11/20/12 - A local judge is expected to rule on whether a conflict of interest exists for the attorney representing two women charged with selling synthetic marijuana containing an illegal chemical. 41-year-old Ronda Roszak, who owns Smokers Depot on Lawson Drive in Genoa Township, and her manager, 27-year-old Melissa Ann Dzierwa of Fowlerville, are charged with delivering or manufacturing a non-narcotic controlled substance. Defense attorney Timothy Corr represents both women, which 53rd District Court Judge Suzanne Geddis said constitutes a conflict of interest now that prosecutors have offered a plea deal to one of the defendants in exchange for testifying against the other. Corr maintains neither wants a plea deal so therefore, no conflict exists. Last weekâs exam was adjourned so that Corr could file a written brief explaining his position to Judge Geddis, who will ultimately rule on the conflict of interest argument. A motion hearing is scheduled tomorrow while the exam is set to continue November 28th. Corr maintains the company that sold the product to his clients at a tobacco trade show provided a lab test report to them stating that there were no illegal chemicals in it. He also says his clients have passed a polygraph exam whether or not they knew the illegal compound was present in the product. State Police confiscated roughly six pounds of the product during a routine compliance check April 26th. (JM)
Judge To Rule If Conflict Exists For Attorney In Smoke Shop Case Judge To Rule If Conflict Exists For Attorney In Smoke Shop Case
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2nd Public Hearing Set for Weed Control Plan on Genoa Twp. Lakes
11/20/12 - The great debate over how to best control aquatic weeds on two lakes in Genoa Township continues. The township board approved two resolutions related to a special assessment district for weed control on East and West Crooked Lakes Monday night. Most everyone agrees something should be done but some remain very opposed to the use of any chemicals while others feel itâs the only option left. A number of residents are also questioning a new lakes association formed to get the SAD off the ground. An association must exist to contract for the weed control since the township acts solely as the funding mechanism for the project. Those organizing that endeavor presented an original figure of $100,000 to cover the cost of chemical applications to get the SAD process started, which translates to $50 every year for a period of five years. Resident Arnie Messing was active for years in the Tri Lakes Association but eventually left and said things later fell apart. He asked for clarification and who is representing the new association, saying it is not something correctly understood by anyone and may just be a handful of people. Supervisor Gary McCririe tells WHMI itâs up to the re-formed association as to what it wants to do with the lakes and the board has scheduled a second public hearing December 3rd to hear from everyone. The East and West Crooked Lakes Riparian Association will hold the general meeting next Thursday at 7pm in the auditorium of ReMax Realty in Brighton. (JM)
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Howell City Council Calls Annual Retreat Into Question, Sets DateHowell City Council Calls Annual Retreat Into Question, Sets Date
11/20/12 - The date for the annual Howell City Council retreat was set at the councilâs meeting last night following a lengthy conversation on how it should be formatted and even whether it should be held at all. City Manager Shea Charles tells WHMI the retreat is actually an intensive work day for the council and city staff to analyze the past yearâs progress, discuss possible problems and opportunities, and identify goals for the next year and beyond. At the councilâs regular meeting last night, members held a lengthy discussion on the effectiveness of the retreat and its overall format. It was eventually decided that less of the work day would be spent on staff reports and action items, which can be accomplished during regular meetings, and more on broad visioning that will guide future council decisions. Charles says that it is not unusual for councils to call the retreat into question every so often, especially after a major turnover in membership as was recently experienced. The retreat will be held on Saturday, February 2nd. (TD)
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Brighton Township to Make Good on Promise of New ParkBrighton Township to Make Good on Promise of New Park
11/20/12- The Brighton Township Board will develop a long-anticipated park on the land at Jacoby and Kensington roads. The park was promised to the residents of the township by a court order in 1987. The court order was the result of a dispute between Brighton Township and Livingston Gravel and Sand, in which the township wanted to shut down the mining eyesore. The court order allowed the company to continue mining until 1997, after which the land would be turned over to the township to develop a park. The land has changed owners multiple times and the current owners, Clearwater Development of Milford, want to reopen the mining operation. Residents have shown strong opposition to this idea and are pushing for the township to make good on their agreement to develop a public park. The Brighton Township Board has heard the residentsâ concerns and plans to make good on their end of the agreement. Supervisor Tom Murphy says that there is money in the budget set aside for the project, but isn't sure if it is enough to cover the entire cost yet. The Board plans to evaluate the land to see what needs to be done to the property and if their budget will cover the costs. Even with the construction of this new park, it is possible that Clearwater will continue to pursue a mining operation, considering they still own property near the location of the proposed park. (SO)
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Howell City Council Makes Columbarium Fees OfficialHowell City Council Makes Columbarium Fees Official
11/20/12 - An ordinance amendment approved by the Howell City Council last night will put the cityâs new columbarium into service. A columbarium is a structure for the permanent storage of cremated remains. In October, the city council approved spending $30,000 for a new 96-unit columbarium for the Lakeview Cemetery. Last nightâs ordinance put columbarium fees into the cityâs cemetery ordinance along with burial fees. City Manager Shea Charles says the move was prompted by increasing rates of cremation, which may be driven by economic considerations. A niche in the columbarium can now be purchased for the same price as a plot in the cemetery, but without the expense of burial and other related costs. (TD)
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Dine Named as Fowlerville Christmas Parade Grand MarshalDine Named as Fowlerville Christmas Parade Grand Marshal
11/20/12 - Barbara Dine, Executive Director of the Family Impact Center and a former teacher at Fowlerville Community Schools, will serve as this yearâs Grand Marshal of the Fowlerville Christmas parade. Dine has been a Fowlerville resident for more than 30 years, who began her career in the Fowlerville Community School district as a substitute teacher. She was soon hired fulltime and taught at the junior high and then the high school until 1999. She has served as the Family Impact Centerâs executive director since its founding over 10 years ago, leading the organization in its mission helping hundreds of area families and individuals with food, clothing, support groups, and counseling services. The Fowlerville Christmas parade is set to begin at 6pm on Saturday, Dec. 1, in the Munn Middle School parking area. It will proceed south on Hibbard Street and then west on Grand River through downtown Fowlerville. A reception will be held after the parade at the Fowlerville Village offices on South Grand Avenue for those who wish to stop by and congratulate Dine. (JK)
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John Rogers Retires From Brighton Township Board For GoodJohn Rogers Retires From Brighton Township Board For Good
11/20/12- After a long and well-respected political career, John Rogers has decided to retire for good. Rogers has served on the Brighton Township Board of Trustees for 44 years. Two of his terms were spent as Supervisor, while the rest were spent as a Trustee. Rogers began his political career in 1968 when he was first elected to the board. Fellow Trustees have regarded Rogers as a great man who leads by example. Supervisor Tom Murphy says Rogers' experience and knowledge of the townshipâs history has made an incredible impact on the board and what they have been able to accomplish in the time he has served. Rogersâ five sons have followed in their fatherâs footsteps as public servants. His youngest son, Mike, is a Congressman, while his eldest son, Bill, is currently serving out his third and final term as a State Representative from Livingston County. All of Rogers' sons work hard to serve the public, a principle that he instilled in them throughout their entire lives. Board members offered thanks and well wishes to Rogers, as he wrapped up his four decades of public service at last nightâs meeting. (SO)
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Detective: No Forced Entry Evident at Highland Twp. Murder SceneDetective: No Forced Entry Evident at Highland Twp. Murder Scene
11/20/12 - A detective testified that he found no signs of forced entry after being called to the scene of a Highland Township womanâs murder in May of 2011. The testimony Monday came during the second day of trial for 22-year-old Jeffrey Pyne, who is charged with first-degree murder for allegedly beating and stabbing his mother, 51-year-old Ruth Pyne, to death in the garage of the family's Highland Township home. The detective also said Pyne showed little emotion when he arrived at the murder scene. Prosecutors contend the former high school valedictorian killed his mother because he was angry over her mental illness and refusal to take medications. The defense argued in opening statements that no physical evidence links Pyne to the killing and the case against him is entirely circumstantial. An autopsy determined Ruth Pyne was struck multiple times in the head and arms with an object, believed to be a two-by-four, and then turned over and stabbed 16 times in the neck with a knife. Prosecutors say fresh wounds found on Jeffrey Pyneâs hands the day of the murder are consistent with repeatedly swinging an object like a board. Previous testimony from Pyneâs boss at Spicers Orchard said he claimed to have hurt himself while throwing a wooden pallet. The trial is expected to last this week and next. If convicted, Pyne faces life in prison without parole. (JK)
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Hamburg Home Damaged in Possible Electrical FireHamburg Home Damaged in Possible Electrical Fire
11/20/12 - A home in Hamburg Township sustained serious damage last night after a fire last that officials suspect may have been caused by an electrical problem. Hamburg Township Fire Chief Mark Hogrebe says they were called out shortly after 7:30 to the fire in a two-story single-family home on Forest Creek Drive off of Hall Road. Upon arrival, firefighters saw smoke coming from the base of the chimney, leading them to believe the fire was in the homeâs basement. The family was reportedly attending parent-teacher conferences when the fire broke out and quickly returned to the house and got two of their three dogs out. The father had to be restrained by firefighters when he tried to go back in for the third. That dog was located when it bit the hand of a firefighter inside the house, who managed to successfully get the dog out. Hogrebe says it took about ten minutes to get the fire under control, but the ground floor sustained serious damage. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but appears to be electrical in nature. The Livingston County Chapter of the American Red Cross responded to provide support and necessary items for the family of five. (JK)
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Brighton Woman Enters Plea to Ramming of Garage
11/21/12 - A Brighton woman charged after police say she rammed her SUV through the garage door of a Howell Township condo after discovering her estranged husband inside with another woman has been sentenced. 42-year-old Jeana Moir was ordered to serve 5 days of community service and one year of probation following her guilty plea to a reduced count of malicious destruction of property of more than $200 but less than $1,000. She had originally been charged with first-degree home invasion and malicious destruction of property more than $1,000 for the July 23rd incident in the Fox Ridge condos off Grand River near M-59. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department says Moir rammed her SUV through a garage door, damaging her husbandâs Harley Davidson and the Cadillac of the other woman. It also caused a gas line break that required the Howell Area Fire Department to respond. (JK)
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Light Up The Park To Return To Downtown Pinckney
11/21/12 - The Village of Pinckney is planning to hold its annual Light Up the Park event in the village downtown on December 8th. The event will be preceded by a flag raising ceremony at 10am over the new Pinckney Library on Putnam Street. The event itself will start at 11am when Santa arrives, courtesy of the Putnam Township Fire Department, and kids can meet and get photos with the man in red. The Putnam Township Square will include Christmas caroling, a bake sale, a craft show, a live nativity scene, and a new canned food drive. Community Congregational Church will once again be putting together over 100 Nativity scenes in its annual crèche display, along with cookies and hot beverages. Chambers Farm will be providing a hayride between Community Congregational Church and the Township Square during the event. December 8th is a Saturday and the event will last from 11am to 3pm. (TD)
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Long-Time Bank Executive to Retire at Year's EndLong-Time Bank Executive to Retire at Year's End
11/21/12 - Longtime First National Bank leader Dennis Gehringer has announced his retirement effective at the end of the calendar year. Gehringer began working for First National Bank in Howell in 1969 at the age of 15 as an errand boy. He climbed his way up in the bank to become senior vice president in 1989, a position which he holds to this day. Gehringer says he is proud of his work and the people he has been able to help in his 44 years with the bank. He also volunteers with the Livingston County United Way, the Salvation Army, and St. Josephâs Church. An open house will be held in his honor on Tuesday, December 4th from 4:30 to 7:30pm at the bankâs headquarters on Grand River in Howell. Friends and partners are encouraged by the bank to attend and congratulate Gehringer on his career and retirement. (JK)
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Brighton DDA OKs Purchase of Land on North StreetBrighton DDA OKs Purchase of Land on North Street
11/21/12 - At its meeting Tuesday, the Brighton Downtown Development Authority approved purchase of the Lueker property on North Street, adjacent to the Pierce Street parking lot. The DDA will purchase the small parcel for a price of $2,500. The DDA debated whether to have a phase one environmental study done at considerable expense and in the end decided it wasnât necessary, given the future intended use of the land. For the time being the property will sit undeveloped, but DDA Chairman Bob Herbst tells WHMI that tentative future plans are to develop it into a small park. The property is located downhill from the Pierce Street parking lot and lies on the banks of South Ore Creek, fronting North Street. DDA Director Matt Modrack says the city does not have any intentions of using the extra land to expand the Pierce Street parking lot. He says the parcel drops down to the creek and is undevelopable for that purpose. However, he says the DDA contemplates perhaps building a boardwalk or footbridge across the creek to connect with the parking structure that is planned in the next couple of years for the property immediately east of the creek. (TT)
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AAA Projecting Increased Travel For Thanksgiving Holiday PeriodAAA Projecting Increased Travel For Thanksgiving Holiday Period
11/21/12 - AAA Michigan says itâs expected to be a busy weekend for holiday travel both out on the roads and up in the air. The defined Thanksgiving travel period runs through Sunday, with 1.3 million Michiganders traveling over the river and through the woods this weekend. A survey by AAA Michigan reveals the number of those traveling is up roughly 7% from last year but this also marks the third straight year AAA has seen an increase in overall holiday travel. Typically fueled by a desire to be with family and friends for the traditional holiday, AAA spokeswoman Nancy Cain says an estimated 89% will be going by vehicle with the rest by air, bus or plane. Gas prices are up roughly 21-cents from this time last year, but she tells WHMI local travelers say they wonât let that spoil their plans. Cain says anyone traveling by air should remember to pack their patience as airports will be busy all weekend, but most especially Wednesday and on Sunday, when many are returning from trips. She says travelers should pack as lightly as possible and allow extra time, especially at security gates and notes many airlines are charging for extra bags or have increased baggage fees overall to deter hold-ups at the gates. With the increased travel, motorists should allow extra time to get to their destination, especially if any unexpected Michigan weather hits. Cain also reminds motorists to buckle up, be well rested and avoid drinking and driving. (JM)
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Dropped Receipt Leads to Person of Interest in Church Break-In Dropped Receipt Leads to Person of Interest in Church Break-In
11/21/12 - Authorities are hoping that a dropped receipt might lead to the arrest of a suspect wanted for a church break-in last month in Hartland and possible other church burglaries. Livingston County Sheriffâs Bob Bezotte tells WHMI that the Fellowship Bible Church on Hartland Road was broken into sometime between October 7th and October 10th. Investigators, however, found a Walmart receipt they think was dropped by the suspect, which led to this surveillance photo. Bezotte says this may or may not be related to other church burglaries, both in Livingston County, and elsewhere, but they arenât discounting that possibility. Locally, there were two break-ins at churches on Hartland Road back in June as well as at the Family Tabernacle Church of God in Unadilla. Authorities from Livingston, Washtenaw and Lenawee Counties as well as Fulton County in Ohio are comparing notes on more than a dozen break-ins, with burglars breaking into churches to steal cash and occasionally electronics. The burglaries usually take place on Sunday night or Monday morning after services have been held and collections have been taken. Livingston County Sheriffâs Detectives are looking to speak to this person of interest to assist in solving this crime. If anyone recognizes the subject in the picture please contact Detective Curt Novara at 517-540-7952 or call Crime Stoppers Michigan at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. (JK)
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Input Sought For City Of Fenton At Community Visioning Forum Input Sought For City Of Fenton At Community Visioning Forum
11/21/12 - Community members are being asked to weigh in on the City of Fentonâs future. The city is hosting a visioning forum Wednesday, December 5th and officials say input from all elements of the community is essential in creating a strategic plan for Fentonâs future. Citizens are being asked to weigh in on what improvements they want to see in the community as well as what they want the City of Fenton to look like in the next 10 years. Officials say the vision and goal setting session will provide a basis the City Council can compare with previous discussions and then develop a final community strategic plan. The forum will take place in the cafeteria of the Andrew G. Schmidt Middle School on Donaldson Drive at 6pm December 5th. Dinner and child care will be provided. Details can be found through the link below. (JM)
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Fantasy of Lights to Illuminate Howell for 29th YearFantasy of Lights to Illuminate Howell for 29th Year
11/21/12 - As it has for the past 28 years, the annual Fantasy of Lights Parade will roll through downtown Howell Friday evening. But the activities surrounding the event actually get underway earlier in the day. From 1:30 to 4:30pm, the public can meet the Express Clydesdales at Challenger Elementary with activities including face painting and a coloring contest for kids. There will also be a silent auction for a painting by local artist Leah Kucharek, an autograph session featuring former Detroit Lions quarterback Eric Hipple and drawings for a parade ride in a wagon drawn the Clydesdales and a hot air balloon ride for two. All of the money raised will benefit the Childrenâs Miracle Network. There will also be a Fantasy of Art from 3-10 p.m. at the Howell Opera House which will showcase paintings, jewelry, pottery and holiday cards for sale. Then at 4pm, Christmas Alley opens on State Street with cookie decorating, visits with Santa, live reindeer and a display of gingerbread houses. At 6pm, the annual Fantasy 5K run will begin at the First Presbyterian Church with more than a thousand runners expected through historic downtown Howell. And then at 7pm, the parade featuring Santa, bands and more than 50 lighted floats will start off from Citizens Insurance on Grand River and travels east through the downtown area. Complete details are posted at whmi.com.
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Public Meeting Next Week About Latson Road Interchange Project Public Meeting Next Week About Latson Road Interchange Project
11/21/12 - An informational meeting is planned next week for the public to learn about the new I-96/Latson Road interchange project. The Michigan Department of Transportation and the Livingston County Road Commission will host the meeting along with Genoa Township officials and interested residents. Construction of the interchange will be discussed during a short presentation at the beginning of the meeting, followed by an opportunity for the public to ask questions and speak with M-DOT staff. Work began this fall on the interchange and the project is expected to take two years to complete. It involves constructing a new bridge extending Latson Road over I-96 and building new ramps to connect I-96 and Latson Road. As a result, the Grand River/Latson Road intersection will be widened. M-DOT will also reconstruct and relocate Grand Oaks Drive and Beck Road, while reconstructing and widening Latson/Nixon Road. The informational meeting will take place next Wednesday, November 28th from 5 to 7pm at the Genoa Township Hall on Dorr Road. (JM)
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Village Strings Band to Play Holiday Concert In South LyonVillage Strings Band to Play Holiday Concert In South Lyon
11/22/12 - The Village Strings Band will be performing at the Village Chapel at McHattie Park in South Lyon on Sunday. The band will play a mix of Christmas and Holiday favorites as well as traditional songs as we make the transition from Thanksgiving to the winter holiday season. The concert is being hosted by the South Lyon Area Historical Society. Tickets are $5 and must be bought in advance of the concert at Brownâs Root Beer and Sandwich Stand, Bakman Florist, and Parkside Cleaners on Pontiac Street. No tickets will be sold at the door due to limited seating. For more information, contact Linda Ross at (248)437-9142.(TD)
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Exam Ordered For Man Accused of Brandishing Gun on US-23Exam Ordered For Man Accused of Brandishing Gun on US-23
11/22/12 - A Genesee County man who police say brandished a weapon at a motorist while driving on US-23 in Hartland Township has been ordered to undergo a forensic competency exam. Attorneys have requested that 67-year-old Clarence Leroy Murphy Jr. of Flint be referred to the state forensic center for an examination as to his competency and criminal responsibility. A followup hearing is scheduled for February 20th. In the meantime, his$25,000 bond has been amended to prevent him from possessing a weapon or engaging in any assaultive behavior. Murphy is charged with two counts of carrying a concealed weapon. A woman says she and her 12-year-old daughter were driving northbound on US-23 early Monday evening when a minivan tried to pass her near Crouse Road. He eventually pulled alongside and waived a handgun while laughing. She was able to get his license plate and pass that along to authorities, who later stopped his vehicle in Flint. A search turned up two handguns and a starter pistol. He was taken into custody after a background check also revealed his concealed pistol license had been suspended. Murphy also is charged in Genesee County for a September 6th incident in which he was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon.(TD)
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