1/24/14 - Federal charges are now pending against a man charged with several armed robberies, including a botched attempt to rob a Fenton grocery last month. 23-year-old Ervin Dale Allen of Flint is facing multiple armed robbery charges in Genesee County, and is now awaiting federal charges. In the early morning hours of December 14th, police say he produced a pistol and demanded money from a clerk at the One Stop Food Store on North LeRoy Street in Fenton. According to the Tri County Times, police say Allen then jumped over the counter to threaten the clerk, but the employee was unable to open the cash drawer. When a motorist pulled up to the business and began to walk inside, Allen reportedly fled the scene. The incident was tied to several armed robberies in Grand Blanc and Davison, and federal authorities were called in to help with the case when investigators came to believe that the crimes were growing more violent over time. He is now in custody at the Genesee County Jail, and Attorney General Bill Schuette is seeking federal charges. (TD)
Suspect In Botched Fenton Robbery To Face Federal ChargesSuspect In Botched Fenton Robbery To Face Federal Charges
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Brighton Man Who Pleaded Guilty To Flashing Gets Jail TimeBrighton Man Who Pleaded Guilty To Flashing Gets Jail Time
1/24/14 - A Brighton man accused of exposing himself to a gas station clerk has been sentenced to jail time. 23-year-old Robert Matthew Iafano pleaded guilty to one count of indecent exposure in 53rd District Court in December. He was sentenced to a year in the Livingston County Jail on Wednesday. It was not his first guilty plea to indecent exposure, having previously pleaded to charges stemming from an incident at the Brighton Mall in June and another incident involving a 14-year-old girl in the Brighton District Library in August. In that case he was sentenced to 15 days in jail with credit for 1 day already served. His probation in that case included conditions such as weekly sex offender therapy, no drugs or alcohol, and no entering libraries. (TD)
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Pinckney Will Not Restructure Grade Schools With Lakeland ClosingPinckney Will Not Restructure Grade Schools With Lakeland Closing
1/24/14 - There will be no change to the grade structure of the remaining elementary schools in Pinckney when Lakeland Elementary closes. Superintendent Rick Todd discussed the decision at the school boardâs regular meeting last night. The board voted to close Lakeland in November, making it the third building in the district to be shut down in recent years. Hamburg Elementary and Pinckney Elementary were also closed and put up for sale to cope with the districtâs dwindling revenue and shrinking student body. With that decision the district considered shifting the two remaining elementary schools in the district, making one a preschool-through-first-grade building and devoting the other one to grades two and three. Todd says this would save on some faculty costs, but he has received feedback from staff and parents who were all against this option. Ultimately, it was decided to keep have both buildings teach kindergarten through third grade. Todd says there were several logistical problems keeping them from changing the current setup, including transportation concerns in the large district, difficulty in transitioning students during the closing, and a desire to maintain the trust and goodwill of the community. Pinckney Elementary remains for sale, while an offer has already been accepted by the district for the sale of Hamburg Elementary. (TD)
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Pinckney's Head Varsity Football Coach Hospitalized After Crash Pinckney's Head Varsity Football Coach Hospitalized After Crash
1/24/14 - A local teacher and head football coach sustained serious injuries in an accident involving multiple vehicles Thursday. Deputies with the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department were called out at approximately 4:45pm Thursday to the crash on D-19, south of Keddle Road in Marion Township. Pinckneyâs head varsity football coach and high school Chemistry teacher, 31-year-old Jakob Gailitis of Howell, was traveling northbound on D-19 when the accident happened. Undersheriff Mike Murphy tells WHMI he had failed to stop for slowing traffic and struck a vehicle, which sent his vehicle into the southbound lane where he consequently struck another vehicle head-on. As he lost control, Murphy says he ended up hitting a fourth vehicle. Murphy says he was hospitalized with pretty significant injuries and had to be extricated from the vehicle because his leg was entrapped. Pinckneyâs Athletic Director Ted Bradley says Gailitis sustained injuries to his pelvis and dislocated hips but is healing and doing well. A University of Michigan Hospital spokeswoman told WHMI that he was listed in fair condition as of late Friday afternoon. The Sheriff's Department was assisted at the scene by Livingston County EMS and the Howell Area Fire Department. (JM)
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Howell High To Host High-Profile Speaker For Teens, ParentsHowell High To Host High-Profile Speaker For Teens, Parents
1/25/14 - Two programs are coming to Howell High School this month aiming to help students make good decisions and improve communication between them and their parents. The programs are being offered by Jim Tuman, a speaker who has addressed more than 1,300 schools and 2,000,000 individuals over the past 30 years. The first program, called âThe Best Things in Life Arenât Free,â is aimed at students and will focus on self-esteem, peer pressure, bullying, and empathy. It will also encourage leadership and compassion in a school culture. The other presentation, entitled âTaking the Fear Out of Parenting,â is designed to improve communication between parents and their teens as well as address common frustrations in parenting. The student program will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday January 28th and 29th at the high school auditorium, while the parenting class will take place that Wednesday at 7pm. (TD)
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Brighton Chamber & St. Joes Partner for "Go Red for Women" Event Brighton Chamber & St. Joes Partner for "Go Red for Women" Event
1/25/14 - Livingston County residents are being invited to go red and join in the fight to raise awareness about womenâs heart health. The American Heart Association says heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States, claiming more lives than all forms of cancer combined. The 11th annual National Wear Red Day is February 7th, with the goal of raising awareness about womenâs heart health through education to prevent and eventually end heart disease. As part of the Go Red for Women movement this year, the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce is partnering with St. Joseph Mercy Health System for an event February 13th. The Go Red for Women event is open to the public and will be held at Oak Pointe Country Club on Thursday, February 13th from 11:30am until 1:30pm featuring a heart healthy lunch and break-out sessions. For more information or to RSVP, contact the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce at 810-227-5086. (JM)
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Governor Visits Local Troopers Who Saved Dog In Subzero TempsGovernor Visits Local Troopers Who Saved Dog In Subzero Temps
1/25/14 - Two local Michigan State Troopers were honored by Governor Rick Snyder for braving frigid weather to save a pet dog that had run off after a crash. At about 11:20pm on January 6th, Trooper Anthony Young from the MSP Brighton Post was dispatched to the site of a single-vehicle crash on I-94 in Washtenaw County. The vehicle had been driven by a 24-year-old woman who had lost control and struck the median wall. The only other occupant was her dog, Seamus. Young arrived at the scene to assist the woman, who was not injured, but it was determined that her vehicle needed to be towed. When the tow truck arrived and opened the door to the vehicle, Seamus ran out of the car, crossed the freeway, and disappeared into the woods. The temperature at the time was negative 16, and the wind chill was 40 below. Trooper Patrick Gallagher arrived to set up a perimeter while Trooper Young and the woman searched the woods. The pair was eventually able to find and recover Seamus. The woman wrote a letter of gratitude to MSP Colonel Kriste Etue, who passed the story on to Governor Snyder. On January 21, Governor Snyder visited Young and Gallagher to thank them for their service in such adverse conditions. (TD)
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Brighton Man Pleads Guilty to Fatal Motorcycle Crash Brighton Man Pleads Guilty to Fatal Motorcycle Crash
1/25/14 - A Brighton man has entered a plea in connection with a fatal motorcycle crash. 26-year-old Nicholas Nathan Gross of Brighton pleaded guilty as charged in court Friday to operating under the influence causing death in exchange for prosecutors recommending a cap on his minimum sentence. Police say Gross was driving a 2003 Harley-Davidson northbound on Flint Road in the early morning hours of September 7th when he failed to negotiate a curve and crashed south of Hilton Road in Brighton Township. 26-year-old Amanda Schlarb, who was a passenger, was killed in the crash. While neither Gross nor Schlarb were wearing helmets, police say speed and alcohol were contributing factors in the crash. Gross, who was seriously injured in the crash, reportedly had a blood alcohol content of .10%, exceeding the stateâs .08% limit. Heâll be sentenced in Livingston County Circuit Court March 20th. (JM)
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Reunion Plans To Invite Back Everyone Who Has Lived In BrightonReunion Plans To Invite Back Everyone Who Has Lived In Brighton
1/26/14 - The City of Brighton is calling on everyone who has ever lived, worked, or attended school there to come back and celebrate the community at a reunion this summer. The first annual âcommunity reunionâ is planned to take place from July 18th to the 20th. Organizer Beverley Barton says the idea came about after she and a classmate organized an âall-classâ reunion for Brighton High School last year. She says the event was only advertised for about a month, but received a large turnout of 3-400 people. She hopes the new event this summer, aimed at everyone who has ever called Brighton home, will bring a couple thousand people into the area. Organizers are putting together dances, historical tours of the city, and baseball and football games around the city for the event. They are also encouraging residents to schedule their own class and family reunions to take place over that weekend. The community reunion is planned to be an annual event, and the cityâs chamber of commerce is already planning to set aside every third weekend in July for it. Barton says a similar sort of event was held in the city in the late 19th century. Although it was called a âhomecoming,â it involved all former residents of the city returning to celebrate their shared heritage. The Brighton Community Reunion is in need of sponsors and volunteers. For more information, follow the link below or email brightoncore@gmail.com. (TD)
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Residents in Need Urged to Attend 7th Annual Community Connect Residents in Need Urged to Attend 7th Annual Community Connect
1/26/14 - A one-day event will once again seek to help residents in need find helpful services. The Livingston County United Way and the Homeless Continuum of Care will host the 7th annual Community Connect from 9am to 2pm on Saturday, February 1st at Parker Middle School. Community Connect helps individuals and families in need connect with local organizations to access information and services, including housing assistance, health screenings, legal consultation, food services, haircuts, clothing, and other personal need items. Lunch and on-site, professional childcare are also provided at no cost to participants. Over 50 organizations will be represented with close to 1,000 guests expected to turn out and take advantage of the programs and services being highlighted with the assistance of 400 area volunteers. For more information call 2-1-1, the Livingston County United Wayâs free helpline. Parker Middle School is located at 400 Wright Road, Howell. To volunteer, contact Donna Gehringer at; dgehringer@lcunitedway.org
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Suspect in Knife Threat Enters PleaSuspect in Knife Threat Enters Plea
1/27/14 - A Fowlerville man will be sentenced early next month for pulling a knife on four churchgoers who confronted him about an alleged fraud. 24-year-old Craig Wampler was charged with four counts of felonious assault after police say he threatened four people from Fowlervilleâs United Brethren in Christ Church. He entered a guilty plea to one of the charges in exchange for the other three being dismissed by prosecutors. Heâll be sentenced in Livingston County Circuit Court February 6th. Police say four people from the church went to Wamplerâs home on September 20th to confront him about allegedly lying about his girlfriendâs pregnancy in order to receive donations. He was accused of threatening them with a knife and the victims said they feared for their safety. No one involved was injured.
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Pinckney Schools Recreation Millage Headed to May BallotPinckney Schools Recreation Millage Headed to May Ballot
1/27/14 - Voters in the Pinckney School District will be asked to approve a new millage this spring to pay for the district's public facilities. On Thursday, the Board of Education approved the final language for the millage, which will go before voters on May 6th. It will seek point-three mills for five years on all properties in the district. The tax is being called a 'recreational millage,' and will go to pay for the maintenance and operation of facilities including the public swimming pool, ball fields, tennis courts, playgrounds, and football fields, which are otherwise offered to the public free of charge. Superintendent Rick Todd says the money for those facilities currently comes from the district's general fund, which is intended for instruction. He adds that as a deficit district, Pinckney is having difficulty maintaining the level of funding needed to keep those services operating at the current level. The millage would supply the district with an estimated $312,000 every year. (TD)
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Deal On Tap For Secondary Use Advertising in BarsDeal On Tap For Secondary Use Advertising in Bars
1/27/14 - A compromise could be brewing when it comes to the legislative battle over secondary use items in bars and restaurants. Anything with advertising on it that has a use beyond just advertising, such as a glass or napkin is considered a secondary use item, and current practice prohibits those from being used in certain establishments. Senate Bill 505, introduced by Senator Joe Hune of Hamburg Township last year, would take that rule and codify it into law. Restaurants oppose the legislation, which they see as an unnecessary obstacle to their operations. But smaller craft brewers and the Michigan Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association are in favor of the plan because they say the proposals stop larger brewers from using items with their logos as leverage to win a greater presence in restaurants and bars. It's garnered public attention and changes now call for the purchase of glassware only. However, two substitutes have been put forward in the House Regulatory Reform Committee that go even further, including one by State Representative Cindy Denby of Handy Township. Scott Ellis with the Michigan Licensed Beverage Association says the substitute proposed by Representative Denby is least restrictive and most preferred. He tells WHMI they're hoping for an agreement on the brewer expansion bills to ultimately allow restaurants and business owners to choose what they use and how they market in their establishment. Hune says while SB 505 has received the most attention, despite his opinion that it's a benign issue, it's really part of a much larger package of economic development legislation to expand the craft brewing industry and grow the state economy. The secondary use bill is tie-bared to all of the other productive brewers bill and Hune says thereâs been a bit of a battle with some groups but overall, negotiations continue over proposals to make some changes and he's hoping to come to some form of compromise sooner than later. (JM/JK)
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CAP Council Launches "Check the Box" Campaign This Tax Season CAP Council Launches "Check the Box" Campaign This Tax Season
1/27/14 - Area residents are encouraged to make a donation this tax season that will increase the funds available to help prevent local child abuse and neglect. LACASAâs Child Abuse Prevention or CAP Council is a designated local council of the Michigan Childrenâs Trust Fund, which provides grant funding to support programs aimed at protecting children in Livingston County, as well as other local councils across the state. The LACASA Center has launched a Check the Box campaign and asks county residents to check line 6 on Form 4642 on Michigan 2013 income tax returns to contribute. All increases in tax check-off revenues to the Childrenâs Trust Fund from local residents will be added to the CAP Councilâs next grant, which Director Deanna Norris says will strengthen their capacity to serve children in Livingston County. The funds donated from each county will be tracked this year and next, and increases in donations over previous years will be used to calculate increases in funding for each county during the next grant cycle. All 2013 donations to the Childrenâs Trust Fund are deductible on next yearâs federal tax returns. (JM)
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Howell Boy's Hunch Helps Save Elderly NeighborHowell Boy's Hunch Helps Save Elderly Neighbor
1/27/14 - A 10-year-old Howell boy is being hailed as a hero after his persistence led to the discovery of an elderly neighbor who nearly froze to death over the weekend. The 80-year-old woman, who is a resident of the Nelsonâs Ridge condominium complex near downtown Howell, fell in her garage Saturday and was unable to get up. A neighbor, 10-year-old Danny DiPietro, drove by the home with his father and thought he saw a dog in the garage. With the sub-zero temperatures, he felt something might be wrong, and finally convinced his mother to check into it. Dawn DiPietro says she began walking their dog toward the home and quickly realized it was a person lying on the ground. She ran home, called 911 and had her husband and son return to cover the woman in blankets and get her back into her house to warm up until an ambulance arrived. She tells WHMI that she's so proud her son didn't give up on his feeling that something just wasn't right. The victimâs daughter, Sandy Mitter, says Danny is a true hero and sheâs so glad he had the maturity to follow-up on his hunch that something was wrong. "If he didn't, she could have froze to death. I can't even imagine. We are so, so lucky." Mitter says her mother is recovering at St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital after being treated for hypothermia and dehydration. But she knows it could have been so much worse without Dannyâs instinct to make sure everything was okay. (JK)
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Man Charged in I-96 Shootings Testifies About "Past Delusions"Man Charged in I-96 Shootings Testifies About "Past Delusions"
1/27/14 - More than a year after his arrest for shooting at dozens of cars along and near the I-96 corridor, a Wixom man has told his version of events. 44-year-old Raulie Casteel faces charges including terrorism and assault with intent to murder in the case. The prosecution rested its case today after hearing from witnesses about the incidents and the law enforcement efforts to bring them to an end. Prosecutors claim the impact on the community and law enforcement justifies the charge of terrorism. Today the defense called Casteel himself to testify. He told the jury about his past, saying he had believed that there was a government conspiracy against him, that he was being monitored by cars and helicopters, and that advanced technology was being used to persecute his family. He said today that, with the help of medications, he now sees those beliefs to be paranoid and delusional. With regard to the shootings, he said he believed the cars involved were part of the conspiracy, and that he only intended to hit the vehicles rather than the occupants. He said he never wanted to hurt anyone or coerce the community or government. During cross examination, Casteel consented that he may have been shooting the cars to send a message to the government to back off. He finished his testimony this afternoon, and closing arguments will take place tomorrow. Meanwhile, he is set for sentencing in Oakland County on Thursday after reaching a plea deal there that would limit his jail time to 12 years. However, if heâs convicted on the charges in Livingston County, Casteel would face up to life in prison. (JK/TD)
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Below Zero Wind Chills Prompt School Closings Tuesday Below Zero Wind Chills Prompt School Closings Tuesday
1/27/14 - With the bitter cold temperatures settling in across Livingston County and brutal wind chills, a number of schools have canceled classes tomorrow. Subzero highs are expected to dominate into Tuesday and all five public schools districts in Livingston County will be closed. Youâll find an updated list of closings by clocking on the logo box above with the school bus. Anyone in need of a place to warm up is reminded that the 2|42 Community Church in Brighton and the Howell Carnegie District Library serve as local warming centers. (JM)
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Howell Superintendent Says Student Safety is First PriorityHowell Superintendent Says Student Safety is First Priority
1/28/14 - While kids love a day off, all of the snow days and frigid weather this season is upending routines with parents who are bringing kids to work or just staying home because schools are closed again. However, local districts say safety comes first. All public schools in Livingston County are closed today, with a complete list available by clicking on the link below. A letter to parents from Howell Superintendent Ron Wilson says when making the decision to cancel school, he is keenly aware parents need as much time as possible to make arrangements for childcare and otherwise. He says the most recent cancellation was the result of dangerously low temperatures but especially the wind chill factor, with the threshold usually being minus-20 degrees below zero. While subzero temperatures may only be an inconvenience for motorists, the conditions are extremely dangerous for children walking to school or standing at bus stops. He says transportation staff spends time driving the roads very early to determine if conditions will allow buses to safely transport students and often main roads are fine but back roads and subdivisions are treacherous. The Michigan Department of Education allows six Act of God days for weather-related school closures and anything beyond that usually requires makeup days. For the current year, Howell has already used five days at all schools except Parker and Hutchings, which have had six each. (JM)
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Howell Doctor Charged After DEA Raid Wants Case Dismissed Howell Doctor Charged After DEA Raid Wants Case Dismissed
1/28/14 - A Howell doctor is seeking to have the felony charges filed following a raid on his office by federal agents dismissed. Dr. Michael Holda, an orthopedic surgeon, is charged with six counts of delivery of a controlled substance and one count of possession of marijuana in Livingston County Circuit Court. A hearing is scheduled Thursday morning to hear a motion filed by the defense to quash the information and dismiss the charges. Previous testimony from undercover agents with the Drug Enforcement Agency who were acting as patients indicated Dr. Holda prescribed pain medications, including Xanax, beyond what would have been medically necessary. Holda, who has been practicing in the Howell community for more than three decade, operates Livingston County Orthopedics on Byron Road. On May 7th, Livingston County Sheriffâs Deputies assisted the Drug Enforcement Administration in executing a search warrant at that location, which followed the undercover visits. (JM)
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Plans to Consolidate Two Howell Schools Met With Opposition Plans to Consolidate Two Howell Schools Met With Opposition
1/28/14 - A proposal to consolidate two schools in the Howell district was met with emotion and opposition from parents and staff who felt the concept, along with tearing down the old Latson Elementary, sends a message of trouble to the community, not stability. The proposal from the Facilities Committee was the first glance for the Howell Board of Education and the public last night. Southeast Elementary students would move to the newer Three Fires Elementary, and the Cognitively Impaired Program would transition to either Challenger or Northwest. It was said to be the least disruptive option for students, families and staff but those who spoke from the audience viewed it as a backward move, saying the intangibles at Southeast donât have a price tag nor does the ability to nurture young students in a key developmental stage, saying Three Fires is a newer building designed as a middle school. They said a lot of work went into changes at Southeast to address the special needs population so any move would result in significant building and playground modifications, noting change is already overwhelming and difficult for that population. Administration said Southeast will likely be re-purposed down the road and adjustments must be made to account for decline at the elementary level so the longer the wait, the more costly any decision in terms of student loss, programs and the budget. The district is currently 1,100 seats under capacity at the elementary level, and part of the recommendation was based on logistics and the location of children who attend the schools. The board agreed to take their time before a final decision but President Mike Witt said he wasnât sold and any building not in use still ages. He added that if attracting and retaining students is the objective, then the plans donât seem to fit the mold. Board member Deb McCormick commented there are always changes in districts and they must find the best use to meet the different needs of students. Board member Kim Witt commented on the need to grow the district population and had concerns with the cost of having the building just sitting there, noting the similar experience with the Parker school. Member Mike Moloney shared in some concerns about the bigger picture. He requested a solid budget of non-recurring costs be brought back and more information on transportation costs, bus routes and scenarios. The minimal savings is estimated at $450,000, with roughly six staff reductions from attrition. There were said to be no noticeable increases or decreases with the cost of transportation but the proposal would not increase with the length of time students spend on the bus, noting half would have a shorter ride and easier access with the new Latson Road interchange. More information can be found in the attachment below. (JM)
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