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Saturday, March 13
Testimony Concluded For Man Charged In Parents Murder
3/13/10 - Jurors next week are expected to begin deliberating the fate of a White Lake Township man accused of stabbing his parents to death in 2008. 27 year old Mark Ott is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the stabbing deaths of his mother, Barbara and father, Michael. Testimony concluded Friday in Oakland County Circuit Court and closing arguments and jury instructions are scheduled to begin Monday. There has been conflicting testimony in the case with various experts debating whether or not Ott was sane at the time of the killings. A psychiatrist who treated him at the state-run Center for Forensic Psychiatry told jurors Ott was delusional and paranoid but a forensic psychiatrist who testified as a prosecution expert says while Ott was mentally ill, he was not insane and had the capacity to control his actions. If convicted, Ott would spend the rest of his life in prison with no chance for parole. (JM) Organization Seeks Volunteers To Clean-Up Nature Preserve
3/13/10 - The Livingston Land Conservancy asking for the community to pitch in and help clean-up a newly acquired nature preserve. The conservancy says the 10 acres of land off of Blaine Road in Hartland Township is known as the Round Lake of Hartland Nature Preserve. President Sara Thomas tells WHMI that it’s primarily a wooded wetland with lots of plants and a great wildlife habitat. The property is also seen as a good summer roosting habitat for the Indiana bat, which was headed to extinction in 1960s when it was declared federally endangered. Thomas says unfortunately, individuals have been dumping yard waste in one particular area of the preserve and it’s accumulated over the years. Due to some of the tools being used, the conservancy says volunteers 12 and up are being sought. Tools such as loppers and trimmers, rakes and shovels are also needed. Volunteers should come dressed to work and long pants and long sleeves are encouraged. For more information, call 810-229-3290 or e-mail < a href="mailto:info@livingstonlandconservancy.org">info@livingstonlandconservancy.org. Plea Entered in Oceola Township Home Invasion
3/13/10 - A Taylor man facing home invasion charges from a break-in in Oceola Township has entered a plea in the case. 20 year old Joshua Pienta pleaded guilty as charged to two separate counts of 2nd degree home invasion as well as resisting a police officer. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to a 19 month cap on his jail time when sentenced April 22nd. Pienta was arrested last November after he and David Newsome Jr. crashed their car on Argentine Road following a chase by Livingston County Sheriff deputies who had responded to a possible break-in in progress. Newsome, who was driving, managed to get away and over the next six hours broke into a pole barn and another home in the area, eventually making off with a shotgun and a handgun and a change of clothes. He remained at large until just recently. Earlier this month he pleaded not guilty to second-degree home invasion, breaking and entering, felony firearms and unlawful driving away of a vehicle and is due back in District Court Tuesday for an exam conference. (JK) Friday, March 12
Howell Bus Drivers Protest Proposed Busing Consolidation
3/12/10 - Howell bus drivers could be seen picketing outside of the freshman campus this morning in protest of a busing consolidation effort. Howell schools are considering joining a busing collaborative through the Livingston Educational Service Agency that could save an estimated $500,000. The Hartland and Brighton districts have already joined. Under the plan, bus drivers would need to apply for positions through LESA. While drivers would maintain their retirement benefits, they would lose their healthcare. That’s one of the major issues that prompted some bus drivers to picket this morning. However, LESA has said it is looking into healthcare options. As to the bus drivers public protest, Interim Superintendent Lynn Parrish told WHMI that they are just exercising their rights on public property. The Board of Education will vote on the consolidation issue at a special meeting on Monday at 6pm in the administration board room. (JM) Legislator Blasts Bill To Provide Workers Comp To Illegal Aliens
3/12/10 - A Livingston County legislator is sounding off about a new bill that would provide workers compensation benefits to illegal aliens living in Michigan. State Representative Cindy Denby of Handy Township says she was shocked by what she called “frivolous” legislation introduced by Detroit Democrat Rashida Tlaib that would allow illegal immigrants to receive the benefits. Under the bill, those who use false documents to obtain employment or to seek work would also be eligible for the benefits. Denby says “the state needs to take steps to stop illegal aliens from taking already scarce jobs, not provide them with an incentive to come to Michigan”. Representative Tlaib defends that allowing compensation for all injured workers is a better system than allowing people to be part of a black market of undocumented workers. She adds that Michigan is one of only two states in the nation that does not allow undocumented workers to be compensated when they’re injured on the job. The bill has now been referred to the committee on labor. (JM) 2010 Census Questionnaires To Begin Arriving Next Week
3/12/10 - Livingston County residents are being reminded to keep an eye out for 2010 census questionnaires that will be arriving by mail next week. Census Partnership Specialist Terry Hood-Campion tells WHMI that the population must be counted every ten years, per the constitution. The count determines the number of elected congressional seats per state. The census count also determines how much federal funding comes back into the state. Campion says this is the shortest census surveys in history and assures residents that its safe and their information will be protected. Campion says census workers will be specifically looking for how many people are living in a home, so they can make sure everyone is counted. The surveys must be mailed back in time for Census Day, which is officially April 1st. Most local communities should begin to start receiving the questionnaires in their mailboxes on or around March 15th through the 17th. For anyone who doesn’t not receive a questionnaire in the mail, Campion says they can still pick one up at assistance centers that are set up at libraries in Brighton, Howell and Fowlerville. (JM) It's Been a Twitter Of A Week For Conway Township Woman
3/12/10 - A week has made all the difference in the life of a Livingston County woman, whose brush with fame has changed her future. Last Friday, 19 year old Sarah Killen of Conway Township was just the girl next door, trying to finish her high school education and saving for a wedding later this year. She also liked to keep in touch with friends via Twitter, with three followers listed to her account. A week later, she has more than 26,000 Twitter followers and most of that wedding paid for. What made the difference? Comedian Conan O’Brien chose her at random to be the only person he’s following on Twitter, which in turn sparked national media recognition that’s included Good Morning America and ABC World News Tonight, which featured her in Thursday’s broadcast. But the crush of instant celebrity hasn’t all been positive, telling WHMI’s “Marino & The Morning Crew” (Download interview by Clicking Here) that already there's been some critical comments from people she feels didn't get the attention they wanted and are now upset with her. Despite that, Killen and her fiancé have tried to make their 15 minutes of fame mean something, and are trying to share the spotlight with several charities, including the Susan G. Komen Michigan 3-Day for the Cure Walk and the Children's Relief Fund. She also hopes to start a non-profit foundation devoted to education. As to her future, Killen says no matter what she and her fiancé are determined to keep true to who they are. (JK) Garcia Backs Legislation To Change Forced Unionization
3/12/10 - New bills have been introduced in the state Senate that would prohibit the unionization of home-based daycare providers and other home-based business owners. The Mackinac Center Legal Foundation originally filed suit against the Michigan Department of Human Services on behalf of three home-based daycare providers including a Brighton Township resident. The DHS has been withholding union dues from child care subsidy checks that are sent to home-based daycare providers on behalf of low-income parents who get government assistance. As of 2008, 40,000 affected providers were considered members of the newly formed Child Care Providers Together Michigan union and paying dues. That suit was dismissed by the court of appeals but the issue has now spawned legislation co-sponsored by State Senator Valde Garcia of Marion Township. The bills would clarify language that people who run home-based businesses and whose clients receive daycare subsidies or similar ones are not public employees and cannot be forcibly unionized. Garcia says the bills will likely face challenges in the House but feels the policy needs to be changed as some would consider what the administration did as unethical. Meanwhile, Foundation Director Patrick Wright tells WHMI that they will decide in the next few weeks if they will file an appeal with the Supreme Court, which he says is likely. Requests for comment on the legislation have gone unreturned by DHS officials. (JM) Sheriff's Department to Enforce Vehicle Weight Restrictions
3/12/10 - The Livingston County Road Commission will be trying out a new program this spring by contracting with the Sheriff’s Department to enforce seasonal weight restrictions for county roads. Stricter weight limits are put on certain roads each spring to help reduce damage while the soil shifts due to runoff from melting snow. The Road Commission will pay $5,000 to have the sheriff’s department enforce weight restrictions at high-risk roads and bridges in the county. The sheriff’s department will use portable scales, provided by the Road Commission, to enforce the limits and other commercial vehicle requirements until the seasonal restrictions are lifted. Fines for weight violations can range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on their severity. The Road Commission used to provide the manpower for enforcement, but this has been deemed inefficient and potentially dangerous. Seasonal weight restrictions vary in duration each year, depending on the weather, but are typically lifted sometime around Easter. (TD) Wayne County Man Sentenced In Local Home Invasion
3/12/10 - A Wayne County man has been sentenced in connection with a Brighton Township home invasion last September in which he was found passed out underneath the house’s deck after burglarizing it. 30 year old Robert Oliver Brooks Jr. of Trenton was ordered to serve 71 months to 20 years in prison following his earlier guilty pleas in Livingston County Circuit Court to two counts of third degree home invasion, one count of resisting arrest and a fourth charge of being a habitual offender. Brooks fled from officers September 18th who had responded to a report of a break-in at a home on Hyne Road. After a manhunt involving search dogs and a helicopter, he was found unconscious underneath the home’s deck. Authorities say it appeared he passed out from the pain of re-injuring a previously broken leg. (JM) Judge Denies Request To Dismiss Case Against Green Oak Man
3/12/10 - A Livingston County judge has denied a defense motion to dismiss the case against a Green Oak Township man charged with running a large-scale drug operation. 53 year old Kenneth Collier and his 24 year old son Jacob Collier were arrested in January 2009 after a raid on their home that followed a month long undercover investigation. It was recently determined that statements Kenneth Collier made following his arrest could not be used at his trial because he had not been advised of his right to remain silent. Police said that although the elder Collier had been handcuffed, he voluntarily pointed to the home’s kitchen when he was asked where the drugs were located. Police say they found more than 10 ounces of cocaine along with marijuana and other narcotics. Based on the exclusion of that statement as evidence, the defense had sought to have the case dismissed but the motion was denied by Circuit Court Judge Michael Hatty yesterday. Meanwhile, an arrest warrant remains active for Jacob Collier after he failed to appear for a court-ordered drug test. He had previously pleaded guilty to a reduced conspiracy charge after prosecutor’s promised they will recommend a one year cap at his sentencing in exchange for him testifying at his father’s trial, which is currently set for March 29th. (JM) Thursday, March 11
Traveling Law Clinic Stops In Howell To Assist Local Veterans
3/11/10 - A unique traveling law clinic made a stop in Howell Thursday to help Livingston County veterans in need of legal assistance. The University of Detroit Mercy School’s veteran law clinic program titled “Project Salute” travels nationally and statewide via a custom designed recreational vehicle. The program allows veterans in need of assistance with their pension and disability benefit claims a free consultation, with the goal of eventually placing their case with a pro-bono attorney retained in the program. The clinic was set up at the American Legion Post 141 today and Eileen Whipple is a 3rd year visiting law student who was conducting consultations. She says what they hear from the veterans really depends on what they’re going through. She says some are frustrated because the process is not as simple as they'd like while others know they have some issues but don't know what benefits they would qualify for. Whipple adds that others just want to know more about the program and feel friends and family members could benefit. Two Howell veterans that WHMI spoke with expressed that they were just seeking more information and how to go about getting it. Since the programs inception, officials say they’ve provided consultations to more than 2800 veterans across the county and trained more than 900 attorneys to work on veteran cases for free. For more information about the program, log onto www.law.udmercy.edu/project_salute/whereweregoing.php (JM)Livingston County Will Participate in Lawsuit Against Michigan
3/11/10 - The Livingston County Road Commission agreed to participate in a class-action lawsuit against the state of Michigan at its regular meeting earlier today. The suit was organized by local Michigan governments led by the City of Riverview in Wayne County in response to Phase II of the Clean Water Act, which places tighter restrictions on storm water from private residences. Local governments participating in the lawsuit say that since the state mandated these requirements, then it should also pay to have them enforced. The lawsuit seeks to halt punitive measures against local governments for not meeting storm water requirements and to require the state to provide funding for storm water enforcement. Previous state-mandated measures included such things as public awareness and consulting, which cost about $50,000 annually, but the next level of requirements will cost Livingston County hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. The deadline for participants to leave the class action lawsuit is March 31st, but the Road Commission has expressed no interest in opting out. (TD) Fenton Man Charged With Livingston County Burglaries
3/11/10 - A Fenton man who’s already pleaded guilty to home invasion charges in Genesee County has now been charged with similar crimes in Livingston County. The Livingston County Prosecutor’s Office on Monday charged 21-year-old Shane Austin Lloyd with multiple counts of 2nd degree home invasion, possessing burglary tools, larceny of weapons and felony firearms for a trio of home robberies in Tyrone, Genoa and Hartland townships in December and January. Ironically, Monday was also the day Lloyd pleaded guilty in Genesee County Circuit Court to two counts of 2nd degree home invasion linked to a Fenton Township break-in last December. He’ll be sentenced April 13th in that case. No court dates have been set for the Livingston County charges. Lloyd was captured after a surveillance team was created in the Fenton and Linden areas following numerous break-ins. Tips and other evidence led them to Lloyd, who was originally picked up on an outstanding warrant out of Florida, from where he had just moved. (JK) Sentencing Delayed For Former Cop In Camp Brighton Scandal
3/11/10 - Sentencing has been delayed for the first of three men who’ve admitted their role in a bribery scandal involving the sale of a land parcel in Livingston County. Former Detroit Police officer Jerry Rivers, who pleaded guilty to a conspiracy count in December, had been set for sentencing this morning in federal court in Detroit. But that’s now been postponed until April 27th at the request of his attorney. Rivers told authorities that he, along with former Deputy Mayor Kandia Milton and his brother DeDan, recommended in 2007 that the city council sell Camp Brighton in Genoa Township. In exchange, they split $50,000 that was paid by the Chaldean Catholic Church, who ended up purchasing the 160-acre property for $3.5 million. Church officials say they thought the money was a legitimate consulting fee. Kandia Milton is still set for sentencing next week, while his brother DeDan, who served as an executive assistant to former Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, will be sentenced in May. All three have been cooperating with the FBI in its ongoing investigation of public corruption in Detroit. (JK) Possible "Bike Bandit" Arraigned In Ann Arbor Heist
3/11/10 - A Stockbridge man thought to be Hartland’s so-called “Bike Bandit” has been arraigned on charges connected to an Ann Arbor bank robbery. 32 year old Kye Abraham was caught in Ann Arbor Monday after a witness saw him load a bike into a pickup truck after dropping some money. He led police on a chase that ended when his truck ran over spike strips police had placed on I-94. He abandoned the truck but was taken into custody after a brief foot chase. He was arraigned Wednesday on charges of bank robbery, assault with a dangerous weapon, 3rd degree fleeing and eluding police and assaulting and obstructing a police officer. A preliminary exam was set for March 17th. Livingston County Sheriff Bob Bezotte tells WHMI that they continue to try and determine conclusively if Abraham is responsible for the February 18th robbery at the Hartland Chase Bank branch on M-59, which like the Ann Arbor robbery was carried out by a man who witnesses saw speeding away on a bicycle. He’s also believed to be behind two bank robberies in Jackson County. Abraham, who has reportedly not been cooperating with authorities, also served four years in prison in Florida for a robbery conviction until his release in 2007. (JK) Police Release Composite Sketch In Possible Abduction
3/11/10 - The Livingston County Sheriff’s Department has released the composite sketch of the man who may have tried to possibly abduct a child at a Hartland Township bus stop last week. The incident happened shortly after 4:20 Friday afternoon in the area of Long Lake Drive and North Court where a 12 year old girl was waiting for the school bus to drop off her younger sibling. The girl told police that a man pulled up next to her in his vehicle, put his window down, and told her to come closer. The girl said she began to run away, but when she called her small dog by name, the suspect reached out the window grabbed the dog by its collar, although it managed to break free. The girl then reportedly hid behind a nearby mound of snow and said the suspect turned his vehicle in the street toward her direction then pulled into a driveway. He left after the school bus arrived, heading south on Long Lake. Deputies canvassed the neighborhood, but were unable to locate any witnesses. The suspect is described as a heavier-set, middle-aged white male with short, spiked gray hair and a moustache. He was wearing black sunglasses and a black leather jacket. The girl said he spoke with an accent, but she thought it was fake. The suspect’s vehicle is described as being a light blue newer model four door car with dark tinted windows. Anyone with information related to this case is urged to call Detective Sgt. Childers at 517-540-7956 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAKUP. (JK) Attachment: Possibleattemptabductionupdate.pdf
Livingston County Designated "Recovery Zone"
3/11/10 - Livingston County is moving forward with a federal program that could create jobs and allow needed infrastructure work. As a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the county was given the authority to allocate up to $40 million in bonds for construction projects in the municipal, commercial and industrial arenas. The first step was for the county to pass a resolution identifying the area it would allocate the bonds. Commissioner Dave Domas tells WHMI it was decided the entire county would be a designed “recovery zone”, so anyone in the county can qualify for the bonding. While the bonds are taxable, Domas says the federal government will pay about 45% of the interest on the bonds payments, so it works out favorably for those involved. Up to $15 (m) million will be available to municipal units of governments for use in financing infrastructure projects such as road and sewer work. The balance is available for private sector projects, such as programs for buildings or developments where bonding has been difficult to get. The county is now working with the Economic Development Council to draft selection criteria. (JM) Putnam Planning Commission Seeks Improved Communication
3/11/10 - The Putnam Township Planning Commission did not pass a resolution last night that would make it easier to develop of very small plots of land, but not because there was anything wrong with the resolution itself. Commissioners complained that the resolution was not made available to them before the meeting, and so they could not confidently judge its merits. While some members of the commission wanted to approve the resolution, which had no glaring flaws, others refused to pass it on principle and it was ultimately defeated. The issue was not an isolated incident, and the commission plans to ask Zoning Administrator Tom Lewis to attend one of its meetings each month to ensure that any resolutions that he introduces can be thoroughly explained. Members of the commission also complained of poor communication with the Township Board of Trustees, but a new form outlining the opinions of the individual commissioners will now be sent to the Board whenever the Planning Commission makes a recommendation on a resolution. The planning commission did not discuss the township’s revision of the controversial home-based business amendments, which will be discussed at a dedicated meeting on March 28th. (TD)
Utility Truck Crash Snarls US-23 Wednesday Afternoon
3/11/10 - The ramp from southbound US-23 to westbound I-96 was shut down for most of Wednesday afternoon due to an accident involving a utility truck. The ramp from M-59 in Hartland Township to southbound US-23 was also closed briefly. Michigan State Police at the Brighton Post tell WHMI that the truck struck the scaffolding holding various road signs over southbound US-23, then left the roadway and overturned at about 11:45am. The truck also had a minor fuel leak. The Michigan Department of Transportation closed southbound US-23 near M-59 at about 3:30 in the afternoon as crews worked to remove the damaged scaffolding from the sign. The sign will be replaced at a later date. (JK) Wednesday, March 10
Driver In Fatal Genoa Crash High On Pot & Meds
3/10/10 - Nearly two months after a fatal head-on collision in Genoa Township, toxicology results indicate the driver of a car that drifted across Grand River and smashed head-on into another vehicle was under the influence. 27 year old Jeffrey Todd Callebs of Genoa Township, had traces of marijuana in his system as well as high levels of a generic form of the anxiety medication Xanax, when he smashed his Ford Focus into a Chevy Tahoe head-on just east of Chilson Road January 20th. The driver of the Tahoe, a 48 year Genoa Township woman, suffered injuries to her knee and chest was treated at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor. Livingston County Sheriff Bob Bezotte said although Callebs had been charged with drunken driving in West Bloomfield Township in December and had an open bottle of whiskey in the back seat of his car, it doesn’t appear alcohol was a factor in the crash. (JK) Students Raise Money For Guatemalan Children
3/10/10 - A local school is once again reaching across borders by reaching out to help less fortunate children in other parts of the world. Students at Light of the World Academy in Pinckney are raising money to sponsor two kids in Guatemala. The school is working with a charity called Mayan Families which helps provide the essentials Guatemalan children need to attend school, such as shoes, supplies, backpacks and books. School director Kathy Moorehouse tells WHMI the students are very excited about the project and have already raised over $700 by doing jobs around the school and at home. Moorehouse says the idea for the project came from one of her students, a first grader named Charlie who was adopted from Guatemala. Last year Light of the World Academy raised money for the Pennies for Peace program to help build schools in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and their efforts jumped unexpectedly into the national spotlight when someone stole their donation jar full of pennies. For more information or to make a donation, contact Light of the World Academy at 734-878-3301.(MS) Health Department Survey Seeks Opinions On Smoking Ban
3/10/10 - With a new state law ready to take effect in less than two months that will ban smoking in most workplaces; local health officials are trying to gauge Livingston County resident’s opinions. The Livingston County Department of Public Health, in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Community Health, is conducting a public opinion survey through April 15th regarding the smoke-free legislation. The survey is only nine questions and is anonymous. Livingston County residents can take the survey on-line by Clicking Here. Residents can also fill out a hard copy version that’s available at the health department’s front desk. The Michigan Legislature passed the state-wide, smoke-free workplace legislation to take effect May 1st. However, they exempted Detroit casino gaming floors, cigar bars and tobacco specialty stores. (JK) Howell School Board Member Unveils Pay Cut Proposal
3/10/10 - A member of the Howell Board of Education has a novel proposal that he says would prevent the board from having to lay off any employees or privatize services for the 2010-11 school year. Trustee Bob Parker, who considers himself a good number cruncher, says that would happen if all employees were willing to take a 4-and-1/2 percent pay cut. At Monday’s meeting Parker challenged the unions to meet with each other and come up with a unified proposal to cut their pay. Parker tells WHMI the caveat is that everybody – from the superintendent on down to union members and part-time employees – would have to be willing to take the pay cut. Howell Education Association President Jay McDowell wouldn’t say whether he would sit down with officials of the other employee unions to discuss a pay cut. Rather, he tells WHMI, the HEA has a standing proposal to meet with the school board to discuss pay. McDowell said the district has not yet responded to his proposal. School Board President Debi Drick tells WHMI that while Parker’s idea is intriguing, she takes a cautionary position, saying she wants to see hard data that supports Parker’s contention. (JK) New Fee For Delinquent Water Bills Approved in Handy
3/10/10 - Handy Township residents who don’t pay their sewer or water bills on time will now face an additional fee. At its regular meeting Tuesday night, the Handy Township Board approved a resolution to add a $25 shutoff fee when a resident is delinquent on either of those bills. The fee will go to offset the cost of physically collecting late payments and shutting off water service. Township Supervisor Dr. Henry Vaupel says that although the fee may help deter delinquency, only a handful of residents go delinquent on their bills each quarter and the township’s primary goal is simply to offset the cost of shutoff. Board members stated that other local governments, including Webberville and Howell Township, have similar fees to pay their service costs. (TD)
Police Receive "Jump Start" Donation
3/10/10 - A local woman dropped off a generous donation designed to honor a loved one, and “jump start” a police fundraising campaign. Mary Jane Jeffreys of Pinckney (pictured here with Sgt. Mark Thompson) donated $800 to the “Jump Start the Heart” campaign through Brighton Post of the Michigan State Police. The program is a partnership between the post and the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department to raise funds to purchase ten Automated External Defibrillators, or AEDs, to be used by troopers and deputies on patrol. Ms. Jeffrey’s brother James Jeffreys was a Trooper with the Michigan State Police from October 1950 until his retirement in 1977, and she says she made the donation in his honor. Each AED costs $1400 and can be used to help return the human heart to a normal beat during a heart attack. Donations can be dropped off at the State Police Post in Brighton during normal business hours or mailed to; JUMP START the HEART, Brighton - State Police Post, 4803 S. Old US-23, Brighton, MI 48114. Checks should be made payable to JUMP START the HEART. (MS) Activist Says Suicide Of Singer's Son Offers Teachable Moment
3/10/10 - Local groups that work to raise awareness about suicide say the death of performer Marie Osmond’s son should be a sign to everyone of just how pervasive a problem suicide is in our society, particularly among youth. Friends and family gathered this week to remember Michael Bryan, Osmond’s 18-year-old son who leapt to his death from a building rooftop last month. Osmond is pictured here watching the casket of her son taken from a Mormon church in Provo, Utah on Monday. Because of his mother’s celebrity, Bryan’s suicide brings the issue to the forefront, but a local spokesperson for the National Alliance for Mental Illness says suicide is much more common than most of us would like to believe. Brian Parsons of Pinckney tells WHMI it’s critical that friends, parents, teachers, and coworkers know the warning signs that could mean someone is in distress and possibly thinking about taking their own life. Parsons says young people who are away from home and their usual support groups are particularly vulnerable, but he adds that there is no age or social group immune to the issue. He adds that diagnostic tools and other resources are available at www.nami.org. (Photo courtesy of AP) Suspect In Custody After Another Bank Robbery On Bike
3/10/10 - Police in Ann Arbor are holding a man in custody who they say robbed a bank on a bike and could be connected to a similar robbery last month here in Livingston County. The February 18th robbery at the Chase Bank branch on M-59 was carried out by a man who witnesses saw speeding away on a red bicycle with approximately $1000. And the Livingston County Sheriff’s department believes the same suspect is behind two bank robberies in Jackson County. Now, Sheriff Bob Bezotte tells WHMI there’s been a similar situation in Ann Arbor- and there’s reason to believe there may be a connection. Bezotte says the description of the Ann Arbor suspect is similar to the artist's sketch of the suspect in the Hartland robbery, which is pictured here. The suspect in custody for the Ann Arbor robbery was caught after a witness saw him load a bike into a pickup truck after dropping some money. He led police on a chase that ended when his truck ran over spike strips police had placed on I-94. He abandoned the truck but was taken into custody after a brief foot chase. Meanwhile, police are still looking for the suspect who robbed the Chase bank in Hartland just 8 days after the first heist. Authorities believe they are unrelated. (JK) Tuesday, March 9
Suspicious Package At Hartland Fire Dept. Is A False Alarm
3/9/10 - A suspicious package that turned up at the Hartland Fire Station this morning was someone's discarded trash. Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority Chief Adam Carroll tells WHMI that Tuesday is garbage day and staff took out the trash at around 7:30 this morning. However, when they went back to take out additional items, they noticed a suspicious package next to the curb carts that looked like a bomb. It was about 3 inches in length and height and was wrapped with duct tape, which is commonly used by individuals to make home-made bombs. Carroll says they immediately contacted authorities and the Michigan State Police bomb squad was dispatched to the scene, which was cleared shortly before 9:30am. He says the package contained common tobacco products and was taped with cans and a lighter and was packaged in a very deceiving manner. Hartland Road between Ore Creek and Dunham Road was also shut down due to the situation and school officials in the area were notified. (JM) South Lyon Man Charged In Pipe Bomb Case Faces New Charges
3/9/10 - A South Lyon man charged in federal court with setting off pipe bombs in Livingston and Washtenaw Counties over a seven-month period has now been charged with setting a Milan home on fire last year. 32-year-old Christopher Bandy was charged in July with manufacturing and possessing destructive devices in connection with a series of pipe bomb explosions in Hamburg Township, Whitmore Lake and Howell. No injuries were reported in any of the incidents. He’s now charged with four separate counts in connection with the blaze that gutted a Milan home. Bandy’s arrest warrant culminates a five-month joint investigation by Milan Police and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. His girlfriend has also been charged in the crime. Meanwhile, Bandy’s case in U.S. District Court in Detroit has been delayed numerous times. Plea negotiations are continuing and if no deal is entered in April, he heads to trial May 11th. (JM) Trial Underway For Man Charged In Parents Double Murder
3/9/10 - The trial of an Oakland County man charged in the murder of his parents at their White Lake Township home is underway after previous delays. 27 year old Mark Ott is charged with first-degree murder in the death of his parents, Michael and Barbara Ott, both 57. Their bodies were found in their White Lake Township home in February of 2008. Both died of multiple stab wounds. Ott’s trial began yesterday and his attorney doesn’t dispute that he killed his parents but is instead arguing that Ott, who has a long history of mental illness and bi-polar disorder, was insane at the time. Police say his motivation was anger toward his parents, inheritance and greed. They also say a detailed notebook was discovered in which Ott appeared to be planning various ways to kill his parents. Ott showed little emotion in Oakland County Circuit Court and his attorney told jurors that he was delusional that day and thought he was involved in a war with corrupt government and believed his parents were part of it. The trial continues Tuesday afternoon. (JM) Monday, March 8
County Commission To Consider Changing "Bully Breed" Policy
3/9/10 - Livingston County’s Board of Commissioners is one step closer to changing a controversial policy regarding dogs. Last year Animal Control tightened its rules on so-called “bully breeds” when the Board of Commissioners approved a resolution giving the department the authority to euthanize dogs based on breed alone. The rule came in the wake of the deadly mauling of two county residents by bulldogs. But Monday night Animal Control Director Anne Burns told the General Government Committee it was her recommendation the policy be changed to remove any language about breeds and instead cover “aggressive animals.” Instead, Burns recommended all dogs be given a temperament test to determine whether or not they were suitable for adoption. Burns tells WHMI she believes the new policy would be in the best interest of both public safety and animal welfare. The proposed changes came as welcome news to the dozens of animal activists who attended Monday night’s meeting. Last week Animal Control changed another controversial policy- ending the requirement that animals be euthanized after 14 days and extending the time to 30 days. The full board is expected to vote on the changes to the bully breed resolution on Monday March 15th. (MS) Hartland Schools OK LESA Bus Plan; Howell Board Delays Action
3/9/10 - The Hartland School Board approved a resolution consolidating its transportation services with the Livingston Educational Service Agency at its meeting last night. But in Howell the school board delayed action on the same proposal. In Hartland, the action will save an estimated $150,000 out of its $44 million budget, which has been reduced by 10% in the past five years. Another $3 million must be cut by next year. While transportation aides were not included in the final draft, bus drivers have denounced the move, saying it will severely impact their income and benefits and that the district has not done all it could to avoid it. The board defends it as a necessary last resort, and Board President Kevin Kaszyca says it was not an easy decision to make. In Howell, the board did not take action on the proposed contract with LESA because, as presented, it did not provide for the purchase of school buses by the intermediate district for the district. The board agreed to wait until the contract can be modified. Bus drivers expressed concern at the meeting that they would lose their health insurance with LESA. But intermediate Superintendent Scott Menzel told the board LESA hopes to be able to offer affordable health insurance that bus drivers could purchase individually. The Howell board is expected to take action on the contract with LESA at its March 22 meeting. (TT) Trial To Be Held In Capsizing of New York Tour Boat
3/9/10 - A federal judge has set a trial to determine whether another boat's wake contributed to the 2005 capsizing of a tour boat on Lake George that killed 20 passengers including two from Livingston County. In a ruling issued Monday, U.S. District Judge Thomas McAvoy says there's a question of fact to be determined at trial June 10. He refused the Lake George Steamboat Co.'s request to dismiss liability claims that its tour boat's wake contributed to the Ethan Allen's capsizing. The 40-foot Ethan Allen carried 47 passengers and the captain when it suddenly tipped over in clear, sunny weather, sending screaming tourists into the Adirondack lake. Among the 20 who died in the incident were 67 year old Hamburg Township resident Stephanie Przybylski and 68 year old Ruth Renkiewicz of Whitmore Lake. Claims against the boat owner and operator and a tour organizer have been settled. (JM) Cleary University Opens Micro Business Incubator
3/8/10 - The new Welcome Center and Micro Business Incubator for Cleary University in Howell was opened at a ribbon-cutting ceremony earlier today. The university plans to use the 2,500 square foot facility to assist entrepreneurs in starting new businesses by providing inexpensive office space and services as well as free student labor and access to advising from the university staff. Congressman Mike Rogers helped obtain $100,000 in federal funding for the building’s purchase and renovation, and visited the site to cut the ribbon at today’s ceremony. The facility already has one tenant business, Pure and Simple Catering, which has the university as its primary client. The building can house up to five small businesses at any given time, and rates for occupation should soon be available. (TD) Hartland Man Rescued After Falling Through Ice
3/8/10 - A Hartland Township man, who fell through the ice on a frozen pond behind his home yesterday, was held above water by his parents until rescue crews arrived. State Police from the Brighton Post say they were dispatched to a home on Al Ford Lane, near Maxfield and Commerce roads shortly after 11:30am. The 27-year-old man, who police say has medical and emotional disabilities, had fallen through the ice and his parents were holding his head above the surface. Assisted by the Hartland Fire Department and the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office, State Police used a rescue disc to help support the man, while troopers carried a nearby wooden dock on the ice, where they were able to pull the 5-foot-11-inch, 300-pound man from the water and pull him back to shore. Police said the man and his parents were treated for cold-water immersion and hypothermia, but are expected to recover. (JK) Fowlerville Woman "Followed" on Twitter by TV Personality
3/8/10 - A young Livingston County woman is the subject of a lot of Tweet talk – no, not sweet talk, but Tweet talk - not to mention media publicity these days. Former NBC Tonight Show host Conan O’Brien recently joined the social networking site Twitter and decided to follow just one person: Long-time Twitter member Sarah Killen, who is 19 and lives in Fowlerville. The resulting publicity has already changed the life – even if only for the moment - of the 19-year-old Killen, who dropped out of school for a year and now is a senior at Howell High School. She tells WHMI she was picked by O’Brien’s staff “at random.” Huge Conan O’Brien fan Killen says she had a recent disagreement with her grandmother over which Tonight Show host is better – him, or the one who both preceded and replaced him, Jay Leno. Killen says she has received offers for several gifts, including a bridal gown and wedding rings, as a result of all the publicity. Killen says she has also received a new Apple computer. Killen is engaged to 21-year-old John Slowik Junior, also of Fowlerville, who was recently laid off from his job at a Howell area store. Although Slowik and Killen were originally planning on a small wedding next fall, she says if Conan O’Brien were to attend, it could end up being considerably larger. Both Killen and Slowik hope to attend the University of Michigan. She says even if the Twitter-Conan O’Brien publicity ended tomorrow, she’d be happy, calling it a positive experience. (TT) Sunday, March 7
Police Seek Hit-and-Run Driver in Bike Mishap
3/7/10 - Police are looking for the driver of a car that struck a woman bicyclist and left the scene of the accident. The collision occurred Friday at about 8 p.m. on East Grand River near Felske Drive, between Island and Fonda lakes, in Brighton Township. According to Michigan State Police in Brighton, the 28-year-old bicycle rider was eastbound when she was struck by a car whose driver sped off after briefly applying the brakes. The car is described as a white, mid-1980’s model, four-door sedan. A witness stopped to help the bike rider but was unable to get a license plate number. The woman’s injuries were minor and she did not require hospital treatment. Anyone with information on the car or driver is asked to call the Brighton State Police Post Tip Line at 866-902-8477. (TT)Parker High School Hosts Premier of "The Wannabes"
More than 200 people turned out to attend the premier showing of the television series filmed in the Parker High School Campus, called "The Wannabes." The premier showcased three episodes of the comedy series, each followed by a music video performed by the pop group Savvy, which stars in the series. The plot focuses on five students at a high-class performing arts school in Detroit who aspire to become pop stars with the assistance of a sixth young performer and her father. Much of the film crew and many of the show’s extras are Livingston County residents. The broadcast premier of the series took place on ABC3 in Australia, and talks for American broadcast rights are currently underway. The first season of "The Wannabes" will consist of 26 episodes, 15 of which have already been filmed. The remaining 11 episodes should be completed by the end of May. (TD) Saturday, March 6
Friday Night Fire In Tyrone Township Labeled "Suspicious"
3/6/10 - A fire last night that destroyed a home in Tyrone Township may have been a case of arson. The Fenton City Fire Department was joined by firefighters from the Hartland/Deerfield and Fenton Township departments in battling the blaze at a home on Runyan Lake Road north of Center Road at 11:16pm. Fenton Fire Chief Bob Cairnduff tells WHMI that the fire was fully involved when they arrived on scene and firefighters spent roughly five hours putting it out. The home was a complete loss and damage estimates are around $120,000. No one was injured and a formal cause has not been identified. However, Cairnduff says this was a vacant home and the fire has been labeled as suspicious. The case remains under investigation. (JM) Dexter-Pinckney Road Bridge Work To Begin March 15th
3/6/10 - Construction season is starting up again and one of the first projects of the season that will impact both commuters and boaters will begin soon. The replacement of the Dexter-Pinckney Road Bridge will begin on Monday, March 15th. The bridge structure is almost 90 years old and has since deteriorated. It will be completely replaced and the new one will be 27 feet longer than the current bridge while providing wider lanes and shoulders. Washtenaw County Road Commission Engineering Supervisor Aaron Berkholz tells WHMI that the impact on motorists will be felt first and they’ll be erecting signage over the next week including detour routes. The impact on boaters won’t be felt until later in the project. Berkholz says the work will block all traffic, except those that live there, until the new bridge is opened and he warns that attempts to drive around barricades could be ticketed by police. The detour route is McGregor Road to M-36, which Berkholz says is considerably out of the way but it’s the only paved detour that’s available. Citizens have voiced concerns about the closure of the canal under the bridge between Portage Lake and Little Portage Lake, which could last as long as a week at a time. The work is expected to wrap up by August 20th. (JM) Bond Lowered For Local Man Who Hit Green Oak Police Car
3/6/10 - A Livingston County judge has reduced the bond for a South Lyon man who was arrested in January for attempting to leave the scene of a crash and hitting a police car. 49 year old Mark Allen McLeod was behind bars on a $500,000 bond but his attorney successfully argued that the amount was unreasonable and he had both health and family issues to address. Judge Michael Hatty lowered the amount to $50,000 but ordered that McLeod be placed on tether if he makes bond. He’ll be back in court March 19th for a pre-trial hearing. McLeod is facing three counts of fleeing a police officer, two counts of resisting police, operating while intoxicated, felonious assault and failure to report an accident. Green Oak Police responded to a crash on January 14th in which McLeod struck a guardrail on 8 Mile Road and attempted to leave the scene of the crash, almost hitting a responding police car that was coming from the opposite direction. Police say McLeod then drove towards a second responding police car and forced the officer off the road before turning on Marshall Road into the path of a third police car where a collision occurred. Damage to the police car was minor and no officers were injured. (JM) Friday, March 5
Brighton Budget Woes To Continue
3/5/10 - Brighton City Council got its first look at next year’s budget Thursday night, and it wasn’t pretty. The city manager and financial director led council through a preview of the budget, which will be officially presented later this month. According to preliminary numbers, the city is projected to finish fiscal year 2009-2010 at the end of June with a fund balance of roughly $636,000. That’s after a painful year of cuts which include more than $600,000 in cost savings from personnel through furloughs, changes in health insurance and pay freezes. But due to the projected continued decline in property taxes and cuts to revenue sharing from the state, City Manager Dana Foster says a balanced budget for the 2010-11 fiscal year will require filling a $900,000 hole, either by finding new sources of revenue, making additional cuts, or some combination of the two. And Foster says at this point, there just isn’t much left to cut. Foster says this year the city was able to balance its budget without any layoffs, but he fears what could happen if the city can’t find a way to generate additional revenue. City Council will take a closer look at the budget and begin the process of working through each line item at its next meeting on March 18th. (MS) Authorities Searching For Home Invasion Suspect With Black-Eye
3/5/10 - Livingston County residents are asked to be on the lookout for a man with the black eye that was caught stealing tools from a local man. Detective Sgt. Gary Childers with the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department tells WHMI they’re trying to identify the suspect who was punched in the face by a Handy Township homeowner shortly before 2am Tuesday. The man lives on Eagle Ridge Lane, in the Silver Springs site condominums and was woken up by his young daughter. After he went back to bed, he heard noises coming from the garage. He went to investigate and found a stranger stealing power tools. He confronted the suspect and punched him hard in the face, causing him to fall down. The thief then fled to a waiting getaway vehicle and it’s believed that around $2000 in property was stolen from the man. The suspect is described as a white male with dark, collar-length hair standing 5 foot 11 and weighing about 180 pounds. He has facial hair and was wearing a dirty flannel shirt and sweatshirt. The force of the punch caused immediate swelling in the suspect’s right eye and he may also have nose injuries. Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff Department’s tip line at (517) 546-TIPS or (800) SPEAK-UP. (JM) Wannabes To Hold World Premiere At Parker High School
3/5/10 - Howell will become "Howell-y-wood" Saturday when "The Wannabes Starring Savvy" will have its world premiere at Parker High School, where 26 episodes of the kids-themed show were filmed. Doreen Spicer is the creator of the show and an Executive Producer, who says they’ll be previewing three episodes of the show and some music videos from the group Savvy. The show has already been sold to ABC3 in Australia, and Spicer says if it does well there, they then hope to sell it to a U.S. distributor. She adds that a recent deal will help them along in that goal. It was announced yesterday that Savvy has signed a “strategic alliance” with the Jonas group, which represents the Jonas Brothers and American Idol star Jordin Sparks. As for Saturday’s premiere, Spicer says that reservations are needed, and people should e-mail; NancyFrasier@thewannabescasting.com and put "I heard it on WHMI" in the subject line. For those who do attend, they’re asking people to bring a canned good for donation to the Gleaner’s Community Food Bank. Listen to Spicer's interview by Clicking Here (JK) Board Members Square Off Over Alleged Union Request
3/5/10 - A second Howell School Board member is now alleging that there was an attempt by board President Debi Drick to arrange a private meeting between the head of the teacher’s union, Jay McDowell, and the candidates for the open superintendent’s position. On Wednesday, Trustee Wendy Day made public that accusation, which was vehemently denied by Drick. However, Trustee Bob Parker (left) now tells WHMI that Drick did contact him expressing that the teachers union wanted 15 minutes alone with the superintendent candidates and she was soliciting board opinions. Parker says he responded “absolutely not” and that he being a voting board member couldn’t even ask questions in private so the union shouldn’t have been able to either. When told of Parker’s comments, Drick disputed his version of that conversation and maintains that the union only wanted an introduction and she contacted board members asking about the possibility of setting up something during a community forum, which never came to fruition. That version of events is supported by Trustee Jeannine Pratt (right). Drick also points to an e-mail (download below) sent Thursday by Interim Superintendent Lynn Parrish to the board as an exoneration of Day’s and Parker’s accusations. In that e-mail, which Drick supplied to WHMI, Parrish says Drick, “in no way sought to allow Mr. McDowell to have a private advantage.” Day feels strongly Parrish did not misunderstand Drick’s original intentions and thinks Parrish was put in an awkward situation and issued the e-mail to try and quiet the storm. Drick says the shame of this entire episode is that it has occurred while the board is in the process of trying to select a new superintendent. She called it “wasted energy” and said it was a “shame that some people feel that this kind of thing is just worth the drama.” (JK) Attachment: ParrishEmail3410.doc
Pinckney Schools Finalizing Bond Issue Contracts
3/5/10 - Superintendent Dan Danosky gave a report to the Pinckney School Board Thursday night detailing the progress of the bond issue approved by voters last week. According to him, the contracts for the various construction and renovation projects are being finalized, and should be ready for approval by the Board in time for its next meeting on March 18th. Preliminary design work has also begun, based on the presumption that the contracts will be approved. The bond issue will allow the district to sell $50 million in bonds this April to help fund improvements to its facilities. The district will receive the funds from the sale in the first week of May, and work will begin almost immediately. The only major construction planned involves building a new performance art wing that will connect the Pathfinder and Navigator school buildings in Hamburg. Other projects will include improved heating and cooling systems and renovated restrooms. The district is anticipating a $2.5 million cut in funding next year, and many of the renovations planned are designed to make the district as self-sufficient as possible to offset the loss. (TD) Brighton Building Official To Run County Department
3/5/10 - The cash-strapped city of Brighton has found a new way to boost its coffers. Thursday night City Council approved an intergovernmental agreement to handle building inspection and other official services for Livingston County. Brighton's top building official, Jim Rowell, will temporarily take charge of the Livingston County's Building Department in a deal that will net the city $25,000 for six months. It’s the second such agreement for Brighton, as earlier this year city leaders reached a similar deal to provide services for the city of Howell. Due to the downturn in the economy and the slowdown in construction county-wide, Mayor Ricci Bandkau says Brighton’s building department is in a position to take on the extra work, which per the agreement will amount to 16 hours per week. Earlier this year, Brighton Township had transferred some of its building department to Livingston County, so under the new deal the City of Brighton will take over those services in Brighton Township. City leaders say the changes, which will generate some income for the city, should not impact residents or businesses. (Photo courtesy of Livingston Community News) Bench Warrant Issued For Green Oak Man In Drug Case
3/5/10 - A bench warrant has been issued for the son of a Green Oak Township man charged with running a large-scale drug operation. 24 year old Jacob Collier and his 53 year old father Kenneth Collier were arrested in January 2009 after a raid on their home that followed a month long undercover investigation. An emergency motion hearing to revoke his $50,000 personal bond was held yesterday in Livingston County Circuit Court after he failed to appear for a court ordered test. The motion was granted by Judge Michael Hatty and a bench warrant was issued. Meanwhile, it was also recently determined that statements Kenneth Collier made following his arrest were inadmissible because he had not been advised of his right to remain silent. Police said that although the elder Collier had been handcuffed, he voluntarily pointed to the home’s kitchen when he was asked where the drugs were located. Police say they found more than 10 ounces of cocaine along with marijuana and other narcotics. Prosecutors will not appeal that ruling. Jacob Collier has already pleaded guilty to a reduced conspiracy charge after prosecutor’s promised they will recommend a one year cap at his sentencing in exchange for him testifying at his father’s trial, which is currently set for March 29th. (JM)
Pinckney Man Sentenced In Hunting Violation Case
3/5/10 - A Pinckney man was sentenced to time served this week on hunting violations. 18 year old Jonathon Clayton Neal was sentenced to two days in jail with credit for two days already served and may not possess any weapons. He was also ordered to serve six months of non-reporting probation and complete three days of community service. Neal earlier pleaded guilty to charges of hunting without a license and hunting or shooting from a safety zone. In exchange for the plea, prosecutors dismissed misdemeanor charges of failing to wear hunter orange and being a minor in possession of alcohol. Police responded to a hunting complaint on the morning of December 6th just south of Pinckney in the area of Dexter-Pinckney Road and Sarah Drive. Officers located Neal and took him into custody, but a second suspect, since identified as 26 year old Tony Hildabridle, fled into a nearby residence. Police executed a search warrant to enter the home where Hildabridle fled, but he wasn’t there and remains at large. (JM) Thursday, March 4
Wrongful Death Suit Against State Trooper Officially Dismissed
3/4/10 - Although a federal court jury already exonerated him, a wrongful death lawsuit against a State Police Trooper from the Brighton Post has now officially been dismissed. The lawsuit was filed by Amanda Landis, whose father, Charles Keiser (pictured), stopped breathing after a struggle with officers in a Hartland Township field following his theft of a bulldozer on Thanksgiving Day 2004. A jury only took about an hour of deliberations before announcing February 17th that Trooper Greg Galarneau did not violate the constitutional rights of Keiser through the use of excessive force during the arrest. But that still left a motion by Landis to set aside the verdict and find Galarneau liable for “carrying out an unreasonable seizure” in her father’s arrest. However, U.S. District Judge Stephen Murphy has denied that and officially closed the case. Landis previously reached an out of court settlement for $750,000 with Livingston County, dismissing three sheriff’s deputies from the litigation. Sheriff Bob Bezotte told WHMI that while the death was unfortunate, he’s always felt the officers’ actions were proper. (JK) Hamburg Man Charged In Robbery Pleads Guilty In Drug Case
3/4/10 - One of two Hamburg Township brothers accused of robbing area gas stations in Oakland and Livingston Counties has entered a plea in a separate drug case. 23 year old Christopher Ryan Tynan was charged with possession of less than 25 grams of cocaine and pleaded guilty at his Circuit Court arraignment this week and petitioned for drug court. If he is not accepted, Tynan can withdraw his plea. He’ll be sentenced April 29th. Meanwhile, Tynan and his 25 year old brother John Tynan have both been charged with one count of armed robbery for robbing a gas station in Lyon Township on New Year’s Day. Both are charged in Oakland County Circuit Court and are due back in court for pre-trial hearings on March 8th. Charges against John Tynan are also pending locally after the Livingston County Prosecutor’s Office earlier issued a two count felony warrant for armed robbery and possession of a taser weapon. Authorities say he robbed the Marathon gas station in Hamburg Township on January 9th. Christopher has not been formally charged in the Hamburg robbery. (JM) Local Residents Report Scam Involving 810 Area Code
3/4/10 - A potential new phone scam has hit the Livingston County area. Jody Drogmiller is a bus driver with the Howell School District and says both she and a co-worker received a recorded message yesterday on their personal cell phones informing them that their Visa cards had been invalidated and requesting that they enter their card number and pin code. Recognizing it for a potential scam, they hung up and called the number that appeared in their phone. That rang through to a small business near Cleveland, Ohio, where a woman who answered the phone said she had been inundated with calls from people in the 810 area code with similar stories and that obviously her number had been hacked. Livingston County Sheriff Bob Bezotte said that while he hadn’t heard of this particular con, it operates along the lines of many similar phone scams they’ve dealt with in the past and the bottom line is legitimate financial institutions do not request member information in that manner. He adds that one scam making the rounds recently is a recorded message telling people to call back a number in the 809 or 826 area codes, which originate in the Dominican Republic. When people call back, they are then charged extremely high per-minute fees that they only find out about when they get their bill. Bezotte says whether it’s the phone, mail or in person, caution should always prevail when residents are asked to give out personal information. (JK) United Way Recognizes 2009 Volunteers
3/4/10 - The Livingston County United Way honored its outstanding volunteers from 2009 during their annual Volunteer Recognition Breakfast. Those honored included Kirt and Tammy Albrecht, who were awarded the Charles W. Itsell Volunteer of the Year award, and Jerry and Janet Joseph, who received the Donald Epley Lifetime Community Service Award. Howell High School student Meredith Klett was awarded the Youth of Distinction Award while the Hornung Elementary Student Council was recognized as Youth Organization of the Year. David Rex of the Rex Materials Group (pictured) was chosen to remain as president of the United Way for 2010, as officials said they wanted to provide consistent management of ongoing projects. Rex tells WHMI that volunteerism increased and donations remained constant in 2009 despite a worsening economy. The United Way’s biggest fundraiser, Triple Money Monday in December, leveraged $115,000 in donations into $345,000 for local families, an increase of 60% over 2008. The United Way’s annual donation total has been $1.4 million for the past two years. The organization also leverages every dollar donated into $1.89 worth of goods and services. (TD) Superintendent Interviews Clouded By Board Infighting
3/4/10 - Just hours before the Howell Board of Education met Wednesday to interview two finalists for the superintendent post, one of its members publicly stated concerns about the board’s ability to oversee a superintendent search and questioned the motives of its leadership. Trustee Wendy Day made a posting on her blog alleging Board President Debi Drick had attempted to set up a private meeting between the superintendent finalists and the head of the teacher’s union, Jay McDowell. A March 2nd e-mail from Interim Superintendent Lynn Parrish obtained by WHMI indicates her concerns about such a meeting, saying there was no authority for it to take place and warning that the outcome “cannot be a good one.” Day says her motivation in putting up the post was public transparency as no specific process was identified for the search before the meeting. Her blog posting can be viewed by Clicking Here. Drick says there was never the intent for a private meeting with anyone and adds that there is no union influence affecting the board. Drick adds that she answered Parrish’s e-mail concerns with an immediate clarification that no private meeting was ever arranged. The e-mail string can be downloaded below. As to the candidate interviews, they took place as scheduled with the two finalists; Ron Wilson of Cass City Public Schools and Brad Hamilton of Grass Lake Community Schools. Each presented progression plans to move the district forward and both suggested board goals and strategic plans be identified. Both come from smaller districts than Howell, which has been a concern for some board members but they defend that issues of cuts and state funding problems are the same and if hired, they’ll just have more resources at their disposal. Afterward, WHMI asked Wilson and Hamilton if they had any concerns about coming to Howell with allegations over private union meetings being just the latest in a series of headline issues, including the firing of former Superintendent Ted Gardella last year. Both indicated they intended to move the district forward and not dwell on the past. Board members will each conduct individual vetting and potential site visits before making a decision March 22nd. (JK) Attachment: HPSEmails3210.doc
Local "Bike Bandit" Wanted For More Robberies In Jackson County
3/4/10 - He may have used a bicycle to get away from a Hartland bank robbery last month, but police say the suspect appears to get around pretty well. The February 18th robbery at the Chase Bank branch on M-59 was carried out by a man who witnesses saw speeding away on a red bicycle with approximately $1000. But the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department says they now believe the same suspect robbed a Comerica bank branch in Jackson County in September of 2009 and then again on February 25th, both times escaping on a dark colored mountain bike with an undisclosed amount of cash. Sheriff Bob Bezotte tells WHMI that photos of the suspect appear to be the same and the notes passed at the Comerica also matched the one in the Hartland incident. An Artist's sketch of the suspect is at left. Meanwhile, police are still trying to identify a second suspect that robbed the Chase Bank in Hartland last Friday, who is also believed to be responsible for three other bank robberies in St. John, Lansing and East Lansing last year. Bezotte says due to the number of bank robberies that have involved the suspects, the FBI is also involved in the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call (800) SPEAK-UP. (JM) Attachment: ChaseBankUpdatePressRelease.doc
Sheriff's Department Seeks Public Help In Hartland Break-In
3/4/10 - The Livingston County Sheriffs Department is asking for the public's help with a breaking and entering in Hartland Township last month. On February 25th, Deputies responded to a burglary alarm at a home in the area of Clyde and Fenton Road shortly before 11am. Upon arrival it was learned that someone broke in the residence and stole various items and jewelry, including family heirlooms of sentimental value to the homeowner. A reward is being offered through Crime Stoppers. More information about the robbery and the items that were stolen may be found in the press release below. (JM) Attachment: HartlandTwpBE.pdf
Green Oak Board Approves Text for Controversial Zoning District
3/4/10 - The Green Oak Township Board approved the text for the controversial Mixed Use Zoning amendment at its regular meeting Wednesday night. The proposed rezoning of the Mission Hills property on Winans Lake Road, just west of US-23, would allow for a combination of residential and small retail development within the 286-acre area. Township officials say this will better serve the people of Green Oak by providing a stable legal basis to keep larger retailers out of the county. The district will also impose several design, safety, and environmental restrictions on new businesses. Some citizens, however, feel that even small retailers should be excluded from the area, and an informal petition with 300 signatures has been delivered to the board against the new district. The Township Board will choose whether to adopt the new amendment at its next regular meeting on April 7th. (TD) Wednesday, March 3
State Police Continue To Track Leads In Brighton Woman's Death
3/3/10 - It’s been more than a month now since a Brighton Township woman was found shot to death inside her home and no arrests have been made. 1st Lieutenant Gene Kapp, Commander of the State Police Brighton Post, tells WHMI that they are not releasing any new information at this time in the death of 71 year old Louise DeRosia but continue to follow up on leads and numerous tips from the public. Evidence at the state's crime lab is also now being processed. However, the fact that no arrests have been made or any persons of interest identified has prompted some safety concerns on the part of neighbors in the normally quiet community. Kapp says anytime something like this happens there is concern with neighbors and the community as a whole. He says there is nothing specific that says there is any type of threat in the area because of this, other than what has already happened. He adds that if they had anything specific they could warn the citizens of, they would. DeRosia was found by troopers January 26th. One of DeRosia’s daughters had gone to the home to check on her mother, only to find the garage door open and things out of place inside the home. DeRosia’s daughter had been contacted by Eastpointe Police the day before, after they had found her mother’s wallet and cell phone in a parking lot there. (JM) Accident Brings Power Pole & Traffic Light Crashing Down
3/3/10 - An accident Tuesday night in Brighton sent a man and three children to the hospital, after bringing down a power pole and traffic light. Brighton fire officials say the single car accident happened shortly after 6:30pm when a man suffering from an undisclosed medical condition lost control and rammed a power pole along Grand River at Hilton Road, just west of the I-96 interchange. Because the driver had a lower leg injury firefighters had to remove the car’s door before getting him out. He, along with the three children that were passengers, were all taken to the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The crash forced the closure of Grand River at Hilton for several hours last night and again overnight while crews repaired the power pole and replaced the traffic light. (JK) Recyle Livingston Launches Membership Drive
3/3/10 - The county’s first recycling center has launched a major membership drive this month, hoping to get more annual members on board to offset the consequences of tough economic times. The staff at Recycle Livingston say they believe Livingston County residents are becoming more environmentally conscious as a result of the recession, as they’ve seen an increase in the number of people coming through their gates. But due to the economic downturn, recyclables have dropped considerably in value. President John Jones says that recently forced the center to find a new vendor just to stay open. The center currently has about 1100 annual members and is open every Wednesday and Saturday. For more information, log on to recyclelivingston.org. (MS) Feds Start Criminal Probe Of Brighton Businessman
3/3/10 - A grand jury is investigating a Livingston County-based financial manager and his companies, months after federal regulators filed a lawsuit accusing him of fraud. The government's criminal investigation of John J. Bravata of Brighton was disclosed Tuesday by lawyers for the court-appointed receiver who is overseeing what's left of BBC Equities and Bravata Financial Group. Earle Erman is asking a judge for approval to give all documents to the grand jury. He received a subpoena in February. Last summer, the Securities and Exchange Commission filed a lawsuit accusing Bravata and his firms of running a $53 million scam in which investors' money was recycled to pay off other investors. The case is pending. Bravata is concerned about the criminal probe but denies any fraud. He says he's no Bernard Madoff. (JK) Charges Filed In Fatal Mauling Of Handy Township Bull
3/3/10 - A Handy Township dog-owner will be charged in the fatal mauling of a bull last month. Livingston County Prosecutor David Morse says he has authorized two counts of allowing a dog to stray against 46 year old Billie Marie Elliot. Police say her German Shepherds attacked and killed a miniature Zebu bull (like the one pictured) February 11th inside its pen. The bull, valued at over $10,000, was reportedly attacked several times by the dogs, which made their way through five strands of electric fencing. The dogs remain in the custody of Livingston County Animal Control, and Morse says they are examining possibly ordering their euthanization. The charges against Elliot are misdemeanors and carry a possible penalty of three months in jail and/or $100 in fines. (JK) Hamburg Board Considers Ban on Sodium Water Softeners
3/3/10 - Hamburg Township residents may have to stop using sodium chloride to soften their water. Supervisor Pat Hohl revealed Tuesday that the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment has determined that the levels of sodium and chloride being sent to the township’s waste water treatment plant (pictured) are above acceptable levels. To reduce the levels of sodium being discharged, the township board may be forced to ban the use of sodium chloride in water softeners in favor of potassium chloride. However, potassium chloride costs about twice as much as sodium chloride, and the board discussed possible methods for assisting residents with the increased cost. These included the distribution of coupons to help offset the price or even buying potassium chloride in bulk and allowing citizens to collect it. Several private wells near the water treatment plant’s discharge beds may need to be deepened to get beneath the sodium-contaminated water. (TD) Hartland Clerk At Center Of Board Turmoil
3/3/10 - It was a contentious meeting last night of the Hartland Township Board of Trustees, with most of the turmoil centered on Clerk Ann Ulrich. Board members proposed reducing Deputy Clerk Lori Moran’s salary to $50 a year and hiring an assistant clerk that would report to Township Manager James Wickman. That prompted an angry exchange from Ulrich, who accused the board of trying to force Moran out. Supervisor Bill Fountain said the move was needed as the clerk’s office is often empty and there needs to be someone there during business hours. Ulrich insisted that Moran often went with her to clerk functions and current staffing levels made it impossible for the office to always be manned. In the end the board tabled the motions pending further discussion. Meanwhile, the debate surrounding a disputed cemetery plot was resolved. The family Betty Grover, who passed away on January 24th, discovered that in 2006, Ulrich’s mother had been buried in the plot purchased by Grover’s husband more than 50 years prior. The plot was erroneously re-sold in 1970, and was since believed to be open for purchase. Township Attorney Mike Homier said Ulrich selling the plot to herself was contrary to board policies and represented a conflict of interest. Despite that, no action was necessary as Ulrich agreed to move her mother from the plot and to reimburse the township for all legal fees. The township agreed to pay to have Grover moved into the appropriate resting place, which is across the row from her father and will be adjacent to her husband. Ulrich maintains that she did nothing legally or morally wrong, and that the board had inflated her part in the issue to make her look bad. She says the ordeal was simply a misunderstanding caused by the inadequate way in which cemetery records had been kept. The board has put a moratorium on the sale of cemetery plots until the township’s records can be organized and completed to ensure that a similar incident does not occur in the future. (JK) Negotiations Between Howell District & Teachers Break Down
3/3/10 - Contract talks between the Howell Public School District and its teachers union have broken down. The district and the Howell Education Association, the union representing teachers, have been negotiating for nearly a year after the previous contract expired in June of 2009. Interim Superintendent Lynn Parrish tells WHMI the process hit a low point Monday night, forcing her to move in a different direction. Parrish says after a lengthy wait lasting hours, the union returned with a proposal that didn't come close to what the board's side needs and as a result, they're filing for fact finding. HEA President Jay McDowell has a different interpretation of events. He says the district always claims that proposals are far apart but in reality, they’ve been close and it’s a matter of perception. He tells WHMI the negotiator hired by the district, Dave Hershey, walked out on the talks after the union presented a plan that he says would save the district a million dollars. The union’s plan would forego a wage increase this year, and only provide a step increase in the 2nd semester of the 2010-2011 school year. It would also double the co-pay for teacher’s prescriptions. However, it also proposes to increase the cash teachers receive if they elect to not accept health insurance from $1,000 to $5,000. McDowell says they believe that measure could save another half million dollars. Parrish says that estimate is pure speculation. By contrast, the district’s latest offer seeks a 4.5% salary giveback inclusive of salary and insurance savings and a freeze of step increases next year. In addition, the district is seeking a cap on its insurance responsibility, while increasing contractual work time from 7 to 8 hours per day. Fact-finding isn’t binding, but it does begin a process that favors the district in the long run. Once the fact-finder makes their recommendation, both sides must resume bargaining for 60 days. If no deal is made, the district is then able to implement its last best offer, which is the one presented last night. (JK) Commissioners Approve Ballot Language For EMS Millage Renewal
3/3/10 - The Livingston County Board of Commissioners has approved ballot language for a millage renewal that will help provide stability for emergency medical services. The .3 mill levy has been in place since 2000, when it was reduced from .5 mils, and will appear on the August 3rd ballot. What’s new this time is the length of the millage, which is proposed to be stretched out over the next twenty years. EMS Director Jeff Boyd says the longer term will stabilize funding for the department, allow it more easily obtain bonds and ensure that funds for basic services will always be available. In addition to the millage, fees for medical and emergency services provide the remainder of the funding for the county’s EMS. (JK) Handy Township House Fire Ruled An Arson
3/3/10 - A house fire over the weekend in Handy Township is now being investigated as a case of arson. The Livingston County Fire Investigation Team says two witnesses saw a dark colored mini-van at the home on Gregory Road just before the blaze, which happened just after 7pm Saturday. Officials say it was intentionally set and the vehicle was seen in the road, in front of the house and in the driveway just before the fire. Fowlerville fire officials say the single-story structure caught fire and by the time firefighters arrived on the scene, flames could be seen coming through the roof. No one was home at the time of the fire but the home suffered severe damage and was deemed unlivable. Anyone with information in the case or the minivan or its driver is asked to contact Detective Jim McGinty with the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department at 517-540-7999 or Arson Control at (800) 44-ARSON. The Michigan Arson Prevention Committee is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction. (JK) Hamburg Township Funds to be Pooled By April
3/3/10 - Hamburg Township plans to consolidate all of its available funds into a single bank account by the end of March. A presentation by Treasurer Pat Evon detailing the process was given to the Township Board of Trustees at its regular meeting Tuesday afternoon. The township currently has dozens of bank accounts spread out across several banks around the township. The unified bank account will be with Charter One Bank, but several of the township’s investments with other banks will be allowed to mature before the funds are transferred. Pooling the township funds will allow the Board to make more informed spending decisions based on the township’s cash flow, and is expected to also save the township somewhere between $80,000 and $100,000 each year. It should also reduce the workload for treasury and accounting employees. Opinions from the township’s bond attorney and financial auditor will be sought before the transition is finalized. The board will receive updates from the treasurer’s office at every township meeting until that time. (TD)
Tuesday, March 2
Judge's Ruling In Green Oak Drug Case Won't Be Appealed
3/2/10 - Statements made to police by a Green Oak Township man charged with running a large-scale drug operation will not be used against him at his trial. Livingston County Circuit Court Judge Michael Hatty ruled in December that statements 53 year old Kenneth Collier made following his arrest were inadmissible because he had not been advised of his right to remain silent. Livingston County Prosecutor David Morse had initially indicated they might appeal that ruling, but now tells WHMI, they will move forward with their case against Collier as is. Morse said while they would have preferred to have the statements, he doesn't think their absence jeopardizes the case against Collier. Collier and his son, 24 year old Jacob Collier, were arrested in January 2009 after a raid on their home that followed a month long undercover investigation. Police said that although the elder Collier had been handcuffed, he voluntarily pointed to the home’s kitchen when he was asked where the drugs were located. Police say they found more than 10 ounces of cocaine along with marijuana and other narcotics. Jacob Collier has already pleaded guilty to a reduced conspiracy charge after prosecutor’s promised they will recommend a one year cap at his sentencing in exchange for him testifying at his father’s trial, which is currently set for March 29th. (JK) Tyrone Man Charged In Standoff That Ended When He Fell Asleep
3/2/10 - A Tyrone Township man who held police at bay last month before falling asleep will face charges. Livingston County Prosecutor David Morse tells WHMI that he has authorized two charges against 45 year old Ralph Delano Vincent; a felony charge of assault with a dangerous weapon and a misdemeanor count of possessing a firearm while intoxicated. The Livingston County Sheriff’s Department was called out February 22nd to Vincent’s residence in the Tyrone Woods Mobile Home Community. Officers determined he was suicidal and had consumed beer and prescription drugs. When a deputy attempted to use a Taser on Vincent, he fired his .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun in the air. Officers then backed off and evacuated nearby residents. Two hours after a phone line was established with Vincent, he was heard snoring and officers moved in and took him into custody without further incident. If convicted, Vincent faces up to four years in prison. (JK) County Continues With Staff Restructuring & Dept. Consolidation
3/2/10 - Livingston County is continuing with restructuring efforts to become more cost effective. 22 employees recently took advantage of the county’s retirement incentive program, which will result in a savings during the first year of more than $1 (m) million dollars in salary and benefits. The deadline for the program was February 28th. As a result the county has been restructuring departments, not filling positions and consolidating others. Commissioner Dave Domas tells WHMI that the county is doing a great job restructuring in the face of the economic difficulties they’re experiencing. However, he’s concerned with reduced staffing levels in the public health and safety arenas and feels more reforms are needed in other areas of the budget. One department that was recently re-organized was community corrections following the retirement of its director. The Community Corrections department has relocated to the Circuit Court and Monday night, Commissioners approved reducing the department's manager position from full-time to permanent part-time. (JM) LESA Staffers Agree To Contract Concessions
3/2/10 - Professional staff members at the Livingston Educational Service Agency have approved contract concessions that will save half a million dollars. With LESA facing a $1.6 million budget deficit for the 2010-11 school year, the Livingston Intermediate Professional Staff Association, or LIPSA, voluntarily agreed to open their previously-settled contract and approve a wage and step freeze and agree to forego a 1.5% pay increase next year. Officials say the concessions will save thirteen positions that had faced being cut. LESA Superintendent Scott Menzel said the concessions reflected the character and commitment of their staff to preserving the quality of educational services provided to students with disabilities in Livingston County. (JK) Attachment: LIPSAConcessionsPressRelease.docx
Two Finalists Selected for Howell School Superintendent
3/2/10 - The Howell School Board has determined the two finalists for the office of superintendent. Brad Hamilton of Grass Lake Community Schools (left) and Ron Wilson of Cass City Schools (right) were selected Monday to return for a second round of interviews this week. A third candidate, Joseph Pius from Mount Pleasant Public Schools, was also suggested as a finalist, but that was narrowly defeated by a board vote. School Board President Debi Drick said that Hamilton and Wilson both have financial experience, stable career histories, and impressive strategic plans for the district. The Board will hold informal interviews with the two candidates on Wednesday night, and will then determine if any further investigation is needed. Once chosen, the new superintendent should take office by July 1st. (TD) Genoa Township Officials Looking To Create Building Department
3/2/10 - The collapse of the building industry has led many Livingston County municipalities to get out of the building department business but one is just now jumping in. The Genoa Township board met Monday night and briefly discussed the possibility of starting up a building department that would utilize a consulting firm to provide the services. Building departments are designed to be revenue neutral but with the slump in overall building and a shaky economy, it proves to be a losing venture for most municipalities and there’s not enough permit fees to pay for employees. Manager Michael Archinal tells WHMI that the township currently contracts with Livingston County for building services and it's been great. However, with the slowdown in the overall industry, he says its a chance to possibly offer improved services and education to residents - not hike up fees. Ironically, Green Oak and Brighton Townships recently transferred their building departments to the county. In order to move forward, the board would need to adopt state construction code to enforce it, which is currently what the county does for Genoa. Archinal says the township is not overly concerned with fixed costs because if there is no activity and things stay as slow as they have been, the consulting firm would incur the risk while a percentage of permit fee revenue would go into the township’s general fund. The board is expected to discuss the matter over the coming weeks. (JM) Authorities Seek Public Help In Identifying Hartland Bank Robber
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3/2/10 - Local authorities believe the man who robbed a Hartland Township bank last week is also responsible for three others in Clinton and Ingham Counties. The Livingston County Sheriff’s Department is working to identify the man who robbed the Chase Bank branch on M-59 last Friday. He's also now believed to be responsible for a bank robbery in St. John’s last November as well as two others in Lansing and East Lansing last December. The Sheriff’s Department and the FBI are asking for help from the public in identifying the suspect. The department is specifically seeking information from anyone who was in the vicinity of the Chase and TCF Banks between the hours of 11:30am and 12:45pm last Friday and may have seen the suspect or his vehicle. The vehicle is described as a newer model Pontiac four door G6 that’s black or dark blue in color with medium tinted windows. Detectives released surveillance photos today from Friday’s heist, which show a heavy-set white male standing over six feet tall and wearing a tan Carhart jacket and gloves, with an orange knit cap. The suspect, who is thought to be between 55 and 60 years of age, also has a stubbly beard and was wearing black oversize sunglasses. The man walked into the branch shortly after noon Friday and implied he had a weapon, although one was never seen. It was originally thought he was the same man who robbed the branch on February 18th, but after police looked at the images they now believe they are dealing with two separate men. In both cases, the suspects passed a note and implied they had a weapon and didn't talk much. Both men also got away with approximately $1,000. The first robber was last seen riding away from the bank on a red bicycle and remains at large. Anyone with information about either robbery is asked to call the Sheriff's Department at (517) 546-2440 or (800) SPEAK-UP. (JK) Attachment: ChaseBankUpdate.doc
Fenton Man Arraigned In Home Invasions; More Charges Pending
3/2/10 - The man believed to be responsible for a slew of break-in’s across Livingston and Genesee Counties has been arraigned. 21-year-old Shane Austin Lloyd was arraigned yesterday on an amended charge of 2nd degree home invasion linked to a Fenton Township break-in last December. He’ll be arraigned next week in a separate case in which he’s also charged with 2nd degree home invasion for an incident in the City of Fenton last December. A surveillance team was created to work in the Fenton and Linden areas to put an end to numerous break-ins and evidence led them to Lloyd. Lloyd was originally picked up on an outstanding warrant out of Florida, from where he had just moved. He remains behind bars in the Genesee County Jail. Meanwhile, Linden Police are seeking charges against Lloyd for a home invasion on Ripley Road in January. They’re also investigating whether or not he was involved with some business break-ins. Lloyd is also believed to be a suspect in at least five breaking and enterings in Livingston County. (JM) Monday, March 1
Highland Twp. Board Denies Eagles Club Expansion
3/1/10 - The Highland Township Board has turned down a request that would have allowed a local organization to rebuild its meeting hall. The Fraternal Order of the Eagles Club is looking to rebuild its meeting hall on the corner of Duck Lake Road but in a unanimous decision, the board voted to deny a rezoning request for the site. The group wants to construct a new hall but it’s a non-conforming use of the property so the rezoning is needed. Renovations are permitted in current zoning so long as the building size does not increase. Some residents that live nearby the meeting hall say they’re tired of dealing with noise and traffic problems generated by the Eagles and want the club to move. The Milford Times quotes Eagles President Mike Mirabitwer who says the group is not rowdy and focuses on community fundraising efforts. He also stated that the Eagles Club has been for here 26 years and they have no intentions of going anywhere. Township officials maintain the decision was nothing personal and the decision to deny the rezoning was based on current zoning regulations and planning principals. (JM) Unadilla Twp. Man Arraigned After Stealing Neighbor's Vehicle
3/1/10 - A Unadilla Township man has been arraigned on various felony charges after breaking into his neighbor’s house and stealing his car over the weekend. 45 year old David Clinton Neal was arraigned on charges of 2nd degree home invasion, felony unlawful driving away of a vehicle, operating while intoxicated 2nd offense, driving on a denied or revoked license and being a habitual offender. Unadilla Township Police say they received a report of a vehicle being stolen from Templar Drive on Sunday morning. Officers soon located the suspect and the vehicle at a residence on M-36. Police say Neal admitted that he had entered his neighbor’s home to steal the keys to the car. (JM) Local Photographer To Share Images From Haiti
3/1/10 - A presentation this weekend in Brighton is called “From Hell to Haiti” and it’s both literally and figuratively a fitting title. Victor Banta, a photographer who lives in the Putnam Township hamlet of Hell, recently journeyed to Haiti with a group of physical therapists to assist earthquake victims. The group was there as part of the non-profit organization Hands of Light in Action, and worked at a MASH-style hospital north of Port-Au-Prince. He plans to present photos and videos of the trip on Saturday at the InSights Group in Brighton. Banta tells WHMI that although he served as the group's photographer, he was there first and foremost to help. One hundred percent of all donations made Saturday will be used by Hands of Light in Action to directly assist Haitians in need. You can learn more about the presentation and how to help the people of Haiti at www.HandsofLightinAction.org (Photo courtesy of Victor Banta) Divers Make The Plunge For Special Olympics
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3/1/10 - More than 70 courageous Livingston County residents jumped into the freezing cold waters of Zukey Lake in Hamburg Township on Sunday to take part in the 13th annual Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge. The event is held each year to raise funds for the Special Olympics of Michigan, which provides free sports programs for more than 450 athletes in Livingston County. This year’s plunge raised more than $13,000, up from $10,000 last year. Plungers were rewarded with incentive prizes, with special awards going to the participants who raised the most money, executed the most impressive plunge, or wore the best costume. Russell Stratton of Howell made his plunge dressed as a giant baby, telling WHMI that he has been working to support the Special Olympics for the past 20 years. The Golden Plunger award was given to the participant with the best costume. This year, it went to Deputy Sheriff David Loar, who was one of several members of the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department to take the plunge dressed as a pirate. (JK) Spring Weight Restrictions Go Into Effect
3/1/10 - Today marks the beginning of seasonal weight restrictions for county highways maintained by the Livingston County Road Commission. As warmer weather sets in, the soil beneath many county roads is prone to freezing and flooding, making it easier for heavy vehicles to damage the roads and form potholes. The weight limit on county roads has been reduced to 65% of the normal limit. Larger roads, such as Grand River, Old US-23, and Hamburg Road are not affected by the lower weight restrictions due to their reinforced structure. Road Commission Managing Director Mike Craine tells WHMI that even though large commercial vehicles are the most affected by the restrictions, normal Livingston residents can still be impacted in regards to large trash hauling or septic tank clean-out in that what might normally take one trip, could take two or more during the restriction period. A full list of the roads unaffected by the restrictions can be downloaded below. (JK) Attachment: SpringWeightRestrictions.pdf
Brighton Man Plugs Into Inventive Idea
3/1/10 - A Livingston County man is the brains behind a new space saving electrical wall plug product that is now available to the public. Bob Green of Brighton invented and developed “Hug-A-Plug”, which is a right angle parallel electrical adapter designed to save space and improve safety that’s 100% made in the United States. When he retired in 2002, Green tried to plug a cord into an outlet behind a piece of furniture, only to find it could not be placed flush against the well without damaging the cord and having it stick out. After searching tons of hardware stores for the right plug but to no avail, Green decided to do something about it himself and thus, “Hug-A-Plug” was born. Green tells WHMI this is a product that solves a common problem almost everybody with an electrical outlet faces. When he initially designed the plug, it was for space and while that’s important, he says the focus quickly turned to safety. The unique plug will be released for public sale today. For more information, log onto www.hugaplug.com (JK) Sunday, February 28
Howell School Board To Name Finalists In Superintendent Search
2/28/10 - The Howell Board of Education will meet Monday and is taking another step forward in finding a new superintendent. After interviewing all five remaining candidates, the Board of Education is expected to narrow the field and determine on Monday who it will bring back for a second round of interviews. Remaining candidates include Jim Earley, superintendent of Imlay City Community Schools, Superintendent of Grass Lake Community Schools Brad Hamilton, Superintendent of Mount Pleasant Public Schools Joseph Pius, Superintendent of Clarenceville School District in Livonia Pamela Swert, and Ron Wilson, superintendent of Cass City Public Schools. The Board of Education meets at 5:30pm Monday in the administration building on Highlander Way in Howell. (JM) Pinckney Man Enters Plea In Molestation Case
2/28/10 - A Pinckney man accused of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl has entered a plea in the case. 31 year old Donald William Kuhn pleaded guilty on Friday to three counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct. He was initially charged with three counts of 1st degree CSC for assaulting the 12-year-old girl while she was sleeping. Kuhn entered the plea as a habitual offender, which means he faces up to life in prison when he is sentenced April 1st. Police say the incidents occurred in August and September while the girl was sleeping and she woke up to find him molesting her. (JM) Saturday, February 27
Man Sentenced To Prison In Green Oak Robbery Case
2/27/10 - An Oakland County man arrested in connection with a dramatic break-in in Green Oak Township is heading to prison. 46 year old Jeffrey Ray Hunter of Berkley was sentenced by Livingston County Circuit Court Judge Michael Hatty to spend 14 to 30 years in prison. He must also pay more than $7,000 in restitution. He earlier pleaded guilty as charged to one count of 1st degree home invasion. In exchange, prosecutors recommended the mid-guideline cap. Hunter was arrested August 6th in 2009 after being caught inside the Silver Lake Road residence in which the homeowner had barricaded herself in a bathroom after calling 911 Central Dispatch at about 2:45pm. Police say the suspects were unaware the woman was concealed inside the residence and when officers arrived at the home, they found an idling pickup truck in the driveway with stolen property inside. After searching the home, officers arrested Hunter in the act of stealing additional property. A second suspect fled into a wooded area behind the home, prompting a search using K-9 dogs that ultimately was unsuccessful. (JM) Friday, February 26
Hartland Bank Robbed For 2nd Time In Eight Days
2/26/10 - For the second time in a week, the Chase Bank in Hartland has been robbed. A man walked into the branch shortly after noon today and implied he had a weapon, although one was never seen. After receiving approximately $1,000, the suspect fled on foot towards the Blockbuster store next door. Witnesses reported seeing the suspect get into a dark blue, four-door sedan which police believe is a Pontiac G-6. He's described as a white male standing over six feet tall with a heavy build between 55 and 60 years of age. He was wearing a tan Carhart jacket and gloves, with a orange knit cap. He was also said to have a stubbly beard and was wearing black oversize sunglasses. The same bank was robbed last Thursday afternoon by a man who walked in and handed the teller a note that indicated he had a weapon and wanted money. He also got approximately $1,000 and was seen fleeing the area on a red bicycle. That suspect has yet to be apprehended. Bezotte says there are a lot of similarities between this latest robbery and last week’s incident. However, they they no longer believe the robberies are connected and think this may be a copycat situation. In both instances, the suspect passed a note and implied he had a weapon and didn't talk much. Anyone with information about either robbery is asked to call the Sheriff's Department at (517) 546-2440 or (800) SPEAK-UP. (JK/JM) New Site Being Considered for Marion Township Water Tower
2/26/10 - A new water tower will be built in Marion Township, but not in the location that the Township Board of Trustees would prefer. The Board discussed plans for the tower at its regular meeting Thursday night. The plans originally called for the tower to be built on a parcel of land off of Francis Road, but after the township had purchased the land a notification error on the state level nullified the deal. The township will not be able to purchase that plot of land again for another 18 months, and so an alternate site at the intersection of Peavy Road and Tracilee Drive is being considered. The water tower is being built with the assistance of MHOG, a water authority encompassing Marion, Howell, Oceola, and Genoa Townships, in order to compensate for a loss of water pressure to some Marion residents caused by a certain pressure pump in Genoa. Construction is expected to take two years and $2 million to complete, paid for by an increase in water cost for MHOG customers. While many details have yet to be finalized, the Township Board hopes to begin construction on the water tower this summer. (TD) No New Trial For Man Convicted In Beating Of WWII Veteran
2/26/10 - One of two men convicted of robbing and beating a World War II veteran will not be getting a new trial in the foreseeable future. Last year 33-year-old Noah Richard Lovell III was sentenced to a total of 50-95 years in prison in connection with a brutal attack on John Pickett, who at the time was 83. Lovell filed a motion asking for a new trial and claims Pickett’s testimony was coerced. In response, the Livingston County’s Prosecutor’s Office filed a motion to strike Lovell’s motion and dismiss Lovell’s request for a new trial, which Circuit Court Judge Michael Hatty granted. Lovell now has the option to get an attorney and re-file the motion or file the motion again on his own in accordance with court rules. Authorities say in October of 2008, Lovell’s co-defendant, Harry Riley posed as an electrical worker to gain access to Pickett's Genoa Township home, and then he and Lovell assaulted him, restrained him with duct tape, and threatened him for money. A jury found both men guilty of all counts in November 2009. Riley has since filed an appeal with the Michigan Court of Appeals. (JM) Only Minor Injuries From Truck Crash That Closed I-96
2/26/10 - For anyone who saw the debris scattered across I-96 near Kent Lake Road Thursday, the fact that only minor injuries were suffered seems near a miracle. The westbound lanes of the freeway were closed for nearly nine hours after a tractor trailer rammed into the median wall at about 6:45 Thursday morning, forcing debris from both the wall and the vehicle onto eastbound I-96. The crash forced the complete closure of westbound 96 until after 3pm. Sergeant Mark Thompson with the Michigan State Police Brighton Post tells WHMI that the initial investigation indicates the driver of the tractor-trailer lost control, struck the median wall and jack-knifed across the freeway, blocking all westbound traffic lanes. The semi struck the median, which caused large concrete pieces to fly into the eastbound lanes. The truck was also hauling steel coils that weigh about 45,000 pounds each. No major injuries were reported but the truck driver and a second driver were taken to Providence Hospital in Novi. A temporary fix was made by MDOT crews to the hole in the median wall, which will need to be permanently fixed, a date for which hasn’t been set. (Photo courtesy of myFOXDetroit.com) Attachment: MSPSemiAccidentRelease.doc
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