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Brighton Area Schools Hopes to Erase Red Ink This YearBrighton Area Schools Hopes to Erase Red Ink This Year

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9/25/13 - The elimination of Brighton Area Schools' legacy deficit this year is looking much more likely after a recent Board of Education meeting. Figures were presented indicating that enrollment through the Shared Services program set a new record - which means more revenue for Brighton. The program is now in its third year and allows private and parochial schools that don't offer a particular non-core curriculum class to offer the course to its students. Schools in Oakland, Wayne, Washtenaw and Ingham Counties have signed on - resulting in 906 more students enrolled this year. With the return of students from last year, there are roughly 6,000 students now taking at least one class through Brighton Area Schools. Superintendent Greg Gray tells WHMI that translates into gross revenues of about $10 million in state per-pupil aid, and after expenses associated with the program have been deducted, about $6 million in net revenue for the district. Gray says another important program - Schools of Choice – is also a big revenue producer for Brighton and this fall, attracted the most students ever at 627 in the unofficial count, which amounts to over $4 million in revenue. Gray adds that the Brighton Virtual Academy, an online program begun just last year, has 16 students enrolled this fall, marking a three-fold increase. As a result of the revenue-producing initiatives, Gray is optimistic that Brighton will be able to erase its $8 million legacy deficit by the end of the fiscal year next June. (JK)

Order Stands for Unadilla Man in Domestic Violence CaseOrder Stands for Unadilla Man in Domestic Violence Case

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9/25/13 - Despite requests from the victim, a no-contact court order stands for a Unadilla Township man charged with assault after a Labor Day domestic dispute. 23-year-old Eric Puckett appeared in 53rd District Court for a pre-trial hearing this week and rejected a plea offer from prosecutors. He was charged with aggravated assault/domestic violence following the incident that occurred on September 2nd in which he is accused of throwing a patio chair at a woman and striking her in the face at a home on Doyle Road. Unadilla Township Police say were dispatched to Chelsea Hospital for a report of a woman receiving facial injuries from an altercation in which alcohol was suspected to have been a contributing factor. Puckett was previously ordered to have no contact with the victim or children in the case. However, that victim addressed the court during the recent hearing to request that the no contact order be lifted – a request that was denied by Judge Carol Sue Reader. If no plea agreement is ultimately reached then Puckett’s case is scheduled for jury selection October 4th. (JM)

Reading Event To Celebrate Banned Books In Hartland SaturdayReading Event To Celebrate Banned Books In Hartland Saturday

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9/25/13 - It is National Banned Book Week, and the Hartland Cromaine District Library will hold its annual Banned Book Week Read-Out this weekend. The week is observed nationwide as a way to celebrate the nation’s freedom to read despite attempts at censoring content and viewpoints in books. Library Director Ceci Marlow says books have been challenged in the past for a wide variety of reasons, including offensive language, sexual or violent content, one-sided perspectives, or cultural depictions that some people do not want to influence their communities. The list of books that have been challenged in America includes the Bible, The Hunger Games, Harry Potter, To Kill A Mockingbird, and even children’s picture books. On Saturday, September 28th, volunteers at the Cromaine Library will publicly read aloud from their favorite banned books for anyone who wants to stop and listen. The event will take place from 10am to 2pm on the first floor of the library. Volunteer readers are still being sought, and would only have to read for about 15 minutes apiece. For more information, contact the Cromaine District Library at 1-810-632-5200. (TD/JK)

Hune Honored for Conservative Voting RecordHune Honored for Conservative Voting Record

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9/25/13 - The conservative voting record of a local legislator has been rewarded. State Senator Joe Hune on Tuesday received his second consecutive “Defender of Liberty Award” from the American Conservative Union for what the group called his strong conservative voting record while serving in Lansing. The Hamburg Township Republican said he was honored that his conservatism and voting record were recognized again by the American Conservative Union. The organization says to be eligible for the Defenders of Liberty award, legislators had to be present and cast a vote for each adjudicated roll call while scoring a 100 percent on their State Legislative Ratings. The ACU says it bases those ratings on legislation that display conservative values, ranging from right-to-work to education reform and second amendment rights to tax cuts. Based upon his voting record, the group gave Hune a 100 percent rank, one of only three lawmakers in the Michigan Legislature to earn such a score. (JK)

Fmr. Congressional Candidate Returns to Brighton to Discuss SyriaFmr. Congressional Candidate Returns to Brighton to Discuss Syria

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9/25/13 - A one-time rival of Congressman Mike Rogers is returning to the area this weekend to talk about the situation in Syria. Former CIA Case Officer Jim Marcinkowski unsuccessfully tried to unseat Rogers in the 2006 election, arguing at the time that his national security experience made him the right person for the job. While that appeal didn’t make the difference for voters in the 8th Congressional District, Marcinkowski’s resume of having worked for the CIA, FBI and Naval Intelligence still makes him in demand as a speaker on foreign policy issues. He’s been tapped to speak this Sunday at the Community Unitarian Universalist Church in Brighton. His talk is entitled “Russia, Syria and Radical Islam”. Marcinkowski tells WHMI that the Obama Administration’s decision to let Russia lead a diplomatic effort at removing Syria’s chemical weapons is an acknowledgment of their interest in that outcome. He says the Russians have legitimate concerns such weapons could fall into the hands of Islamic fundamentalists and then be used against them. Marcinkowski is currently an adjunct professor at the Michigan Institute for Public Safety Education where he lectures on security issues. As for any future political ambitions, he says he’s done with politics and jokes that considering the dysfunction in Washington D.C. these days, he probably dodged a bullet by losing to Mike Rogers in 2006. (JK)

Howell DDA Considers Proposed Logo Designs For RebrandingHowell DDA Considers Proposed Logo Designs For Rebranding

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9/26/13 - Possible new designs for the Howell City logo were reviewed and critiqued at last night's meeting of the Howell Main Street Downtown Development Authority. The city is currently working with a professional marketing firm to develop a new rebranding campaign for the downtown area. DDA members have been examining new logos, taglines, and approaches to market the city and get citizens and organizations more involved in the downtown. The rebranding services, valued at about $30,000, are being provided by the state without any local dollars. Howell competed with other municipalities around Michigan to get the service free of charge. DDA Director Diane Larkin says Howell was chosen because it had a unique downtown as well as the capacity to carry out a rebranding campaign. The service will also provide the city with a redesigned website. Last Thursday the DDA met with the rebranding firm to review their progress and give direction on how to move forward. Last night, the individual members of the DDA board gave feedback on possible new logos for the city and gave direction to the designer on how they would like them to be changed. A special meeting is planned for October 7th to discuss the new designs. (TD)

Former Howell School Board President Honored by State BarFormer Howell School Board President Honored by State Bar

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9/26/13 - A former Howell School Board President has been honored for her work in the legal arena. Ann Routt, who served on the Howell board from 2008 to 2012, was recently named as a Champion of Justice by the State Bar of Michigan at their annual meeting in Lansing. Routt, who serves as the deputy director of Legal Services of South Central Michigan was recognized for her nearly three decades with the organization, during which time it was noted it had grown from serving four counties to 13 counties and overseeing five statewide programs: the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, the Michigan Poverty Law Program, Farmworker Legal Services, Michigan Legal Help, and the Michigan Elder Justice Initiative. Her work on behalf of domestic violence survivors and low-income parents was also noted. In her tenure with Legal Services of South Central Michigan, she has represented more than 1,200 clients, specializing in cases dealing with third-party custody, termination of parental rights, and domestic violence cases. Also honored at the ceremony was Howell-area resident Elizabeth Kitchen-Troop, who was given the Kimberly M. Cahill Bar Leadership Award for her efforts at helping low-income residents find quality legal representation in divorce and custody cases. (JK)

Fowlerville Names New Special Education DirectorFowlerville Names New Special Education Director

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9/26/13 - Fowlerville Community Schools has selected its new director of special education with the help of the Livingston Educational Service Agency. An interview team made up of staff and leaders from both organizations selected Kim Wooster from a pool of candidates. Wooster is an eight-year employee of LESA, having started out as a school psychologist in 2005 before becoming the special education supervisor in 2011. In her new role as Fowlerville’s director of special education, Wooster will be responsible for supervising and coordinating special education programs and services while working with students and families. LESA Special Education Executive Director Dawn Bentley says Wooster was selected for her “leadership, dedication to students and families, and her ability to collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders.” Her appointment is scheduled for approval by the LESA Board of Education on October 9th. (TD)

Boy in High-Speed Police Chase Removed From HomeBoy in High-Speed Police Chase Removed From Home

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9/26/13 - One of two boys who had been drinking and led police on a high-speed chase has been removed from his parents’ home by the court. The 14-year-old from Howell previously pleaded guilty to unlawful driving away of an automobile and furnishing alcohol to a minor in connection with the June 19th chase. At a recent dispositional hearing, the court determined that it was not in his best interest to remain at home, saying his parents were unable to maintain behavior in accordance with the law and his probation. He was committed to the care of the Michigan Department of Human Services for 120 to 180 days. Another dispositional review hearing has been scheduled for October 1st. The boy was a passenger in the vehicle that was driven by a 14 year old friend from Hartland. That teen entered a plea to charges of Minor Operating a Motor Vehicle with Bodily Alcohol Content with an Occupant Less than 16 and Joyriding. In exchange, prosecutors dismissed charges of fleeing and eluding, unlawful driving away of a vehicle and resisting police. The driver was subsequently sentenced to one year of intensive probation. The incident began when a state police trooper attempted to stop an SUV without tail lights on Clyde Road. When the driver refused to stop, a chase began that ended up drawing in units from the sheriff’s department as they traveled along M-59 and I-96 in excess of 100 miles per hour. The Hartland boy eventually lost control and crashed into a stand of trees in Lyon Township. Both he and the passenger attempted to flee but were apprehended after a short foot chase. The three female passengers in the back seat, ages 14 and 15 and all from Fenton, were turned over to their parents. (TD/JK)

Former Mayor Named as New Director of Howell Area Parks & Rec Former Mayor Named as New Director of Howell Area Parks & Rec

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9/26/13 - The man set to take over as Director of the Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority says he’s not only excited about it but feels he has been given the best job he’ll ever have. Paul Rogers has served and managed many organizations and events over the years, including some time as Howell City Mayor and a council member. He hails from a business and technology background but has always had a love of recreation and sports, and can often be found out and about at his grandchildren’s sports games. Rogers tells WHMI he’s looking forward to the challenge of taking the organization to the next level and encourages the community to take advantage of the great opportunities the authority offers to youth, teens and senior citizens. More than 81 individuals applied for the position and Authority Board Chairman Todd Smith says considerable time was spent working to find the person who best fit within the organization, especially in the areas of leadership and management skills as well as general team approach. Rogers replaces former Director Debbie Mikula, who resigned in May and will start Monday in his new role. Smith says they’re fortunate to have hired on a well-known and active community member and thanked everyone in the organization for their contributions and extra efforts during the past few months of transition, adding all should be commended for their professionalism and dedication. (JM)

Conway Residents Hold Meeting To Spread Fracking InformationConway Residents Hold Meeting To Spread Fracking Information

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11/13/13 - A local group dedicated to educating itself an the public about fracking in Conway Township held its first meeting last night. The Friends of Conway Township organization was formed after news that a fracking operation was coming to that community. Fracking, short for 'hydraulic fracturing,' is a process where rocks thousands of feet underground are broken apart with high-pressure water, sand, and chemicals. This frees trapped crude oil and natural gas, which can then be collected. The Friends of Conway Township, like many people affected by the process, have many concerns about the safety and impact of the fracking process. A meeting put together by the township last month sought to answer their questions with the help of elected officials and environmental experts, but residents said the open form of the meeting hindered the exchange of ideas. Last night's meeting in the Fowlerville Junior High School drew more than 100 people and got a much more positive response from attendees. It began with presentations about the fracking process, groundwater testing, and the motives of the group, then opened up for the audience to ask questions and make comments. Friends of Conway Co-Chair David Berry tells WHMI that elected officials and organizations were invited to come, but most did not show. Berry read aloud at the meeting their responses to the invitations, and identified those who did not respond at all. He says the next meeting may focus on examining how other communities have dealt with fracking. (TD)

Brighton Man Remains Hospitalized After Saturday CrashBrighton Man Remains Hospitalized After Saturday Crash

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11/13/13 - A Brighton man remains in serious condition after the car he was driving went out of control and crashed Saturday morning. The accident occurred at about 3am on Brighton Road, east of Bauer Road in Genoa Township. Livingston County Sheriff Bob Bezotte says 24-year-old Thomas Orndorf was headed east on Brighton Road at a high rate of speed when his vehicle left the roadway and hit several trees. Orndorf was trapped in his car and had to be extracted by firefighters from Brighton. The car was totaled. Orndorf was transported by helicopter to the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor for treatment of life-threatening injuries, and as of Tuesday he was still listed in serious condition. A blood alcohol test will be taken to determine whether drugs or alcohol were factors in the crash, which remains under investigation. Orndorf was wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident. (TD)

Sheriff's Department Says Suicide Deemed Cause of Fatal Fire Sheriff's Department Says Suicide Deemed Cause of Fatal Fire

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11/13/13 - The Livingston County Sheriff’s Department has determined that suicide was behind a fatal blaze in Genoa Township this past summer. The fire broke out August 19th and the victim was identified as 48-year-old Everett Meredith, the owner of the home on Crooked Lake Road. However, because of the badly burned condition of the body, it took some time to make a positive identification. Undersheriff Mike Murphy tells WHMI that lab results and toxicology reports have since been received, which indicated that Meredith had drugs and alcohol in his system. Murphy says that, coupled with a suicide note found at the scene, has led them to formally rule the death as such and the case is now closed. Sheriff Bob Bezotte previously said detectives investigating the case learned that Meredith had been arrested for operating while intoxicated on August 10th and had made some comments to friends that he couldn’t go back to jail. Court records showed that Meredith was scheduled to be arraigned on August 21st on the OWI charge. Records showed a previous conviction of operating under the influence in 1994 and that he was discharged from probation a year later. (JM)

Muzzin Reelected Brighton Mayor; Pipoly Is Mayor Pro TemMuzzin Reelected Brighton Mayor; Pipoly Is Mayor Pro Tem

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11/13/13 - Jim Muzzin was reelected mayor of Brighton by a unanimous vote at the biennial meeting of the Brighton City Council Tuesday night. Shawn Pipoly was chosen to be mayor pro tem for the next two years, replacing Chad Cooper. Unlike Howell, where the mayor is elected by the voters, in the city of Brighton mayors are elected by their peers on council. The election takes place in odd years, one week after the fall general election. Muzzin gave the state-of-the-city address to the capacity audience, saying that after five very lean years starting in 2008, he feels Brighton has turned the corner and the future looks bright. Muzzin tells WHMI the election of two new council members – Kristoffer Tobbe and Shanda Willis - will bring some fresh ideas to the council table. Willis and Tobbe were given the oath of office by City Clerk Diana Lowe. Tobbe was the top vote-getter in last week’s election with 811 votes in official returns, while incumbents Ricci Bandkau and Shawn Pipoly were reelected to four-year terms. Willis placed fourth among the five candidates with 738 votes. According to the city charter, that means Tobbe will get a 4-year seat, whereas Willis will serve for the next two years. They replace Claudia Roblee and Larry Schillinger , who both chose not to run for reelection. Roblee and Schillinger attended their final meeting Tuesday night. Regular Brighton City Council meetings are held the first and third Thursday of the month in city hall at 7:30 p.m. The next meeting will be on November 21. (TT)

Local Weightlifter Takes First In World Bench Press CompetitionLocal Weightlifter Takes First In World Bench Press Competition

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11/13/13 - A local man has taken the world title in weight lifting for his class in Reno, Nevada this weekend. 23-year-old Matt Jones of Brighton took part in the World Association of Benchers and Deadlifters worlds meet for five days beginning on November 5th. With a body weight of 175 pounds, he managed a bench-press lift of 347 pounds, which earned him first place in the junior men’s division and second place in the class one open. He also took 4th place in the dead lift competition with a lift of 407 pounds, but a lower back injury prevented him from competing any further. Jones says he was happy to do so well since a shoulder injury hindered his performance at worlds in 2011. He says competing and winning this year was like completing some unfinished business. In his class, Jones currently holds the bench press record for Michigan at 419 pounds. He previously held the state dead lift record at 551 pounds, but that record has since been broken. (TD)

Rec Authority Busy w/ Buck Pole & New Center in Oceola Township Rec Authority Busy w/ Buck Pole & New Center in Oceola Township

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11/13/13 - The Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority is gearing up for another full season with a number of projects and events this month. Newly-hired Authority Director Paul Rogers provided an update to the Howell City Council at Monday night’s meeting. He tells WHMI they’re moving forward with a lot of things and gearing up for the buck pole at the Marion Township Hall this Friday, to be followed by a volunteer recognition event and the 7th annual Turkey Stroll later this month. Rogers says improvements are also being made to a building that will become the Oceola Community Center. He says the township is leasing it to the Authority for $1 per year, and they’ll be looking at what different types of programming could be offered since their other facilities are full. The building being leased is the old 2/42 Church on Latson Road, located next to the Oceola Township hall and the fire station. Rogers says part of it is being leased to a construction company that’s developing the north side. He says the other portion that used to be the chapel-area will be re-done by the company with new carpet, paint and blinds being added. He says that work is being done in lieu of rent and it’s a win-win for everyone involved. Meanwhile, a link to complete details about Friday's buck pole and other events can found below. (JM)

Milford Cops Growing Beards To Pay For Wigs For Sick ChildrenMilford Cops Growing Beards To Pay For Wigs For Sick Children

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11/13/13 - The fuzz in Milford is getting a little fuzzier this month to help children in need. Eleven officers in the Milford Police Department have stopped shaving for the month of November to raise money for the Wigs for Kids of Michigan. The effort, dubbed “Pigs for Wigs,” is meant to both raise cancer awareness and collect funds for the wig program. The Milford Times says the officers had raised about $3,200 by November 4th, with each wig costing about $800 to create. Wigs for Kids is based in St. Clair Shores and provides wigs to children with lupus, burns, and other medical problems that cause hair loss in addition to those undergoing cancer therapy. (TD)

$2 Million Dispersed to Victims of Milford Investment Advisor $2 Million Dispersed to Victims of Milford Investment Advisor

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11/13/13 - Roughly $2 (m) million in restitution is being distributed to the former clients of a Milford investment adviser currently serving a federal sentence for operating a massive Ponzi scheme. 46-year-old Dante DeMiro was sentenced to ten years in federal prison after pleading guilty in 2011 to five counts of bank and wire fraud in connection with the Ponzi scheme. He was also ordered to pay nearly $13 (m) million in restitution. The U.S. Attorney’s office recently announced that it will disperse roughly $2 (m) million to the victims, which includes several municipalities, credit unions, school districts and trade unions. The restitution is coming out of an asset forfeiture fund, which included some government seized assets from DeMiro. He was said to have used the various entities to operate a bank and wire fraud scheme through his Southfield Munivest companies, in which he falsely promised clients he would invest their funds in different certificates of deposit. He then used the funds to make payments to other investors in the same scheme while also making loans to several individuals and a local jewelry store. Funds were also said to be used for gambling and to purchase personal items and property. (JM)

Federal Judge Strikes Down Maintenance Ordinance in Howell City Federal Judge Strikes Down Maintenance Ordinance in Howell City

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11/13/13 - A federal judge has struck down an ordinance in the City of Howell pertaining to property maintenance. The ordinance requires property owners to maintain the grass between the sidewalk and the street curb, which must not exceed eight inches in height. Resident David Shoemaker, who lived at the corner of Elm and Sibley Streets, filed the suit in U.S District Court in November of 2011 after a tree he planted was removed as part of street work in 2009, and replaced by the City with nine different trees. He refused to cut the grass in the City-owned right of way and the City proceeded to issue warnings and notices. It was eventually mowed by the City’s contractor per ordinance. Shoemaker refused to pay a resulting $600 in fees and the City placed the amount on his tax roll, which he was forced to pay prior to selling his home in 2012. The ruling from Federal Judge Lawrence Zatkoff says no rational relationship can be perceived between the interests of the City in abating nuisances on public property and the ordinance currently in place. Howell City Manager Shea Charles tells WHMI the ruling was received today and the impact is being reviewed, and an update will be provided to the City Council. He says an appeal of the ruling is under consideration. (JM)

Lyon Township Fire Offering Pizza to Houses w/ Smoke DetectorsLyon Township Fire Offering Pizza to Houses w/ Smoke Detectors

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11/14/13 - The Lyon Township Fire Department will be working with local pizza restaurants to help make sure residents have working smoke alarms. Beginning Wednesday, firefighters have been following the delivery personnel of participating pizza companies as they make their rounds. They ask the pizza recipients whether they have a working smoke detector in the home and, if so, one of their pizzas will be free. If there is not a working smoke alarm, the firefighter will give them a either a new battery for an existing smoke alarm or a brand new one for the home. The South Lyon Herald reports the campaign, called “Did You Check,” will run through November 27th, and the township received 100 free smoke alarms for distribution as part of the effort. Like many other local departments, the Lyon Township Fire Department will also provide and, if necessary, install smoke detectors free of charge for any resident that requests one. (TD)
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