9/23/13 - A man caught impersonating an officer by a local police chief has been bound over for trial. 25-year-old Matthew Henry Norton of Fowlerville was bound over to Livingston County Circuit County recently on charges of impersonating a public officer and resisting/obstructing a police officer. His arraignment there was waived. Norton was arrested following the September 4th incident in Centennial Park off North Grand Avenue. Police say Norton was dressed in all black and carrying a briefcase when he approached a group of teenagers, displayed a badge and indicated he was a federal agent. They say Norton requested that some of the youth present identification, which he photographed with his cell phone and then proceeded to act as though he calling to check on warrants for the individuals. Some became concerned about Nortonâs true identify and approached Fowlerville Police Chief Tom Couling and an officer, who were nearby taking a crash report. Couling told WHMI they approached Norton, who was displaying a badge and said he was a police officer. Norton tried to flee when they requested identification but Couling was able to grab him and subsequently place him under arrest. (TD/JM)
Man Accused Of Impersonating Federal Agent Bound Over For TrialMan Accused Of Impersonating Federal Agent Bound Over For Trial
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Sheriff's Department Identifies Brighton Man Killed in Fiery Crash Sheriff's Department Identifies Brighton Man Killed in Fiery Crash
9/23/13 - Local authorities have identified the Brighton man killed in a serious crash in Oceola Township over the weekend. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department says 25-year-old Eric Daavettila was driving a 2003 Ford Econoline van eastbound on Clyde Road at around 2:30pm Saturday. Sheriff Bob Bezotte tells WHMI it appears as though he failed to yield to the right-of-way, and pulled out in front of a 2008 Dodge Ram pick-up truck traveling southbound on Argentine Road. Bezotte says the van struck the truck in the passenger side door at the intersection, causing it to catch on fire. He says Daavettila was trapped inside and despite rescue attempts, died at the scene. Bezotte says Daavettilaâs 21-year-old passenger John Heinonen from Northville was able to safely escape from the vehicle. Bezotte says Heinonen and 63-year-old Craig Snyder of Howell, the driver of the truck, were transported to the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor with non-life threatening injuries. Bezotte says alcohol and speed do not appear to be factors at this time, but the accident remains under investigation and the intersection was shut down for three-and-a-half hours Saturday. The Sheriffâs Department was assisted at the scene by Livingston County EMS and the Howell Area Fire Department. (JM)
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Work Skills Begins New Group Focused On Involving WomenWork Skills Begins New Group Focused On Involving Women
9/23/13 - Local women are invited to become more active in the nonprofit Work Skills Corporation through a new branch of the organization that will hold its first meeting this week. Work Skills provides education, resources, and training to local people seeking to improve their employability. The new Women of Work Skills group plans to hold meetings twice a year to do fun activities and help inform the community about work skills and what it does. The group, also called WOW, will hold its first meeting on Wednesday at the Studio West Gallery in Brighton. The event will include a âpaint and pourâ activity wherein the participants will be guided through the creation of their own work of art. They are encouraged to bring their own refreshments, including alcohol, to enjoy through the process. Work Skills Development Director Julie Smith says Work Skills is asking for a donation of $1,000 per year to participate in Women of Work Skills, 100% of which would go directly to the programs provided by the organization. That donation is tax-deductible and would come with recognition on the organizationâs donor wall. For more information, contact Smith at (810) 534-6152 or email julies@wskills.com. (TD)
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Hydrant Flushing Could Taint Water in Brighton This WeekHydrant Flushing Could Taint Water in Brighton This Week
9/23/13 - The City of Brighton will be flushing out its hydrants beginning at midnight and running through 2:30pm on Friday. City officials urge residents on the water system to plan their water use accordingly, since the process will discolor the water and reduce the available pressure to residents near where the hydrants are being flushed. They advise that residents should not wash white or light-colored clothing between 6am and 230pm through Friday. According to a press release, residents who experience yellow or rusty water should run the faucet on cold for approximately ten minutes to clear the particles from their system. If it is still discolored after ten minutes, the process should be repeated an hour later. If the water is still discolored, they should call Acting Utilities Director Tim Krugh at (810) 227-9479. (TD)
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Former Brighton DPS Director Resigns; No Reason Given Former Brighton DPS Director Resigns; No Reason Given
9/23/13 - A longtime Brighton City employee has resigned and the reason why remains unknown. Two city employees are now sharing the duties that were previously handled by former Department of Public Services Director Matt Schindewolf, who resigned last month. Schindewolf was contacted by WHMI Sunday at his home and declined to state why he had resigned. He did say that he is now looking for a department of public works position in another community. Schindewolf currently serves as the part-time supervisor in Onondaga Township, a rural township in Ingham County, to which he was elected last November. He also served as chairman of the Planning Commission there from 2010 until November 2012. He tells WHMI itâs a very small farming community and there are no full time employees. He says in his role as supervisor, he attends a monthly board meeting and spends about two hours in the office every week. City Manager Dana Foster tells WHMI that being elected to a position in another community is not a conflict of interest, as long as the person's activities do not result in a violation of city policies or hinder the employee's ability to carry out his duties with the city of Brighton. The two personnel in Brighton who are now sharing Schindewolf's previous duties are Dave Blackmar, who has been appointed acting public works director and Tim Krugh, who has been named acting utilities director. Patty Thomas, Schindewolf's former administrative assistant, is now acting assistant DPS director. Foster says that Blackmar, Krugh and Thomas will all receive increases in their pay to reflect their greater level of responsibility. Foster said he will also increase his own involvement with the public works and utilities operations following Schindewolf's departure. (JM)
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Amendments Made to Proposed Ordinance on "Chicken Keeping"
9/24/13 - While Howell City Council board members are still somewhat split when it comes to the issue of residents raising chickens in Howell, many community members are not. Officials discussed amendments to the proposed ordinance revolving around the ongoing issue of chickens within city limits, while also hearing approval from several citizens that attended Monday night's council meeting. Attendees that spoke encouraged allowing chickens, so long as their owners followed the ordinance that would be set in place. City Manager Shea Charles tells WHMI a decision from the board is in the near future. The amendments to the ordinance include the allowance of up to 6 chickens instead of the original 4, consent from immediate neighbors and the permit licensed for 2 years. The ordinance also prohibits the slaughter of the chickens and the sale of their eggs, making chicken keeping for private use only. A spreadsheet of other citiesâ ordinances show that permits may be revoked if the city receives a certain amount of complaints but only half require the neighborâs consent. A few board members were against keeping chickens within city limits, saying it has a direct impact on where they live. Despite the continued debate, Charles says the issue has been pursued because âpeople love chickensâ. (DK)
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Man To Appear In Court Following Incident With Female StudentsMan To Appear In Court Following Incident With Female Students
9/24/13 - The first court date has been scheduled for a Milford man arrested after police say he behaved inappropriately to three female students in a Starbucks. 31-year-old Jordan Kent Walters is facing one count of accosting a child for immoral purposes. He has been arraigned and is scheduled for a pre-exam conference on Wednesday. The charges stem from an incident on September 16th at the Milford Starbucks. Police Chief Tom Lindberg says three female students in the cafe became uncomfortable with the behavior of a man who they say was acting inappropriately. One of the students texted her grandfather, who came to pick the girls up and reported the incident to the police. Officers recognized the description given to them, and three days later they arrested and arraigned Walters. The department took the opportunity to work with the Huron Valley School District and inform the community about the need for adults and students, even older ones, to be on the lookout for dangerous strangers. (TD)
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Exhibit To Showcase Work Of Brighton Artist Joe Mike SaturdayExhibit To Showcase Work Of Brighton Artist Joe Mike Saturday
9/24/13 - The life of a prominent Brighton artist will be celebrated on what would have been his 100th anniversary this weekend. Joe Mike first came to Brighton in the 1930âs as part of the Burroughâs Corporation, and became a prolific painter following his retirement in 1978. He is best known for his depictions of the historic courthouse in downtown Howell, but also painted landscapes, animals, and homesteads. His hundredth birthday would have been this Saturday, and to pay homage to Mike his family will be holding a special showing of his work at ArtVentures Gallery in Brighton. Mikeâs artwork will be on display, and the first hundred people to visit the exhibition will receive two free historical prints. The showing will take place between 10am and 3pm on Saturday. For more information, contact ArtVentures Gallery at (810) 229-3100. (TD)
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Highland Teen Enters Plea in Armed RapeHighland Teen Enters Plea in Armed Rape
9/24/13 - A Highland Township teen being charged as an adult for raping a girl at knifepoint in the woods of a trailer park will avoid trial. 17-year-old Brandon Alexander Markes pleaded no contest to charges of assault with intent to murder, assault by strangulation, 1st degree criminal sexual conduct and felonious assault for the incident that happened at the Highland Greens development off of Milford Road, north of M-59. He was 16-years-old at the time and remains held on a $1.2 (m) million bond ahead of his sentenceing in Oakland County Circuit Court October 17th. Police say that the mother of the 15-year-old female victim called 911 to report the incident on April 16th that happened in the woods adjacent to the development. Evidence was collected from the crime scene as well as Markesâ residence, where he was taken into custody. Police say the victim sustained serious injuries during the attack and was treated at an area hospital. (JK)
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Brighton Superintendent Eyes 10% Fund Equity in Two YearsBrighton Superintendent Eyes 10% Fund Equity in Two Years
9/24/13 - Brighton School Superintendent Greg Gray is projecting an all-time high enrollment of about 7,300 students for this fall, when combining in-house students with those enrolled in the shared services program. Brightonâs enrollment for the 2012-13 academic year was only about 6,100, and district enrollment has been declining steadily, so the question is how such a huge increase could be accomplished in just one year. Gray says it is the success of two programs â primarily shared services but also Schools of Choice â that is causing the big gain. He says the actual k-12 enrollment in district buildings is only expected to be around 6,000 when the numbers are tabulated. But this year Brighton has added 906 new students to the shared services program, in which students from private and parochial schools can take classes through public school districts that offer them. With the shared services students from last year who have re-enrolled, the total is now between 1,300 and 1,400 full-time equivalent students from shared services for this year. The bottom line after the 40% in costs are deducted is $6 million in state aid revenue for the district. Another program, Schools of Choice, has attracted the most students ever â over 625 â which amounts to over $4 million in revenue. Schools of Choice allows kids from other area districts to enroll in the school of their choice, with the district realizing full state aid for that student. As a result of the influx of new revenue, Gray is optimistic that Brighton may be able to erase the legacy deficit of around $8 million by the end of the current fiscal year and even have some fund equity in a couple of years. Gray says other programs have also been doing well, too, including "The Bridge" alternative high school â which has about 100 students again this year â and the Brighton Virtual Academy, an online program which has 16 students enrolled this year, triple the amount last year, its first year. Gray is optimistic that the legacy deficit, which now stands at about $8 million, will be eliminated by the end of the fiscal year and is now talking of a potential fund equity of about 10% in two years. (TT)
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Leftover Hutchings Construction Funds Will Go to ClassroomsLeftover Hutchings Construction Funds Will Go to Classrooms
9/24/13 - A split vote by the Howell School Board last night will put $702,000 to work for students instead of providing a refund to taxpayers. Two years ago, the previous school board voted that the money left over in the 2001 construction fund used to build Hutchings Elementary would be put into the debt fund for that building in 2013, contributing to Hutchingsâ multi-million dollar mortgage payment. If the order had not been rescinded, Terres says it would have provided the average homeowner with a one-time savings of about $35. Board members Mike Moloney, Deborah McCormick, and Doug Moore were in favor of this option, but the rest of the board voted instead to rescind the order and keep that money in the 2001 construction account. They said from there it could be spent on computers, technology, and equipment that would benefit the students of the school, which they argued was in keeping with the original intent of voters when they approved spending the money. They also argued that the district should not be giving away money at a time when state shared funding is on the decline. (TD)
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Despite Pleas for Life Sentence, Bravata Gets 20 YearsDespite Pleas for Life Sentence, Bravata Gets 20 Years
9/24/13 - An investment manager from Livingston County who left many people broke has been sentenced, albeit to less time than his victims or the prosecution would have preferred. 45-year-old John J. Bravata was sentenced to 20 years in prison Monday for each of his 15 counts of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Prosecutors asked that he serve those sentences consecutively, which would have essentially kept him behind bars for life. But the judge ordered that he serve them concurrently as a single 20 year sentence. That decision came after the judge heard from six investors, including 63-year-old Patricia Philliben of Milford, who lost more than $600,000. She said she had âscrimped and savedâ for a comfortable retirement and even helped send her nephews to college. Not anymore. Philliben said sheâs been âlied to, take advantage of and humiliated beyond belief.â Another to speak was 81-year-old Carmen Cassar of Redford, who said despite being a dedicated Catholic, she could not forgive Bravata. The government says Bravata, his son Antonio and business partner Richard Trabulsy defrauded around 500 investors, costing them more than $40 (m) million. The money was collected for BBC Equities, which operated out of Brighton Township. The government said the real estate scheme was "complex ... and devastating" for investors, and that Bravata could have thrived in any honest occupation but chose to pursue riches through financial crimes. He has repeatedly denied any fraud. Still to be sentenced are Antonio Bravata, who was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Trabulsy pleaded guilty to wire fraud and is also awaiting sentencing. (JK)
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Brighton Area Schools Hires New Tech DirectorBrighton Area Schools Hires New Tech Director
9/24/13 - The Brighton Area Schools has hired Christopher Turner as its new technology director. He replaces Elson Liu, who resigned this summer to accept a similar position in the Plymouth-Canton School District. Turner was recommended by a 12-person team consisting of administrators, teachers, parents and students who agreed he was the best choice out of a large field of applicants and five finalists selected for interviews. Turner will receive a base salary of $80,000 plus about $15,000 worth of benefits and 30% toward retirement for a total compensation of about $130,000. Superintendent Greg Gray tells WHMI that Turner, is highly qualified for the position. Gray says that Turnerâs major responsibility will be to oversee installation and implementation of the millions of dollars in new technology the district is getting through the $88 million bond issue. Turner, who was most recently employed by the Grand Ledge School District, has a doctorate in educational leadership. The board also agreed to retain Nick Casteel, who is already employed by the Brighton Area Schools, as the assistant technology director, a newly-created position. (TT)
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Howell School Board Raises Millage For Winter Tax LevyHowell School Board Raises Millage For Winter Tax Levy
9/24/13 - The Howell School Board voted to increase its winter tax levy last night. The tax was 3.74 mills as of the summer tax levy but was increased to 4.05 mills for this winter, an increase of about 8%. School Board President Mike Witt says the increase was necessary to pay the districtâs bond obligation because taxable property values lag behind actual property values, and so have not yet started to increase as the market rebounds. He adds that taxable values can fall quickly, but are limited in how fast they can increase. Board members Mike Moloney and Deborah McCormick voted against the millage increase, and at the end of the meeting Moloney commented that it was unfortunate that it had to pass. Board Member Doug Moore voted in favor of the measure, but expressed regret about the obligation before the vote. (TD)
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Boil Water Advisory Issued for Saxony, Wilmore & Meadows SubsBoil Water Advisory Issued for Saxony, Wilmore & Meadows Subs
9/24/13 - A precautionary boil water advisory has been issued for some Green Oak Township residents following a water main break this afternoon. The Saxony, Wilmore and Meadows subdivisions are located immediately north of Lee Road and west of Whitmore Lake Road/Old US-23. Township Supervisor Mark St. Charles tells WHMI those are their three oldest subdivisions, which had shared a common water system but are now hooked up to the Livingston Community Water Authority. St. Charles says says a hydrant was being replaced today and while trying to get the old one out, the valve pulled away from the water main. Water is back on with the execution of Marlow Street, which should be back on by 4pm. Itâs recommended that water be boiled before drinking to eliminate any bacteria but it is safe to use for bathing, dishes or watering lawns and gardens. However, St. Charles recommends that residents avoid doing laundry for around 24 hours due to the amount of rust and sediment being stirred up in the water main, which can discolor clothes. He adds that operators will conduct flushing at strategic locations in the area to help minimize that. St. Charles says because water was shut off and the system went to zero pressure, they are required to issue the precautionary 72-hour boil advisory, which will be lifted once two required tests come back negative for bacteria. (JM)
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Arguments Made on Motion to Dismiss Sahouri LawsuitArguments Made on Motion to Dismiss Sahouri Lawsuit
9/24/13 - Arguments were heard yesterday on a motion by Hartland Consolidated Schools to dismiss a lawsuit filed by a former administrator. The hearing Monday in Genesee County Circuit Court allowed attorneys for both the district and Tracey Sahouri make their respective cases. Sahouriâs 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. Sahouriâs attorney, Tom Pabst, claims her removal as principal at Creekside Elementary was in retaliation for reporting ongoing âirregularitiesâ in how the district administered the MEAP tests. The district contends her re-assignment was based on the conclusions of a state report that determined teachers at the school improperly gained access to material from the tests in 2011, which constituted a breach of security, and thus sheâs ineligible for a Whistleblower defense. Genesee County Circuit Court Judge Richard Yuille took the arguments under advisement and will issue a ruling at a later date. A three-member legal panel previously recommended the district settle the lawsuit for $525,000, but that was rejected by the Hartland school board, which stood 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. (JK)
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Sheriff's Department Says Fatal Fire May Have Been Suicide Sheriff's Department Says Fatal Fire May Have Been Suicide
9/24/13 - The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department has positively identified the body of a man killed in a fire last month at a home on Crooked Lake Road in Genoa Township. Sheriff Bob Bezotte tells WHMI the deceased individual was the homeowner, 48-year-old Everett Meredith. The fire occurred on August 19th and Bezotte says detectives were looking into it and learned that Meredith had been arrested for operating while intoxicated on August 10th and had made some comments to friends that he couldnât go back to jail. Bezotte says while they have not made any definitive conclusions yet, they think that plays into part of the reason for the fire. He says because of the badly burned condition of the body, it took some time to make a positive identification but notes there is quite a bit of work left to be done. He says theyâre still waiting on toxicology reports but have also sent in quite a few samples of various fire debris to the MSP crime lab, which will reveal if any type of accelerant was used in the fire. (JM)
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Local Flyovers May Be Marijuana Searches
9/25/13 - Reports of recent flyovers in Livingston County are said to be choppers scanning for illegal outdoor marijuana grow operations. The Detroit Free Press reports that Michigan State Police conducted cannabis searches from the air on Monday, which was confirmed by an official with the Brighton Post. The helicopter searches were conducted in various areas across Deerfield, Handy and Cohoctah townships where residents reported seeing a low-flying helicopter doing a figure-eight pattern. One local WHMI listener also reported seeing a search and rescue pattern over their neighborhood in the northeast corner of Howell. There has been no information released to date as to whether any marijuana was found. The search is reportedly funded through the DEAâs Domestic Cannabis Eradication/Suppression Program, which aims to enhance aggressive efforts to halt the spread of cannabis cultivation in the United States. (JM)
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Pinckney Village Council Could Tighten Curfew Restrictions Pinckney Village Council Could Tighten Curfew Restrictions
9/25/13 - The Village of Pinckney is considering stepped-up enforcement of its existing curfew for minors and possibly some earlier curfew hours. The Village Council met Monday night and President Linda Lavey tells WHMI the discussion came about due to some vandalism around town - specifically at the library, on the Square, and on the Lakeland Trail. Lavey says Police Chief Jeffrey Newton has indicated that incidents have waned since the start of school but like any other municipality; they want to try to cut down on delinquency. In other action at Mondayâs meeting, Lavey says theyâre welcoming new Zoning Administrator Dustin Wise who will have regular office hours. She also reminds community stakeholders that there will be another meeting of the Pinckney Summit at 6:30 tonight at the Village Hall to work on promotion and development ideas and all are welcome to attend. (JM)
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Hamburg Township Holds Special Meeting For FOIA RequestsHamburg Township Holds Special Meeting For FOIA Requests
9/25/13 - A special meeting of the Hamburg Board of Trustees was held yesterday to individually review and respond to 33 FOIA denial appeals from a township resident. 59-year-old Mary Ann Lamkin has been at odds with the township and her neighbors for years over the status of Island Shore Drive. She claims the road is her private property, but it remains the only access for other residents and a local hardware store. Township Supervisor Pat Hohl tells WHMI the Island Shore Drive has been in contention for the past 30 years, and that in that time township residents have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on increased insurance and ongoing litigation. He estimates that last nightâs meeting, which lasted two and a half hours and was held only to address Freedom of Information Act appeals from Lamkin, cost the township about $3,000. Most of Lamkinâs FOIA requests related to a public safety inspection of Island Shore Drive conducted by Police Chief Richard Duffany in mid-August. The township says the road has become too deteriorated for emergency vehicles to reach the houses and hardware store behind the Lamkinsâ property. Lamkin stated at the meeting that she felt the inspection was a pretense to harass her and her husband. Lamkin says the state of the road is due to pranks and stunts aimed at her by her neighbors. The township board will investigate its options before its next regular meeting. (TD)
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