3/10/14 - Local Republicans will be hosting a discussion this week on a controversial energy issue. The Livingston County Republican Party will host a panel discussion on hydraulic fracturing, more commonly referred to as âfrackingâ this Thursday, March 13th at 7pm at the RE/MAX Platinum offices on Grand River in Genoa Township. The panel will include oil and gas industry spokesman John Simaz and a representative of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. Fracking involves the injection of sand, water and chemicals into the ground to break-up rock formations containing oil and or natural gas, allowing for their extraction. Dan Wholihan, the Chair of the Livingston County Republican Party, says additional industry, state and county representatives have also been invited to join the panel. Wholihan says the idea for a panel discussion came up after a permit was approved in Conway Township. He says there has been a lot of âpropagandaâ about hydraulic fracturing and they wanted to provide a chance for citizens in the county to hear the science and facts so they can make an educated decision about the issue. The panel is free and open to the public. (JK)
Livingston GOP to Hold Fracking Panel DiscussionLivingston GOP to Hold Fracking Panel Discussion
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Community Conversation Seeks Input on Michigan's DirectionCommunity Conversation Seeks Input on Michigan's Direction
3/10/14 - Livingston County residents have an opportunity to weigh in on Michigan's public policies, the economy and quality of life issues tomorrow. OLHSA and Livingston County Michigan Works will host a Community Conversation to help set the agenda for Michigan's local and elected leaders tomorrow night at the Howell Carnegie District Library. The event is sponsored by The Center for Michigan and involves an open discussion between all of the participants and each person in attendance will vote on top Michigan priorities while at the event. Michigan Works Director Bill Sleight tells WHMI they really want people to share their views of how state policies, especially economic policies, are impacting their everyday lives, whether good or bad. The Center for Michigan writes citizen agenda reports, which outline the ideas and priorities identified by participantsâ conversations. It also performs issue education with elected leaders to encourage them to act on the priorities and institute reforms. The Community Conversation will take place at the Howell Carnegie District Library Tuesday from 6:30 until 8:30pm. Attendance is free and light refreshments will be provided. For more information call 734-769-4625 or register online through the link below. (JK)
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Both Sides Rest In Trial Of Man Charged In Domestic DisputeBoth Sides Rest In Trial Of Man Charged In Domestic Dispute
3/10/14 - Closing arguments have been heard in the trial of a Marion Township man charged with a domestic dispute and police stand-off. 31-year-old Justin Michael Cheff is facing 21 charges, including unlawful imprisonment, assault with a dangerous weapon, discharging a weapon in an occupied dwelling and 2nd degree child abuse. Today, the prosecution and defense made their closing remarks and the jury received instructions from the court. Deliberations will likely begin tomorrow morning. Authorities say Cheff threatened his wife on May 14th and held her at gunpoint. They say he then pointed the gun at his step-children and threatened to shoot them. One of the kids later fled and told a neighbor. The countyâs tactical team was called in, leading to a stand-off that ended when the team entered the home and found Cheff passed out, along with two loaded handguns. (TD)
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South Lyon Man Killed in Weekend Crash South Lyon Man Killed in Weekend Crash
3/10/14 - A South Lyon man has died following a single vehicle crash over the weekend. It occurred on westbound Patterson Lake Road near Glenbrook in Putnam Township at approximately 12:22am on Saturday. Troopers from the Michigan State Police Brighton Post arrived to find a red 1999 Ford Explorer badly damaged off the road and the driver trapped inside the wreckage. The Putnam and Unadilla Township Fire Departments worked to extricate the driver, identified as 23-year-old Devon Warner of South Lyon. Warner, formerly of Milford, was transported to the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, where he later died of his injuries. Police say Warner was wearing a seat belt and airbags deployed during the crash, which remains under investigation although it appears speed was a factor. (JM)
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LESA Special Education Teacher HonoredLESA Special Education Teacher Honored
3/11/14 - A local special education teacher is being recognized for her commitment, strong will and ability to empower others to advance the rights of young adults and students with disabilities. Jane Burke, a special education teacher at the Livingston Educational Service Agency, recently received the 2014 Dr. William C. Morse Teacher of the Year Award. Burkeâs capabilities and accomplishments were publicly recognized during the 51st Annual Michigan Council for Exceptional Children Honors and Awards Reception in Grand Rapids. LESA officials say since 1973, Burke has been teaching students ranging in age from 18 to 26 with varying exceptionalities to successfully make the transition from the school setting into adult life. The ultimate goal for each student is the ability to live a full and balanced life, which includes a fulfilling living environment, meaningful and purposeful activities, supportive relationships, independence, and happiness. LESA Director of Special Education Kris Resseguie says Burke works continuously to provide learning opportunities for students that build on their strengths, set goals & self-advocate, adding her relationships with community partners has been invaluable to students. She says because of Burke, students have experienced vocational training opportunities, learned how to access public transportation and become more independent with adult living skills. (JM)
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Brighton Superintendent Given 1-Year Contract ExtensionBrighton Superintendent Given 1-Year Contract Extension
3/11/14 - Brighton School Superintendent Greg Gray came out of his annual performance evaluation with flying colors and was rewarded with a 1-year extension of his contract at the board of education meeting Monday night. Board President Nick Fiani tells WHMI that Gray, who has been Brighton Superintendent for five years now, did exceptionally well in his performance review. Fiani says Gray received all 3âs and 4âs on a scale that was weighted from 1-4 points, with four being the highest score in each category. The favorable evaluation comes without a salary increase at this time. Gray earns $140,000 per year, and the extension will bring his contract to June 30, 2019. Gray voluntarily agreed to a 7% pay cut and to pay a portion of his health insurance premiums in 2011 â givebacks which continue. Although the district still possesses a legacy deficit inherited from past boards and administrations, Gray is projecting a reduction in the red ink down from around $8 million to $2 million by the end of the fiscal year. And Gray is predicting that Brighton will be completely out of deficit by the end of the 2014-15 fiscal year. (TT)
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Genoa Lays Groundwork for Latson Elementary Development Genoa Lays Groundwork for Latson Elementary Development
3/11/14 - Some recommendations that would help turn the former Latson Road Elementary building into a commercial property were approved by the Genoa Township Planning Commission last night. The township acquired about 5 acres of the property for the westbound offramp of the new I-96 interchange, and the Howell School District is interested in marketing the remaining 14.5 acres to commercial developers. Last night, the planning commission held a public hearing to discuss the request of the school district and the township board to have the remaining land rezoned from rural residential to a non-residential PUD, which would allow for commercial activity on the same level as the big-box stores across Latson Road. This includes allowing developments as high as five stories, the tallest allowed in the township's history. No members of the public attended the meeting, and recommendations to make the changes were approved by the commission with only minor language adjustments. The only person in the audience was Howell Schools Assistant Superintendent of Business Rick Terres, who came to make sure the planning commission approved the requests of the district and the Genoa Township Board. He says the property is now listed and the district will move forward with discussing the possible future opportunities there. He says the property has been appraised for $5 million, and that value should increase with a real property benefits agreement from the township. The planning commission's recommendation of approval puts the new changes on track for final approval later this year. (TD)
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Longtime Fowlerville Police Sergeant Honored Monday NightLongtime Fowlerville Police Sergeant Honored Monday Night
3/11/14 - Fellow police officers and law enforcement officials, family and friends joined the Fowlerville Village Council in wishing a longtime sergeant all the best in his retirement. Council adopted a resolution recognizing Sergeant Everett DeGrush during Monday nightâs meeting and presented with a plaque for his 20 years of service, work and dedication to the Village. He retired March 1st. DeGrush came from the Kalamazoo area and was involved in starting up the department in 1994 including developing polices and training staff, which continued up until his retirement March 1st. DeGrush tells WHMI heâs never once regretted a day of it and everyone is very dedicated and worked tirelessly to develop a great department from the chief all the way down to the part time officers. He says heâll miss it but the Village is still his home and itâs been a good career but heâs looking forward to enjoying some time with his wife on a normal schedule. He may have retired from his career but will still be keeping busy in the field and working part time as a local court officer through the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department. Police Chief Tom Couling says DeGrush will be greatly missed in the community and difficult to replace. As for the hiring process, Couling says heâs evaluating current staff for promotion to the rank of sergeant, which will then open up a position to hire a full time officer. He hopes to have promotion complete in two weeks, followed by the hiring of a new officer but says that can sometimes become a lengthy process. (JM)
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Detroit News: Woman in Anti-Obamacare Ad Would Pay Less
3/11/14 - A Dexter cancer patient featured in a conservative groupâs TV ad campaign denouncing her coverage under the program known as Obamacare will actually save more than $1,000 this year. 49-year-old Julie Boonstra starred last month in an ad (posted here) that implied Democratic Congressman Gary Petersâ vote for the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, made her medication so âunaffordableâ she could die. But The Detroit News reports that her new plan, the Blue Cross Premier Gold health care plan, will save her at least $1,200 compared with her former insurance plan that was ended under Obamacareâs coverage requirements. When the newspaper informed Boonstra that it would be cheaper, she said she still didnât believe it, adding that she still fears her costs will be unaffordable because she could be hit with large out-of-pocket bills in the early months when she wouldnât have the money to pay. But a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan spokesman said that scenario was âhighly unlikely.â He also said Boonstraâs assertion that her new plan wouldnât cover one of her prescriptions is incorrect. The ad that featured Boonstra was sponsored by Americans for Prosperity, a group backed by billionaires Charles and David Koch that has spent more than $30 million in advertising in competitive Senate races nationwide attacking Democrats on Obamacare. Peters of Bloomfield Township is running for an open U.S. Senate seat against Republican Terri Lynn Land. A spokesman for Americans for Prosperity defended the ad by saying that before her plan was canceled; Boonstra knew what her monthly costs would be and now those costs are unpredictable. (JK)
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Howell Teen Passes After Battling CancerHowell Teen Passes After Battling Cancer
3/11/14 - A well-loved Howell High School graduate diagnosed with cancer has passed away. Zachary "Zac" Cain, known to his friends and family as a fighter who kept his spirits high, passed away Monday after a two-year battle with a rare form of colon cancer. The 19-year-old avid swimmer set two Pinckney pool records and a Howell varsity record before graduating from Howell High School in 2012. He later served as an assistant swim coach for Howell Public Schools. After being diagnosed, Cain became determined to beat the disease and spent numerous hours of research exploring alternative and traditional ways to beat it. He had gone into remission since first being diagnosed but the disease returned. Friends and members of the community organized various fundraisers to help pay for his treatments at the University of Michigan Hospital. Before his passing, Cain would also swim in the off-season with Club Wolverine in Ann Arbor. Visitation for Cain will be held Wednesday from 1 to 8pm at MacDonaldâs Funeral Home in Howell. Funeral services are set for 11am Thursday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Howell. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Rainbow Connection or the Eric Hartwell Foundation. (JK)
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Think Tank Leaders Discuss Differing Views on State's DirectionThink Tank Leaders Discuss Differing Views on State's Direction
3/11/14 - Livingston County residents had the opportunity to hear the opinions of two opposing organizations on current Michigan affairs this morning at Crystal Gardens. The Good Morning Livingston program hosted by the Howell Chamber of Commerce featured John Bebow, President and CEO of the progressive-learning Center for Michigan, and Mike Reitz, Executive Vice President of the conservative-oriented Mackinac Center for Public Policy. While both agree their pathways to achieving certain reforms vary, their end goals are similar. The topics addressed were transparency and open government, early childhood education, road funding and the possibility of moving to part-time legislature. Bebow tells WHMI the stateâs prison system and its funding was one area of importance he would have liked to discuss. Both speakers agreed early childhood education is another big issue Michigan currently faces. Reitz believes the state needs to focus on determining its priorities in the education system before funding them and that the next generationâs education is a top priority. Bebow agrees, but believes upgrading teacher certification tests is the best way to ensure a top quality education. Reitz tells WHMI he believes School of Choice is an extremely beneficial system. Both speakers say they appreciated the opportunity to civilly discuss these important public policies and answer residentâs questions. (DK)
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Couple Heads to Trial in Overdose Death of Handy Twp. GirlCouple Heads to Trial in Overdose Death of Handy Twp. Girl
3/11/14 - A former Fowlerville couple has been bound over for trial in the overdose death last year of a child. 24-year-old Jared Kyle Brock and 22-year-old Chelsie Lenee Marme are charged with involuntary manslaughter and second-degree child abuse. Their case was bound over to Livingston County Circuit Court last week, where new dates have yet to be set. Authorities say the pair were babysitting Brockâs niece August 31st at his motherâs home in Handy Township when the child is believed to have swallowed a Suboxone pill that belonged to Brock. The synthetic opiate is normally used for treatment of opiate dependence. Authorities say Brock and Marme were twice told to take the child to the hospital, first by friends they had called and then Poison Control, but failed to do so. They also didnât tell the childâs paternal grandmother about the pill before leaving the home that afternoon. The child died later that night. Brock and Marme initially denied knowledge of the pill, but later admitted the child had swallowed it. Meanwhile, both Brock and Marme are facing custody proceedings for their own child because of the criminal case. Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt previously said they have agreed not to seek the termination of Marmeâs parental rights, but have reserved the right to do so upon conclusion of the criminal case. A hearing concerning Brockâs parental rights is scheduled for May. (JK)
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Mother Nature Sending New Round of Winter WeatherMother Nature Sending New Round of Winter Weather
3/11/14 - If you enjoyed the past couple of days of sunshine and warmer temperatures, hopefully that memory will get you through the next 72 hours. The National Weather Service says a storm system moving across the region will likely leave behind 3 to 5 inches of snow in Livingston County. Accuweather Meteorologist Steve Travis says because the precipitation will start as rainfall this evening, expect some very slippery roadways tomorrow. Temperatures will drop through the 20s on Wednesday, with wind chill readings in the single digits. Winds gusting to more than 30 mph on Wednesday also are predicted to hamper visibility. In anticipation of the storm, Recycle Livingston has announced that their Catrell Street location in Howell will not be open Wednesday. The weather has also prompted the City of South Lyon to declare a snow emergency and parking is prohibited on City streets from midnight tonight through 4pm Wednesday. Any vehicles left on streets during that time risk being towed at the ownerâs expense. Stay tuned to WHMI tonight and tomorrow morning for the latest weather and traffic information. (JK/JM)
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Synthetic Marijuana Charges Filed Against Local Women DismissedSynthetic Marijuana Charges Filed Against Local Women Dismissed
3/11/14 - The criminal cases involving two women charged with illegally selling synthetic marijuana in Genoa Township in April of 2012 have been dismissed. The Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office recently filed a request to dismiss the charges against both defendants - the owner of Smokers Depot, 42-year-old Ronda Lee Roszak, as well as the storeâs manager, 28-year-old Melissa Ann Dzierwa. The women were originally represented by Defense Attorney Timothy Corr, who maintained the seized substances his clients sold at the Genoa Township store as part of their job were purchased at a trade show, along with a lab report stating they did not contain illegal chemicals. A number of legal delays resulted after a November 2012 decision by 53rd District Court Judge Suzanne Geddis, who ruled that it constituted a conflict of interest for Corr to simultaneously represent two clients. Corr fought that decision but it was upheld by the Michigan Court of Appeals and the Michigan Supreme Court declined to hear his appeal last December. Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt tells WHMI once each defendant had their own attorney; they were able to review the cases to determine if there was any additional evidence to establish if either of the defendants had knowledge regarding the illegal character of the substance. After that review, which Vailliencourt says was only made possible with the cooperation of the defendants and their individual attorneys, his office found there was insufficient evidence to proceed. When contacted at the store today, Dzierwa told WHMI that neither she nor Roszak were interested in commenting. (JM)
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Two Families Displaced Following Blaze in City of Howell TuesdayTwo Families Displaced Following Blaze in City of Howell Tuesday
3/12/14 - Although no one was home at the time, two separate families were displaced following a fire Tuesday afternoon in the City of Howell. The Howell Area Fire Department responded at around 3:30pm to the blaze at a ranch-style home on Swann Court, which had been converted into two separate living units. It was not completely destroyed but Fire Chief Andy Pless says the two families were not able to re-occupy it and are being assisted by the Livingston County Chapter of the American Red Cross. The fire was reported by a neighbor and one cat in the front apartment of origin did not make it and died of smoke inhalation. Pless tells WHMI firefighters were able to extinguish the fire and brought it under control pretty quickly but were on scene for about an hour due to overhaul and investigation. He says the inside of the front residence sustained pretty significant fire and smoke damage while the other rear residence had light smoke damage throughout. Pless says the cause of the fire remains under investigation but appears to be electrical in nature at this time. (JM)
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State's Direction Charted at Community Conversation in HowellState's Direction Charted at Community Conversation in Howell
3/12/14 - The future of Michigan was the topic of discussion during a special meeting at the Howell Carnegie District Library last night. The Center for Michigan, with the help of the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency and Michigan Works, held a community conversation to get feedback and opinions on various political topics. The meeting was one of about 150 being held around the state as part of a campaign by the center to determine the priorities and objectives of Michigan residents on a variety of politically-important topics. That data will then be compiled and sent to lawmakers, politicians, and candidates around the state ahead of this year's legislative and gubernatorial elections. Attendees last night were given electronic voting pads and asked a variety of questions on major political topics, ranging from priorities in education to where public money should be spent. High priorities in the group as a whole included investing in Michigan's roads, improving high school completion rates, making college more affordable, and decreasing poverty. More controversial suggestions included increasing the business tax and reducing the size of the government. Participants were also invited to talk about why they voted the way they did, and to suggest any other changes they would like to see in the government. Those in attendance at the meeting included State Representative Bill Rogers, Howell Mayor Phil Campbell, and Howell Township Board Member Mike Tipton. (TD)
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Sewer Rates to Increase in Hartland Township Sewer Rates to Increase in Hartland Township
3/12/14 - Hartland Township will be increasing sewer rates in the coming fiscal year as part of a larger system fiscal sustainability plan. Although the rates will be going up for the 2014/2015 fiscal year, officials say the increases should ultimately level off. Sewer rates have increased since 2008 when new construction slowed in the municipality due to the recession and consequently, the number of new connection fees that sustained the system fell dramatically. The current structure relies primarily on user fees rather than connection fees. A fiscal sustainability plan was implemented in 2008 but the township opted to schedule incremental increases in fees, instead of imposing the immediate 95% increase recommended by auditors. the township mitigated impact on municipal sewer users by infusing available dollars in the sewer operations fund in order to gradually increase rates, rather than create undue hardship by nearly doubling rates immediately. Officials say itâs anticipated that the scheduled quarterly increases will level off in 2017 to more closely align with inflation rates. Compete information about the different rate increases is available in the attachment and link below. (JM)
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Jury Convicts Marion Man on Child Abuse & Gun Charges Jury Convicts Marion Man on Child Abuse & Gun Charges
3/12/14 - A jury returned guilty verdicts Tuesday against a Marion Township man charged in a domestic dispute that involved a police stand-off. 32-year-old Justin Michael Cheff was found guilty on four counts of 2nd degree child abuse and four counts of possession of a firearm in commission of a felony. However, jurors returned not guilty verdicts on 13 additional charges including unlawful imprisonment, assault with a dangerous weapon and discharging a weapon in an occupied dwelling. Testimony during the trial indicated Cheff threatened his wife during an incident last May and held her at gunpoint. He then pointed the gun at his step-children and threatened to shoot them. One of the kids later fled and told a neighbor. The countyâs tactical team was called in, leading to a stand-off that ended when the team entered the home and found Cheff passed out, along with two loaded handguns. He faces up to 48 years in prison when he is sentenced April 17th. (JK)
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Public Safety Exercise Takes Over Closed Elementary SchoolPublic Safety Exercise Takes Over Closed Elementary School
3/12/14 - Despite the late winter blast of snow, a large public safety training exercise got underway today at the old Latson Road elementary school near I-96 in Genoa Township and local officials are hoping it wonât catch the public or motorists by surprise. The training will encompass four days and simulate a breach of school security and an active shooter situation. Howell Public Schools is hosting the exercise at the soon to be demolished building to prepare not only district administrators and staff but a number of area police, fire and EMS agencies. The training is scheduled to wrap up on Saturday. (JK)
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Regal Recycling's Burn Permit Could Be Revoked For ViolationsRegal Recycling's Burn Permit Could Be Revoked For Violations
3/12/14 - The Howell City Council met Monday night and deferred action on revoking a burn permit issued to a local scrap metal and recycling company. Regal Recycling on Lucy Road was earlier granted permission to conduct a controlled trench burn to dispose of brush and trees being cleared from property. However, the City received multiple complaints about the outdoor burning and the Howell Area Fire Department discovered the burn pit authorized by Council was not being used. It ultimately recommended the permit be revoked and not re-issued due to the blatant refusal to burn under approved methodology. City Manager Shea Charles tells WHMI the sub-contractor who was handling the work for Regal Recycling attended the meeting, admitted they were not following protocol, and then offered a plan to address issues going forward. Charles says a cease and desist letter has been issued and the company is not allowed to burn anything until a final decision is made by Council, possibly at the next meeting. (JM)
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