11/16/12 - Services have been set for a Howell Township girl killed in a tragic fire earlier this week. 2-year-old Ariana Rosemarie Robinson will be laid to rest following services Monday at 1pm at MacDonaldâs Funeral Home in Howell. Visitation will take place from noon to 1. Robinson died Tuesday afternoon from burns she sustained in the early morning fire at her mobile home in the Fairlawn Estates Mobile Home Park. Ariana's father sustained burns to his hands and arms while trying to rescue his daughter. Memorial contributions to help the family pay for funeral expenses can be made to the Ariana Rosemarie Robinson Fund at any PNC Bank branch. In addition, the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency is accepting donations for the family on a limited-space basis. They can be dropped off at 2300 E. Grand River, Ste. 107. Those wishing to donate larger items can call 248-209-2623 to be put on a call-back list for when the family is in a more permanent space. (JK)
Services Set For Howell Township Girl Killed in FireServices Set For Howell Township Girl Killed in Fire
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Brighton City Manager Gets Good Performance EvaluationBrighton City Manager Gets Good Performance Evaluation
11/16/12 - Brighton City Manager Dana Foster once again has received a favorable overall performance evaluation. Fosterâs evaluation was held in closed session at the recent council retreat last weekend, and he again came through with flying colors, according to Mayor Jim Muzzin, who announced the results at the Thursday night council meeting. After the meeting, Foster told WHMI that being the city manager is a team effort. He says it takes a full complement of department heads, staffers, city council and city commissions and boards to make an effective city government. Although there were a few areas in which council felt Foster could make improvements â as there are each year - those were not identified in Muzzinâs report. His compensation was not a part of the evaluation process, and that will be considered at a different time. Foster, a Kansas native, has been Brightonâs city manager for 21 years. He has been going on a salary freeze for the past several years. Foster's current base pay is $81,835 per year. (TT)
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Hunters Bring In The Bucks At 5th Annual Marion Buck PoleHunters Bring In The Bucks At 5th Annual Marion Buck Pole
11/16/12 - After a successful day in the field, some lucky hunters brought their bucks to Marion Township Hall last night for the 5th annual Buck Pole. The buck pole is a tradition for the first day of deer hunting season where freshly-harvested bucks are brought in to be sized, weighed, scored, and put on display. The bucks were professionally scored before hanging, with the highest score of 136 and 5/8 awarded to hunter Brady Holbrook, beating last yearâs best by almost 6 points. The heaviest buck was a 180-pound animal bagged by Neil Maher, and the widest rack was 19â arcoss, brought in by Kyle Swieczkowskis. Awards were also given to Kim Howard, the first female hunter to enter a buck, and 11-year-old Tyler Grover who was the youngest hunter to bag a buck. The most unique rack went to 18-year-old Ross Buchel for his irregular 13-point buck. The event also included food, merchandise, and a raffle to win local goods and hunting supplies. The buck pole was organized by the Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority in response to a desire by Marion residents to have outdoor events that cater to the local hunting culture. (TD)
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Local Authorities Respond To Accidents & Fires Friday Local Authorities Respond To Accidents & Fires Friday
11/16/12 - Local authorities and emergency responders were busy with a number of accidents and fires Friday. A woman had to be extricated by firefighters with the Brighton Area Fire Authority after an multi-vehicle accident on Chilson Road near Brighton Road. She was said to be in serious but stable condition and transported to the University of Michigan Medical Center. Also Friday afternoon, the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department responded to a crash in Putnam Township on Darwin Road, east of D-19 in which a 17-year-old who was driving his motherâs minivan took a curve too fast and went into a ditch. Sheriff Bob Bezotte says the teen had his 4-year-old sister in the car but both were uninjured and he was ticketed for failing to control his vehicle. While that was happening, Bezotte says a different teen driver came around the same corner too fast and nearly hit the responding deputyâs patrol car. He was ticketed for careless driving. Finally, firefighters with the Howell and Green Oak Fire Departments battled separate blazes that were brought under control quickly. Careless smoking is believed to be the cause of a fire in the Howell Estates mobile home park. Damage was contained to a bedroom and Howell Area Fire Chief Andy Pless tells WHMI the female homeowner, who was sleeping when the fire broke out, was transported to the hospital for smoke inhalation but is expected to be okay. In Green Oak Township, firefighters responded to a chimney fire that extended up into the attic. No one was injured. (JM)
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Local Pedestrian Hit By Vehicle While Walking Friday MorningLocal Pedestrian Hit By Vehicle While Walking Friday Morning
11/16/12 - A local pedestrian was hit by a car while walking in Genoa Township early Friday morning. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department reports that 75-year-old Lora Ann Wilkinson was struck by a vehicle that had turned onto Figurski Drive from Latson Road at 6:43am. Sheriff Bob Bezotte says Wilkinson lives in area and walks every morning but the area is poorly lit and witnesses said she could not be seen because of the darkness and what she was wearing. He says preliminary investigation shows she may have actually walked into the side of the vehicle. Bezotte says Wilkinson was alert and talking after the incident and she was transported to the University of Michigan Hospital for treatment of what were believed to be non-life threatening injuries. (JM)
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Henrob To Invest $68.5M To Relocate & Expand In Lyon Township Henrob To Invest $68.5M To Relocate & Expand In Lyon Township
11/16/12 - A corporation experiencing significant growth will be expanding and relocating its North American headquarters to Lyon Township - marking a $68.5 (m) million investment expected to create more than 150 new jobs. The Henrob Corporation manufactures self-piercing rivets for the automotive industry. It designs, engineers and manufactures the technology along with the machinery that produces the rivets. Economic Development Coordinator and Lyon Township DDA Administrator Michelle Aniol (On-Yule) tells WHMI in exchange for the investment, an incentive package totaling $11.8 (m) million was developed by the state, county and township consisting of tax abatements, workforce development training savings and cash through a state business development program. The company chose Michigan over a competing site in Indiana and will be moving to a site in Lyon Township near the I-96 and Grand River intersection. It plans to start work expanding the existing building on site in the new year but will also build two additional facilities to create a 500,000-square-foot green campus. The investment and job creation is scheduled over a three year period and the company should be operating out of the new facility come summer. Complete details can be found through the link and attachment below. (JM)
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Local Teacher Knocked Out After Reaching Jeopardy Semi-FinalsLocal Teacher Knocked Out After Reaching Jeopardy Semi-Finals
11/17/12 - A 2003 Howell High School graduate made it to the semi-finals of a teacherâs tournament on a popular quiz show before being knocked out of the competition. 27-year-old Brenton Montie was the youngest teacher appearing on the âTeachers Tournamentâ of Jeopardy and the only teacher from Michigan in the competition. He was defeated in his semi-final round on Friday. Montie is a 6th grade social studies teacher at Centennial Middle School in South Lyon, where he currently resides. The former Howell High School Quiz Bowl member is a 2008 Michigan State University graduate and worked as a substitute teacher and a summer school teacher for the Howell district. The winner of the âTeacherâs Tournamentâ will receive $100,000 and a guaranteed spot in the Jeopardy Tournament of Champions. Each teacher will also receive a Classroom Jeopardy unit for their school. (TD)
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Longtime Hamburg Fire Supporter Blondie Bennett Passes AwayLongtime Hamburg Fire Supporter Blondie Bennett Passes Away
11/17/12 - A woman who worked to support the Hamburg Area Fire Department during its first 40 years passed away this week. Velma âBlondieâ Bennett worked as a call-taker, dispatcher, and womenâs brigade member for the department for decades before her retirement about 20 years ago. She passed away on Wednesday, November 14th at the age of 95. Assistant Fire Chief Nick Miller tells WHMI that Bennetâs husband Manly was one of the founders of the department and the two of them had a profound impact on it during its formative years. The arrangements are being handled by Borek Jennings Funeral Home at Hamburg and M-36. Visitation will take place on Saturday from 2pm to 8pm and the funeral service will begin Sunday at 1pm. Miller tells WHMI all of the surrounding fire departments plan to attend in some capacity and contribute to her funeral procession. (TD)
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Thousands Greet Santa For Brighton's Holiday GlowThousands Greet Santa For Brighton's Holiday Glow
11/17/12 - Several thousand people crowded into Downtown Brighton for the annual Holiday Glow event sponsored by the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce. The mild weather encouraged area residents to turn out well in advance of Santa's arrival just before 6pm. The drum corps from the Brighton High School Marching band led Santa's sleigh as he and Mrs. Claus entered the Mill Pond along Main Street. Preceding Santa was Brighton Mayor Jim Muzzin, who presented Santa and Mrs. Claus a key to the city (pictured). The lights display was upgraded this year by the chamber, which added displays along the Tridge that crosses the Mill Pond and on the traffic island on Spencer Road as drivers enter the city limits. (JK)
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Milford Woman Killed in 2-Vehicle Crash in MilfordMilford Woman Killed in 2-Vehicle Crash in Milford
11/18/12 - The Milford Police Department is investigating a 2-vehicle crash early Saturday that took the life of a Milford woman. Police say a vehicle driven by the 38-year-old Milford woman collided with a vehicle driven by a 17-year-old White Lake woman on Milford Road, south of General Motors Road in the village of Milford. The two vehicles were traveling in opposite directions in the apparent head-on collision. The Milford woman was pronounced dead at the scene, while the White Lake teenager was transported to Botsford Hospital in Farmington Hills for treatment of non-threatening injuries. Police say there was dense fog in the area at the time of the crash; alcohol is also suspected as a contributory cause of the accident. The names of the two women are being withheld pending further investigation. (TT)
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Exam Scheduled For Howell Man Accused of Enticing A Child
11/18/12 - A Howell man will return to Livingston County District Court this week for an exam conference relating to allegations that he tried to entice a child to commit and immoral act. Police say 37-year-old Eric Nicholas Bramble sent messages âdesigned to entice or solicit a child under the age of 16 to commit an immoral act.â The alleged messages came in the form of texts and emails to an undercover officer posing as a 14-year-old child, authorities claim. Prosecutor David Morse declined to provide further details, citing the ongoing nature of the case. Bramble faces charges of child abusive commercial activity, accosting a child for immoral purposes, and two counts of using a computer to commit a crime. He is scheduled for an exam conference Wednesday morning and remains jailed on a $500,000 bond. (TD)
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County Mental Health Court Gets Grant Renewal
11/19/12 - A grant renewal accepted by the county last week will maintain funding for the 53rd District Court Intensive Treatment Mental Health Court. Suspects who are convicted and found to have a mental illness that brings them into conflict with the law can be sent to the mental health court, which gives the judge the option to assign treatment as an alternative to incarceration. It is one of just six mental health courts in the state, but Community Mental Health Services Executive Director Mac Miller, who is retiring next month after 36 years at the agency, says there are aspirations to eventually make mental health courts available across Michigan. Of the roughly $94,000 accepted by the county for the court, about $40,000 will go to Community Mental Health for its services in evaluating and providing treatment to patients. Treatment offered through the program depends on the judge ordering it but can include psychiatric treatment, compliance with prescribed medications, outpatient groups, and treatments for drug addiction if necessary. About a dozen people go through Livingston Countyâs mental health court every year depending on the number of people who qualify for and agree to participate in the program. (TD)
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Iosco Woman Arraigned in Election Fraud SchemeIosco Woman Arraigned in Election Fraud Scheme
11/19/12 - A local woman who served as an aide to a Detroit-area congressman has been arraigned on charges tied to a campaign scandal in Oakland County Circuit Court. Mary Turnbull of Iosco Township worked for former- Congressman Thaddeus McCotter. The Livonia Republican didn't make the 2012 ballot after a staff member submitted bogus petition signatures. The 58-year-old Turnbull is charged with conspiracy and falsely signing a nominating petition. A Troy judge previously determined there was enough evidence to bind the case over to circuit court for trial. She will appear there for a pre-trial hearing January 8th. Authorities say Turnbull asked Doug Bauss to sign his name as a petition circulator, although she actually collected the names. Bauss previously testified Turnbull told him she couldnât be listed as the circulator because her Iosco Township address was outside of McCotterâs district. McCotter's district director and deputy director face conspiracy charges in Wayne County. A fourth staffer pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor. McCotter has not been charged and didn't know about the petition problems, but was forced to resign from Congress in July. (JK)
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Cell Tower Attracts High-Dollar Offers To Howell Schools
11/19/12 - Two cellular tower management companies are offering money to the Howell School District to extend the lease on the cell tower located on its high school campus. The district has nine years left on the towerâs current lease, which was signed in 1996 and provides the district with about $28,000 each year. Even though the lease has not yet expired the district has received offers from tower management companies American Tower and Tri-Star to extend the lease through 2041. Associate Superintendent Rick Terres presented the plans to the school board last week, and he says it is in the districtâs best interest to look at the offers now before any unforeseen changes in technology render the tower worthless. The two offers from American Tower included a substantial one-time payoff to take control of the tower, but both had projected returns to the district of less than a million dollars over the course of the new lease. All three of the Tri-Star offers had projected payoffs of more than $1.5 million, and last night Terres recommended an offer that included a down payment and a significant share of the profits made from telecommunications companies that rent space on the tower. Its total estimated value to the district would be about $1.77 million. No action was taken on the offer at last weekâs meeting. (TD)
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SEMCOG Gives Livingston County Award For Green EffortsSEMCOG Gives Livingston County Award For Green Efforts
11/19/12 - The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments presented the Livingston County Board of Commissioners with its Sustainable Community Recognition Program award last week. SEMCOG Chairman and Green Oak Township Clerk Mike Sedlak tells WHMI that the county received the award due to a wide range of programs, including the development of a green infrastructure plan and an access management plan for the Grand River corridor. So far only six of the awards have been given out. Livingston is the second county to receive the award, but with previous awards having gone to the City of Howell and Green Oak Township it is the first county to have the award presented at three levels of government. Commissioner Steve Williams says the County Commission may have gotten the presentation, but credit for the award belongs to people, organizations, and elected officials all around the county for their efforts to keep Livingston green and its quality of life high. SEMCOG also informed the county that it would be increasing its participation dues by $4,000 beginning next year. (TD)
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Long Political Career to End for Rogers Family PatriarchLong Political Career to End for Rogers Family Patriarch
11/19/12 - The political career of a Brighton area patriarch who, with his late wife, established a political dynasty will be coming to an end tonight as John Rogers sits on the Brighton Township Board of Trustees for the last time. Rogers will step down after a long career of public service. Rogersâ first career was as a public school administrator and high school coach, and he entered politics in 1968, when he was elected to his first term as a township trustee. Over the past 44 years, he has served both as a trustee and - for two non-consecutive, 4-year terms - as township supervisor, interrupted for four years by a bout with cancer. Rogers was married to another political dynamo, Joyce Rogers, the former Brighton Chamber of Commerce Director, until her death three years ago. Joyce Rogers also was involved in politics, serving on the Livingston County Board of Commissioners in the 1980s. The couple had five sons, three of whom have carved out notable careers on the national or state level in either government or the military. John Rogers, tells WHMI he was a strict disciplinarian, and instilled a strong work ethic in his sons. Rogersâ youngest son, Mike, is a congressman from the Eighth District who serves as chairman of the prestigious House Intelligence Subcommittee. Jim Rogers is a retired two-star general in the U.S. Army. His official retirement, following a distinguished, 34-year military career, was on September 1st, and the family now lives in Huntsville, Alabama. Bill, the oldest of the five sons, is in his third and final term under term limits as a state representative from Livingston County in Lansing. Chuck Rogers was a researcher at the University of Michigan until back problems forced him to retire and Bob, the other son, owns a business in Arizona. John Rogers remarried two years ago to his childhood sweetheart. Mary Rogers is currently recuperating from symptoms related to the meningitis outbreak. (TT)
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Police Education And Training Offered To Hamburg YouthPolice Education And Training Offered To Hamburg Youth
11/19/12 - The Hamburg Police Department will soon offer a mentoring and training program for young people interested in a career in law enforcement. The department is organizing a Law Enforcement Exploring Post to allow local people aged 14 to 21 to train with and assist Hamburg police officers. It will combine in-the-field experience, classroom lectures, and practical exercises to teach participants the skills and realities of working for a police department. The program will cover topics such as crime scene investigation, self- defense, first aid/CPR, traffic direction and enforcement, and reports. Participants will also get the opportunity to volunteer to accompany police on traffic and patrol operations as well as special events. Meeting times will be determined at a later date but are expected to include one two-hour evening meeting each week. The Exploring Post will be offered free of charge by the Hamburg Police Department. Participants must pass a background check and oral board, maintain at least a 2.0 grade point average, and must apply before their 20th birthday. For more information, follow the link posted below. (TD)
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Donations Needed For Family Of Howell Girl Laid To Rest Monday Donations Needed For Family Of Howell Girl Laid To Rest Monday
11/19/12 - Donations are being sought to assist the family of a 2-year-old Livingston County girl who was laid to rest today after passing away from burns sustained in a fire last week. The Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency is accepting donations for the family of Ariana Robinson, who was laid to rest this afternoon. Her father sustained burns to his hands and arms while trying to rescue his daughter after the fire broke out early last Tuesday morning at the Fairlawn Estates Mobile Home Park in Howell Township. Needed items include pillows, pillow cases, full size sheet sets & comforters, a toddler bed or twin size bed, toddler/twin sized sheets and comforters, towels/washcloths and bedroom furniture. Prepared meals that can be re-heated or refrigerated are also needed. Donations to the Ariana Rosemarie Robinson Fund may be made at any PNC Bank branch. Nu-Wave Moving & Delivery of Whitmore Lake has donated their services for the pick-up and/or delivery of any larger household items for the Robinson Family and may be reached at 734-550-9187 while Absolute Storage of Whitmore Lake at 734-922-0005 has also donated space to provide storage for donations. (JM)
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Teen Sentenced For Injuring Hartland School Security Officer Teen Sentenced For Injuring Hartland School Security Officer
11/19/12 - A 17-year-old former Hartland High School student who struck a security officer with a vehicle in the parking lot was sentenced during a very emotional hearing Monday afternoon. The teen, who lives in Brighton, pleaded guilty to charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing serious injury and possession of marijuana. He appeared with his parents and apologized through tears to the victim and her husband, saying he has since changed his life. A lengthy statement from 53-year-old Susan Hazzard was read aloud, detailing her injuries of a crushed spine and traumatic brain injury. She spent three months in a brace that locked her head, neck and spine in place to prevent her from moving. Hazzard said she was struck from behind after the teen passed out from inhaling a chemical substance out of an aerosol can. She said he never stopped to check on her and then went on to lie to school officials and investigators to cover up the truth. Hazzardâs husband struggled while reading his own statement aloud, saying his wife is permanently disfigured and asked that justice be administered. He told the teen after the hearing that sometimes little things turn into big things and wished him luck in his future. The teen was expelled from the Hartland district and despite objections from his parents, Attorney Referee Sandra Aspinall ordered him to complete a ten day program at a juvenile detention facility. She said part of rehabilitation is deterrence and while she does not believe it was intentional, it was a conscious act that put a string of events into motion. The teen was placed on intensive, supervised probation and must complete 200 hours of community service while continuing counseling. He will remain under the jurisdiction of the court until November of 2014 and restitution was not determined, pursuant to civil litigation. (JM)
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No Injuries Result From Three-Vehicle Crash In Oceola TownshipNo Injuries Result From Three-Vehicle Crash In Oceola Township
11/20/12 - A crash involving three vehicles occurred at the intersection of Clyde and Argentine Roads in Oceola Township last night. Trooper Donald Pasternak tells WHMI the State Police were called out to the scene of the crash at about 6:30pm. Trooper Donald Pasternak says a red Dodge Ram pickup was traveling southbound on Argentine. The driver attempted to make a left-hand turn onto Clyde in front of a northbound silver Impala, which collided with the rear of the pickup. The crash caused significant damage to the front of the Impala and the rear of the Ram. The two vehicles then collided with the front of a green pickup waiting at the stop sign on westbound Clyde Road, causing minor damage to the front bumper. No injuries resulted from the crash. Traffic delays in all four directions resulted from the cleanup, which was completed in less than an hour. (TD)
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