2/26/14 - A local family is on a mission to make the next birthday the best ever for a little boy battling two serious diseases. However, some help from the community is needed to make it happen. 10-year-old Dominic Tyner will turn 11 on March 27th and his family is hoping the public will make it one he wonât forget by flooding their Brighton mailbox with birthday cards. They say a card and a simple hello would mean the world to Dominic, who suffers from Complex 1 Mitochondrial Disease, which affects certain structures within human cells. He also suffers from Eosinophilic Esophagitis or EE, which is a disease characterized by swelling of the esophagus. Dominic, known as Little D, is described as very social but has been homebound for a year now due to his medical conditions and thus, his friendships have dwindled. However, his family says every day when they get the mail, Dominic always asks if thereâs anything for him. They say the birthday cards from the public would help bring a smile to his face and a little happiness into his day. Birthday cards can be sent to: Lil D Tyner P.O Box 1627 Brighton, Mi 48116. (JM)
Cards Sought as Part of Birthday Mission for Brighton BoyCards Sought as Part of Birthday Mission for Brighton Boy
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Green Oak Township Seeks Input for Master Plan UpdateGreen Oak Township Seeks Input for Master Plan Update
2/26/14 - Green Oak Township is working to connect with the community and seeking input from residents as part of a lengthy process to update the municipalityâs master plan. A master plan provides guidelines for zoning and land use within the township and by law; must be updated every five years. Residents are being encouraged to complete an opinion survey regarding growth and development in the township but also offer input via a mapping tool called community remarks. It serves as an online forum for gathering comments regarding specific areas of the township and residents are able to post comments on a map regarding environmental quality, road improvements and residential growth among others. All of the information and responses gathered will help aid the Planning Commission in developing the Master Plan update. Links to access the opinion survey and community remarks can be found below. (JM)
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State Grant to Support Brighton Auto Supplier ExpansionState Grant to Support Brighton Auto Supplier Expansion
2/26/14 - A Livingston County auto exhaust system supplier will receive a multi-million dollar state grant to support plans to nearly triple its size and create hundreds of jobs. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation on Tuesday announced state approval of economic development projects it says will create more than 1,400 new jobs in Michigan and result in $362 million in business spending in the state. Among them was a $4.5 million grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund for Eberspaecher North America, a German-based auto exhaust system supplier with a plant in Brighton. The company plans to expand the plant from 110,000 square feet to more than 300,000 square feet. When combined with other investments in Michigan, the project is projected to generate a total capital investment of $122 million and create 545 new jobs. The Michigan Department of Transportation is looking into providing a Transportation Economic Development Fund grant for the project, while the City of Brighton is also considering a property tax break to support the expansion. (JK)
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Performance by Olympic Ice Skaters to Benefit New Local CampPerformance by Olympic Ice Skaters to Benefit New Local Camp
2/27/14 - World and Olympic ice skaters and ice dancers will come together for a unique performance next weekend that organizers say will also raise funds for a great cause. FrenchieSkate 2014 will take place on Sunday, March 9th at Yost Ice Arena on State Street in Ann Arbor. All proceeds will benefit North Star Reach, which plans to break ground on a camp facility in Putnam Township this spring specially designed for children with serious health challenges. North Star Reach Spokeswoman Marji Wisniewski tells WHMI the intimate performance allows ice skating fans a chance to see a large group of world and Olympic figure skating stars performing together, many of whom live and train Michigan, as well as others following the Sochi 2014 Olympic Games and prior to ISU World Championships. Jeremy Abbott from the 2014 and 2010 U.S. Olympic Team who will be performing is pictured. Wisniewski says North Star Reach was the selected beneficiary based on its goal to bring joy to special children and allow them to just be kids at camp. The children will get a chance to experience the adventure and independence camp provides but also attempt challenges in an environment that provides individualized physical, emotional and medical support. Details and ticket information about FrenchieSkate 2014 can be found through the link below. Group rates and different levels of meet and greet opportunities are available, including a private reception after the event. (JM)
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Woman Sentenced To Probation Following Fatal CrashWoman Sentenced To Probation Following Fatal Crash
2/27/14 - A Livingston County woman has been sentenced in connection with a motorcycle crash that claimed the life of a Brazilian man in Howell Township. 52-year-old Susiter Doses of Howell was charged with a misdemeanor moving violation causing death in connection with the death of 20-year-old William Naatz. She pleaded no contest to the charges this month, and was sentenced to 24 months of probation on Wednesday. She was also ordered to pay more than $27,000 in fees, including more than $25,000 in restitution. Judge Suzanne Geddis did not order grief counseling for Doses, but told her she may consider it. Police say Naatz was traveling west on Grand River on his motorcycle when he was hit by a 2007 Ford Edge driven by Doses, which had pulled out from the VGâs parking lot. Naatz was pronounced dead at a hospital following the crash last August, while Doses was treated and released at the scene. Naatz was attending college in Michigan and was the son of a city councilman in Blumenau, Brazil. (TD)
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CMU Professor Joins Race to Upset Mike RogersCMU Professor Joins Race to Upset Mike Rogers
2/27/14 - A second Democrat has thrown their hat into the ring to take on incumbent Mike Rogers for the 8th District congressional seat. Central Michigan University professor Susan Grettenberger announced Wednesday she will run for the Democratic nomination to challenge Rogers, a seven-term Republican from Howell who chairs the House Intelligence Committee. Grettenberger said Rogers was âmore concerned with spying on his own constituents than representing them,â referring to his defense of the National Security Agency spying programs that have come to light over the past year. Grettenberger, who is CMUâs director of social work, said she would run on a platform of economic populism that includes raising the minimum wage. She joins retired state demographer Ken Darga in seeking the Democratic nomination. (JK)
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Local Responders Focus On Hazmat During Cooperative TrainingLocal Responders Focus On Hazmat During Cooperative Training
2/27/14 - First responders from around mid-Michigan, including Livingston County, took part in a training exercise yesterday to make sure they are prepared for real-life rescue missions. At a union training facility in Perry, northwest of Fowlerville, representatives from about a dozen fire departments worked cooperatively to overcome rescue scenarios involving a worker partially buried at the bottom of a ditch that has been contaminated with a hazardous substance. The Howell, Brighton, and Fowlerville fire departments were represented at the exercise by members of the Livingston County Technical Response and Hazmat Team. Howell Fire Chief Andy Pless says his team's main objective in the simulations was to identify and monitor the hazardous substance while making sure the workers, the victim, and the public were safe from contamination. He tells WHMI it is important for first responders to become familiar with the equipment and people they will work with in the event of an actual emergency. Fire departments from Lansing, East Lansing, Jackson, Perry, Delta, and Summit Township were also represented at the exercise. Making sure local firefighters have these skills is also an issue of national importance, since rescue operations after large-scale disasters like 9/11 can require assistance from departments across the country. The Department of Homeland Security provided federal funds to hold the exercise. (TD)
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Barns Bursting w/ Babies at Kensington Metropark Farm CenterBarns Bursting w/ Babies at Kensington Metropark Farm Center
2/27/14 - Officials say itâs a sure sign that spring is right around the corner when the barns are bursting with newborn babies and expectant moms at the Kensington Metropark Farm Center. Visitors are able to meet three sets of twin lambs and a litter of piglets at the center but a goat, two more sheep and a pig are expected to deliver within the next two weeks. Thatâs in addition to draft horses, ducks, chickens, miniature donkeys, cows and rabbits. Farm Center Interpreter Chris Williams says the recent births are really just the beginning of the excitement because they expect approximately 14 baby goats, 14 more lambs and roughly 30 piglets to be born within the next three months. Beginning in March, the farm will be open daily from 9am to 6pm and also host special programming in coordination with the birth of all the babies. For more information or to register for the various programs, contact Kensington Metropark. Details can be found through the link below. (JM)
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Warrant Issued for Woman Charged in Fowlerville Porch CrashWarrant Issued for Woman Charged in Fowlerville Porch Crash
2/27/14 - Authorities are looking for a woman charged after crashing her jeep into the home of a local deputy fire chief. Court records show that a warrant has been issued for 41-year-old Heather Ann Belen of Webberville after she failed to show up in court earlier this month on charges of operating while intoxicated and driving on a suspended license. The charges were authorized after police say Belen crashed her Jeep into the porch area of Deputy Fowlerville Fire Chief Robert Feigâs home on West Grand River the evening of January 12th. The Fowlerville Police Department reported that Belen was traveling north on Veterans Drive when her vehicle left the roadway, crossed over Grand River and then a curb before crashing into the front porch of Feigâs home. Feig and his wife were both home but not injured. Feig administered first aid to Belen until EMS arrived. She sustained some facial injuries and was treated and released from a hospital before being lodged in the Livingston County Jail. Belen had been scheduled to return to court February 12th for a formal arraignment, but failed to show up. An arrest warrant was then issued and remains active. (JK)
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Schuette to Gather Officials & Others Following Casteel SentencingSchuette to Gather Officials & Others Following Casteel Sentencing
2/27/14 - With next weekâs sentencing in Howell of the man convicted of firing a gun at dozens of cars along and near I-96, top state officials are also planning to gather. Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuetteâs office today announced that following Mondayâs sentencing of Raulie Casteel of Wixom for being the so-called âI-96 shooter,â he will gather with law enforcement officials and victims to commend them for their help in bringing Casteel to justice. The 44-year-old unemployed geologist was convicted last month in Livingston County on terrorism and assault with a dangerous weapon charges for carrying out two-dozen shootings in four counties in the fall of 2012. During his trial, Casteel admitted to the shootings, but said he never intended to hurt anyone and was suffering from paranoia brought on by a mental condition. He faces life in prison when he is sentenced Monday afternoon by Judge David Reader. Attorney General Schuette plans to gather later that afternoon at the new EMS training facility on Tooley Road for a press conference that will include Jennifer Kupiec and Loriann Arthur, two of the victims who testified at Casteelâs trial, Paul Abbate, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office, Wixom Police Chief Clarence Goodlein and several other local, regional, and state law enforcement officials. Casteel has already been sentenced in Oakland County on separate charges there and ordered to serve between 80 months and ten years in prison. (JK)
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City of Howell Names New Main Street/DDA Director City of Howell Names New Main Street/DDA Director
2/27/14 - The City of Howell has hired a new Main Street/Downtown Development Authority Director. Cathleen Edgerly comes to Howell from Downtown Lansing, where she served as communications manager for the downtown commercial district. She brings both energy and enthusiasm according to Mayor Phil Campbell. He tells WHMI the DDA has built up a lot of positive momentum over the past several years, especially with events, and heâs confident Edgerly will continue on that path. He says it was a lengthy search process but obvious that Edgerly was the right fit and he's thrilled she accepted the offer. Edgerly is expected to start in her new position in mid-April. Sheâll be promoting Howellâs downtown and working with the DDA/Main Street Board, various committees and city staff to enhance programs and increase the volunteer base, assist downtown businesses and recruit new ones. (JM)
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Area Church Looking to Purchase Old Pinckney Elementary SchoolArea Church Looking to Purchase Old Pinckney Elementary School
2/27/14 - Thereâs some interest in a shuttered elementary building in the Pinckney Community Schools district. Trinity Lutheran Church made an offer of $250,000 to purchase the vacant Pinckney Elementary School and the district has since countered with $295,000. The building was originally listed for $600,000. The church is located on West M-36 in the Pinckney area. Superintendent Rick Todd tells WHMI to his knowledge, the church is looking to expand its religious education based program - nothing in the charter school arena. Todd says everything is in the preliminary negotiation stage and he anticipates further discussion at the next Board of Education meeting. Declining enrollment and various budget factors played into the closure of Pinckney Elementary in June of 2012. Over the years, the district has also closed Hamburg Elementary and Lakeland Elementary is slated for closure this June when the current school year ends. (JM)
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Driver in Hamburg Twp. Fatal Crash Sentenced to PrisonDriver in Hamburg Twp. Fatal Crash Sentenced to Prison
2/28/14 - The driver involved in an accident that killed a Hamburg Township resident has been ordered to prison. 45-year-old Richard Childress pleaded no contest earlier this month to a charge of operating while intoxicated causing death in connection with the April 26th, 2013 crash on M-36 near Kress Road. In exchange, prosecutors dropped charges of reckless driving causing death and a 3rd offense of operating while intoxicated. On Thursday, Judge Michael Hatty sentenced Childress to five years and five months to 15 years in prison. Police say Childress was traveling westbound on M-36 in an SUV but veered left of center as he approached Kress Road, causing a head-on collision with a station wagon driven by 77-year-old John Pavlic of Hamburg Township. Pavlic died the next day at the hospital as a result of his injuries. Police say drugs were a contributing factor in the cause of the crash. (JK)
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Local Group Hosting St. Baldrick's Fundraising Event in Brighton
2/28/14 - A signature head shaving event to raise funds and awareness for lifesaving cancer research is planned the big weekend before St. Pattyâs Day in downtown Brighton. This marks fourth year that The Ancient Order of Hibernians â Tom Kelly Division in Brighton has hosted an event benefiting the St. Baldrickâs Foundation. The foundation raises funds for childhood cancer research in hopes of finding cures and hosts signature head-shaving events where volunteers collect pledges, and some shave their heads in solidarity with children fighting cancer. Lynn Holly tells WHMI the Irish Catholic organization is based in Brighton and raises funds for a variety of charitable causes, but St. Baldrickâs is a near and dear cause. She says theyâve been able to increase donations to the organization every year and have set a goal of $15,000 for the event on Saturday, March 15th at Stout Irish Pub in Brighton. It will feature auctions, raffles, food and entertainment with a St. Patrickâs Day theme. Individuals can raise pledges and have their heads shaved at the event but others also have the option to donate hair thatâs eight inches or longer. It goes to an organization that makes wigs and then donates them free of charge to children battling cancer. Cash donations will be accepted during the event and Holly says individuals do not have to shave their heads to participate, noting every year one of their largest participants shaves his mustache and beard and they invite all to participate in the fun. Further details and how to donate to the cause can be found in the information provided by Holly in the attachment or link below. (JM)
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Long-Time Green Oak Police Chief Retires TodayLong-Time Green Oak Police Chief Retires Today
2/28/14 - After 22 years as the chief of the Green Oak Township Police Department, Bob Brookins is spending his last day in uniform today. Brookins announced his retirement in December and plans to retire along with his wife Lesa, the townshipâs planning and zoning administrator. Brookins became the departmentâs chief in 1992 after retiring as a Lieutenant with the Genesee County Sheriffâs Department. He originally entered law enforcement in 1969 as a cadet and says heâs seen the profession transform from the era of ball-point pens and ticket books to in-car mobile computers. He says the Green Oak Police Department has also changed over the years, from 8 or 9 officers to 14 full-time officers now, which has matched the growth of the township from a mostly rural area, to one that encompasses everything from small family farms to the Green Oak Village Place Mall. Deputy Chief Jason Pless has already been tapped to succeed Brookins, a transition thatâs been in the works since 2006. As for Brookins, he says he and his wife plan to stay in the Green Oak community, but will relax for a few weeks and then tackle some projects theyâve had on the back burner. You can hear a complete interview with Brookins this Sunday morning at 8:30 on Viewpoint. (JK)
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Second Meeting In Anti-Drug Series Focuses On SupportSecond Meeting In Anti-Drug Series Focuses On Support
2/28/14 - The Livingston Community Prevention Project held the second in a series of four meetings last night aimed at creating a unified strategy for fighting substance abuse in Livingston County. The series kicked off in December with a look at what the Prevention Project does and a discussion about preventing drug abuse in the county. Last night's followup focused more on the characteristics of a community prepared to fight and prevent substance abuse, and what kind of support would be needed to reach that goal. The roughly 20 participants at the meeting were broken into small groups and asked to come up with specific groups or people to invite to the discussion. The meeting was led by Prevention Project Coordinator Karen Bergbower, who tells WHMI it is essential to get the entire community on board with preventing drug abuse not only to get a wide variety of perspectives, but to eliminate as many environmental factors contributing to substance abuse as possible. Among the attendees were several Pinckney students from the It Starts With Students organization, who contributed their viewpoints to the discussion. At the end of the series, Bergbower hopes to have a strategic plan to implement data-driven substance abuse prevention projects in Livingston County. The third meeting will take place in Hartland on April 24th.. The event will also serve as the kickoff for this year's Parents Who Host Lose The Most campaign. (TD)
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Meetings Planned for Laid-Off Liquid Manufacturing EmployeesMeetings Planned for Laid-Off Liquid Manufacturing Employees
2/28/14 - Laid off workers of a former Green Oak Township beverage maker are invited to a pair of meetings next week to discuss their options. Liquid Manufacturing officially closed its doors and dismissed its work force on February 21st, two days after the companyâs assets were sold during a foreclosure auction. Many of the workers say they knew the company had financial troubles, but were not prepared to be locked out in the middle of pay period. To help with those issues, the Livingston County Michigan Works agency is holding informational meetings for former Liquid Manufacturing employees on Tuesday at 2pm and then again on Wednesday at 9am. Both meetings will take place at its Livingston Service Center on Packard Drive in Howell Township. Michigan Works officials say the former employees will learn about free services, including career counseling, job-placement assistance, interview and resume preparation, and job training. Representatives of the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency will also answer questions about filing for unemployment compensation. Liquid Manufacturing has faced numerous lawsuits in recent years, including ongoing litigation with Green Oak Township. Officials claim the business was responsible for numerous building, fire, and sewer code violations, and owed more than $600,000 in unpaid taxes and fines. Officials plan to recover this money by putting liens on the property, which they do not expect to be reopened in the near future. Details can be downloaded through the link below. (JK)
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36 Candidates Apply for South Lyon City Manager Position 36 Candidates Apply for South Lyon City Manager Position
2/28/14 - Three dozen applications have been received from interested candidates for the vacant South Lyon city manager position. Mayor Tedd Wallace tells WHMI 36 applications were received as of the Friday deadline and will be narrowed down by a consultant with the Michigan Municipal League that was hired. Wallace says he expects a meeting to be scheduled within the next week or so to discuss the pool of candidates and determine a list to interview in late March or early April. While the search is progressing, thereâs lingering community contention following Councilâs split vote to terminate former City Manager David Murphy last fall. It generated a strong response both on the board and among residents, with frustration leading some to form the Facebook page âA New South Lyonâ and a subsequent recall effort to remove three members for their votes to oust Murphy. More recently, questions were raised about Councilâs decision to hire the Cityâs former manager Rod Cook in the interim since he is currently on a paid two-month leave of absence. Council approved what has been described as an elaborate plan to split his duties among current employees and Police Chief Lloyd Collins, who has now been named âassistant city managerâ. The South Lyon Herald reports that he agreed to take on the extra work during Cookâs absence without additional compensation âto help the cityâ. (JM)
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Service Dog Bill Sponsor Sought Input From Local Veteran Group Service Dog Bill Sponsor Sought Input From Local Veteran Group
2/28/14 - A local veteranâs support organization is not only urging for passage of recently proposed legislation concerning service dogs, but also had a hand in drafting the language of the bill. Stiggyâs Dogs is a Howell Township-based group that rescues and trains shelter dogs to be psychiatric service dogs for military veterans at no cost to them. Founder and Director Jennifer Petre says a bill put forward by Dearborn Heights State Representative David Knezek would allow veterans who suffer from service-related psychiatric disabilities, such as post-traumatic stress or traumatic brain injury, to be accompanied by service dogs in their daily lives. Petre says the legislation was much needed and she was honored to be contacted for the group's input on the proposal. House Bill 5374 inserts language into the Michigan Penal Code that will bring psychiatric service dogs under the same statute as other service dogs, standardize the style of vests and harnesses to be used by the service dog and require that a veteran carry a pictured identification card certifying that the dog was trained by a qualified organization or trainer. Petre says Representative Knezek, a Democrat who co-chairs the Veteransâ Services Task Force, has already received the support of many fellow legislators and she hopes the bill will see quick passage. (JK)
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Annual Pheasants Forever Banquet Set Next WeekAnnual Pheasants Forever Banquet Set Next Week
3/1/14 - The 19th annual Pheasants Forever Banquet for Habitat, Youth, and Disabled Veterans will take place next week at Crystal Gardens in Genoa Township. Matt Ikle, president of Livingston County Pheasants Forever, tells WHMI his organization is dedicated to preserving and promoting the sport of hunting through habitat restoration. The group provides members with the seed, fertilizer and technical advice to plant nesting cover. He says the habitat restoration has helped reverse the problems caused by intensive farming practices, which led to the demise of pheasants, song birds and other wildlife. The other goal of the group, according to Ikle, is to serve as youth mentors, emphasizing a knowledge and appreciation of firearm safety and conservation. The annual banquet will take place on Friday, March 7th and feature unlimited food and drink as well as games with prizes, including firearms. Live and silent auctions will also take place for items including world class artwork, vacation trips, hunting and fishing equipment and jewelry. Tickets are $80 per person or $125 for a couple and include a one-year membership to Pheasants Forever. For more information or to buy tickets, follow the link below. (JK)
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