressman Rogers Defends Controversial Web Video
8/7/08 - Congressman Mike Rogers is responding to criticism of an ad on his website. The American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee of Michigan is accusing the Brighton Republican of using negative, stereotypical images to promote his energy plan. Rogers has a video posted on his website that raises issues about buying oil from Saudi Arabia, Venezuela and Russia with a cartoon pictured. It depicts a man wearing Arab headdress with the Venezuelan President and Russia’s Prime Minister. In a voiceover, Rogers says "the countries are using American money to expand their military, manipulate elections and promote terrorism." Rogers says he questions the timing of the accusations as the video has been up for about three months now. Director of the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee of Michigan Imad Hamad tells WHMI it was made clear Rogers would not change the content of the message and that’s his choice but they cannot accept, justify or tolerate it. He says the video "promotes a very negative stereotype and terrorism is our common enemy." You can view the video on Rogers website by Clicking Here (JM) Despite Concerns, MDEQ Approves Woodland Ridge Permit
8/7/08 - In spite of the residents who completely packed the Green Oak Township Hall at a public hearing hosted by the state last month, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality has approved one of the two discharge permits for the developer of the Woodland Ridge mobile home park. The DEQ proposed to issue two water discharge permits to Brookside Communities for the park near 9 mile and Rushton Roads. The developer has a history of illegal discharges and DEQ officials told WHMI when the permit routinely came up for renewal, they proposed to resolve the ongoing situation with the expanded permits. The one approved last week was to allow 44 million gallons of treated sanitary sewage to be discharged into nearby groundwater. The second permit, which is awaiting approval this month, was to allow up to 12 million gallons of field runoff into nearby wetlands. Supervisor Mark St. Charles spoke out against the permit on behalf of the township at the hearing last month. He tells WHMI he’s disappointed in the direction the state seems to be heading. Many at the hearing said the unique water system is fatally flawed, considering all of the violations so far when only about half of the 599 units are built. Part of the problem is that the design does not account for any type of precipitation. Roughly $23,000 in fines has been handed down to the developer. State officials at the hearing said all the public statements will be incorporated in the permit. (LS) Ohio Man Facing Federal Charges In Brighton Bank Robbery
8/7/08 - Federal charges have been filed against an Ohio man arrested in April for a series of bank robberies in Michigan, including one in Brighton. 64 year old Michael James McPartland is charged in U.S. District Court in Toledo with 5 counts of bank robbery for the Ohio robberies. He is now facing four additional charges for robberies at Michigan banks in Dundee, Adrian, Hillsdale and locally, Brighton’s TCF Bank branch on February 15th. He’s scheduled to enter guilty pleas in the Michigan cases next Tuesday in federal court in Ohio. McPartland has already pleaded not guilty to the five Ohio robberies. A psychological exam was earlier ordered and Federal Attorney Thomas Secor tells WHMI there was no evidence of incompetence but he could not release further details. McPartland was arrested following a 10-mile chase through two northwest Ohio counties, in which he rammed a police car while driving in reverse. (JM) Township Avoids Hiring Company Subject To FBI Probe
8/7/08 - Green Oak Township officials opted not to hire the company embroiled in a scandal in Detroit for its sludge removal contract at Wednesday night’s meeting. The FBI is still investigating whether Detroit City council members, and other staff took bribes in the course of approving a $47 million per year sludge recycling contract with Synagro Technologies. Township Trustee Wally Qualls suggested for that reason, he’d rather avoid any controversy and hire another company to do the job. The more than $10,000 bid was awarded to Merrell Brothers, which the plant’s operating company has some experience with. The company will remove about 250,000 gallons of sludge from the treatment plant. The Merrell Brothers bid will cost the township $200 more than Synagro would have. (LS) Local Non-Profit To Host Un-Official Melon Tent Next Weekend
8/7/08 - Organizers of the 49th annual Howell Melonfest may have cancelled the popular melon tent but that didn’t stop a local non-profit from saving the day. The Howell Jaycees will host Melonfest next weekend but earlier announced that they would be doing away with the melon tent, much to the dismay of some of the locals. The Howell Elks have since stepped up to the plate and plan to host an un-official melon tent. Tent Chairman Ken Johnson tells WHMI it will feature beer and melon-themed drinks as well as pizza. He says he graduated from Howell High and there has always been a melon tent so when they caught word of the change, they decided to create one. A country band will play Friday night and a rock and roll band will perform Saturday. Both acts will run from 6pm to midnight. Johnson says there is plenty of parking and the tent behind the Elks Club on Grand River can accommodate as many as 400 people. Meanwhile, you can hear the parody song “Melon Tent Baby” by Clicking Here (JM)Pinckney Superintendent Weighs In On State School Aid Budget
8/7/08 - Governor Granholm signed the state's school aid budget yesterday for the fiscal year that starts in October and locally, school districts will pretty much get what was expected. All of the state’s K-12 districts will see either $56 or $112 dollars in additional per-student funding. Livingston County districts will see an additional $112 per student since they already rank dead last when it comes to state funding. It’s known as the “Two-Times” formula in which lower funded districts get two times the amount as higher funded ones. Pinckney Community Schools Superintendent Dan Danosky tells WHMI that like most things that come out of Lansing, this is a good news – bad news situation. He says its good the budget came out earlier than last year and that the state is working to close the huge funding gap with the two-times formula but it's not set in stone. Danosky also noted that the $112 increase won’t do much as it’s still less the rate of inflation and less than they budgeted for. The latest increase will bring the Pinckney district’s per pupil funding to $7,316 in the fall. (JM)
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