3/1/14 - An upcoming resource fair will help draw public attention to the importance of effective parenting throughout a childâs life. March marks Parenting Awareness Month and the Brighton District Library is hosting a Parenting Resource Fair on Saturday, March 8th. The resource fair will offer parents and caregivers a chance to gather information related to parenting, child care, education, recreation and more from local businesses and organizations. There will also be door prizes and free books for every child who attends between the ages of 1-5. The fair will run from 10am until 3pm with a special appearance at 11am from MSU Basketball standout Anthony Ianni of the Autism Alliance of Michigan. Heâs expected to deliver an anti-bullying message of hope, inspiration and dedication as part of Parenting Awareness Month. Head of Youth Services at the Brighton District Library Carla Sharp says Parenting Awareness Month and the fair promote the idea that everyone in the community benefits from parent education but also encourages the development of parent and caregiver networks and support. For complete information, click on the link below. (JM)
Former Spartan Star Heads Up Parenting Resource Fair in Brighton
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Teacher Makes Second Run at State House SeatTeacher Makes Second Run at State House Seat
3/1/14 - A high school teacher from Hamburg Township has again decided to run for a local state House seat. Dale Rogers, who is a vocational instructor at Novi High School, announced last week that he would seek the Republican nomination to the 42nd state House district. This is his second attempt at the position, having unsuccessfully challenged incumbent Bill Rogers in 2012. But because the Genoa Township Republican is term-limited, Dale Rogers will face at least two other new GOP challengers for the August 5th primary. So far, Brighton Township Treasurer Lana Theis and Brighton Area Schools Board of Education President Nick Fiani have filed for the Republican nomination. Democratic candidates have yet to file. Rogers says while he is in step with fellow Republicans in opposition to a proposed hike in the minimum wage, he differs from the GOP with his support of reinstating the cuts to the stateâs Earned Income Tax Credit for low-income families. The 42nd state House seat represents the City of Brighton as well as Brighton, Genoa, Green Oak, Hamburg and Putnam townships. (JK)
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Workshops Target Families Dealing w/ Teen Substance AbuseWorkshops Target Families Dealing w/ Teen Substance Abuse
3/1/14 - Families concerned about a young member involved with substance abuse are being encouraged to attend a pair of workshops that start next week. Called "Teens Using Drugs: What To Know and What To Do" the workshops have been a free resource for Michigan families since 1999. Held at the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Education Center in Ypsilanti, audiences frequently include residents of Livingston County, as the program is presented by the Livingston and Washtenaw Regional Coordinated School Health Program Council. The first program titled âWhat To Know," will be presented this Tuesday March 4th from 7:30 to 9pm. It will provide information on understanding and recognizing teen substance abuse problems. The follow-up, called âWhat To Do," will take place the following Tuesday, March 11th, also from 7:30 to 9pm and will provide information on what should and should not be done when a teen substance abuse problem is suspected or identified. It will also include a short talk by a recovering teen speaker. Both sessions are free and open to the public. While they are targeted primarily to parents or caretakers of teens, anyone with an interest is welcome to attend. For more information contact call Dawn Farm at 734-485-8725, email info@dawnfarm.org or visit the website link below. (JM)
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RetakeOurGov Hosting Statewide Public Policy SurveyRetakeOurGov Hosting Statewide Public Policy Survey
3/2/14 - One of Livingston Countyâs tea party groups says the public will have a chance to voice opinions on topics ranging from increasing the gas tax to spending on public transportation and environmental issues when it meets later this month. Hartland-based RetakeOurGov is hosting a âStatewide Public Policy Surveyâ presentation during its monthly meeting on March 10th in Brighton. The survey is being conducted by the Center for Michigan and officials with RetakeOurGov say itâs a chance to make opinions known to those in Lansing who write the laws. Responses will be collected electronically and displayed real time on a large screen. Each participant will be given a âclickerâ to anonymously record his/her response, but all responses are displayed so everyone can see the sentiment of the group. The results of the survey will then be combined with those from other groups and a summary of results will be presented to policymakers in Lansing. Complete details can be found in the attachment and link below. (JM)
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Gilbert Plans Book Signing Event in Downtown HowellGilbert Plans Book Signing Event in Downtown Howell
3/2/14 - Howellâs Hollywood connection will be signing copies of her new childrenâs book next weekend. Actress Melissa Gilbert recently released âDaisy & Josephineâ, a story about a little girl and her best friend, a French bulldog that can magically talk and has a hip fashion sense. Gilbert, speaking Friday on Mike & Jon in the Morning, says the reception has been good so far nationally, but even more so in her new hometown of Howell, which she credited to Kim Wilson, owner of Carriage House Designs in Downtown Howell. Wilson will host the book signing reception at her store on Saturday, March 8th starting at 2pm. But she says pre-purchases of the book are being requested to avoid a large crowd that day, with each customer being given a general time they can arrive, meet Gilbert and have the book signed. Gilbert says sheâs already working on her next book, which she called a Prairie Cookbook, with recipes sheâs picked up over the years since her time on Little House on the Prairie in the 1970âs & 80âs. Pictured from left to right; Renee Chodkowski, Kim Wilson & Gilbert. (JK)
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Village of Milford Hosting Public Meet & Greet for New ManagerVillage of Milford Hosting Public Meet & Greet for New Manager
3/2/14 - The Milford community will get a chance to meet the newly appointed village manager during an event Monday evening. Monday marks Christian Wuerthâs first official day on the job in Milford after spending nine years with the City of Birmingham. Council members noted his strong ties to the community in making the selection as his father-in-law was the Village DPS director for 30 years and his wife currently teaches at Muir Middle School in Milford and is also a girlsâ basketball coach. Wuerthâs contract calls for an annual salary of $80,000 plus benefits, a vehicle allowance and $5,000 toward moving and relocation expenses, which would help cover potential home sale expenses and closing costs. Wuerth currently resides in Waterford with his family but members felt the moving allowance was an appropriate incentive and beneficial investment if it helps him to find a home around town. The contract also calls for performance evaluations at three, six and twelve months but only once annually after that. All residents are welcome to attend Mondayâs meet and greet, which is set to begin at 6:30pm in the village offices and will be followed by the Councilâs regularly scheduled meeting at 7:30pm. (JM)
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Tyrone Township Looking to Update Fireworks OrdinanceTyrone Township Looking to Update Fireworks Ordinance
3/3/14 - Some updates are in the works for the Tyrone Township ordinances that regulate fireworks usage and sale. The township is examining its ordinances following last year's changes to state regulations surrounding fireworks, which allow residents to buy and use fireworks during specific dates around holidays. Township Clerk Keith Kremer says the township is examining existing ordinance around commercial fireworks displays, as well as new language governing consumer usage and retail sale of fireworks. He says professional and consumer display regulations will probably remain the same except for a few language upgrades, including some cost recovery provisions for the township in case of an accident that requires a response from a fire department. Kremer says although the township can regulate the use of fireworks during nighttime hours for most of the year, but without a police force to enforce that ordinance there would be no point to having it on the books. Tyrone's only dedicated police coverage comes from a 40-hour-per-week contract for sheriff patrols in the township. The retail sale of fieworks is governed by the township zoning ordinance, which was discussed by the planning commission Wednesday. (TD)
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Local "Celebs" Hit the Dance Floor for CharityLocal "Celebs" Hit the Dance Floor for Charity
3/3/14 - The popular voting has begun for the Livingston County Catholic Charities Salute to the Stars and Celebrity Dance Competition later this month. The voting is being held in preparation for the organization's Salute to the Stars event. Dance teams, which include local figures such as County Board of Commissioners Chair Carol Griffith and Undersheriff Mike Murphy, are competing this year to raise money for Catholic Charities programs supporting local seniors. Each team is being coached to learn a routine to be performed at the event itself, which will take place March 22nd. Residents can now log on to the Catholic Charities website and, for a $5 fee, cast their vote for their favorite dance team. The team that gets the most votes online and at the event itself will win the Community Favorite award. That event will also feature presentations celebrating two Catholic Charities volunteers who have contributed to the success of the organization for years. Tickets are $45 per person through Friday, then $50 per person with group rates available. For more information on voting for dance teams or the event itself, click the link below. (JK)
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Talks of Possible Jail Expansion Continuing at Committee Level Talks of Possible Jail Expansion Continuing at Committee Level
3/3/14 - A committee exploring a variety of issues related to the possible expansion of the Livingston County Jail has now met for a second time. Livingston County Commissioner Don Parker chairs the Jail Improvement Committee, which met Friday afternoon along with personnel from the court system and sheriffâs department. He says the committee conducted a general review of projected numbers from consultants as well as architectural plans to help determine how a larger facility would impact operations to best serve and manage the jail population. Points of discussion centered on how to alleviate current concerns, facility adequacy, total costs associated with running the jail but also how it would impact the local court system and advances in digital technology. Parker says new technology could help boost efficiency in terms of personnel and with video proceedings but also reduce the amount of time and resources dedicated to transporting inmates from the jail to the courts for legal proceedings. Parker says the committee plans to take input from members of the defense bar at the next meeting to gain further perspective from those who represent inmates in the legal system on a daily basis. (JM)
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Sentencing Set Today for Man Convicted in I-96 ShootingsSentencing Set Today for Man Convicted in I-96 Shootings
3/3/14 - A man who shot at about two-dozen vehicles along and near I-96 faces up to life in prison when he is sentenced today in Howell. Raulie Casteel, who was convicted on terrorism and assault with a dangerous weapon charges in January, will learn his fate this afternoon when Livingston County Circuit Court Judge David Reader hands down his sentence. The 44-year-old geologist from Wixom already is serving a sentence of more than 6 years in a related case in neighboring Oakland County. The October 2012 shootings took place along Interstate 96 and connecting roads in four counties. No one was seriously hurt, but the hunt for a gunman dominated headlines for days, persuading travelers to change their habits and even forcing schools to keep children inside at recess. Casteel told jurors in the terrorism trial that he was consumed with anxiety while in traffic, most likely from undiagnosed delusions. (JK)
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LACASA Kicks-Off Teen Sexual Assault Awareness CampaignLACASA Kicks-Off Teen Sexual Assault Awareness Campaign
3/3/14 - No excuses and no blurred lines. Thatâs the tagline behind a newly launched campaign by LACASAâs Teen Advisory Council titled âNo Meansâ¦â during the month of March. The goal is to bring awareness to the issue of someone feeling forced into something they donât want to do, whether emotionally or physically but also emphasize that regardless of the choices a person might make; it does not justify someoneâs actions against them. 15-year-old Emmaly Badgett attends Howell High School while 16-year-old Haley Sullivan attends South Lyon High School. Both serve on the Council and say the campaign further challenges sentiments expressed in the popular and controversial song Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke. The theme has also been incorporated into posters with original photos created by the council that are up in area high schools and help describe that ânoâ means ânoâ. LACASAâs Community Education Director Nicole Matthews-Creech says itâs important to educate teens about the facts of sexual assault so that there is no unclear communication or blurred lines and theyâre prepared to help their peers open up if needed. She tells WHMI often times teens donât know how to address the topic of sexual assault and might not have necessarily identified what happened to them as such because of general misconceptions about what it actually is so conversation is needed, whether uncomfortable or not. Booths are also being set up during lunch periods this month to provide information about the campaign, the issue of sexual assault, and how to get help if needed. Complete information about the campaign can be found in the link below. (JM)
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District Hosts Free Parenting Workshop And Resource Fair District Hosts Free Parenting Workshop And Resource Fair
3/3/14 - A parenting workshop and resource fair aimed at improving communication between local parents and their children or teens will take place next month. Hartland Schools is hosting the event on March 25th. It will feature a number of different sessions that parents can attend to learn more about various topics related to raising their children. These will include sessions about social media and cyber bullying, dealing with strong-willed children, helping children deal with stress and anxiety, creating a healthy body image for girls, and how to spot and deal with self-injury. Accompanying these sessions will be a resource fair where parents can learn about the resources available from agencies and businesses in the community aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles for children and their families. The workshop will be held at Hartland High School. To find out more or to RSVP, contact Nicole Schingeck at (810) 626-2234 or email nicoleschingeck@hartlandschools.us. (TD)
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Probation Ordered in Genoa Twp. Motorcycle CrashProbation Ordered in Genoa Twp. Motorcycle Crash
3/3/14 - A sentenced has been handed down in an incident in which a motorcyclist lost his leg. 45-year-old Leonard Wayne Cunningham pleaded guilty last week to a Moving Violation Causing Serious Impairment of a Body Function. Court records show he was immediately sentenced to two years of probation. State Police say Cunningham was driving his sedan eastbound on Grand River in Genoa Township just before 9pm the evening of August 28th, 2012 when he turned left onto Golf Club Road and struck a motorcycle driven by 72-year-old Arden Painter, who was westbound on Grand River. Troopers arriving on the scene found the Painterâs leg had been amputated in the crash and had to apply a tourniquet until paramedics arrived. (JK)
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OLHSA Seeking Community Support to Reach Walk for Warmth GoalOLHSA Seeking Community Support to Reach Walk for Warmth Goal
3/4/14 - A local community action agency is asking for some extra support to help reach its fundraising goal and provide utility assistance to those in need during the cold winter months. The Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency held its 24th annual Walk for Warmth events last month, which brought out 1,300 participants in the form of walkers, sponsors and volunteers. The walk-a-thons support OLHSAâs Emergency Utility Assistance Program and the agency says it gets creative to stretch the funds and help more people. It had a combined fundraising goal of $180,000 for the two events, with OLHSAâs Livingston County Walk for Warmth bringing in $52,000. The non-profit is hoping to raise $48,000 to accomplish that goal. Officials say they cannot stress how important it is to bolster the fund, which can be life-saving as young children and the elderly are especially vulnerable. OLHSA CEO Ron Borngesser says the need this year is "through the roof," with the brutal winter forcing many people who can usually manage on their own to be in a position of needing help. To give to OLHSAâs Walk for Warmth, click on the link below and select general donation.
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Genoa Twp. Willing to Pitch In to Improve Grand Oaks DriveGenoa Twp. Willing to Pitch In to Improve Grand Oaks Drive
3/4/14 - Some property owners might be coming together to pay for improvements to a deteriorating road in deplorable condition that serves a number of businesses in an industrial park area. The Genoa Township Board met Monday night to discuss a potential special assessment district for improvements to Grand Oaks Drive. Supervisor Gary McCrire tells WHMI the township was approached by a couple of property owners about the condition of the road. After discussion with them and the Livingston County Road Commission, McCririe says it was relayed they could pursue a Special Assessment District if so inclined to restore Grand Oaks Drive. It continues to see more and more traffic now that the Latson Road/I-96 interchange has opened and it serves as a cut through route for many. The Genoa Township Board agreed to contribute $100,000 to support the project but only if it moves forward and the people are willing to tax themselves. Township Manager Mike Archinal tells WHMI thereâs the argument to be made that general fund money could be used reasonably to hopefully encourage the project, which would also serve as an economic development tool. It would be a $1.2 (m) million project and a draft assessment roll has been developed but itâs up to the 35 parcel owners to bring forth a petition to the township board requesting the assessment district. If that happens with a majority of those affected in favor, then the Road Commission would design the project and refine numbers for possible construction in 2015. (JM)
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Trial Delayed for Howell Doctor Facing Drug ChargesTrial Delayed for Howell Doctor Facing Drug Charges
3/4/14 - The trial of a Howell doctor charged after a raid by the DEA has been delayed two months. Dr. Michael Holda, an orthopedic surgeon, is charged with six counts of delivery of a controlled substance and one count of possession of marijuana in Livingston County Circuit Court. A hearing had been scheduled last week to hear a motion filed by the defense to quash the information and dismiss the charges. But court records indicate that has been pushed off until April 10th, while his trial has been moved out from March 17th until mid-May. Authorities say the adjournments were to allow sufficient time for briefing and motions. Previous testimony from undercover agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration who were acting as patients indicated Dr. Holda prescribed pain medications, including Xanax, beyond what would have been medically necessary. Holda, who has been practicing in the Howell community for more than three decades, operates Livingston County Orthopedics on Byron Road. On May 7th, Livingston County Sheriffâs Deputies assisted the DEA in executing a search warrant at that location, which followed the undercover visits. (JK)
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Jail Expansion Focus of State of the County AddressJail Expansion Focus of State of the County Address
3/4/14 - The annual State of the County address gave officials from all over Livingston a look at the achievements of the past year and the challenges that await in 2014. The presentation was given to over a hundred attendees at EMS headquarters on Tooley Road. The main speaker was County Commission Chair Carol Griffith, although she did turn the microphone over to Vice-Chair Steve Williams and Drain Commissioner Brian Jonckheere at times. Griffith described the major investments and accomplishments in Livingston County over the last year, as well as the positive economic indicators for the region. In looking ahead, Griffith says the planned $13.4 million expansion to the county jail is the county's biggest concerns for 2014. She tells WHMI the hardest part will be mak1ing sure there is always operational funding for the facility. In order to fund the constant operation of the new jail expansion, the county will have to consider whether to seek a millage, rent out beds to other law-enforcement agencies, or cut back on non-mandatory public services. The county will also continue working with specialty courts to keep the jail population down. Griffith also said in her address that the county's population is aging, and it will be up to the county board to address that in the future. (TD)
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Casteel Gets 16-40 Year Sentence for I-96 Shooting SpreeCasteel Gets 16-40 Year Sentence for I-96 Shooting Spree
3/04/14 - The Wixom man convicted of shootings along the I-96 corridor in October of 2012 has been sentenced to a lengthy stay in prison. A guilty verdict was handed down for 44-year-old Raulie Wayne Casteel earlier this year on charges of terrorism and assault with intent to commit great bodily harm. He was sentenced to 16 to 40 years in prison for the shootings. He admitted to firing at other passengers before the trial, but opposed the original charges of terrorism and assault with intent to murder. Before his sentencing yesterday, two victims of he shootings spoke before the court. Both of them asked Casteel to seek help and try to better himself while in prison, but one asked the court to give him the maximum sentence while the other said she felt bad for and forgave him. Defense Attorney Douglas Mulkoff told the court Castel should get a sentence in the middle of the guidelines. He argued that Casteel lashed out because of mental illness, and that this differentiated him from the terrorists that were the original target of the state's anti-terrorism law. Mulkoff called that law poorly-written and vaguely-worded. However, prosecutor Greg Townsend argued that Casteel met all of the criteria of terrorism, and that it was a miracle nobody was killed as a result of his actions. Casteel chose not to speak on his own behalf. Judge David Reader said that he was sympathetic to the needs of the mentally ill, but that Casteel clearly understood the implications and consequences of using a gun on a moving vehicle. For the terrorism charge, Reader sentenced Casteel to 16 to 40 years in prison, just shy of the maximum sentence of 18 to 40 years. He will also serve two years consecutive to that sentence for the firearms charges, minus the 482 days already served. Following the sentencing, Attorney General Bill Schuette held a press conference at the nearby EMS headquarters to thank those involved for their hard work in the case. Photo Credit: Gannett News Service (TD)
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Cats Could Be to Blame for Pole Barn Blaze in Oceola Township Cats Could Be to Blame for Pole Barn Blaze in Oceola Township
3/4/14 - A couple of cats may be to blame for a barn fire that broke out Monday night in Oceola Township. The fire was reported in a two story pole barn on Reds Way in Oceola Township at around 6:30pm but was extinguished quickly as a Howell firefighter was nearby and arrived on scene within minutes. The fire originated in the upstairs, burning the floor and rafters of the 40 x 60 structure. Howell Fire Chief Andy Pless tells WHMI itâs believed that a heat lamp either fell or was knocked over by the cats but there were no injuries and the cats were fine. The barn was not deemed a complete loss although Pless says it will likely need a new roof due to smoke damage. Overall damage was estimated between $5,000 and $10,000. (JM)
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Trial Delayed in Lawsuit Over Former DeputyTrial Delayed in Lawsuit Over Former Deputy
3/4/14 - A federal judge is expected to delay the trial of a lawsuit filed by former female inmates of the Livingston County Jail. The suit was filed in U.S. District Court in Detroit by five female plaintiffs against Livingston County and former road patrol Deputy Randy Boos. It alleges the defendantâs failure to provide proper training or supervision allowed the 2008 assaults by Boos as he transported them from the jail to various court facilities. Records show that a jury trial that had been to begin next week will be delayed at least a month, and probably longer, following a hearing Monday. Instead, a status conference in the case will be held April 2nd, with a new trial date set at that time. Boos, who served three years and seven months in prison after pleading guilty to three counts of 2nd degree criminal sexual conduct, asserted in a deposition that he didnât know his actions were criminal because he believed the sexual acts were consensual, and that he never received training on proper conduct when transporting detainees. Livingston County Sheriff Bob Bezotte calls it a frivolous lawsuit and tells WHMI when they learned what was going on, immediate action was taken to suspend Boos while State Police investigated. He says there was never any knowledge of Boosâ illegal conduct or crimes being committed and the county is prepared to go to trial. (JK)
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