8/23/13 - A fundraiser this weekend will go toward the medical expenses of a Howell womanâs father currently awaiting a heart transplant. On New Years Day of 2008, Kenny Hand became unresponsive during dinner a friendâs home with his wife and later learned he technically died. He eventually regained consciousness and was later admitted to the hospital where he was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure. Doctors have now determined that a heart transplant is critical to his survival. The family has been hoping and praying for a donor and hosting fundraisers to cover medical bills, medications and the transplants. Handâs daughter, Misty Van Keuren of Howell, tells WHMI that the family has partnered up with the National Foundation for Transplants to help them with fundraising activities. Donations can be made through that organization directly to Kenny Hand but a fundraiser will also be held at Buffalo Wild Wings in Howell this Saturday, in which 20% of all sales will be donated to her fatherâs fundraiser. The flyer for that is posted below. (JK)
Howell Fundraiser to Raise Money for Heart TransplantHowell Fundraiser to Raise Money for Heart Transplant
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Brighton Fire Authority Hosting "Never Forget" 9/11 Memorial RunBrighton Fire Authority Hosting "Never Forget" 9/11 Memorial Run
8/23/13 - The Brighton Area Fire Authority is gearing up for its second annual âNever Forgetâ 9/11 5K Memorial Run or Walk. The event will take place on Saturday, September 7th and coincides with the Smokin Jazz and BBQ Blues Festival in Brighton that weekend. In addition to fire trucks, flags and supporters along the route, firefighters from around Michigan will be in attendance, with with many running in full turnout gear. Brighton Fire Chief Mike OâBrian says the course is certified and starts out at the Mill Pond and runs throughout the downtown area before ending at Fire Station 31 on Grand River, right at the base of the 9/11 memorial at their headquarters. OâBrian says they are still looking for walkers, runners, and corporate sponsors for the event, which will help the department raise needed funds to complete memorial at the station. In 2011, members of the department traveled to Staten Island, New York and brought back a piece of steel from the World Trade Center, which serves as the permanent memorial to the victims of the September 11th terrorist attacks. For more information or to register for the upcoming event, click on the link below. (JM)
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Marion Township Man's October Trial Date ConfirmedMarion Township Man's October Trial Date Confirmed
8/23/13 - An October trial date has been confirmed for a Marion Township man charged with a domestic dispute and police stand-off. 31-year-old Justin Michael Cheff is facing 21 charges, including unlawful imprisonment, assault with a dangerous weapon, discharging a weapon in an occupied dwelling and 2nd degree child abuse. Prosecutors requested a speedy trial date for Cheff, an order that was affirmed Thursday by Livingston County Circuit Court Chief Judge David Reader. Cheff will stand trial October 7th. Authorities say Cheff threatened his wife on May 14th and held her at gunpoint. They say he then pointed the gun at his step-children and threatened to shoot them. One of the kids later fled and told a neighbor. The countyâs tactical team was called in, leading to a stand-off that ended when the team entered the home and found Cheff passed out, along with two loaded handguns. (JK)
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Teen Sentenced For Attack on Student at Hartland High SchoolTeen Sentenced For Attack on Student at Hartland High School
8/23/13 - A Hartland High School student will serve seven days detention and community service after attacking another student in an incident that was posted on the Internet. The 16-year-old was originally charged with aggravated assault, but instead entered a guilty plea to assault and battery. The teen appeared in Livingston County Juvenile Court for a disposition hearing Friday, where she received one year probation, 100 hours of community service, two days of court watch and seven days detention. The incident occurred March 12th in a hallway at Hartland High. A video of it showed one female student arguing with another before grabbing her from behind, pulling her to the ground, and attacking her. Police say the two girls had been arguing about a personal issue in the assailantâs life during class, and the argument escalated into violence when they got into the hallway. A teacher broke up the fight, but not before the victim suffered a broken nose. (JM)
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Brighton's Farm to Table Experience Showcases Local Roots Brighton's Farm to Table Experience Showcases Local Roots
8/23/13 - An outdoor dinner next month is designed to taste, promote and educate on local farming and agriculture in Livingston County. Brightonâs Farm to Table Experience aims to reconnect the community with its agricultural roots as Livingston County is a hotbed of agricultural activity and home to a large number of farms that produce fruits, vegetables, livestock and cottage industry products. A portion of funds raised will go toward enhancing the Brighton Farmersâ Market and to support the implementation of bridge card technology and materials at the market. A portion will also go to The Livingston County Hunger Council, which is committed to finding sustainable solutions to end hunger in Livingston County. The menu for the outdoor dinner will be created and served by The Wooden Spoon Executive Chef Steve Pilon, using locally sourced produce and meats. Students from Flex Tech High Schoolâs culinary program will assist with preparation of the meal. The event will also feature Michiganâs award winning craft beers and local wines. If weather permits, the dinner will be served under the light of the full harvest moon on Saturday, September 21st on the grounds of the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce. Tickets are available through the chamber as well as a number of other locations around town. Complete details can be found in the attachment. (JM)
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Brighton Man Charged With Felony Assault, Wrongful ImprisonmentBrighton Man Charged With Felony Assault, Wrongful Imprisonment
8/24/13 - An incident earlier this month has led to a Brighton man being charged with assault and unlawful imprisonment. 46-year-old Daniel Robert Phillips, who says he is a former Navy SEAL, faces one count each of unlawful imprisonment and assault with a deadly weapon, plus two charges of felony firearms. The charges stem from an incident August 15th involving a woman that police say Phillips assaulted at a residence on Kensington Road in Brighton Township. She said he confronted her about money he believed she owed him. Thatâs when she says he threatened her with a gun and tied her to a chair, then later released her. Phillips will be back in court for an exam on September 4th. He is currently free on an $18,000 cash surety bond, and is ordered to have no contact with the woman and not enter the property. 53rd District Court Judge Suzanne Geddis also made a point of amending his bond, ordering him not to use any weapons. (JK)
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Howell Couple Search for Ring Owners in 60-Year-Old Love Story Howell Couple Search for Ring Owners in 60-Year-Old Love Story
8/24/13- As a Howell couple approaches their 40th anniversary, theyâre hoping to find the people that helped make their love story possible. Mike Lapradd was 21 and Patty had just turned 18. They didnât have a lot of money but were rich in love when Mike noticed an ad for an engagement ring and band being sold for $100 in Farmington. The manâs wife was sick and he wished them the best when he sold them the rings, telling Lapradd that he hoped they would be just as good as to him over the next 20 years. Lapradd says he laughed at first but as the years pass, theyâre still together and they think about the couple. With their 40th anniversary coming up in March, they felt it was worth taking the time and would to make it an adventure, knowing that if itâs meant to be, theyâll find the rightful owners. Theyâre proud of their love story and say whether it was the luck of the rings or whatever, it just worked and they feel itâs important to try. Although they bought the rings, the couple says it doesnât matter and theyâve always felt the rightful owners are the original owners and are hoping perhaps someone else could get as much enjoyment as theyâve had out of them. An engraving shows the initials for the previous owners are "AK" and "RG. The Lapraddâs both lived in Livonia at the time and remember the couple lived in a rural Farmington area in a home that had some acreage with horses. Mike says he remembers going up Middlebelt or Merriman heading north but canât narrow it down to any cross streets or a general area. They were able to look up the old newspaper ad at a library that had a phone number but itâs changed over the years and theyâve been unable to track down any other information. The couple is asking anyone who might have known the couple, their children or relatives to contact Mike's cell phone at 313-300-8201. (JM)
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Howell Chamber Hosts Open House For New Website LaunchHowell Chamber Hosts Open House For New Website Launch
8/25/13 - An open house was held last week to showcase the new website of the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce. The website was created by Communications Manager Maria Stuart over the past year to replace the outdated website the chamber had been using for years. She says the new website layout has an improved design that brings better attention to member news, information, and upcoming chamber events. The open house took place from 3 to 6pm at the chamber's headquarters, and Stuart says she took comments and suggestions from visitors during that time on how to improve the website further. She will continue to tweak the website for several weeks based on that feedback. Stuart says the new website provides better accessibility for members and is easier to update, which will allow the chamber to keep it fresh and up-to-date. She says this will be positive for both the chamber and its members by allowing greater back-and-forth communication. The new Howell Chamber website can be found at Howell.org. (TD)
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Milford Officer Honored With 2nd Consecutive MADD AwardMilford Officer Honored With 2nd Consecutive MADD Award
8/26/13 - A Milford police officer was recently presented with his second consecutive Mothers Against Drunk Driving "Lifesaver" award. Officer Jonathan Jacob arrest of 45 individuals for drug or alcohol related driving offenses in 2012 led the Milford Police Department and accounted for nearly half the total arrests made by the department for impaired driving offenses last year. In addition to the Lifesaver award, Officer Jacob was selected as one of only six local law enforcement agency officers statewide to receive the MADD "Outstanding Officer" award. This honor was presented by Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police Executive Director Robert Stevenson to officers who made a difference in 2012 in the areas of education, prevention, policy or enforcement which reduced impaired driving deaths or injuries. The Outstanding Officer award recipients are chosen by a committee after reviewing all the Lifesaver award nominations submitted by agencies throughout the state. Along with the Outstanding Officer recognition, Officer Jacob will receive fully paid tuition to attend the 2014 Michigan Traffic Safety Summit to be held in at the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center in East Lansing. (JK)
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Brighton Schools Celebrate New Football StadiumBrighton Schools Celebrate New Football Stadium
8/26/13 - A celebration before Brighton High School's first football game of the season will showcase the improvements made so far with the district's recently-approved bond money. Voters approved an $88 million bond issue last year to make facility improvements and technology upgrades within the district. So far more than $30 million of that money has been spent. One of the major projects undertaken this summer was the complete renovation of the Brighton High School athletic stadium. Superintendent Greg Gray says there will be a free celebration event beginning at 3pm this Thursday, August 29th, which is the school's first football game of the year. The free event will include live music and entertainment, circus performers, train rides, a technology tent to demonstrate new purchases made with the grant money, and games and contests for children. There will also be food vendors, a raffle, and prize drawings every 15 minutes. The football game against Novi begins at 7pm, and admission is $5. At halftime there will be a helicopter football drop, and following the game there will be a laser light show. (TD)
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Female Veteran Support Group Seeks Input on ProgrammingFemale Veteran Support Group Seeks Input on Programming
8/26/13 - The opinions of local female veterans are being sought to help select programming for a nonprofit group dedicated to helping them locally. Women Supporting Women Veterans hosts free business and speaker discussion meetings every month at the 2-42 Community Church in Brighton. The organization is designed to help female members and former members of the armed forces, who often lack the support, service, and fellowship enjoyed by male veterans. Its next meeting on September 9th will ask the community for suggestions on what kind of speakers, presenters, and programs local women veterans would like to see. The October meeting will feature neuropsychologist Dr. Eric Amberg, who is focused on disorders affecting thought and emotional processes. He is currently working on developing a program for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. Women Serving Women Veterans meets on the 2nd Monday of every month, with a business meeting beginning at 6:30pm and a speaker beginning at 7:15. For more information, you can visit their website by clicking the link below. (TD)
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Howell Schools Approve New School Improvement PositionHowell Schools Approve New School Improvement Position
8/26/13 - Approval of a new position in Howell Schools was made at last weekâs board meeting. The part-time position is a School Improvement Facilitator, who will work with the current Executive Director for Curriculum, Kara Cotton. Together, the two positions will focus on improvements that can be made to all Howell Public Schools. Mike Witt, President of the Howell School Board, says the position was created to alleviate the amount of work for Cotton. Witt says Cottonâs duties were realigned after they cut her pay. Using that and Title 2 money, which funds teacher training, the district was able to produce the Improvement Facilitator position. Witt tells WHMI the program may not be permanent, as it will be reevaluated in a year. Witt says the Facilitator will be working with the Northwest Evaluation Association, an organization that helps school districts across the nation improve learning techniques for students. Currently Howell Schools is district-wide accredited, which Witt says not every school district even strives for. The approval of this position was recommended by Superintendent Ron Wilson. (DK)
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Local TEA Party Leader Seeks Lt. Governor NominationLocal TEA Party Leader Seeks Lt. Governor Nomination
8/26/13 - A local TEA Party leader has thrown his hat into the ring to become Michiganâs next Lt. Governor. Wes Nakagiri, founder and treasurer of the Hartland-based TEA Party group RetakeOurGov has announced that he will be seeking the Republican nomination for Lieutenant Governor in 2014. Nakagiri has submitted his Statement of Organization to the Bureau of Elections, the first step in forming his campaign committee. In making the announcement, Nakagiri said he is running to bring a conservative voice to the administration of Republican Governor Rick Snyder, whose current Lt. Governor is Brian Calley. Itâs expected that Snyder will choose Calley as his running-mate next year, although that has yet to be announced. Nakagiri says that having a grassroots conservative on the 2014 ticket will energize the base of the GOP to come out and work hard on its behalf, which he says will âpay dividends up and down the ballot.â Nakagiri says that the proposed expansion of Medicaid, which has been endorsed by Snyder, is a sore spot with many Republicans, as is a proposed hike in the gas tax to fund road repairs. But itâs the Medicaid expansion that is most problematic for him, calling it directly at odds with the Republican Party platform and analogous to breaking a contract with Republican voters. Nakagiri says he will be in Lansing this week to urge Senators to vote against the expansion of Medicaid. He expects a close vote in the state Senate, perhaps even a 19-19 tie, adding that in that scenario, the Lt. Governor would cast the tie-breaking vote. He adds that if he were Lt. Governor, his would be a definite no vote. If Calleyâs expected nomination for a second term as Lt. Governor is challenged at the partyâs convention next year, it would be up to the partyâs delegates to decide. (JK)
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Local Romance Novella Writer to Release New Book in January Local Romance Novella Writer to Release New Book in January
8/26/13 - A local writer that focuses on romance in small town settings is preparing for another release. Melissa Keir has seven books out now and a contract for an eighth due out in January. The wife and mother is also an elementary school teacher, a book reviewer, and an editor for a publishing company. Her home in Hamburg Township blends two families and is likened to The Brady Bunch. Keir writes e-book romance novellas, which are shorter than traditional novels and says she was very fortunate to have her first book published so quickly because sometimes that process can take years. The novellas are described as tales of second chances with happy endings that also have a steamy side to them. Keir told WHMIâs Mike and Jon in the Morning that sheâs always been open and honest about her works and uses her real name, not a pen name but does draw some story ideas from real life experience like many authors do. Keirâs works are available through several online e-book sellers. Youâll find a link below. (JM)
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Unadilla Police Search for Jet Ski Stolen This WeekendUnadilla Police Search for Jet Ski Stolen This Weekend
8/26/13 - Unadilla Township Police are investigating the theft of a jet ski from a local subdivision on Saturday. The larceny would have taken place between 6:00 and 10:30pm on Saturday from the 1100 block of Lakeshore Drive in the Kaiserville subdivision, located near the southern shore of Patterson Lake. The jet ski and its trailer were reportedly stolen from the ownerâs driveway. The trailer is a white Shorelander, and the jet ski is a 1996 Kawasaki with a white top and a red and purple top. Anyone with information on the crime or who spots the jet ski is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP, or the Unadilla Township Police Department at (734) 498-2325. (TD)
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Community Alliance Seeks Feedback On Youth Drinking CampaignCommunity Alliance Seeks Feedback On Youth Drinking Campaign
8/26/13 - The Livingston County Community Alliance is looking for feedback from local parents regarding its campaigns against underage drinking. The organization posted an online survey today, with a special focus on the Fowlerville and Pinckney areas. Parents can take the survey anonymously, but will be asked to provide their gender, zip code, and whether they have children under the age of 20. The survey questions focus on what campaign programs or slogans have left an impact on local parents since April. It asks the survey takers whether they recall any specific programs, what information they may have heard in the past 4 to 5 months, whether they are familiar with the âParents Who Host Lose The Mostâ initiative, and how any information they have heard has impacted their lives. It also asks what kind of information has been effectively communicated, such as the penalties for allowing underage drinking in Michigan, the dangers of allowing minors to drink, and the fact that any private property associated with an underage drinking party can be confiscated by police. At the end of the survey, respondents can provide their personal information for a chance to win a $100 gift card to a local theater. You can find the survey by clicking the link below. (TD)
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Brighton Man Still Critical Following Motorcycle Crash in PontiacBrighton Man Still Critical Following Motorcycle Crash in Pontiac
8/26/13 - A Brighton man critically injured in a motorcycle accident last week in Pontiac remains hospitalized. The Oakland County Sheriffâs Office tells WHMI that as of this afternoon, the 65-year-old Brighton man remains listed in critical condition at McLaren Hospital, where he underwent surgery last week. The crash happened last Wednesday afternoon at the intersection of Huron and State Streets when the victim and another motorcyclist, a 73-year-old Brighton resident, were out riding together. The two motorcycles collided at the intersection, causing the victim to fall off. Deputies found him unconscious and suffering from head trauma at the scene while the 73-year-old man was not injured. Authorities say both men were wearing helmets and alcohol did not appear to be a factor in the crash, which remains under investigation. (JM)
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Overcrowding Forces Early Inmate Release; Jail Still Over Capacity Overcrowding Forces Early Inmate Release; Jail Still Over Capacity
8/26/13 - Some inmates were released early from the Livingston County Jail over the weekend. 28 inmates were released on Saturday per criteria included in the Countyâs Jail Population Management Plan, which allows for the release of inmates based on certain criteria. While that was completed, the jail was still over its 254-bed rate of capacity. There were 260 inmates as of this morning but officials will hold off until later this week to determine is another release is warranted. Undersheriff Mike Murphy tells WHMI theyâll again take the wait and see approach to determine if the population starts trending back down to the 240-range as it has been but if it starts to rise, then another release will take place in cooperation with the prosecutorâs office and the courts. Murphy says they would not release anyone who would be a danger to society and while some were incarcerated for assault and batter, they were category I, meaning they had already been sentenced and had three days or less remaining to spend behind bars. A copy of the Jail Population Management Plan may be viewed in the attachment below. (JM)
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Two Local Educators to Lend Expertise to Master Teacher Project Two Local Educators to Lend Expertise to Master Teacher Project
8/27/13 - Two teachers in the community have been selected to join a project that aims to arm teachers with needed tools and support to create a revolution in teacher preparation and development. The National Education Association and Better Lesson Master Teacher Project aims to connect teachers to teachers and measurably improve instruction. Through the project, master teachers create and share common-core aligned, year-long courses, units and lessons that are made available free to teachers everywhere. The project provides lesson plans, instructional philosophies and implementation tips for free to teachers seeking fresh ideas. 96 teachers have been selected to participate; including two locally in the area of English Language Arts. Michelle Spisz is an 8th grade english and yearbook teacher at Fowlerville Junior High School. Sheâs thrilled to participate and says it will provide integrated, innovative, and exciting lessons that will be ready for new and seasoned teachers to use. Deborah Moran is a kindergarten teacher at Whitmore Lake Elementary School and a 27 year veteran of the classroom. She hopes her years of experience provide assistance to teachers as they hone their skills, adding the project came at a good time for her professionally as sheâs seeking to reflect and reignite her love for teaching. More about the project can be found through the link below. (JM)
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Capital Improvement Plan Moves Forward in Genoa Township Capital Improvement Plan Moves Forward in Genoa Township
8/27/13 - The Genoa Township Planning Commission held a special meeting Monday night to review and discuss a proposed capital improvement plan. It was noted that the municipality is long overdue for such a plan, which is required by law to help guide resources over the next six years from 2013 to 2019. It's a working document and will be updated annually. Commission Chairman Doug Brown feels the plan is well inclusive of the list of needs in the township and a great concept because it forces municipalities to take time to plan and consider how money will be spent for the good of the people. The board voted recently to put a road millage question before voters in November and there is a list of projects targeted for improvement should that pass. Those were not included in the CIP plan, although they were noted as an informational reference page. Some commissioners felt it was appropriate to make three project suggestions to the board should the millage not pass or funding mechanisms be unavailable, citing frequent accidents and safety concerns. Those include a roundabout at Challis and Bauer Roads; the paving of Crooked Lake Road which is heavily traveled because of the Three Fires School; and a traffic signal at Hampton Ridge Boulevard and Latson Road. It was also suggested that sidewalk be added from the township hall on Dorr Road, up and over I-96. Planning Commissioner Diana Lowe was absent while Secretary Barb Figurski and Jim Mortensen, the Board of Trustees liaison, were opposed. He also voted against placing the road millage on the ballot and felt approving the CIP prior to learning the results of the millage was pre-mature. The township board has ultimate approval and will make changes as it deems appropriate. It can be viewed through the link to the board packet below and begins on page 53. (JM)
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