1/14/14 - A local financial institution headquartered in Livingston County says it has worked through the recent recession and a recapitalization is part of its future success locally. First National Bank in Howell has eight offices in Livingston County and recently announced a successful recapitalization. President/CEO Ron Long says the agreement with federal regulators will allow it to increase capital ratios, which is something theyâve been working on for the past few years. He says they were recently able to attain capital that satisfies ratios federal regulators want the bank to have. Long tells WHMI the recapitalization strengthens the bank and will facilitate additional lending activity, but says customers will notice expanded products and services and increased convenience over time along with a continued focus on local lending. Long says the first phase of recapitalization was completed with a net $16.4 million in capital, meaning the bank is considered adequately capitalized. He says theyâll be following up that first phase with an additional rights offering to existing shareholders or stock sale, which he hopes to have completed in first or second quarter of this year. (JK)
Local Bank Looks Forward After Completing RecapitalizationLocal Bank Looks Forward After Completing Recapitalization
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Howell Board Of Ed Asks Lansing To Ban Open Carry In SchoolsHowell Board Of Ed Asks Lansing To Ban Open Carry In Schools
1/14/14 - The Howell Board of Education has asked Lansing to add public schools to the list of places where openly carrying firearms is illegal. Michigan's open carry law names several specific places where open-carry is not permitted, including churches, banks, sports arenas, and hospitals, but public schools are not included in the list. At its regular meeting last night, the Howell School Board backed up a request put forward by several Michigan school districts calling for school grounds to be added to the list. The petitioning districts include those in Grand Rapids, West Bloomfield, Ypsilanti, and Alcona. The Michigan Association of School Boards also supports the resolution. Howell Schools recently had an incident in which a man exercised his open-carry rights on school grounds, forcing a lockdown of the school. Wilson says in the future such incidents will likely be handled by calling authorities and having the person in question banned from school grounds, based on the argument that forcing a lockdown constitutes criminal trespass by disrupting the educational process. Public schools are already on the list of places where concealed weapons are banned, except for parents in vehicles dropping off or picking up students. (TD)
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Former Supreme Court Justice Patricia Boyle of Howell Dies at 76Former Supreme Court Justice Patricia Boyle of Howell Dies at 76
1/14/14 - A former federal judge and Michigan Supreme Court justice who lived in Howell has passed away. Patricia Boyle died Monday at the age of 76 due to respiratory failure while visiting a relative in Florida. She had been living in Howell and is survived by her four children and five grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are pending. Boyle relinquished a lifetime appointment as a federal judge after five years to become a Michigan Supreme Court justice, a post she held for 15 years until retiring at the end of 1998. Chief Justice Robert Young Jr. says Boyle brought a "sharp legal mind and profound integrity" to her tenure on the Supreme Court. During her earlier work as a Wayne County Prosecutor and member of the Michigan Womenâs Task Force on Rape, Boyle helped draft a comprehensive reform of state laws on criminal sexual conduct. The legislation was used as a model by numerous other states and has been described as the most successful rape law reform measure in the nation. (JM)
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Jury Selection Continues Wednesday in I-96 Shooter CaseJury Selection Continues Wednesday in I-96 Shooter Case
1/14/14 - Jury selection will continue tomorrow in Howell in the I-96 shooter case. 44-year-old Raulie Casteel of Wixom is charged with multiple felony counts, including terrorism, after authorities say he randomly fired his pistol from a car at other passing vehicles during a two-week period in October of 2012. Livingston County Circuit Court Judge David Reader is hearing the case, which is being prosecuted by the Michigan Attorney Generalâs Office. Jury selection began at 9am and lasted all day. It is scheduled to pick back up on Wednesday morning. Each of the prospective jurors is being interviewed individually in an effort not to taint the jury pool. Casteel was also charged with 60 separate counts in Oakland County, including assault with intent to murder. But he earlier reached a deal in which he pleaded no contest but mentally ill to 12 counts, including six counts of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, in exchange for the rest of the charges being dropped. Heâll be sentenced there January 30th. Once jury selection is completed in Howell, opening arguments will take place and testimony in the case will get underway. (JK)
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Livingston Great Start Coalition Holds First Meeting Of The YearLivingston Great Start Coalition Holds First Meeting Of The Year
1/15/14 - The first local meeting of the Great Start Parent Coalition of the new year will take place tomorrow night. The organization exists around Michigan and advocates for the needs of children in early childhood. The Great Start Collaborative of Livingston County will meet at LESA headquarters in Howell tomorrow night starting at 6:00. The guest speaker will be Constance Johnston from the Brighton-based nonprofit Cindyâs Hope, which advocates for childrenâs safety. She will discuss how to keep children safe from drugs, bullies, and sexual predators. The meeting it free and open to the public, with dinner and child care provided. Those interested in knowing more about the meeting can contact Sarah Smith at (810) 523-8770 or by emailing sarahsmith@livingstonesa.org. (TD)
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Sentencing Set This Month in Wal-Mart AssaultSentencing Set This Month in Wal-Mart Assault
1/14/14 - A Milford teen will be sentenced later this month for an assault that resulted in a Hartland Wal-Mart employee being fired for helping the victim. 17-year-old Dylan Tierney entered a plea in November to charges of Operating While Impaired, Domestic Violence, Malicious Destruction of Property, and Assault and Battery. The charges were filed following an incident in the early morning hours of October 13th. Wal-Mart employee, 30-year-old Kristopher Oswald, told police he was taking his break in the parking lot when he says he saw an incident taking place between Tierney and a woman, who was calling for help. Oswald went to her aid, but was allegedly attacked by Tierney and two other men. The suspects tried to flee when store employees came to help, but were stopped by police and taken into custody. Oswald was suspended and later fired for helping the woman, as Wal-Mart policy is for employees to contact police and not get personally involved. However, national headlines from the case led to many in the public applauding Oswaldâs actions and an offer by Wal-Mart to rehire him, which he declined. Tierney, meanwhile, will be sentenced January 27th in 53rd District Court. He is seeking sentencing under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act, which would erase his record if he successfully completes probation. (JK)
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Unexplained Death Of Local Horse Under InvestigationUnexplained Death Of Local Horse Under Investigation
1/15/14 - An investigation is underway into the cause of death for a horse that was found on the property of a local woman who has been accused of animal cruelty in the past. The incident occurred over the weekend on the property of 71-year-old Velva Jean Wainscott. Livingston County Animal Control Director Debbie Oberle says a 911 call came in on Sunday for a possible dead horse on the property. She says the body was found lying on its paddock, and it was removed so its death can be investigated. She says the animal was about 16 years old, which is roughly middle-aged for a horse, but it is unclear if it had any preexisting conditions that may have contributed to the death. Because all of the other horses were in good condition, they were not removed from the property. Wainscott's horses were previously seized by Animal Control in November of 2012 (pictured here) after she was accused of abandoning or cruelty to 10 or more horses. Those charges were dismissed with prejudice and the animals were returned. Oberle says Wainscott was very cooperative while her department retrieved the dead horse this weekend. A necropsy, which is the animal equivalent of an autopsy, will be performed on the animal at Michigan State University. (TD)
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Meeting Explains Upcoming I-96 / US-23 Interchange UpgradeMeeting Explains Upcoming I-96 / US-23 Interchange Upgrade
1/15/14 - The Michigan Department of Transportation held an informal meeting in Brighton Township last night to tell residents about plans to renovate the interchange between I-96 and US-23. MDOT plans to construct new through-lanes between the existing eastbound and westbound arms of I-96, turning the current lanes into collector-distributor lanes to make movement between the two freeways easier and safer. Last night, representatives from MDOT brought maps and diagrams explaining the planned improvements to the Brighton Township Hall, where they discussed the project with township residents and leaders. Three new bridges will be built over US-23, and the six existing bridges will be replaced. The roughly $50 million project is planned to start sometime between mid-summer and early fall, and MDOT hopes to finish it by the end of 2015. Construction is broken into three phases to help ensure there is minimal impact on traffic along I-96 and US-23, but officials say once work begins Spencer Road and its eastbound exit ramp will be shut down for 40 to 45 days. Residents and commuters are encouraged by MDOT to sign up for email updates on the construction. Follow the link below to visit the project summary on MDOTâs website. That page includes a link to sign up for email alerts. (TD)
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Area Events Honor Life & Teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.Area Events Honor Life & Teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
1/15/14 - The Huron Valley community is again working to reflect the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a number of events and the goal of making the holiday more than just a single-day observance. âThe Power of Peace, Love, and Respectâ is the theme inspiring a series of local events honoring and celebrating the Dr. King holiday, which complement the 9th annual March on Main Street from Prospect Hill to Central Park on Monday afternoon. The march is organized by the Huron Valley Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Committee. It works in partnership with Huron Valley Schools to make it a day âonâ rather than a day âoffâ while encouraging volunteer service throughout the year. Officials say area residents will have more opportunities than ever this year to participate in the spirit of Dr. Kingâs legacy, with numerous events planned throughout the weekend as well as on the day itself. A film discussion, charity event, community volunteer fair, and concert by Josh White Jr. are just some of the events, all of which are free and open to the public. Complete information on Huron Valleyâs MLK Day activities can be found through the link or press release below. (JM)
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Individuals & Teams Sought for OLHSA's Walk for Warmth Individuals & Teams Sought for OLHSA's Walk for Warmth
1/15/14 - Increased economic uncertainty, low job availability, and unsteady public assistance are just some of the reasons officials say an event next month that keeps local families warm is something to feel good about. The Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency or OLHSA is hosting its 24th annual Walk for Warmth and community members are encouraged to make a difference by donating, walking, volunteering, or becoming a sponsor to help provide utility assistance to those in need. All donations stay in the community to help heat the homes of local families and neighbors and while the family friendly event is a good time, itâs a serious cause according to Livingston County Undersheriff Mike Murphy, who is this yearâs Walk for Warmth fundraising chair. Reflecting back on the power outages, snow storms and extreme cold that affected Livingston County; Murphy tells WHMI for many, it simply meant bumping up the thermostat a couple of degrees to keep out those winter chills. But for others, he says it's more than just an âinconvenienceâ and can truly be a matter of life or death. 370 individuals were helped as a result of last yearâs fundraising efforts including single parent families with children and the elderly â with more than half of those local families at 100% and below of poverty level. Murphy reminds that Livingston Countyâs Walk for Warmth is a warm, indoor event that's non-competitive and no minimum monetary pledge is required. It will take place February 22nd at the Hartland Educational Support Service Center. Information about how to get involved can be found below. (JM)
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Former Putnam Twp. Man's Murder Conviction UpheldFormer Putnam Twp. Man's Murder Conviction Upheld
1/15/14 - The conviction and life sentence of a former Putnam Township man convicted of murder has been upheld. 49-year-old Shane Roscoe was sentenced in 2012 to a mandatory term of life in prison without the possibility of parole after a Washtenaw County jury found him guilty of open murder in the 2006 death of 55-year-old William Sam Kenney. Roscoe appealed the conviction to the Michigan Court of Appeals claiming he had ineffective legal counsel and that the court improperly admitted evidence against him including hearsay testimony. In a ruling released today, the appeals panel rejected those claims and upheld the conviction and life sentence. Roscoe previously worked at an auto dealership is Scio Township, where authorities say he and a co-defendant, 33-year-old Jonathon Aiden, broke into in August of 2006 to steal auto-related equipment and materials. When Kenney, an employee, came upon them during the break-in, prosecutors say the pair hit him on the head with a hard object and then struck him with a car. Kenney died 27 days later from his injuries. Roscoe, who has a lengthy criminal history, was a candidate for Putnam Township supervisor when he was originally arrested in 2006 on suspicion of being involved in the incident although he wasnât charged until 2011. Aiden was convicted of first degree murder in the case last year and is also serving a life sentence. (JK)
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Old Howell Theater Building Back on the Market Old Howell Theater Building Back on the Market
1/15/14 - The old Howell Theater building is once again up for sale. The Root Restaurant of White Lake had plans to open up a second location in the old theater but later opted against it, calling it a business decision by owner Ed Mamou. A sign recently went up advertising that the building is for sale and . Howell Community Development Director Erin Perdu tells WHMI there was interest in the building before the sign went up and current zoning allows for a number of different uses at that location, noting that commercial space is already at a minimum in the downtown. The property is currently listed with Southfield-based Griffin Properties. (JM)
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Man Dead Following Accident Involving Four WheelerMan Dead Following Accident Involving Four Wheeler
1/15/14 - A man is dead following an accident involving a four wheeler this afternoon. The incident happened at around 2:30pm in the area of Fisk Road and Beagle Run Court in Howell. The Michigan State Police Brighton Post is the lead investigating agency and confirmed for WHMI that the incident was fatal, but could not provide further details at the time as Troopers remained on scene. (JM)
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Tentative Contract Reached for Howell TeachersTentative Contract Reached for Howell Teachers
1/15/14 - After more than a year of negotiations, Howell teachers may finally have a new contract. Bargaining teams for Howell Public Schools and the Howell Education Association announced today that a tentative agreement was reached early this morning. The tentative two-year contract comes after more than a year of negotiations between the two groups. A special Board of Education meeting has been called Monday evening so that members can formally vote on the agreement. HEA President Jay McDowell told WHMI itâs a fair contract that will benefit both parties. Superintendent Ron Wilson said itâs been a long process and heâs hopeful that the board will ratify the contract. (JM)
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Witness Testimony Begins in Alleged I-96 Shooter Trial Witness Testimony Begins in Alleged I-96 Shooter Trial
1/15/14 - Defense attorneys announced during opening arguments today that they will be contesting the most serious charges against the alleged I-96 shooter. Testimony got underway this afternoon after opening arguments concluded in the trial of 44-year-old Raulie Casteel of Wixom. Taking the stand were several alleged victims, a mechanic that removed a bullet from a vehicle, a detective with the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department and a Wixom Police officer. Casteel faces multiple charges including terrorism related to two-dozen shootings that occurred during a two-week period in October of 2012 - three of them on I-96 in Livingston County. The case is being prosecuted by the Michigan Attorney General's Office and Gregory Townsend argued the charge of terrorism is justified since the shootings had an intimidating effect on the community, causing residents to change their behaviors. He says it also had an impact on government by causing law enforcement agencies to join together and form a coalition out of a concern for public safety, ignoring the jurisdictional lines that typically divide them. Casteelâs Defense Attorney Charlie Groh stated that he will not be contesting the gun charges, but has issues with the charges of terrorism, assault with intent to murder, and the lesser charge of assault with intent to commit great bodily harm. He says terrorism requires an intent to terrorize, and that Casteel had no such intent. He says Casteel also did not intend to murder or injure anyone, arguing that he has been a target shooter and hunter for years but did not kill any of the 23 alleged victims. He said Casteel believed there were conspiracies against him, that cars and planes were spying on his actions, and that he was reacting normally for someone who believed they were in danger. He never said Casteel had a mental illness, but rather described its symptoms and made frequent references to Casteel's "demons," which he claims were triggered by oncoming traffic and tailgating vehicles. He also indicated Casteel will be taking the stand during the trial, which continues tomorrow before Livingston County Circuit Court Judge David Reader. (JM)
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Driver Arraigned More Than Two Years After Wrong-Way ChaseDriver Arraigned More Than Two Years After Wrong-Way Chase
1/16/14 - A trial date has been set for the Lansing man suspected of leading police on a wrong way chase along I-96 in 2011. 21-year-old Juwan Williams was charged with fleeing and eluding and resisting police after he deliberately tried to flee from State Police who had pulled the vehicle over on eastbound I-96 just past the Brighton exit on August 3rd of 2011. Police say Williams pushed the carâs driver out of the vehicle and then drove westbound in the eastbound lanes a short distance before crashing into a pickup truck driven by a Howell Township man. The truck rolled down an embankment, trapping the driver inside. He had to be extricated by firefighters and was hospitalized. Williams, who was also hospitalized after the crash, will be in court Friday for a pre-trial hearing. A February trial date is scheduled if no plea deal is reached. Although the charges were authorized in August of 2011, court records show Williams wasnât arrested and arraigned until November 27th of this year. The carâs original driver, who was pushed out by Williams, was cited for driving on a suspended license, while the two remaining passengers in the car were not charged. (JK)
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Alleged Beer Thief Wanted For Retail Fraud In HamburgAlleged Beer Thief Wanted For Retail Fraud In Hamburg
1/16/14 - Hamburg Police are asking for help tracking down a suspect in an alleged fraud incident late last month. According to Sergeant Megan Paul, the suspect parked his vehicle behind a retailer at Pettysville Junction on December 29th. She says he then went inside, opened a cooler near the exit, grabbed a six-pack of beer, and left the store when the clerks were busy. The crime is being investigated as a retail fraud, which is more serious than shoplifting in that it is considered a five-year felony. Security footage of the man has been released by the Hamburg Police, and anyone who can identify him is being asked to contact the department. Anyone with information is asked to call Sgt. Paul at (810) 231-9391, ext. 454 or email at mpaul@hamburg.mi.us. Information can also be texted anonymously to the Hamburg Police by texting the keyword âHTPDâ and your message to 847411. (TD)
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Drivers Testify to Fear in Opening Testimony of Casteel TrialDrivers Testify to Fear in Opening Testimony of Casteel Trial
1/15/14 - With a jury selected, the trial of the alleged I-96 shooter got underway with opening statements and witness testimony yesterday. 44-year-old Raulie Wayne Casteel faces several counts in Livingston County Circuit Court stemming from a string of shootings along the I-96 corridor in October of 2012. Among his charges are terrorism, assault with intent to murder, and weapons charges. Gregory Townsend from the Michigan Attorney General's Office pointed out in his opening statement that a charge of terrorism requires an act that is intended to coerce or intimidate a civilian population or governmental unit. He argues the impact of the shootings met this criteria by causing residents to change their driving routes out of fear and causing law enforcement agencies to set aside jurisdictional boundaries to form a multi-government task force. Defense attorney Charlie Groh argued that the evidence would show that Casteel had no specific intent to terrorize, and that the assault with intent to murder charge is inappropriate because he did not even intend to kill anyone. He claims Casteel was instead trying to chase off âdemons in his mind,â brought about when other drivers aggravated his preexisting delusions. Groh spent most of his opening argument claiming that Casteel was not in a sound state of mind. He said Casteel firmly believed that his friends and family were conspiring to make sure he remained unemployed, that he believed other people could read his mind, and that he blamed malicious satellites for various problems including his wife's miscarriage and the death of a family cat. Judge David Reader has prohibited Groh from introducing testimony as to the mental state of his client. The prosecution called several witnesses yesterday, including three alleged victims of the shootings, two police officers, and a mechanic who examined one of the vehicles after it had been shot. Testimony continues today. (TD)
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Driveway Project Leads to Sewage Spill in Tyrone TownshipDriveway Project Leads to Sewage Spill in Tyrone Township
1/16/14 - A sewer-pipe coupling that was stressed during a driveway relocation project resulted in a sewage leak in Tyrone Township. According to officials with the Livingston County Drain Commissionerâs Office, the leak happened on Tuesday morning at a home on Carmer Road, just east of Runyan Lake. Apparently about 500 gallons of household sewage leaked out after a sewer line connection came loose when fill material used to raise the grade of a driveway project exceeded the weight tolerances of the line. Officials say while they knew the driveway was to be relocated and that the sewage line was properly identified, they had not been informed by the contractor or homeowner that the grade of the landscape would be increased and additional fill material used. County health officials have been notified of the leak, which will also be reported to state health officials. However, the broken coupling has been repaired and the contents of the spill were quickly removed and never got closer than 100 feet to Runyan Lake. (JK)
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More Design Input Sought for New Welcoming Signs in HowellMore Design Input Sought for New Welcoming Signs in Howell
1/16/14 - The process of installing new welcoming signs in the City of Howell is moving along. City Council met Monday night and discussed quotes to produce and install new âWelcome to Howellâ signs; potentially incorporating a recently developed brand design. Council determined additional input would be appropriate before proceeding with any formal design from the Downtown Development Authority and Main Street Design Committee. The cost of the signage will be funded through contributions from the City and the Howell DDA. The new signs are expected to be installed at entrances to the City at North and South Michigan Avenue as well as East and West Grand River. (JM)
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