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Haircuts And Spaghetti To Benefit Local Coach With CancerHaircuts And Spaghetti To Benefit Local Coach With Cancer

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9/8/13 - A special event will provide haircuts and food for residents as a way to raise funds for a local football coach diagnosed with cancer. Steven Hurley, a father of two, has coached the Pinckney Pirates for six years. He was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 kidney cancer, which has spread throughout his body. Monday night, a benefit event will be held at Luna Salon on M-36 in Hamburg, where $10 haircuts and $5 polish changes will be offered with all proceeds going toward the Coach Hurley Fund. Nearby, RJ’s Grille will be offering a spaghetti dinner for the event. A silent raffle will also be held. For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page. That link is posted below. (TD)

Pinckney Schools And VIllage Discussing Fate Of Veterans' ParkPinckney Schools And VIllage Discussing Fate Of Veterans' Park

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9/8/13 - The Pinckney Community School District is in talks with the village government about the fate of the area commonly known as Veterans' Park in the downtown area. The park was part of Village Elementary before that facility was sold to the Village of Pinckney several years ago. The building now serves as the village's new library, but the school district retained ownership of the park itself. The district is currently in charge of maintaining the park, including mowing the grass, mulching the playground, and paying the liability insurance. The district has been working with the Village of Pinckney to see if it would be possible to transfer those responsibilities. The district offered to lease the park free-of-charge, allowing the village to take control of the property and assume responsibility for its maintenance, but the village council decided against that. It has suggested buying the property outright for $1, but the school district is hesitant to give away a resource when it is currently running a deficit budget. Superintendent Rick Todd says district officials are now looking into selling the property for development, although this is expected to be difficult because a subterranean pipe running diagonally through the parcel limits the structures that can be built there. The district would also be interested in selling the parcel to the library as a way to expand its public accessibility and services. (TD)

Hamburg Police Search for Stolen Muscle CarHamburg Police Search for Stolen Muscle Car

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9/9/13 - A classic muscle car was stolen in Hamburg this weekend, and police are asking for the public’s help in finding it. The red 1971 Pontiac GTO was reported stolen on Saturday. Hamburg Police say the theft occurred sometime between 1:30 and 5am from the owner’s residence on Pettysville Road south of Swarthout. The vehicle was on a black trailer, but neither the car nor the trailer had a license plate. Anyone who spots the vehicle or has information about the crime is asked to contact the Hamburg Police at 810-231-8391 or by calling 9-1-1.(JK)

Tyrone Township Woman Gives Birth to QuintupletsTyrone Township Woman Gives Birth to Quintuplets

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9/9/13 - A Tyrone Township couple is celebrating the simultaneous birth of five babies in the first case of quintuplets ever handled by the University of Michigan Hospital. Robert and Jessica Hicks already had a 3-year-old son at the time of the multiple birth on Thursday. The couple used fertility treatments in both conceptions. The five babies, named Parker, Carol, Emmett, Nicole, and Ryker, are considered healthy and spent time in hospital incubators this weekend at U of M. They were born within four minutes of each other and weigh between 3 pounds 7 ounces and 4 pounds 6 ounces. The Hicks family has prepared by adding a third bedroom to their home and arranging for Robert’s mother to stay with them to help look after the new arrivals. (JK)

63rd Annual Dawn Patrol Lands in Fowlerville63rd Annual Dawn Patrol Lands in Fowlerville

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9/9/13 - The line to receive breakfast from The Fowlerville Rotary club stretched out the door at this year’s Dawn Patrol, held at Maple Grove Airport yesterday morning. The 63rd annual event hosted about 36 aircraft that flew in, including the University of Michigan Survival Flight Helicopter, as community members enjoyed a large spread served to them by Fowlerville Rotary Club members. Capital City Sky Divers were expected to do a drop but held off due to unpredictable weather. Dawn Horton, a Rotarian and the first woman asked to be a part of the Fowlerville Rotary Club, tells WHMI many people were required to put the event on. Carrie Newstead, Rotary Club President, says the club participates in several fundraisers but that Dawn Patrol is one of their major ones. Rotary club not only participates in community events but also international programs, such as Eradicating Polio. The event held a raffle with hundreds of door prizes donated by Fowlerville businesses. Local businesses also donated $25 plane fuel gift certificates as prizes for a separate raffle held for the pilots that flew in. Jeff Klepser is a pilot that flew in with fellow pilot friends today and tells WHMI he has been flying in to Dawn Patrol for 10 years. Camping was allowed this year and Newstead says they had several campers as well as hundreds of community members that came out for Dawn Patrol. Newstead says the club has been setting up and preparing for the event all weekend, and will immediately begin planning next year’s event. (DK)

Hartland District Seeks to Dismiss Sahouri LawsuitHartland District Seeks to Dismiss Sahouri Lawsuit

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9/9/13 - Hartland Consolidated Schools is seeking to dismiss a lawsuit filed by a former administrator.A hearing is scheduled later this month in Genesee County Circuit Court to hear the motion that would dismiss the lawsuit filed by Tracey Sahouri. The suit alleges the district violated the Whistleblower Protection Act when it failed to renew her administrative contract and eventually re-assigned her to a teaching position. Sahouri was re-assigned after a state report concluded a breach of security in administering the MEAP test to Creekside Elementary students in 2011. The lawsuit claims her removal as principal was in retaliation for reporting ongoing “irregularities” in how the district administered the MEAP tests. A three-member legal panel came up with a proposed settlement amount of $525,000 in April, but that was rejected by the district, which said it was standing by the decisions that were made in regard to Sahouri, who it says was found to have committed misconduct by both the Michigan Department of Education and the district. The lawsuit also alleges the decision not to renew her administrative contract was made in part because of rumors surrounding criminal charges that had been filed against Sahouri and her husband in a separate case that alleged they knowingly allowed minors to drink alcohol at a party at their home. Those charges were later dismissed. The district has maintained that incident had nothing to do with their workplace decisions regarding Sahouri. The hearing to hear oral arguments on the motion will be held September 23rd. (JK)

10 Years Later; Father of Murder Victim Recalls His "Angel"10 Years Later; Father of Murder Victim Recalls His "Angel"

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9/9/13 - It’s been ten years to the day since a Fowlerville gas station clerk was brutally murdered while working the overnight shift and her father says she is not forgotten. 21-year-old Jessica Fear was found dead inside of the Sunoco station on Grand Avenue near the I-96 interchange in the early morning hours of September 9th, 2003. Leonard James Westervelt was sentenced to 28 to 70 years in prison after pleading guilty to 2nd degree murder. Jessica’s father Stephen Fear tells WHMI there were no surveillance cameras working the night of Jessica’s murder, which went unsolved for more than two years before Westervelt was arrested after a relative told police he had admitted to the murder. Westervlet stated that he got into an argument with Fear before stabbing her more than a dozen times in the back and chest and then fleeing the station. Fear says Westervelt had an infatuation with his daughter from when she worked at a restaurant in Howell and then found out she was working at the gas station. He says he only has Westervelt’s side of the story to go by, which was that Jessica threatened to call his girlfriend unless he stopped harassing her. Fear feels if there would have been two people working that night, then Westervlet would have hesitated and she might be alive today. Fear says he frequently sees store clerks working alone and wants a change in laws to prevent another father from going through what he's had to endure. He says Jessica's daughter, who just turned 15, is doing well and an “A” student. (JK)

Residents Voice Support for Brighton Headlee Override Residents Voice Support for Brighton Headlee Override

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9/9/13 - The Brighton City Council has found support among some city residents for the four Headlee override millage proposals that will be on the November election ballot. Hugh and Becky Munce of North Third Street addressed council last Thursday night, saying they went door-to-door in their northwest side neighborhood and found widespread support for the millage requests. That’s significant since the northwest side is the area of town that City Council admits it has neglected in the matter of streets and drainage, though not intentionally. Hugh Munce told council the couple collected “over 45 signatures” of northwest side residents who say they would support a millage, adding that very few turned them down. However, Munce’s wife, Becky, told council that despite the overall support, there is a measure of “resentment” among northwest side residents who feel their side of town has been neglected. Becky Munce told council that the streets on their side of town are in dire need of resurfacing and curb-and-gutter for better drainage. Still, the Munces told council they would be willing to help in any way they could to help pass the millage proposals. On the ballot will be a 1.25-mill request to improve streets, sidewalks and storm drainage; 38-hundredths of a mill for city police department needs; 37-hundredths of a mill for improvements to Mill Pond Park and public buildings and 1.16 mills to replace the current trash collection fee. All of the requests will be separate ballot proposals. (TT)

Ceremony Celebrates New Dog Park in County's West Complex Ceremony Celebrates New Dog Park in County's West Complex

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9/9/13 - A new dog park in Howell will likely be open later this fall to serve local dog owners and the larger community for years to come. The park will be located on 2.4 acres in the County’s West Complex on South Highlander Way, located between the Central Dispatch and Animal Control buildings. It will be named the Countryside Veterinary Dog Park and a formal announcement was made Friday afternoon at the site. Howl & Bark President Adam Targanski tells WHMI dogs are part of many families today and the need for such a park in the community has been evident for some time now. The Howl & Bark group came together last June and began identifying community benefits and drafting rules but also started looking around for locations. Roughly one year later, a lease agreement was secured between Livingston County and the Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority, which will be the leasing body and operator of the dog park. Donations are still being sought to assist in getting the park up and running, which organizers are optimistic will happen this year due to the location and minimal construction that will be required. Donations can be made through the Recreation Authority or directly through the Howl & Bark group’s website below. (JM)

Events Honor Memory of Fallen Officer Who Lived in Tyrone Twp. Events Honor Memory of Fallen Officer Who Lived in Tyrone Twp.

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9/9/13 - A number of commemorations are planned this week mark the year since the shooting death of a West Bloomfield Township police officer, who was a father of four and lived in Tyrone Township. Sergeant Patrick O’Rourke died on September 9th, 2012. His widow Amy said in a Facebook post today that it has been a heart breaking experience and Patrick was taken from her when she least expected it but it has been a gift to have no regrets and know they loved each other. She said she was also enjoying waking up their children this morning and they would be getting ready for a mass tonight when dozens of Chinese lanterns will be sent floating into the sky. The event starts at 6:30 behind St. John's cemetery in Fenton, with the launch at 7:30. Special tribute will be also paid to O’Rourke during the Michigan Fallen Heroes Memorial September 11th ceremony in Pontiac and on Friday, a portion of Old US-23 in Livingston County that stretches from M-59 to Center Street will be formally renamed to serve as a visual reminder of his service and legacy. A sign that reads “The Patrick O’Rourke Memorial Highway” will be unveiled during the 9am ceremony on Old US-23, just south of Center Street. Then later in the fall when work at the West Bloomfield municipal complex ends, the department will be dedicating a new fallen officer’s memorial in front of the police station bearing O’Rourke’s name. (JM)

Volunteer Training Program For LACASA Begins TomorrowVolunteer Training Program For LACASA Begins Tomorrow

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9/9/13 - LACASA will start is fall volunteer training program tomorrow, and participants are still being accepted. The program provides comprehensive training about how to work in the various programs offered by the nonprofit organization, which serves families and helps the victims of abuse and neglect. The topics covered include domestic violence, the impact of child abuse, sexual assault, and crisis intervention. Those who complete the training, which goes on throughout the month of September, will be eligible to participate in LACASA’s fundraising efforts, or they can go on to receive specialized training for specific situations. The classes take place every Tuesday and most Thursdays in September from 6 to 9:30pm, with two day-long sessions planned on Saturdays from 9am to 5pm. For more information, contact LACASA Volunteer Coordinator Nicole Matthews-Creech at (517) 548-1350 or via email at ncreech@lacasacenter.org. (TD)

Rogers: White House Has Done "Awful Job" Explaining Syria

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9/9/13 - Congressman Mike Rogers is among a distinct minority of Republicans to publicly favor a military strike on Syria, but argues that the opposition to the move is due largely to President Obama’s lack of leadership on the issue. The Howell Republican, who chairs the House Intelligence Committee, on Sunday criticized the White House for its push for congressional authorization for a strike on Syria, calling it ineffective and likely to go down to defeat. Rogers said President Obama had “done an awful job" of explaining why an assault is needed. "I completely understand why people are skeptical of this. You have a reluctant commander-in-chief, first of all, who's trying to come to the American people and say, 'I'm going to do something but I'm not going to do a lot; I'm not sure exactly what we're trying to do.' I mean, that's what the American people are hearing. And hearing that, I'm skeptical as well." Public opinion surveys show intense American skepticism about military intervention in Syria, even among those who believe Syria's government used chemical weapons on its people. Obama will speak to the nation on the issue Tuesday night and Rogers hopes he’ll use that time to make an effective case. (JK)

Requests Approved to Reflect Increased Investment by Thai SummitRequests Approved to Reflect Increased Investment by Thai Summit

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9/10/13 - The Howell City Council met Monday night and approved some housekeeping matters related to increased investment from Thai Summit America Corporation. Council approved two resolutions related to separate applications to amend/ transfer a personal property exemption certificate as well as an industrial facilities exemption certificate. The applications correspond with an increased level of investment and the transfer aspects were technical formalities as Thai Summit changed its name from Ogihara America Corporation and is increasing the scope of the exemption certificates previously issued. Howell City Manager Shea Charles says the actions mark good news and they’re pleased Thai Summit continues to invest in the community, which further shows its commitment to the City of Howell and the Livingston County area. Separate public hearings were held on both requests prior to Council approval and no members of the public spoke. Council members Scott Niblock and Doug Heins were absent. The Howell City Council approved some applications from Thai Summit America Corporation at last night’s meeting to reflect increased investment following public hearings. (JM)

Trial Pushed Back For Accused Child PornographerTrial Pushed Back For Accused Child Pornographer

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9/10/13 - The trial date has been pushed back for a Fowlerville man accused of sending sexually explicit texts and pictures sent to an 11-year-old girl. 30-year-old Matthew Lewis Colston faces charges in US District Court of manufacturing child pornography, enticement of minor, and transferring obscene material to a minor. Prosecutors allege he used a cell phone to persuade a child to engage in sexual activity, and that he also used the phone to send hundreds of sexually explicit photos to a child. The trial date for that case has been pushed back from September 23rd to December 2nd at the request of the defense, which wanted more time to investigate the evidence and possibly hammer out a plea deal with prosecutors. Colston also faces charges in Livingston County of child abuse commercial activity, accosting a child for immoral purposes and using a computer to commit a crime. The victim’s parents told State Police that Colston, who owns an IT company based in Williamston, sent their daughter over 500 explicit photographs, which they discovered by using a cell phone app installed on her phone. The parents reportedly became concerned after their daughter started receiving multiple late-night messages. (TD)

Scammers Reported in Lake Shannon Area Scammers Reported in Lake Shannon Area

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9/10/13 - Some young adults believed to be crooks are reportedly making the rounds in the Tyrone Township area. The Livingston County Sheriff's Department says multiple reports surfaced this past weekend about two young adults, one male and one female, who were soliciting donations from residents around Lake Shannon to supposedly to pay for a senior class trip. The stories were all similar and the male suspect claimed to be the son of someone "on the lake" and an honor student. They collected money from some but when questioned by others for details such as identification, they’re said to have made a hasty retreat. The male suspect reportedly got angry and reprimanded some for not reading an e-mail he claimed his father sent out about the trip, but that is believed to be bogus as no one ever received such an e-mail. The anger tactic is said to be a common technique to make people, particularly the elderly, feel guilty. Others around the lake have reported a being solicited by a young girl who claimed to be in the University of Michigan Drama Club and raising funds for a trip to perform at a Shakespeare festival in London. She also had magazines to sell. The male suspect was caught on camera but the female has yet to be identified. (JM)

Company Makes Offer for Lindbom School Property in BrightonCompany Makes Offer for Lindbom School Property in Brighton

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9/10/13 - It was announced at the Brighton Board of Education meeting Monday night that the school district has received a solid offer to purchase the mothballed Lindbom Elementary School and property. The potential buyer is Robertson Brothers Homes of Bloomfield Hills. According to Superintendent Greg Gray, Robertson Brothers has offered $1.35 million for the 10.6-acre property. Gray says under the proposed agreement, the school building – which is now used mostly for storage – would be demolished and from 30-45 single-family homes built. The homes would be in the 2,000-3,000-square-foot range. The district is asking $1.5 million for the building and land. The property was originally appraised at between $1.7 million and $2 million. Gray tells WHMI the development company wants to pay the district in three installments for each of three phases that are planned. He says, however, that the school district wants the money – or most of it – up front.The home builder also would prefer the district pay for the cost of razing the building and clearing the property, which would come to a hefty $190,000. Gray says the district will be in communication with its realtors and attorneys regarding a counter-offer to the Robertson Brothers’ offer. (TT)

District Hopes to Restart Contract Talks With New NegotiatorDistrict Hopes to Restart Contract Talks With New Negotiator

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9/10/13 - The Howell School Board set a special meeting for Wednesday to begin working with their new lead negotiator on a teachers' contract. The divided board has been stalled on implementing a contract for teachers ever since a proposal backed by administrators was turned down back in March. The lead negotiator for the district, Eric Griggs, recently accepted a different job in Grand Rapids. The district has since hired Tom White, former director of the Michigan Association of School Business Officials, to take his place. The board has scheduled a special closed-session meeting for Wednesday at 5pm to discuss the contract. Superintendent Ron Wilson tells WHMI White has worked for the MASA and the MASB, and that he has a wealth of experience in dealing with difficult situations such as divided boards. Wilson describes him as a seasoned “elder statesman” with a unique skill set. Board Member Mike Moloney, who voted against the contract recommended by Wilson in March, also expressed respect for White during last night's school board meeting and looks forward to working with him. Wilson hopes Wednesday's special meeting will produce some direction in creating a teachers' contract, which would allow the board to resume negotiations with the union. (TD)

Trial Date Delayed for Man Charged in Hamburg Township Break-InTrial Date Delayed for Man Charged in Hamburg Township Break-In

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9/10/13 - The trial date has been postponed for a Whitmore Lake man charged after a Hamburg Township restaurant break-in. The trial date for 33-year-old Michael Scott Russell was pushed out six weeks to mid-October in Livingston County Circuit Court. Prosecutors advised the court last Friday of evidence sent to the MSP crime lab in Lansing for testing, which prompted the defense to request a testing of DNA. Russell faces charges of breaking and entering, possession of burglary tools and 3rd degree fleeing from officers. He and co-defendant, 29-year-old Bryan James Hardy of Ann Arbor, were charged after Hamburg Township Police responded to a burglar alarm at a restaurant July 9th of 2012 and found the back door to the business forced open. Officers spotted an SUV speeding away onto M-36 and gave chase before the SUV crashed into a railroad signal west of Island Shore Drive. Officers arrested Hardy at the scene while Russell and a Whitmore Lake woman fled in a stolen Jeep. They were arrested later that day in an apartment complex in Ypsilanti but the woman was never charged. Hardy was sentenced in July to 67 days of jail time already served and two years of probation. (JM)

Health Officials Remind Residents of West Nile DangersHealth Officials Remind Residents of West Nile Dangers

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9/10/13 - The discovery of West Nile Virus locally has health officials reminding residents to take precautions. After two Livingston County birds tested positive for West Nile Virus last month, the Livingston County Department of Public Health has issued a release listing personal protection steps residents should take including using insect repellent when outdoors; if the weather permits wearing long sleeves, pants and socks; empty standing water from around your premises to limit breeding and reporting dead birds to health officials. They also advise to take extra care when outdoors during dawn and dusk, which are peak mosquito biting hours. While most people who become infected with West Nile Virus do not develop symptoms, 20% will develop a fever among other symptoms that can include headache, fatigue and gastro-intestinal distress. Less than 1% of people can develop serious neurologic illnesses with additional symptoms including neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors, seizures, or paralysis. Anyone who suspects they may be infected is urged to contact their doctor immediately. Any other questions or concerns can be directed to the health department at 517-546-9858.

Mt. Brighton & Latson Interchange Focus of Tuesday Chamber Talk Mt. Brighton & Latson Interchange Focus of Tuesday Chamber Talk

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9/10/13 - Over 100 local business people and other Howell Chamber of Commerce members attended Tuesday's first Good Morning Livingston speaker series of the season, sponsored by the chamber, at Cleary University. Speakers included new Mount Brighton General Manager Taylor Ogilvie, Howell City Manager Shea Charles and Genoa Township Supervisor Gary McCririe. McCririe says the $25 million I-96-Latson Road interchange is now back on schedule to be completed by November. He tells WHMI the new interchange is expected to be a catalyst for several other nearby developments, including a hotel and gas stations. McCririe emphasized there are no plans at present to build a hospital south of the new interchange and that it’s merely a concept at this point. Saint Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital was previously said to be looking at property outside of the city of Howell, but when the economy changed, plans were put on the back burner. McCririe adds he cannot divulge at this time what hotel chain may be eyeing a site on Grand Oaks Drive behind Lowe’s for a possible hotel. Ogilvie, the GM at Mount Brighton, says that new owner Vail Resorts chose to purchase Mt. Brighton over other ski areas in Michigan for a number of reasons, including that a large percentage of people who ski at the Colorado resorts are from the Midwest and specifically Michigan. Ogilvie has said that the ski area’s proximity to the Metro Detroit, Ann Arbor and Lansing areas is also part of the reason for choosing Mt. Brighton, in addition to the economic vitality of downtown Brighton. Ogilvie says Vail Resorts is in the process of increasing snowmaking capacity four-fold at Mt. Brighton, upgrading chairlifts and making many other site improvements. Inside, the Bauery restaurant is being completely renovated and will become the Ore Creek Mountain Grill, and a new bar is being added. (TT)
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