WHMI 93.5 FM - Latest News Headlines

Fowlerville Superintendent To Delay Retirement

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:40:00 EST

1/6/09 - Fowlerville Superintendent Ed Alverson will remain with the district a bit longer than had originally been anticipated. When he announced his retirement from the district in October, Alverson set his final day as April 1st. However, as the search process has moved forward to find his replacement, that date is being delayed until May 1st. Alverson tells WHMI he offered to move back his retirement when it became clear that more time was needed to make the process a successful one. The one month extension is expected to be approved by the Fowlerville School Board at their meeting tonight, with a mid-March target for hiring a successor. Meanwhile, Alverson says the district is in mourning today with word that Rosa Oliver passed away. The 89 year old Oliver died early this morning. The former bus driver for the Fowlerville district became a regular volunteer after she retired and Alverson says a fixture at Kreeger Elementary School. He called her irreplaceable. (JK)

Donors Give Grand Oaks Ice Rink Life Saving Defibrillator

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:01:00 EST

1/6/09 - The Howell Highlander Hockey Team, Figure Skating Team and many other organizations – along with anyone else that skates at the Grand Oaks Ice Arena located in Genoa Township will have another level of protection with today’s installation of its first heart defibrillator, or AED. Defibrillator consultant and trainer Joel Thiebaut demoed the device, which shocks a patient’s heart in order to stop abnormal electrical activity in their heart. Then by administering CPR, the heart is essentially rebooted into a normal rhythm. The non-profit ice rink received the life saving device thanks to a group of 30 to 40 regulars who’ve played many early morning pick-up games over the years. The group collects a few bucks from each player to pay the rink but as more and more participated a surplus grew. That’s when local architect Piet Lindhout suggested they use the money to pay for the nearly $1,500 unit. It was installed in plain view in the main rink area above the drinking fountain and while the group said it was something they hope they never have to use, it’s good to know it’s now there. (LS)

Jobless Rate Rises Across State & Livingston County

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 11:33:00 EST

1/6/09 - It will likely come as no surprise that unemployment numbers released today by the state do not bring welcome news for the New Year. According to statistics released today by the Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth, the labor market containing Livingston County saw its jobless rate rise in November when compared to October’s numbers. The Detroit-Warren-Livonia MSA, in which Livingston County is a part, saw unemployment rise from 8.8% in October to 9.5% in November. However, when separated out by county, Livingston fared much better, with a 7.5% jobless rate in November. While that was more than two full percentage points below the statewide average, it was still an increase from the 6.6% that the county registered in October. YOu can view the press release by the DELEG by Clicking Here(JK)

Genoa Township Mobile Home Fire "Suspicious"

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 09:15:00 EST

1/6/09 - A fire that destroyed a Genoa Township mobile home last night is being labeled as suspicious. The Brighton Area Fire Department responded to a fire at the mobile home on Horseshoe Drive just after 7:30 Monday night. Brighton Fire Marshall Mike O’Brian tells WHMI that when he arrived on the scene, the home was fully engulfed in flames. It took about half an hour to get the blaze under control, while some adjacent homes were evacuated as a precaution. The unoccupied dwelling was considered a complete loss, and no injuries were reported. O’Brian says a cause has yet to be identified, but because the structure was lightly used and the advanced state of the fire before they arrived; they are looking at it as a suspicious fire. (JK)

Maggie Jones Unanimously Voted As New Commission Chair

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 03:50:00 EST

1/6/09 - Livingston County’s Board of Commissioners took the oath of office at last night's meeting and elected Commissioner Maggie Jones as its new chairperson. Jones, who represents portions of Brighton and Hartland Townships, has been vice chair for three of her four years in office. She told WHMI she was appreciative and humbled by the unanimous support of her fellow commissioners and looking forward to a busy and important year. Jones says though they’ve done a good job in past getting through tough economic times, she sees the largest task ahead in the form of an in-depth strategic plan they have yet to create. She says, "The next few years are going to be tough and I think we have to really take a look at the structure of county government and focus on what we really need to do make it through these next few years." Jones says she’d like to do that planning with the input of elected officials, department heads, the Economic Development Council, County Planning Commission and separate municipalities. Longtime Commissioner Jack Labelle, who has represented all of Green Oak and portions of Brighton Township since 1969, edged out Commissioner Dave Domas in a 5 to 4 vote to serve as vice chair of the board. The board also honored their former chair Bill Rogers, who recently took over as the state representative for the 66th district. (LS)

Genoa Township Looking To "Brand" The Community

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 02:52:00 EST

1/6/08 - The Genoa Township Board is looking at ways to officially brand the community and discussed the concept at a meeting Monday night. The board is looking to establish what Genoa Township is, what it wants to be and where it’s going in the future. The township has 20,000 residents and sits in between Howell and Brighton. Officials have been working on the branding project for about six months now, which was the brainchild of board member Todd Smith. Board members also expressed a desire to better update and promote the township’s website while developing an attention-getting slogan. Supervisor Gary McCririe tells WHMI they recognize Genoa is in competition with other communities statewide to attract and retain good businesses, a stable tax base and tenants. He also noted that they need to effectively distinguish the area based on strengths. A committee consisting of McCririe, Smith and Paulette Skolarus will work on developing a plan to move forward while also identifying strengths and weaknesses with businesses, organizations and community members. (JM)

Memorial Service Set For Former County Commissioner

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 20:09:00 EST

1/6/09 - A memorial service is planned Tuesday for a former county commissioner who passed away last month. 73 year old Marty Belser of Genoa Township passed away Christmas Eve after a lingering illness. Belser previously served as a county commissioner representing District 2, which includes parts of Genoa and Howell townships and all of Deerfield and Oceola townships. The family will be receiving friends at the Keehn Funeral Home in Brighton Tuesday from 10am until 4pm, followed by a memorial service at 5pm which will be held at the Crystal Garden Banquet Center. Memorial contributions in Belser’s name are being requested for the Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit at St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital. (Photo from Livingston Community News)

Local Man Accused Of Murder To Undergo Further Treatment

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:43:00 EST

1/5/09 - A Livingston County man found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity was ordered Monday to undergo further treatment. 37 year old Jeffrey Charles Perry of Brighton was charged with open murder in the death of 63 year old Bernard George Koziel of Clinton County. An autopsy determined he died from a blunt force trauma injury. Michigan State Police discovered his body outside of his home in Watertown Township May 22nd after responding to a missing person call. Perry was arrested near Indianapolis in the victim’s vehicle 19 hours after that call came in. Michigan Department of Community Health Spokesman James McCurtis explains Perry will undergo a 60 day hospitalization at the Forensics Center in Saline. Towards the end of that 60 day period, if the center thinks Perry needs additional treatment, McCurtis says the health department will petition the court for another 90 days of treatment. The same process will take place at the end of the 90 days and will continue year after year until he no longer needs treatment. Because he was found not guilty because of his mental illness, once Perry is rehabbed, he’ll be free to go. (LS)

Services Set For Murdered Highland Teen

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 10:44:00 EST

1/5/09 - Services have been set for a Highland Township teenager found stabbed to death New Year’s Day. A funeral for 17 year old Jesika Kelsey is planned tomorrow at the Hickory Ridge Community Church in Milford. Visitation for family and friends will begin at 10am, with a service to follow at 1pm. Jesika's brother, Steven Kelsey, is charged with first-degree and felony murder. The 19-year-old, who was home from Army basic training for the holidays, was arrested in Tyrone Township Thursday. He later told police he stabbed his sister and then sexually assaulted her in their mother and stepfather's home at the Highland Greens Mobile Home Park. He’s due back in court Wednesday for a preliminary exam. Meanwhile, a memorial fund has been set up in Jesika’s name. Donations to the Jesika Kelsey Memorial Trust can be made at any Chase Bank branch. (JK)

Prison Sentence Begins For Iosco Woman In Fatal Mauling

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 10:26:00 EST

1/5/09 - A Livingston County woman whose bulldogs fatally mauled two people is now behind bars. 52-year-old Diane Cockrell was sentenced to 43 months to 15 years in prison last September after pleading no contest to two felony counts of keeping dangerous animals causing death and a third lesser charge. Authorities say Cockrell's bulldogs killed 91-year-old Edward Gierlach and 56-year-old Cheryl Harper September of 2007. Cockrell remained free until January 2nd in order to undergo a planned surgery. Livingston County Sheriff Bob Bezotte tells WHMI that Cockrell checked in early Friday morning as planned and will be transported to prison within 7 to 10 days. While the criminal case is concluded, a civil suit remains active from family members of the two victims who are suing Cockrell for damages in the deaths. A status conference in that case is set for February 9th. (JM)

Gas Prices Make Major Jump Both Locally & Statewide

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 09:57:00 EST

1/5/09 - For only the second time in the last four months, gas prices have increased in the last week both across the state and in Livingston County. The latest survey from AAA of Michigan shows that out of the 2800 stations they surveyed statewide, the average price jumped up 26 cents to $1.85 a gallon. In Livingston County, a survey of 25 stations showed gas prices increasing 21 cents to $1.87 a gallon. That’s based on a survey of 25 stations in Brighton, Fowlerville, Howell, and Pinckney. While the jump was certainly unwelcome by drivers, it’s still pretty good when compared to the $3.20 a gallon we were paying this same week a year before. (JK)

Lyon Twp. Looking For Public Input On New Hudson District

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 09:48:00 EST

1/5/09 - Lyon Township is holding a major public input session next month. Residents, current and potential business owners, and any other local stakeholders are encouraged to attend the sessions anytime between 9 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. Friday February 6th and Saturday the 7th to share their insight and opinions on how the New Hudson district will look. Supervisor Lannie Young explains that while most of the township remains rural and residential, the area near Grand River and Milford Road that makes up the New Hudson District is definitely more intense and has the potential to serve as a regional commercial district. Young says these sessions will help form a plan for the district, which he estimates will take about 6 months to a year. The project will receive partial financing through Oakland County because of the investment in the 5-point intersection, Ring Road corridor. (LS)

Livingston County's New Legislators Sworn In

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 05:37:00 EST

1/5/09 - Both of Livingston County’s state representatives were sworn in Sunday. A ceremony was held in the historic courthouse in downtown Howell for both Cindy Denby, who now represents the 47th district, and Bill Rogers, who represents the 66th district. Circuit Court Judge Stanley Latreille administered the oath. For both new legislators, the top goal is to find ways at bettering the state’s shattered economy. For Bill Rogers, it involves deep systemic reforms that will benefit all sectors. He cited the recent spate of movie productions in Michigan as an example of a band-aid fix. Rogers, who owns a Brighton-based home building company, says the tax abatement program that is attracting those productions is giving away too much and doesn't provide any benefit for small businesses and others who have been in Michigan for decades and trying to make ends meet. Cindy Denby echoed the thought that the state’s economy will be their primary task at hand, but also lamented the exodus of young people out of the state as they try and look for stable employment. Rogers and Denby succeed Chris Ward and Joe Hune respectively, who were forced out of office by term limits. A larger swearing-in ceremony will be held January 14th in Lansing. (JK)

Freezing Rain Forces One Hour Closure Of I-96

Sun, 04 Jan 2009 11:45:00 EST

1/4/09 - Area law enforcement agencies report that there were numerous minor accidents and spinouts on roads and freeways in Livingston County and the surrounding area Sunday morning caused by slippery conditions. According to Sgt. Angela Hunt at the Michigan State Police post in Brighton, the slick roads were a result of freezing rain that hit the area. All three lanes of eastbound I-96 at the D-19 interchange in Howell were closed down for a period Sunday morning until salt trucks were called in to ease the situation, and it was reopened about an hour later. (TLT/JK)

Soldier Says He Stabbed, Raped 17-year Old Sister

Sat, 03 Jan 2009 11:37:00 EST

1/3/09 - The brother of a 17-year-old girl found stabbed to death in her home at a Highland Township trailer park was arraigned Saturday morning in Oakland County District Court. According to court officials, 19 year old Steven Kelsey, a recruit with the U.S. Army who was home on leave for the holiday, faces first degree murder and felony murder charges. A motive in the case is unclear but the Detroit Free Press is reporting disturbing details that an officer relayed in court. The paper says an investigator said Kelsey told him he stabbed his sister Jesika in the throat but then realizing she was in pain, attempted to stab her in the brain through her right eye. He also reportedly had sex with her as she died. The murder only came to light after a backpack containing knives and the military identification of Steven was found in a dumpster behind a Hartland Township fast-food restaurant Thursday morning. In an attempt to check on Steven’s whereabouts, the Oakland County Sheriff contacted his mother, who explained he was out running errands. Soon after that, she checked on her daughter, only to find her in her room dead. Livingston County Sheriff Bob Bezotte says his deputies took him into custody walking outside a Tyrone Township party store. A preliminary exam is set in 52-1 District Court in Novi Wednesday. If convicted he faces up to life in prison without parole. (Picture courtesy of WXYZ) (LS)

State Rep. Joe Hune Has Eyes On State Senate Seat In 2010

Sat, 03 Jan 2009 11:08:00 EST

1/3/09 - His six years in Michigan’s House of Representatives is also over, but it may not mark the end of the political career of outgoing 47th district rep Joe Hune of Hamburg Township. Term limits prevent the Republican from running for the post again, but in an interview with WHMI Friday, Hune said he’s working on his resume with intentions of running for the State Senate seat to be vacated by current State Senator Valde Garcia – a Marion Township Republican – who is also prevented from reelection in 2010 because of term limits. As for his six years in the state house, Hune says he’s most proud of two bills; one that expedites the organ donation process and another that allowed a life insurer in Okemos to expand and add hundreds of white collar jobs to mid-Michigan. However, he’s frustrated still with the 2007 tax increase and says it would’ve been nice to have accomplished more in the way of equity in school funding. Hune says he’ll sincerely miss helping constituents with problems the most. When asked what he feels are the biggest issues the new legislature needs to address Hune said the economy is the most important, along with restructuring how state services are provided, and the business tax, which he feels needs to be scrapped and completely redone from scratch. (LS)