1/16/14 - Police say the death of a Genoa Township Veteran discovered on a four-wheeler Wednesday afternoon does not appear to be suspicious. 69-year-old Charles Gilmore was found hunched over an ATV on his property at Fisk Road and Beagle Run Court by a passerby, who called 911 before attempting to revive him but Gilmore was pronounced dead at the scene. Michigan State Police at the Brighton Post confirmed Gilmoreâs identity and tell WHMI his death does not appear suspicious and possible that he suffered from a medical-related emergency. An official cause of death remains under investigation and an autopsy was to be conducted today in Lansing. Gilmore is described as a proud Veteran of the U.S. Army who worked as a self-employed foundation contractor and heavy equipment operator. He is said to have loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter, fisherman and golfer. Gilmore is survived by his wife, four children and four grandchildren. Funeral arrangements and visitation is being handled by MacDonald's Funeral Home in Howell. Memorial contributions are being suggested to the Salvation Army, Delta Water Fowl or the Wounded Warrior Project. (JM)
Death of Local Veteran Found on ATV Likely Medical-Related Death of Local Veteran Found on ATV Likely Medical-Related
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County Health Department Director Ted Westmeier to Retire County Health Department Director Ted Westmeier to Retire
1/16/14 - After decades of service to Livingston County, Health Officer Ted Westmeier is retiring from the Department of Public Health effective January 31st. Westmeier has been with the County for 20 years, although not all continuous. He tells WHMI the timing was just right as his wife of more than 40 years retired about a year ago, so theyâre looking forward to doing some traveling. Westmeier says it's been a great experience and he's pleased to be leaving it in good hands. A transition plan was presented to the Livingston County Board of Commissioners in November, with Dianne McCormick assuming the Director role of the Department of Public Health. Elaine Brown will retain her role as Director of Personal Preventative Health Services but will also be appointed a Deputy Health Officer. Additionally, Matt Bolang will become the Director of Environmental Health for the department, a position previously held by McCormick. Commission Chairwoman Carol Griffith says the board wishes Ted their sincere gratitude for his many years of leadership and dedicated service and wish Dianne continued success in her new position. (JM)
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LACASA Offers Three Multi-Week Parenting Classes LACASA Offers Three Multi-Week Parenting Classes
1/17/14 - Several parenting workshop classes are being offered by LACASA starting in January and February. Registration is now open for three programs aimed at helping parents improve their communication skills, set boundaries for their children, and strengthen their families. The Fathers-Only Parenting Program is an eight-week course beginning January 29th that will focus on helping fathers, stepfathers, and male role models maintain healthy relationships with their children. Then, on February 4th, LACASA will begin the 12-week Strengthening Families program, which is meant to help parents of children between the ages of 3 and 11 manage stress and solve problems that arise with that age group. Both of those classes cost $100 to participate, which covers the whole family in the young child program. Finally, on February 19th, the seven-week Creating Lasting Family Connections program will begin. This free program aimed at the parents of teenagers focuses on how to enforce healthy consequences, avoid power struggles, and spot the changes in a childâs behavior that might indicate drug abuse. For more information on any of these programs, follow the link posted below. (TD)
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Board Votes to Buy Old Pinckney Library for New Senior Center Board Votes to Buy Old Pinckney Library for New Senior Center
1/17/14 - Senior citizens in Putnam Township will eventually have a new building to call home following this past Wednesdayâs board meeting. The township put forth an offer of $185,000 for the building on Mower Road, which was then countered by the library board with an offer of $189,900. That offered was accepted unanimously by members at Wednesday nightâs meeting, and officials will now be working to close on the property before determining what renovations are needed. Some board members and others in the audience commented about the need for a new center, and that purchasing the building was necessary to support one of the fastest growing populations. It was further noted that with steadily increasing fund equity, the purchase was a good way to give back. The old senior center is well used and houses frequent activities but only has a current capacity of 43, which will be expanded to 200 with the new building that's roughly three times the size. Repairs need to be made to the building but must first be identified and approved. A preliminary estimate of between $25,000 to $35,000 has been mentioned but nothing concrete. A number of members stressed they felt everything should be done at once instead of piece meal and getting ânickeled and dimedâ with maintenance problems later. After everything is complete, Supervisor Ron Rau says theyâll move the senior citizens in and celebrate with a ribbon cutting and grand opening. (JM)
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Services Set This Weekend for Former Supreme Court JudgeServices Set This Weekend for Former Supreme Court Judge
1/17/14 - A former Michigan Supreme Court justice who lived in Howell will be laid to rest this weekend. 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. Visitation will be held at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home in Milford on Saturday from 2-8pm, with services set for Sunday at Milford Presbyterian Church at 1pm. Burial will follow at the Commerce Memorial Cemetery. Boyle resigned a lifetime appointment as a federal judge in 1983 to become a Michigan Supreme Court justice, a post she held for 15 years until retiring at the end of 1998. Boyle is a member of the Michigan Womenâs Hall of Fame and as a Wayne County Prosecutor and member of the Michigan Womenâs Task Force on Rape, 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. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking memorials be made in Boyleâs name to Neighborhood Legal Services of Michigan in Detroit.
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Witness Names Casteel As Shooter In Second Day Of TrialWitness Names Casteel As Shooter In Second Day Of Trial
1/17/14 - More testimony for the prosecution was heard in the case of Raulie Wayne Casteel yesterday after a bit of a delayed start. Despite being scheduled to start at 12:00 noon, the trial was delayed until about 1:00 due to slippery conditions on the roads. The charges against 44-year-old Casteel include terrorism, assault with intent to murder, and weapons charges for allegedly shooting at almost two dozen cars along the I-96 corridor in October of 2012. Despite their decision not to take an insanity defense, lawyers representing Casteel have touted his mental issues and troubled thoughts as causes for his actions. Yesterday's testimony was similar to that heard on Wednesday, featuring law enforcement officials and alleged victims of the shootings recounting their experiences for the court. Unique among them was Loriann Arthur, who actually saw Casteel during an incident in which she says her vehicle was fired upon. She says she saw Casteel smiling or laughing as he traveled in the other direction on M-52 at the same time she heard a loud bang. She told the court she felt blessed to be alive, since she does not believe it is possible to reliably aim at the speeds they were traveling. In addition to alleged victims, yesterday's testimony included representatives from the FBI, Michigan State Police, Oakland County Sheriff's Office, and Wixom Police Department who worked on the case and took part in the task force to find the shooter. The trial will not continue on Friday so Judge David Reader can see to his other duties, and Monday is a court holiday, so testimony will resume Tuesday morning. (TD)
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Snyder Touts "Comeback State" But No Specifics on SurplusSnyder Touts "Comeback State" But No Specifics on Surplus
1/17/14 - Local Democrats and Republicans are responding to Michigan Governor Rick Snyderâs annual State of the State address last night. Snyder hammered hard at his description of Michigan as the "comeback state,â telling legislators the stateâs economy has come a long way. Trotting out a list of economic statistics, Snyder says Michigan's auto industry has doubled output since 2009 and is at the highest level since 2005. Kate Murphy, a member of the Livingston County Democratic Party Executive Committee, found that particular piece of the speech highly ironic. "What he didn't acknowledge is that the reason the auto industry is doing so well is because of the auto bailout that was orchestrated by President Obama and Joe Biden...I also was disappointed that he didn't connect the dots with the Right-to-Work legislation that he signed into law last year. No mention of the effect that's had on the labor force and working class people." Not surprisingly, State Senator Joe Hune, a Hamburg Township Republican, saw things differently, telling WHMI there were many things the governor touched upon he felt were right on target. "One of which I think I'm most excited about is talking about the likelihood that we will get some type of tax relief for the average, ordinary, hard-working taxpayer in Michigan. We've got a budget surplus that we're looking at in Michigan and looking forward to giving that back to taxpayers...I think that's my number one priority." Snyder said he wants to avoid "playing politics" with Michigan's projected $1.3 billion budget surplus over the next two fiscal years, wanting to use it for a combination of spending on long-term needs like retirement funding and a rainy day fund as well as tax relief for working residents.(JK)
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No Phone or Internet Service at Some Hartland School BuildingsNo Phone or Internet Service at Some Hartland School Buildings
1/17/14 - Some buildings within the Hartland Consolidated Schools district are without phone and internet service today. There is currently no service at Farms Intermediate, Lakes Elementary, and the Hartland Educational Support Service Center on M-59; which houses the districtâs administrative offices, along with community education and the senior center. Service was lost this afternoon and there is no timeline for repairs. Officials say until further notice, parents and others wishing to contact any of those buildings should call the main line at Hartland High School, 810-626-2200, and messages will be forwarded along appropriately. (JM)
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Fenton City Tables Ordinance To Allow Therapy AnimalsFenton City Tables Ordinance To Allow Therapy Animals
1/17/14 - An ordinance to allow therapy animals to be kept as service animals in the City of Fenton, created for the sake of a pig, has been tabled by the city council. The city has been working on the amendment to accommodate a local family that keeps a pot-bellied pig named Eli as a therapy animal for their daughter. According to the Tri County Times, the amendment was tabled at last weekâs meeting of the city council. Its content and language were chosen to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. However, some representatives from Legal Services of Eastern Michigan were at the meetings, and they advised the board that they felt the amendment did not meet all the requirements of the Fair Housing Act. They believed as it is written now, the amendment could open the city up to litigation. The amendment was tabled until the disparity between the requirements of the two standards could be settled. (TD)
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Council Weighs Ordinance to Allow 45 Homes at Old Lindbom SiteCouncil Weighs Ordinance to Allow 45 Homes at Old Lindbom Site
1/17/14 - The Brighton City Council Thursday night approved a first reading of an amendment to the zoning ordinance to allow for a planned unit development on the property of the former Lindbom School. Robertson Brothers of Bloomfield Hills wants to build about 45 single-family homes on the site. The elementary school on Sixth Street was closed a few years ago due to declining enrollment. City Manager Dana Foster tells WHMI that the zoning amendment will permit a greater density than normally allowable in a residential district and allow the project to proceed. Robertson plans to clear the 10.48-acre Lindbom site on Brightonâs northwest side and build 45 single-family homes. However in order to do that, the company needs approval from the city for the higher density, as well as site approval. The Brighton school district stands to make about $1 million from the sale after costs such as clearing the site are deducted from the sale price of $1.45 million. A second reading of the zoning amendment will be on the agenda for the next council meeting on February 6th. (TT)
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South Lyon City Council to Discuss Hiring Process for New ManagerSouth Lyon City Council to Discuss Hiring Process for New Manager
1/17/14 - The South Lyon City Council will host a special meeting this weekend to discuss the process of hiring a new manager amid community contention and a recall effort. Council voted to fire City Manager David Murphy last fall in a surprise 4-3 vote, which generated a strong response both on the board and among residents. Murphy resides in Brighton Township, where he was formerly employed as manager until being hired by the City in June of 2008. No specific reasons were given for the termination but Mayor Tedd Wallace earlier told WHMI that it was a business decision, and time to move in a different direction. Frustration led resident Rich Perry and others to form the Facebook page âA New South Lyonâ and a subsequent recall effort to remove members Beverly Dixson, Erin Kopkowski and Joe Ryzyi from office for their votes to oust Murphy. Wallace was targeted but election laws prohibit recalling someone within six months of being elected, and he was elected last November. In the meantime, Council is moving ahead with finding a replacement and appointed the Cityâs former manager Rod Cook to serve in the interim. It has since hired a consultant with the Michigan Municipal League to assist in the hiring process, which will be further discussed at this Saturdayâs special meeting. Itâs open to the public and starts at 11am at the South Lyon City Hall located at 335 South Warren Street. (JM)
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City of Brighton Weighs In on I-96/US-23 Interchange ProjectCity of Brighton Weighs In on I-96/US-23 Interchange Project
1/17/14 - Later this year, the Michigan Department of Transportation will embark on a project to completely reconfigure and re-engineer the I-96/US-23 interchange in Brighton. Itâs a major project, and is sure to cause major headaches for area drivers, particularly commuters who use the freeways on a daily basis. In order to facilitate the work, the Spencer Road exit of I-96 in Brighton Township â just outside the city limits of Brighton âis scheduled to be closed for 45 days to allow for bridge reconstruction. Currently, MDOT plans to close the I-96 entrance and exit ramps at Spencer Road beginning in mid-July. MDOT has indicated to Brighton city officials that it would consider any reasonable requests from the city in regard to the project. At Thursday nightâs City Council meeting, council directed City Manager Dana Foster to submit the cityâs recommendations to MDOT. Foster tells WHMI that the city would like MDOT to keep the eastbound ramp open, at least to cars. The city also would prefer that MDOT wait until after the Smokinâ Jazz and Blues Festival, which takes places on Sept. 5 and 6, to start the Spencer Road overpass project. Foster adds that Brighton has a long history of cooperation with MDOT and he feels the agency will give the cityâs request serious consideration. In the event that the state cannot comply due to tight construction schedules, Foster says the city will tell MDOT it would be helpful if the state adheres to its scheduled date for closure of the Spencer Road exit. He says if that happens, the bridge should be done by the time the festival takes place. A copy of the letter City Council directed Foster to send to M-DOT is attached below, which includes the City Engineer's related report. (TT)
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Champion Horse From Cohoctah Chosen Model for BreyerFestChampion Horse From Cohoctah Chosen Model for BreyerFest
1/18/14 - A champion horse from Livingston County has been chosen as a model for this summer's 25th annual BreyerFest in Lexington, Ky. Paddyngton's Mark of Distinction, known simply as Marcus, will be at the festival held in mid-July. BreyerFest is a family event that includes a horse fair and model horse activities. The pinto American saddlebred horse is owned by Holly Armstrong, who owns Meadow Reflections Farm on Cohoctah Road in Cohoctah Township. She bought the horse about two years ago when it was a 3-year-old. Marcus has won over 50 world and national titles in Parade divisions and on the Pinto show circuit, including two world titles last year at the Ohio State Fair. (JM)
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Woody Set for Groundhog Day Celebration at Howell Nature CenterWoody Set for Groundhog Day Celebration at Howell Nature Center
Livingston Countyâs favorite furry lady is preparing to deliver her annual long-range weather forecast for an early spring or more of the same. Woody, Michigan's Official Groundhog, who resides at the Howell Conference & Nature Center, will make her annual prediction on Sunday, February 2nd. This marks her 16th prediction and Woody's career began in 1999 with an accurate prediction of a late spring. Officials say Woody's prognostications have been correct eleven times out of fifteen, a record they maintain vastly surpasses Punxutawney Phil's 39% accuracy rate as recorded on the Stormfax weather Almanac. They acknowledged a rare misstep in 2013, when Woody forecast an early spring, which prompted an apology from the Michigan mammal. As for the Groundhog Day agenda; the celebration begins at 7:45am and whether wind, rain, sleet, snow or sunshine - Woody's verdict will be pronounced at 8:15am sharp. The Nature Center's celebration of the changing seasons includes a crazy costume contest for kids who dress up in costumes representing their hopes for an early spring or in favor of six more weeks of winter. The child with the most outrageous outfit will receive a free week at summer camp. A free family activity titled, "Here Comes the Sun!" will follow a 9am pancake breakfast. The celebration of light will include activities such as candle making, vacation planning, and preparations for the season leading up to Easter. Complete information can be found in the link below. (JM)
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Service Restored Following Break in Fiber Optic Line in HartlandService Restored Following Break in Fiber Optic Line in Hartland
1/18/14 - Phone and internet service has been restored to three buildings within the Hartland Consolidated Schools district following a break in a fiber-optic line. Service was interrupted Friday afternoon after a break occurred in a fiber link near a restaurant in the area of M-59, east of US-23. The break resulted in the loss of phone and internet service at Lakes Elementary, Farms Intermediate and the Hartland Educational Support Service Center, which houses the districtâs administrative offices, community education and the senior center. District officials report that its fiber repair crew was successful at re-splicing the broken fiber link, without having to re-run about 1,000 feet of fiber cable and apologized for any inconvenience. They say testing is complete and service was restored late Friday evening. (JM)
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Leftover Bond Monies to Fund Maintenance Projects in PinckneyLeftover Bond Monies to Fund Maintenance Projects in Pinckney
1/18/14 - Some new bond money expenditures were reviewed by the Pinckney Board of Education at its first meeting of the year earlier this month. Voters approved $59 million worth of bonds for the district in 2010, which has gone to pay for projects including the new football stadium for Pinckney High School. Superintendent Rick Todd says there is more of that money left over than expected thanks to a few projects that came in under budget. Todd says about $6.5 million remains of the bond money, most of which will be spent this year on maintenance projects. These include repairs to things like roofs, parking lots, water heaters, and the high school gym floor. After these expenses, Todd says about $1.6 million should be left over. Because the district is in deficit with no fund balance, and there is no time frame in which that money must be spent, Todd says the district will probably hold onto it until major repairs or replacements are needed in the district. Some of the money has also been set aside to replace the turf in the football stadium when it is expected to wear out in 2022. (TD)
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Influenza Still Causing Severe Illness; Officials Stress VaccinationInfluenza Still Causing Severe Illness; Officials Stress Vaccination
1/18/14 - Public health officials say influenza is still causing severe illness throughout Livingston County and continue to stress the importance of getting vaccinated. The Livingston County Department of Public Health says it continues to see a spike in lab-confirmed cases - many requiring hospitalization. Estimated flu activity in Michigan has been upgraded from âregionalâ to the highest level of âwidespreadâ activity to reflect the increase in cases. The majority continue to be H1N1 influenza, which was the deadly strain behind the 2009 pandemic. The local health department is strongly encouraging everyone over the age of six months to seek the seasonal flu vaccine if they havenât already, noting that itâs readily available throughout the County. As of Friday, there were 105 lab-confirmed cases this flu season in Livingston County - all of which tested positive for influenza A, including H1N1. Individuals range in age from 1 to 88 years old, with an average age of 42. The 27 cases that required hospitalization ranged in age from 23 to 88, with an average age of 60. Additional information about the increase in local cases, the flu vaccine and prevention recommendations can be found in the press release below. (JM)
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Nominees Sought For Annual United Way RecognitionsNominees Sought For Annual United Way Recognitions
1/19/14 - The Livingston County United Way is again accepting nominations for key community volunteers. Every year the non-profit accepts nominations for the âCharles W. Itsell Volunteer of the Yearâ, the âDonald Epley Lifetime Community Service Awardâ, the âYoung Person of Distinction Awardâ, the âYouth Organization of the Yearâ and the âRandy Rudisill Memorial Business-of-the-Year Award.â Recipients will be announced at the United Wayâs volunteer recognition breakfast in March. Nomination forms are due by January 24th and may be found by visiting the United Way website. A committee of past award recipients will then convene to determine this yearâs recipients. (JK)
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Chelsea Community Hospital Breaks Ground On Cancer CenterChelsea Community Hospital Breaks Ground On Cancer Center
1/19/14 - Ground was broken on a new cancer center for the Chelsea Community Hospital last week. A ceremony to dedicate the new facility was held on Thursday. According to the Chelsea Standard, some guests were delayed by the weather, but the speakers said this only highlighted the need for improved cancer treatment options to be located near residents. The hospital expanded its cancer services to include infusion and chemotherapy in 2010. The new facility will nearly double the hospitalâs capacity for those services, as well as install a linear accelerator and CT stimulator for radiation treatment. The 15,000-square-foot cancer center is being built with the help of a $6 million fundraising campaign. It is expected to be finished by the end of the year. (TD)
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North American International Auto Show Underway in Motor City North American International Auto Show Underway in Motor City
1/19/14 - A locally-based automotive analyst says the 2014 North American International Auto Show in the Motor City is back with an amazing feel. The show opened to the public this weekend and the next generation of transportation is the experience this year. More than 500 vehicles are on display, with more than two-dozen world debuts. This is the first appearance of the 2015 Ford Mustang and two new versions of the Corvette Stingray including a race car are expected to be big draws. Joe Rohatynski of Howell represents several automotive suppliers with operations in Michigan and also coordinates publicity for the auto show. He says the show floor is comparable to walking through a mini Times Square with new exhibits, design and architecture. An earlier deal was signed to keep the show at Cobo Center, which Rohatynski tells WHMI has undergone an expansion and gained a new addition since last year. For any Livingston County residents heading to the show, Rohatynski advises against trying to park at Cobo, saying the city is extremely short on parking around the convention center. However, he says itâs an easy trip and a short taxi ride from the Greektown or New Center area with the People Mover also running continuously. The auto show runs through January 26th and details can be found in the link below. (JM)
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