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Lab Rescued on Lake Moraine Sunday Reunited with Owner Lab Rescued on Lake Moraine Sunday Reunited with Owner

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2/18/14 - A black lab rescued on Lake Moraine Sunday has been reunited with its owner. The dog had fallen through the ice on Lake Moraine near Pleasant Valley South of Newman Road in Brighton Township. A local homeowner was able to keep the dog above water until Brighton firefighters and crews utilizing specialized suits arrived, who rescued the dog within minutes of arriving on scene. Brighton Area Fire Authority Chief Mike O’Brian said it’s a great dog but didn't have a collar and the authority worked with Towne and Country Animal Hospital to hold the dog until the owner was located. (JM)

Howell To Host FIRST Robotics Competition Event Next MonthHowell To Host FIRST Robotics Competition Event Next Month

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2/18/14 - The FIRST Robotics Competition will be holding one of its matches in Livingston County for the first time this year, and the robotics team at Howell High School is preparing to compete with a robot of its own. The international competition invites high school teams to design, construct, and program their own robots to accomplish a specific task, which changes every year. This year, the robots will have to move large exercise balls around the court cooperatively while working against competing teams. Although the robotics team at Howell High School only began last year, its mentors convinced the organizers of the competition to hold one of the qualifying matches at Parker Middle School in the spring. More than 1,500 people, including 40 robotics teams, are expected to make an appearance. Kevin Carstensen is a team mentor for the Howell robotics team, and he tells WHMI the students have put thousands of hours of work into their robot. He says the process of building it has taught his students lessons on a number of topics, including engineering, programming, troubleshooting, and even business. Although FIRST requires that the cost of the competing robot be less than $5,000, Howell's team has raised more than $20,000 in local donations. The extra money was used to build a prototype robot, which allowed them to improve and refine the design. The competition at Parker Middle School is one of three that will qualify teams for the state finals and will take place on March 14th and 15th. The state finals will be held in Ypsilanti, leading to the world championships in St. Louis. (TD)

Suzanne Haskew Arts Center Planned To Open In Milford In MarchSuzanne Haskew Arts Center Planned To Open In Milford In March

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2/18/14 - A new center for creating and showcasing art will open up in downtown Milford next month. The Suzanne Haskew Arts Center, or SHAC, is expected to open in mid-March on South Main Street in the 3,700-square-foot facility that was formerly the GreenGo Tek building. It was named for a founding member of the Village Fine Arts Association who passed away and whose granddaughter was central to the creation of the new arts center. The SHAC will provide a space for local artists to display their work, but also provide public and private spaces for them to create their art. It will likely provide 24-hour access to studios for artists who may not have other options, such as young adults living with relatives. Classes and instructional seminars will also likely be held at the facility. For more information, follow the link below. (TD)

Genoa Township Board Promotes Public Administration Scholarship Genoa Township Board Promotes Public Administration Scholarship

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2/18/14- A scholarship available to Michigan college students is being promoted by the Genoa Township Board of Trustees. The Michigan Township Association offers the Robert R. Robinson scholarship to college juniors and seniors as well as students involved in a graduate program. The scholarship was created in memory of Robert R. Robinson, a former executive director of the association and is worth $250-$1000. Candidates interested in the scholarship must be attending a school in Michigan and majoring in public administration. Genoa Township Board Trustee Linda Rowell tells WHMI applicants only have to be interested in their communities’ government. Rowell discovered the scholarship opportunity when searching the MTA’s website for her own daughter, who will soon be graduating high school. The Genoa Board of Trustees met Monday night for a board meeting and decided to advertise the scholarship on social media and include a link for it on their website. Rowell tells WHMI they will support any potential candidates who plan to pursue it. Rowell discovered the scholarship opportunity while searching the MTA’s website for her own daughter, who will soon be graduating high school. While she says the amount of money offered in the scholarship is not a huge amount, she believes every little bit helps. (DK)

Carbon Monoxide Leak Hospitalizes Elderly Brighton CoupleCarbon Monoxide Leak Hospitalizes Elderly Brighton Couple

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2/18/14 - Several Brighton area families had to be evacuated after a failed boiler led to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in their apartment building. Brighton Area Fire Authority Deputy Chief Michael Evans says an elderly couple living in an apartment off of Grand River near Superior Drive called 911 about 6:15 Monday night and reported feeling unwell. Responding emergency personnel determined there were extremely high levels of carbon monoxide in all of the building’s nine units. A quick inspection found a malfunctioning boiler that had reportedly suffered previous damage from a fire and was also leaving a scent of natural gas. Firefighters spent several hours airing out the building until the air quality was within safe limits. The elderly couple was taken to the University of Michigan Hospital and admitted for carbon monoxide poisoning. They have since been upgraded to stable condition. Because the building was without heat, only three of the other six families living there were allowed back inside as they had adequate and safe electric heaters. The rest were taken care of either by the Livingston County Chapter of the American Red Cross or family members. Firefighters also installed smoke alarms in the building as the old ones were not functioning. Evans said a follow-up investigation was expected by the county and Brighton Township building departments. (JK)

Trooper & Deputy Injured After Patrol Cars Hit in Separate CrashesTrooper & Deputy Injured After Patrol Cars Hit in Separate Crashes

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2/18/14 - Both a Michigan State Police Trooper from the Brighton Post and a Livingston County Sheriff’s Deputy sustained minor injuries after their patrol cars were hit during separate crashes in Brighton Township last night. The first happened shortly before 10pm when authorities say MSP Trooper James Gilmer was assisting a motorist on southbound US-23, south of Hyne Road. The motorist was parked on the median shoulder with Trooper Gilmer parked behind him with his emergency lights on when 27-year-old Deondre Richmond of Flint lost control of his Toyota Camry, left the roadway and struck the fully marked State Police Dodge Charger. Richmond was not injured but was ticketed after investigation indicated he was traveling too fast for road and weather conditions. Trooper Gilmer was taken to Saint Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital in Howell and treated for his injuries before being released. Then roughly 15 minutes later, Livingston County Sheriff’s Deputy Kendall Kretzschmer was involved in a crash on Grand River, east of Old US-23. State Police say preliminary investigation indicates a 94-year-old Brighton woman was traveling west bound on Grand River in the left lane when she failed to yield and made a left turn in front of Deputy Kretzschmer’s fully marked patrol car, which was traveling east bound. Police say Deputy Kretzschmer had the right-of-way and was unable to avoid the woman’s vehicle. Both sustained what were described as non-life threatening injuries and were treated and released from the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor. (JM)

Milford Police Make Arrest In Designer Purse Theft CaseMilford Police Make Arrest In Designer Purse Theft Case

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2/19/14 - Milford Police have arrested a Rochester woman they believe was part of a scheme to steal designer purses from local retailers. 37-year-old Laura Anne Pochmara was arrested earlier this month on felony charges of receiving and concealing stolen merchandise. She was identified after a Milford retailer reported that Pochmara entered her store and distracted her while a female accomplice entered the store and made off with $2,200 in Vera Bradley purses, according to the Milford Times. The store owner says she ran outside and was able to get the license plate of the black SUV used in the getaway, and police tracked the vehicle to Pochmara. They say when they arrived at her home, the vehicle was still running and she was removing about $6,000 in merchandise from the same designer. She is now facing charges and being held on a $20,000 bond. Meanwhile, the Milford Police are now in possession of 130 Vera Bradley purses and wallets and are working to determine how many retailers were hit by the alleged thefts. The female accomplice has not yet been identified. (TD)

Man Charged With Fleeing Police Bound Over For TrialMan Charged With Fleeing Police Bound Over For Trial

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2/19/14 - A Howell man has been bound over for trial on charges of fleeing from police and ramming a State Police patrol car. Brian Lynn Ellsworth was charged earlier this month with felonious assault, resisting police, malicious destruction of police property, operating a vehicle while intoxicated, and driving with a suspended license. He was bound over to circuit court this week and has waived his arraignment there. A trial date has not yet been set. Ellsworth was arrested February 8th after fleeing from Livingston County Sheriff’s deputies who had stopped to check on his pickup truck, which was stuck in a snow bank on M-59 near Burkhart Road in Howell Township. Ellsworth is alleged to have ignored the deputy’s questions, freed his truck from the snow bank, and fled east on M-59. He was later spotted by a state trooper near the intersection of Fisher and Curdy roads in Oceola Township. The trooper attempted to stop Ellsworth, who backed his pickup truck up to try and get away. He hit another snow bank and began ramming the trooper’s patrol car to get away, but the trooper managed to pin his truck into the snow bank. Authorities say Ellsworth continued to resist efforts to take him into custody until backup help arrived and helped subdue him. (TD)

Alternative Valentine Dance Planned in Brighton Saturday Alternative Valentine Dance Planned in Brighton Saturday

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2/19/14 - Organizers say a Zombie Valentine dance this weekend aims to support local high school students that sometimes feel left out in many different ways and fall outside the traditional mold. P-FLAG of Livingston County is an organization that offers support to the families and allies of lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender individuals in the community. It has organized the “My Zombie Valentine Dance” this Saturday at the Brighton Community Center that will feature dancing, music, and games but most of all support. Co-founder Beth Duman says they held a similar event a couple years ago with the zombie theme and the kids had a blast so they thought they would do it again. She tells WHMI it’s intended as an alternative dance and event for students who don’t necessarily want to deal with the real prom or don’t feel comfortable going. Duman adds that it’s important these kids receive support from their families and it can make a big difference in whether they’re feeling happy and satisfied or alienated in their lives. The event is open to everyone high school age and up, regardless of sexual orientation and gender expression/identity. That open description led one Brighton City resident to question safety and the co-mingling of those in high school with older adults. However, Duman says the zombie dance is geared toward high school students, not adults and it will be chaperoned with no lewd dancing, alcohol or drugs tolerated. Duman says they left the description open because some recent high school graduates still involved in the group and planning process may be attending. Admission is $3 at the door and details can be found through the link below. (JM)

Despite Concerns, Commissioners Approve Court ChangesDespite Concerns, Commissioners Approve Court Changes

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2/19/14 - New duties are being assigned to some existing positions within the Livingston County court system as part of a combined effort to make things function more smoothly. However, some concerns were aired during last night's Board of Commissioners meeting before the approval. Commissioners approved appointing three existing law clerks within the 53rd District Court to serve as magistrates when necessary. Two separate resolutions approved would also give limited magistrate duties to a current attorney referee and a conciliator within Friend of the Court. Commissioner Ron VanHouten was absent from last night’s meeting while Commissioners Donald Parker and Steve Williams voted against the resolutions that involved the Friend of the Court employees, although Williams publicly expressed reservations with all of them. The changes allow for a sharing of duties between current positions for continuity of operations and to provide some back up and assistance to current judges with magistrate duties and after-hours, on-call scheduling during evenings and weekends. Williams said while he respects what the judges are trying to accomplish, he didn’t like it and wasn’t comfortable assigning the extra duties. Williams added he felt it would take time away from their Friend of the Court responsibilities that involve children and families going through very tough times in their lives and deserve expediency. Williams said it was his understanding that Carol Sue Reader and Theresa Brennan are only two judges that are currently on-call with Magistrate Jay Drick and everyone takes a rotation, with new appointees now being included. (JM)

Brighton Theater Project Moves Ahead Over ObjectionsBrighton Theater Project Moves Ahead Over Objections

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2/19/14 - The Brighton Downtown Development Authority Board met Tuesday and approved architectural services for a downtown theater project, but not without debate and, ultimately a resignation. Brighton architect Piet Lindhout gave a detailed slide presentation on the project, and after debate his firm, Lindhout and Associates, was approved on a close, 6-4 vote. The issue was contentious, since some on the DDA wanted more input from other architects. But the majority felt that Lindhout had been the architect on many city past projects and did excellent work, some of it pro bono. DDA Director Matt Modrack had recommended that the DDA retain Lindhout, and he tells WHMI that although the project isn’t yet cast in stone, it has passed its first hurdle. The issue over the choice of an architect resulted in much heated discussion and the resignation of long-time DDA board member Mondi Miller. Miller said she wasn’t opposed to Lindhout being the architect per se, but felt strongly that the DDA should invite other architects to give their ideas and perhaps formulate proposals. She said even if the DDA chose Lindhout, the others – hopefully one or more with experience in designing a theater - might have some good suggestions. The building, to be known as the Fifth Third Theater, would be located next to Ciao Amici’s Restaurant on West Main St. and occupy what is presently parking for customers of Ciao Amici and an optometry building on the west side. The theater would have a capacity of around 300 seats, some of which would be retractable and the others movable so the building could be used for other purposes, such as wedding receptions and banquets. It would likely be two stories, with the second floor housing offices –perhaps city offices, with the possibility of city staff moving from the city hall building, which would be re-purposed for use by the community. The proposal still has to be given final approval by both the DDA Board and City Council. (TT)

New Families Against Narcotics Chapter Opening In South LyonNew Families Against Narcotics Chapter Opening In South Lyon

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2/19/14 - A new chapter of the anti-drug organization Families Against Narcotics will be opening in South Lyon this month. Residents in the downtown area are working to form the organization’s 7th chapter, located in the New Hudson United Methodist Church. Families Against Narcotics, or FAN, is a Michigan-based nonprofit group that aims to increase awareness about prescription opiate abuse, reduce the social barriers to seeking addiction assistance, and educate the public about the dangers of prescription and illicit substance abuse. The organization currently has six chapters around the state, including in Lansing, Lapeer, and Saginaw. South Lyon residents will hold the first meeting of the new local chapter of FAN on February 27th. For more information, visit the Downtown South Lyon Facebook page. (TD)

Charity Auction to Raise Funds for Free Dental ClinicCharity Auction to Raise Funds for Free Dental Clinic

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2/19/14 - One of the major fundraisers for Livingston County’s only low-income dental clinic is coming up next month. The VINA Community Dental Center will hold its annual “Have a Heart, Give a Smile” charity auction on Saturday, March 15th at the Chemung Hills Golf Club & Banquet Center in Oceola Township. Dr. Christine Love is a retired periodontist who still volunteers at the clinic. She says they are currently averaging about 200 dental appointments a month, with more than 1,750 patients having received treatment at their clinic in Brighton. But it takes money to provide those services free of charge and the auction is one of the main ways they support the clinic. Love says the $75 ticket price will get attendees a wonderful dinner with appetizers, entertainment, and a chance to bid on a variety of unique packages including VIP tickets for a rooftop party to see the Detroit fireworks with a room at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, a gourmet dinner for eight cooked in your home and an instant wine cellar. There will also be a silent auction for approximately 20 baskets put together by area dental offices. Tickets for the auction are on sale now and can be purchased through the link below or at the clinic, which is located at 400 E. Grand River in Brighton. (JK)

Two Full Body Scanners Being Purchased for Livingston County JailTwo Full Body Scanners Being Purchased for Livingston County Jail

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2/19/14 - The purchase of two new full body scanners is expected to help maintain safety and security at the Livingston County Jail but also ensure inmates don’t possess contraband. The Livingston County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution at Tuesday night’s meeting authorizing the Sheriff to purchase two body scanners from the State of Michigan at a cost of $27,000 and up to $10,000 for training and maintenance agreements. The scanners can be used to effectively search inmates for contraband without touching an inmate via a pat down or strip search, which is expected to reduce liability and security concerns. The two body scanners are former TSA scanners and if purchased new, would cost over $150,000. Jail officials say a unique opportunity presented itself bypassing the process of competitive bidding. The scanners are offered through a program initiated by the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority designed to be a risk management and avoidance strategy. It has offered to reimburse member counties that take advantage of the program a portion of the final costs, which will be determined by how many units are purchased by members. (JM)

Anti-Bullying "Relentless Tour" Making Stops at Brighton Schools Anti-Bullying "Relentless Tour" Making Stops at Brighton Schools

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2/19/14 - An award-winning MSU basketball star will deliver a motivational message to students at three different schools in Brighton Thursday as part of a large tour to help to fight bullying. The Autism Alliance of Michigan has teamed up with Anthony Ianni for The Relentless Tour, an anti-bullying effort that seeks to raise awareness of autism and the problem of bullying. Anthony Ianni was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the age of 4 and the victim of bullying as a child. He graduated from Michigan State University and became the first known athlete with autism to play Big 10 basketball and was a member of the 2010 Final Four team. Despite bullies, adversity and numerous personal challenges, Ianni worked hard and never gave up, which is the message he’ll be sharing with students at Maltby Intermediate School in the morning, and then Scranton Middle School and Spencer Elementary School in the afternoon. Ianni says everyone is affected by bullying in some way but students with autism are at incredibly high risk to be victimized and hopes his story will inspire kids to take a stand against bullying but also make bullies rethink their actions. For more information about The Relentless Tour, click on the link below. (JM)

Trial Begins for Man Accused of Sex With Minor

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2/19/14 - The trial of an Ohio man accused of having sexual relations last year with a 13-year-old girl got underway in Livingston County Circuit Court today. 31-year-old Carloque Lanning of Toledo is charged with five counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of 2nd-degree criminal sexual conduct, as well as being a fourth-time habitual offender. His trial began today with opening statements from both sides as well as testimony from two of the witnesses for the prosecution. The trial will resume on Tuesday. The charges against Lanning stem from accusations that he had a relationship with a local girl that eventually became sexual in nature. The girl in question, who is not being named as part of a policy to not identify alleged sexual assault victims, testified that Lanning also provided her with drugs and alcohol. He is being held on a $150,000 bond. (TD)

Rapid Snow Melt Could Lead to Flooding & Drainage IssuesRapid Snow Melt Could Lead to Flooding & Drainage Issues

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2/19/14 - While most of us are welcoming the warmer temperatures and melting snow, many homeowners may not welcome some of the associated drainage issues that will also arise. With all of the expected water runoff from melting snow in the next two days, local officials are reminding homeowners to be vigilant for potential flooding hazards. Livingston County Drain Commissioner Brian Jonckheere says it’s important to make sure the water runoff produced by the melting snow has a place to go. He says making sure your storm sewer grates are clear from obstructions is one easy way to help avoid problems, as is spotting and clearing any potential ice dams from the unusually large snow piles. Jonckheere says that snow very much acts like a sponge and will absorb water up to a certain point before breaking and releasing it all at once. Jonckheere says that properties which normally don’t have flooding issues may be at risk because of the large snow piles that can easily turn into ice dams. He says property owners will want to create an escape path for the water in such areas as well as clear off storm sewer grates. He also suggests making sure your home’s sump pump is operational and that the outlet is clear from snow. (JM)

Howell City Council Approves Website RedesignHowell City Council Approves Website Redesign

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2/20/14 - A complete redesign of the City of Howell’s website is in the works and the focus is on customer service. Council members met earlier this month and voted to proceed with soliciting proposals from experienced firms to redesign, develop, and implement a new a website for the City. The goal is to create a user-friendly, website that is easily updated, searchable, and responsive to viewing on a computer, tablet or mobile device. City Manager Shea Charles says some information might be taken from the existing website but would include significant input of new information and features, as directed by the City in collaboration with whatever the firm selected. Charles estimated that the proposals should be received and back before Council within six to eight weeks. (JK)

Kevlar Vest In The Works For Pinckney Police Dog KizerKevlar Vest In The Works For Pinckney Police Dog Kizer

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2/20/14 - The Pinckney Police’s K9 will finally be joining the rest of the department by getting his own bulletproof vest. The department got connected with Massachusetts-based “Vested Interest In K9’s” in January, and that nonprofit organization has arranged to get a vest for Pinckney’s K9, a 7-year-old German Shepherd named Kizer. The bulletproof and stab-resistant vest will be made of the same Kevlar material that protects the other officers in Pinckney, and must be specialty-fitted for the individual dog. Representatives say the specialty item would typically cost $750 to $1,000, and the department would not be able to afford it without the assistance of an outside organization. It is still not known exactly when the vest will be completed and delivered. (TD)

Denby Bill Would Ease Interest Rates on Delinquent TaxesDenby Bill Would Ease Interest Rates on Delinquent Taxes

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2/20/14 - A bill sponsored by a local lawmaker is aimed at helping municipalities across the state with interest rates charged on delinquent property taxes. Local units of government must turn over delinquent property tax rolls to the county, which then reimburses the municipality and other taxing jurisdictions such as schools through its revolving delinquent tax fund. Current law requires the county to then charge the local unit of government 1% interest on the total amount owed per month, which can add up at the end of the year. House Bill 5074, sponsored by Republican State Representative Cindy Denby of Handy Township, would change the law to allow counties some flexibility and the ability to charge anywhere from zero up to 1%. She says it really boils down to one taxing unit charging another taxiing unit an interest rate that’s not in line with current times. Livingston County Administrator Belinda Peters says she supports the legislation, which provides options and flexibility to the Board of Commissioners regarding the interest rate on delinquent property taxes. However, she says it won’t have any huge impact because since 2008, the county has borrowed funds for the delinquent payments and interest rates have been very low to all taxing units. The legislation has already unanimously cleared committees and the House, and is currently pending a vote on the Senate floor but should be taken up within the next few weeks. (JM)
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