2/3/14 - As a number of local municipalities and groups look to halt the process of hydraulic fracturing in communities, a local political group is planning a presentation and movie screening about the controversial process. Hartland-based RetakeOurGov will host a public showing of the documentary FrackNation at its monthly meeting on February 10th from 7 to 8:30pm at Memories Restaurant in Brighton. The feature aims to address what the filmmakers claim is misinformation about the process commonly referred to as âfrackingâ, which involves injecting a mixture of sand, water and chemicals at high-pressure deep underground to release trapped oil and natural gas. Itâs been controversial because of concern over the long-term effects of the chemical agents being used and the potential danger they pose to groundwater. The release from RetakeOurGov says a local project could be a financial benefit to the county. However, itâs prompted several local municipalities to examine their options in regulating the process. Leading the way is Conway Township, which is the site of Livingston Countyâs first fracking test well, which was drilled last year. The township has teamed up with a Traverse City environmental organization known as FLOW, or For Love of Water, to host a public gathering on Thursday, February 6th at the Alverson Performing Arts Auditorium in Fowlerville. It will examine the environmental issues involved with fracking. Another event on Wednesday, February 12th will examine the governmental perspective of hydraulic fracturing and feature a Michigan Department of Environmental Quality representative as part of the County Planning Departmentâs Brown Bag Lunch series. (JK)
Events Examine All Sides of Fracking Debate in Livingston CountyEvents Examine All Sides of Fracking Debate in Livingston County
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Empty Bowls Fundraiser Returns To South Lyon SchoolsEmpty Bowls Fundraiser Returns To South Lyon Schools
2/3/14 - South Lyon Schools will hold a fundraiser this week to benefit those who need help getting enough to eat. The annual Empty Bowls event will be held on Thursday at Millennium Middle School. South Lyon students from fifth grade through high school have been working to create ceramic bowls in anticipation of the event. Those who attend the fundraiser each purchase one of the bowls to keep, and are provided with bread and soup from local restaurants. The effort to produce the bowls and the soup kitchen-like atmosphere are meant to help raise awareness among students and attendees about the importance of helping those who cannot afford their own food. All of the proceeds from the event are donated to Active Faith, a local outreach center that stocks and provides food to the community. Middle school choir students will provide the entertainment. For more information, follow the link posted below. (TD)
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Vietnam-Era Vet Seeks to Help Others Cut Through BureaucracyVietnam-Era Vet Seeks to Help Others Cut Through Bureaucracy
2/3/14 - Often only a fellow veteran can truly understand what it takes to navigate through the red-tape of military benefits, a concept that a program next week in Brighton will emphasize. Women Supporting Women Veterans will host guest speaker Jon Luker at their February 10th meeting at the 2/42 Church on Grand River. Luker, a Vietnam-era vet, is one of the organizers of Bridge, a nonprofit group that supports volunteers called Navigators, who meet veterans and the people important to them face to face and, after building a trusting relationship, walk with them through the process of obtaining the resources they seek and need. He says many times veterans find the differences between interfacing with the military and doing so with civilian authorities is too great and give up in frustration. His presentation next week will detail how the Bridge Navigators can help overcome those differences. Luker adds that he is glad to work with Women Supporting Women Veterans as there is no longer any distinction in the modern day military between the front-line and support personnel, meaning women are just as likely to be in combat as men are. He encourages not only female veterans to show up when he addresses the groupâs gathering at the 2/42 Church on Grand River next Monday at 7pm, but their loved ones as well. (JK)
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Man Pleads in Custody Case; Other Involving Child Death PendingMan Pleads in Custody Case; Other Involving Child Death Pending
2/3/14 - A former Fowlerville man charged in the overdose death last year of a child has entered a plea in a separate custody case. 24-year-old Jared Kyle Brock pleaded no contest on Friday in a neglect/abuse case in Livingston County Family Court after authorities say he admitted he failed to help his 4-year-old niece after she swallowed his prescription opiate medication and later died. The case concerns the future custody of his infant son, who is now in foster care. A hearing is set March 3rd to determine if heâll be allowed to retain custody. Brock and the childâs mother, 22-year-old Chelsie Lenee Marme, remain charged with involuntary manslaughter and second-degree child abuse in Livingston County District Court where a preliminary exam will be held February 28th to determine if thereâs enough evidence to send their criminal case to trial. Authorities say the pair were babysitting Brockâs niece August 31st at his motherâs home in Handy Township when the child is believed to have swallowed a Suboxone pill that belonged to Brock. The synthetic opiate is normally used for treatment of opiate dependence. Authorities say Brock and Marme were twice told to take the child to the hospital, first by friends they had called and then Poison Control, but failed to do so. They also didnât tell the childâs paternal grandmother about the pill before leaving the home that afternoon. She called 911 later that night to report the child wasnât breathing, but emergency personnel were unable to revive the child. Brock and Marme initially denied knowledge of the pill, but later admitted the child had swallowed it. (JM)
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Unadilla Firefighters & Others Rescue Horse Trapped in PondUnadilla Firefighters & Others Rescue Horse Trapped in Pond
2/3/14 - Local fire and ambulance personnel were successful in freeing a horse that got trapped in a mucky pond in the southern portion of Unadilla Township. Unadilla Township Fire Chief Mark Schroeder tells WHMI they were dispatched after 9am to report of a pony being stuck in the drainage pond of a family farm off Roepke Road but it turned out to be more than that. The property owners, personnel from the Unadilla Township Fire Department and Stockbridge EMS were involved and Chief Schroeder says they actually ended up calling out one of their local excavators with a back-hoe to assist with the rescue effort. The owners of the 15-year-old Mare named Polly were tending to her and getting her cleaned up after they cleared the scene, but she was very cold after having been trapped for at least a couple hours. A veterinarian was also called out to examine her. (JM)
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Howell Students Go Bald Again to Support Cancer Research Howell Students Go Bald Again to Support Cancer Research
2/4/14 - Some Howell High School students will once again be shaving their heads to help conquer childhood cancers. Eight Howell High School students have pledged to shave their heads later this week as part of the annual St. Baldrickâs Foundation Challenge in support of cancer research. Two students from each grade have been chosen to represent their class in a school wide competition to see which can raise the most money during a two-week period by collecting donations and selling t-shirts. The event is again sponsored by the Howell High School Interact Club, which is also seeking business sponsorships and online donations for the challenge. The students will shave their heads during the Winterfest Pep Assembly this Friday, February 7th with all of the funds raised donated to the St. Baldrickâs Foundation, a volunteer-driven charity that funds research to find cures for childhood cancers. Details can be found in the attachment below. (JM)
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Contract Talks Continuing w/ Next Milford Village Manager Contract Talks Continuing w/ Next Milford Village Manager
2/4/14 - The Milford Village Council and legal counsel are still working to negotiate a contract with the man selected to become its next manager. The position became vacant with the abrupt resignation of former manager Brent Morgan last August. Council recently voted unanimously to offer the manager position to Christian Wuerth, who serves as the assistant to the City Manager of Birmingham. He accepted and was in attendance at Monday nightâs meeting, although contract talks are continuing. Council President Terri Rusas-George tells WHMI theyâre hoping it will be a very long relationship and are currently waiting on the results of background checks but are confident theyâll be fine. She says negotiations continue and Council has given their attorney some guidelines to discuss with Wuerth but expects theyâll have him in place in a few weeks. She described Wuerth as a good guy with strong ties to the community, saying his father-in-law was the Village DPS director for 30 years. His wife currently teaches at Muir Middle School in Milford and is also a girlsâ basketball coach. (JM)
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County Forms Improvement Committee For Planned Jail ExpansionCounty Forms Improvement Committee For Planned Jail Expansion
2/4/14 - A new committee to look into the operational costs of the planned expansion to the Livingston County Jail was created by the county commission last night. The new Jail Improvement Committee will examine the day-to-day logistics of running the new jail expansion, including how to utilize available beds to manage population and how to find funding for the annual cost of operation. In addition to creating the committee, the county commission appointed several members last night. It will be led by Commissioner Don Parker and include Commissioners Dave Domas and Kate Lawrence. The interests of the local judiciary will be represented by Judge Theresa Brennan and Circuit Court Administrator John Evans. Undersheriff Mike Murphy was at the meeting, and he expressed concern that the committee did not yet have adequate representation from the sheriff's department and the jail IT personnel. After conversing with commissioners, he is now satisfied that those viewpoints will be represented on the new committee. (TD)
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A Lesson In Organic Farming Coming To Brighton LibraryA Lesson In Organic Farming Coming To Brighton Library
2/4/14 - A program at the Brighton District Library this month will feature two local organic farmers talking about their craft. Joannée DeBruhl and Shannon Rau of Brighton own and operate the Stone Coop Farm, which specializes in organic and heirloom fruits and vegetables. DeBruhl started farming in 2009 as a way to raise food for Gleaners Community Food Bank and discovered that she loved the activity. Rau heard about her efforts, and the pair decided to open their own farm less than a year later. Stone Coop has been operating as a fully organic-certified farm for more than three years now, and the two women who own it are planning to share their experiences and advice with residents who seek to follow in their footsteps. They will offer a program at the Brighton District Library on February 17th where they will teach attendees about organic farming, sustainable farming, Community Supported Agriculture, and the importance of eating locally. The program is free, but attendees are asked to register in advance by calling (810) 229-6571 ext. 227. (TD)
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Salvation Army Issues Community Challenge to Restock Food Pantry Salvation Army Issues Community Challenge to Restock Food Pantry
2/4/14 - The Salvation Army of Livingston County is challenging the community to help fill its food pantry over the next few weeks. The local Corps says the cold winter and amount of snow means more people staying inside and less donations to its food pantry. The Army has issued a community challenge to help it beat âsnowmageddonâ and fill its food pantry during the entire month of February because the more received in donations, means the less funds it will be forced to use from the budget to purchase it. As an incentive, the person or group that brings in the highest number of full bags of non-perishable food to the local Corps building at 503 Lake Street in Howell will win a gift bag of items valued at more than $75. Details can be found on the Salvation Army of Livingston Countyâs Facebook page or through the link posted below. (JM)
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Casteel Sentenced Up To 10 Years in Oakland County ShootingsCasteel Sentenced Up To 10 Years in Oakland County Shootings
2/4/14 - A man who shot at cars along the I-96 corridor was sentenced today in one of the cases against him. Raulie Casteel learned his fate this morning in Oakland County Circuit Court in Pontiac when he was ordered to serve a minimum of 80 months, or more than six and a half years, up to ten years in prison. The 44-year-old unemployed geologist from Wixom was also ordered to pay more than $4,200 in restitution and court costs by Judge Denise Langford Morris who also ordered that he undergo mental health treatment. While he did not speak at today's hearing, his defense attorney, Douglas Mullkoff, told the court that his client was not acting rationally when he carried out the shootings. "Raulie Casteel did not choose mental illness, it chose him. And this is the hand he was dealt." Judge Morris responded by saying Casteel had to bear the responsibility for his actions. "Mental illness is a difficult challenge but it is something you have to seek help for before you engage in criminal activities." She also said it was fortunate he was a "lousy shot." Todayâs sentencing followed Casteelâs plea of no contest but mentally ill to assault and firearms charges last year in Oakland County. Last week, Casteel was convicted of terrorism in a related case in Livingston County. He faces up to life in prison in that case when he's sentenced early next month by Judge David Reader. Casteel testified in the terrorism trial that he shot at vehicles because of paranoid delusions that created fear and anxiety over long lines of traffic along I-96 and connecting roads. The nearly two-dozen shootings took place in four counties in the fall of 2012, putting the region on edge for weeks. (JK)
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No Charges to be Filed Against EMS Driver in Death of Howell ManNo Charges to be Filed Against EMS Driver in Death of Howell Man
2/4/14 - No criminal charges will be issued in the death of a pedestrian killed during a crash involving a Livingston County EMS vehicle. The decision was announced this afternoon by Livingston County Prosecuting Attorney William Vailliencourt. He says based upon the investigation by Michigan State Police, the evidence was insufficient to justify any criminal charges. The investigation revealed that 49-year-old Patrick Thomas Billo of Howell was lying in or near the center lane of Grand River Avenue, west of Golf Club Road in Genoa Township at approximately 2:40am on November 18th and wearing dark clothes when he was struck by a Livingston County EMS ambulance. A press release says autopsy results showed that Billo died as a result of his injuries and was highly intoxicated at the time - registering a .24% blood alcohol content. At the time of the incident, the road was dark and the area was not well lit. Weather conditions at the time included high winds and strong gusts with debris blowing across the road. The ambulance driver said he thought that he hit trash or debris in the roadway and once he heard that a body was discovered in the road, he promptly notified authorities and fully cooperated in the investigation. (JM)
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Local Municipalities Declare Snow EmergenciesLocal Municipalities Declare Snow Emergencies
2/4/14 - In preparation for this next round of winter weather, some area municipalities are declaring snow emergencies. The Village of Pinckney has declared a snow emergency that will remain in effect until noon on Thursday, February 6th. The City of South Lyon has declared a snow emergency between 2am Wednesday and 2am Thursday. During times of declared snow emergencies, all vehicles must be off of the streets or faced being towed to allow crews to safely and efficiently remove snow and ice. (JM)
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New Microbrewery Planning To Open In Downtown South LyonNew Microbrewery Planning To Open In Downtown South Lyon
2/5/14 - A new brewery may be moving into the downtown South Lyon area this spring. Owners Darlene Dunlap and Jeff Robinson are planning to open the Third Monk Brewing Company at the intersection of Lafayette and Liberty. The South Lyon Herald reports the two are currently working on getting their microbrewery license from the state and approval from the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. They plan to open sometime in the spring and start producing between 138 and 340 barrels of craft micro-brews annually. They anticipate hiring three employees initially, but say that could grow to as many as 12 as they expand. The business model for Third Monk will include offering beverages to patrons, who could bring in food from surrounding restaurants, as well as delivering beer to customers. South Lyonâs existing microbrewery, the Witchâs Hat, recently announced an upcoming expansion. Robinson says he hopes to work with Witchâs Hat to offer a range of local beers, and that he hopes to make brews as good as those Witchâs Hat currently produces. (TD)
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Public Help Sought in Identifying Owner of Stolen Jewelry BoxPublic Help Sought in Identifying Owner of Stolen Jewelry Box
2/5/14 - Local authorities are hoping the public will help identify the owner of a stolen jewelry box. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department recovered a jewelry box that was taken during a breaking and entering complaint on November 11th of last year. The Sheriffâs Department is seeking the publicâs assistance in identifying the owner of the jewelry box and has released a photograph of a charm that contains a manâs picture. Anyone who recognizes the person in the photograph is asked to contact Detective Don Welch at 517-540-7930. (JM)
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County Updates Tyrone on Impact Of Dedicated Road PatrolCounty Updates Tyrone on Impact Of Dedicated Road Patrol
2/5/14 - The Tyrone Township Board heard a presentation from county officials yesterday on the performance and benefits of the township's dedicated road patrol. County Commissioner Dave Domas, 911 Director Don Arbic, and Undersheriff Mike Murphy delivered the presentation. Murphy says the Sheriff's Department delivers monthly reports and crime statistics to the township, but this was their first opportunity to meet directly with the board and get feedback on their performance. Hartland and Tyrone Townships contracted for a dedicated road patrol for decades before canceling the contract last year. Since then, Tyrone has contracted for a sheriff's deputy to patrol for an extra eight hours per day, supplementing the normal services offered by the sheriff. Last night, the presenters talked about the process of taking and vetting calls for assistance. The township board responded positively to the presentation, but requested that more information be brought forward regarding response times to calls in Tyrone. Murphy tells WHMI the Sheriff's Department will look into that request. He explained for the board that having a dedicated patrol deputy ensures that Tyrone residents get personal responses to even low-priority calls for service. This is reflected in the crime statistics supplied to the board, which indicate that Tyrone has the second-highest ratio of services calls to actual arrests of any municipality in the county, narrowly beaten by Brighton Township. (TD)
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Internal Investigation Underway in Fatal EMS AccidentInternal Investigation Underway in Fatal EMS Accident
2/5/14 - An internal investigation will begin now that a Livingston County EMS driver has been cleared of criminal charges in connection with a fatal crash involving a pedestrian last year in Genoa Township. After receiving the Michigan State Police report, the Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office announced yesterday that it would not be filing criminal charges against the driver, saying evidence in the case was insufficient to justify any. The driver has been on paid administrative leave since the incident, which occurred during the early morning hours of November 18th. Now that the investigation and report are done and the Prosecutor has made his determination, Livingston County EMS Director Jeff Boyd tells WHMI they can use that information and begin their internal investigation from a County and EMS perspective. Boyd says to be fair to both the employee and citizens, they plan to do their due diligence as the other agencies have done and expects their internal investigation should be complete within 30 days. The MSP investigation revealed that 49-year-old Patrick Thomas Billo, who was last known to reside in Howell, was struck by an ambulance while lying in the middle of Grand River near Golf Club Road. There were said to be high winds and at the time and authorities say the EMS driver thought he had hit trash or debris but promptly notified authorities after hearing that a body was found in the road. An autopsy revealed that Billo died of his injures but also had a blood alcohol content of .24%. (JM)
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Owners Look to Rebuild After Devastating Fire at Myers AutomotiveOwners Look to Rebuild After Devastating Fire at Myers Automotive
2/5/14 - The owners of a Howell auto repair shop destroyed by fire last month say with the help of the community, theyâll rise from the ashes even stronger. Bill and Jeanne Myers reside in Howell, where they raised their four children and worked to build Myers Automotive over the course of the past twelve years. A fire on January 19th destroyed the majority of the building on Grand River, which is believed to have been caused by an oil furnace that somehow malfunctioned in the rafters above the metal ceiling. Jeanne Myers says it was certainly one of the most devastating days of their lives and without all of the ongoing support from the community and their customers, they would have no business. She tells WHMI although the building is in ruins, the business is not and theyâre thankful for how hard everyone worked that day, especially crews with the Howell Area Fire Department. Myers says some tools and equipment were able to be salvaged but they will have to demolish the old structure and start over, a process their restoration company estimates will take approximately six to ten months. Myers says theyâve been fortunate to find a location inside the Shell Fuel Station at Latson Road and Grand River in Howell while they work to rebuild at their original location. She says theyâre still working out the final details but should be able to start up by the end of this week if all goes well. (JM)
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Plea Deal Rejected in Brighton Twp. AssaultPlea Deal Rejected in Brighton Twp. Assault
2/5/14 - After rejecting a plea deal, a trial date has been set for a Brighton man charged with assault and unlawful imprisonment. 46-year-old Daniel Robert Phillips is charged with one count each of unlawful imprisonment and assault with a deadly weapon, plus two charges of felony firearms. The Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office placed a deal on the record last week, but that was rejected by Phillips. Heâll now head to trial April 7th. The charges stem from an incident August 15th involving a woman that police say Phillips assaulted at a residence on Kensington Road in Brighton Township. She said he confronted her about money he believed she owed him. Thatâs when she says he threatened her with a gun and tied her to a chair, then later released her. Under cross-examination, the woman admitted that Phillips had given her money for pills and that her failure to deliver them was the reason for Phillips actions. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison. (JK)
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Residents Reminded to Keep Fire Hydrants & Exits Clear of SnowResidents Reminded to Keep Fire Hydrants & Exits Clear of Snow
2/5/14 - Due to the recent storm and overall amount of snow this season, local residents and businesses are being reminded to keep fire hydrants and exterior doors accessible. Fire hydrants become blocked by snow, especially in parking areas and local departments remind that in order to access them during emergencies, they have to be able to find them. Homeowners are asked to clear a three-inch circle around hydrants while businesses are being asked to work with their snow plow companies to make sure snow isnât being piled on top of hydrants. Officials also find that many exit doors become blocked by snow and advise residents and businesses to check all doors and make sure they can open easily. (JM)
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