3/12/14 - We came pretty close with the most recent storm but it looks as though some areas will continue inching toward breaking all-time seasonal snowfall records. Warning Coordination Meteorologist Rich Pollman with the National Weather Serviceâs White Lake Township Office says both the Detroit and Flint areas are flirting with breaking their seasonal snowfall records. As of this afternoon, Detroit was at 90.6 inches - three inches below the record while Flint was one inch below its record at 81.8 inches. Pollman says Detroitâs snowfall records go back to 1880-1881 while Flint records date back to 1921.The official reset for this winterâs seasonal snowfall total doesnât happen until July 1st so Pollman says thereâs still time left to break the all-time records. (JM)
Detroit & Flint Just Shy of Breaking All-Time Snowfall RecordsDetroit & Flint Just Shy of Breaking All-Time Snowfall Records
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Fowlerville Village Council Addresses Future Direction of DPW Fowlerville Village Council Addresses Future Direction of DPW
3/13/14 - Some Fowlerville Village Council members took time at the end of a recent meeting to clarify where the Department of Public Works is headed. Thereâs been a lot of attrition and retirements taking place within the DPW and Councilman Mike Stock commented that Council requested an earlier cost study of the department and operations to make sure employees are added back in at the right numbers. He clarified that there has not been talk of privatizing any departments within the Village and no one is questioning the work of DPW employees. President Pro-Tem David Kuehn stated that it seems like whenever Council tries to be well informed and gather information to make sure public money is spent correctly, it tends to become something that itâs not and problems are misinterpreted. Kuehn added that itâs not the Council making decisions because after the report was completed, he made the motion to allow administration to do what they feel is best for the community. Councilman Stock stated publicly that he laid concerns at the desk of Village President Wayne Copeland for making several comments at the table about the DPW during an earlier meeting. Former Village Manager Joe Merucci unexpectedly resigned in April of 2012 and Copeland has since absorbed those duties but also currently supervises the DPW, resulting in a large savings for the municipality. (JM)
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Highland Man Sentenced on Child Porn ChargesHighland Man Sentenced on Child Porn Charges
3/13/14 - A convicted child pornographer from Highland Township who was caught trying to flee the country has been sentenced to prison. 38-year-old Michael Mazel was sentenced to 17.5 years in prison on Tuesday in US District Court in Detroit. He pleaded guilty in September after being charged with downloading more than 400 photographs and videos of pornography involving children as well as asking preteen girls for sexual favors via email, according to the Milford Times. However, court documents indicate he cut his electronic tether and fled in his fatherâs vehicle on January 19th, three days before his sentencing. He was caught by US Marshals in Casa Grande, Arizona in January. He was reportedly trying to cross into Mexico with loaded guns, camping equipment, survival gear, a laptop, and hard drives containing child pornography. He is now facing separate charges based on those alleged crimes. (TD)
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Pinckney Elementary School Sale Falls ThroughPinckney Elementary School Sale Falls Through
3/13/14 - A prospective deal for the purchase of Pinckney Elementary has fizzled after the school district and the potential buyer could not agree on a price. The school, along with Hamburg Elementary, is on the open market after being closed down last year to compensate for Pinckney Community Schools' declining enrollment and deficit budget. The Trinity Lutheran Church in Pinckney offered to buy the building for $250,000, substantially less than the $600,000 asking price. The district countered with an offer of $295,000, and the church came back with an offer for $255,000. At its regular meeting last week the school board chose to reject the offer and take their own counter-offer off the table. Superintendent Rick Todd tells WHMI the offer was just too low to entertain right now, but it might be more viable in the future. Todd says 80% of the sales price would go toward the 1991 bonds that are still being paid off so the district would not see much monetary benefit in such a low sale price. However, those bonds expire in 2016, at which time the district will be able to keep 100% of the sale price and may be willing to entertain such a low offer. Todd also says there have been other parties interested in purchasing the building. (TD)
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Public Hearing Tonight on Proposed Gravel Mine Near ChelseaPublic Hearing Tonight on Proposed Gravel Mine Near Chelsea
3/13/14 - Plans for a sand and gravel mine near Chelsea are being met by opposition from some area residents. McCoig Materials Inc. wants to operate the mine on two adjacent properties in Washtenaw Countyâs Lyndon Township, northwest of Chelsea. The plans need approval from the township planning commission and others. Last month, a three hour hearing at the Sylvan Township Hall drew nearly 200 people. Another public meeting is planned for 7pm tonight at the Washtenaw County Student Education Center in Chelsea. Tim Forell of ForEnergy represented McCoig Materials at the first hearing. Forell says he's optimistic that the mining plan will eventually be approved. However, the Chelsea City Council previously voted to request that the permit be denied based on concerns about the amount of truck traffic that would come through the city from the mining operation. That was echoed by Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce executive director Bob Pierce who urged the planning commission to reject the proposal in February. In addition, Lyndon Township resident Lee Skyles has started an online petition opposing the issuance of special use and mining permits. As of yesterday, the petition had garnered more than 2,300 signatures. (JK)
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Trial Date Set for Milford Man Charged With Accosting MinorsTrial Date Set for Milford Man Charged With Accosting Minors
3/13/14 - A Milford man arrested following an incident involving female students at a Starbucks will head to trial in the spring. A trial is scheduled for May 1st in Oakland County Circuit Court for 32-year-old Jordan Kent Walters, who is charged with one count of accosting a child for immoral purposes and one count of failing to register as a sex offender. The charges stem from an incident last September at the Milford Starbucks. Police Chief Tom Lindberg says three female students in the cafe became uncomfortable with the behavior of a man who they say was acting inappropriately. One of the students texted her grandfather, who came to pick the girls up and reported the incident to the police. Officers recognized the description given to them, and three days later they arrested Walters. The department took the opportunity to work with the Huron Valley School District about the need for students, even older ones, to be aware of their surroundings, trust their instincts and not to hesitate to report suspicious behavior. (JK)
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Pinckney Ready to Shake the Shilaleigh at 10th Annual ParadePinckney Ready to Shake the Shilaleigh at 10th Annual Parade
3/13/14 - The Pinckney area is looking forward to their 10th annual St. Patrickâs Day Parade this weekend. The parade will begin at noon Saturday in the parking lot of Pinckney Elementary School and will march through downtown Pinckney along Main Street to Mill Street. Thatâs a change from previous years to help increase the visibility in the downtown area. But organizer Patsy McGuire-Haggerty Dible says other changes through the years have also proven to be beneficial, most especially their decision to move the parade from the actual St. Patrick's Day to the nearest weekend prior, which has increased the turnout from about 400 to more than 1,000. There are activities taking place before the parade starting with the annual Run for the Gold 5K Race at 9am. That event benefits both the Light of the World Academy and the Faith Medical Clinic. Other activities include Irish Dancers on Main Street, the 6th annual Paddy Wagon Bed Race, and the Cutest Leprechaun Contest. A canned food drive is being held in conjunction with the St. Patrickâs Day parade. Food donations will go to the St. Mary Food Bank which support residents in Hamburg and Putnam Townships. A collection site will be set up on Main Street beginning at 9am Saturday. (JK)
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Genoa Township Updating Outdoor Sales & Events Ordinance Genoa Township Updating Outdoor Sales & Events Ordinance
3/13/14 - Genoa Township is looking to loosen restrictions on temporary sales and events to help encourage business and economic development in the community. Current zoning ordinance limits the number of days that a business can hold outdoor garden or tent-type sales events to 14 per year. Some businesses, particularly those that hold tent sales, felt the number of allowed days was too limiting and Township Manager Mike Archinal says a review of peer communities revealed the ordinance was very restrictive. Archinal tells WHMI theyâre now taking steps to extend the number of allowed days out to 28 per year, which would allow businesses to hold outside sales so long as itâs related to their business. What the township wants to restrict are the operations or individuals looking to capitalize on things such as recent sports wins by selling jerseys but donât pay any property taxes. He says itâs not only unsightly but leads to parking and traffic problems. Township board members met earlier this month and agreed that the draft amendment was reasonable. Since itâs a zoning ordinance change, Archinal says it must go through the township planning commission and then the county planning department for recommendations before coming back to the board for final approval, likely in June. (JM)
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Livingston Expecting Extra $800,000 With State Road Funding Boost Livingston Expecting Extra $800,000 With State Road Funding Boost
3/13/14 - A mid-year state budget amendment could help fill the depleted coffers of the Livingston County Road Commission. A supplemental spending bill on its way to Governor Snyder for his signature this week includes a $215 million increase for roadwork. More than half the money will go to shovel-ready road projects, while an additional $100 million would be for road agencies so they still have maintenance money in the summer after significant snow plowing costs. That would mean an additional $800,000 for road maintenance in Livingston County and forestall having to cut money designated for future road repairs. The road commission has already spent about $800,000 more than last year for winter appropriations such as salt, fuel and overtime. But those costs could top out at $1.2 million once they factor in the expected potholes that will need to be repaired and other flooding-related costs. Without the infusion of state money, the road commission would be forced to adjust their budget as it is and cancel future repairs on county roads. (JK)
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Police Say Linden Teacher Killed in Snowmobile CrashPolice Say Linden Teacher Killed in Snowmobile Crash
3/13/14 - Police say a snowmobile crash in Washtenaw County claimed the life of a Linden Middle School teacher early this morning. Michigan State Police at the Brighton Post report that 34-year-old Andrew Jacob Kargel of Saline was killed in the snowmobile accident. He taught physical education and health in the Linden Community Schools district. The crash occurred at approximately 12:30am, on Woodbend Road near West Judd Road in York Township. Police say as Kargel turned a corner, he fell off his snowmobile and was hit by another snowmobile that was following him. The crash remains under investigation and funeral arrangements are pending. (JM)
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Livingston County United Way Celebrates The Power of Community Livingston County United Way Celebrates The Power of Community
3/13/14 - A local non-profit recognized all of the partners, volunteers and dedicated individuals who helped contribute to its many successes, new initiatives and positive changes in the community over the past year. The Livingston County United Way hosted its 37th Annual Meeting & Volunteer Recognition at Crystal Gardens in Genoa Township Thursday morning. The local non-profit is recognized as being in the top 2% of United Way organizations worldwide which Executive Director Nancy Rosso says reflects how well everyone works together in the community to solve problems. She tells WHMI itâs not just about having a business or a career or living here, but how people give back and help their neighbors because the more involvement, the more that can be accomplished to actually make real change. The annual event showcases that and in the year ahead, Rosso says the non-profit will continue doing work with the most impact in the community while leveraging the most from donated dollars. Rosso says the local United Way is also always looking for more people to get involved whether through Volunteer Livingston or serving on a committee because thatâs what makes things happen. The United Way also welcomed its 2014 Board of while volunteers, businesses and community leaders were recognized. Kaitlynn Cortez, who will graduate from Howell High School this year, received the 2013 Young Person of Distinction award. The 2013 Charles W. Itsell Award went to John Moyer, the president of Asahi Kasei Plastics North America and Citizens Insurance Company received the 2014 Spirit of Michigan award. Patricia Claffey received the Donald Epley Lifetime Community Service Award, who Rosso says for nearly three decades has been a humanitarian of the highest degree and given of her time and talents to a number of organizations. (JM)
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Man Sentenced After Attempted Escape From Local JailMan Sentenced After Attempted Escape From Local Jail
3/14/14 - A sentence has been handed down for the Northville man who tried to escape from the Livingston County Jail. 30-year-old Anthony Thomas Gabourie pleaded guilty in Livingston County Circuit Court in November to a felony charge of escaping from a jail facility as well as being a 4th time habitual offender. Yesterday, Judge Michael Hatty gave him a sentence of between 18 months and 15 years in prison. The charge stems from an incident on June 18th, when Gabourie was serving a one-year stint in the jail from a prior weapons conviction. Records state that his sentence for the attempted jail escape would run consecutively to the case he is currently incarcerated for. The escape attempt came shortly before Gabourie was charged with 1st degree criminal sexual conduct with a victim under the age of 13 as well as 3rd degree CSC with a victim between the ages of 13 and 15. He was sentenced at the end of January to 9 to 15 years in prison for the 3rd degree CSC charge. (TD)
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FIRST Robotics Brings Competition To Howell For First TimeFIRST Robotics Brings Competition To Howell For First Time
3/14/14 - The FIRST Robotics Competition will hold one of its matches in Howell this weekend, making it the first such competition to take place in Michigan. Howell High School began its FIRST robotics team about two years ago, participating in the international high school robotics competition. Every year, teams from around North America design and build their own robots to accomplish a specific task, which varies from year to year. The challenge is a competition of design, engineering, programming, and even business as schools try to produce the best possible machine within the given parameters. Today and tomorrow, FIRST will hold one of its competitions at Parker Middle School, bringing 40 teams and more than 1,500 people from around the state to the Howell area. This year, the robots will be moving large exercise balls around as a kind of sport, with each rotating team made up of three robots from different high schools. The winning schools at the end of the weekend will have the opportunity to take part in the state finals in Ypsilanti, and potentially progress to the world championships in St. Louis, Missouri. (TD)
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Armed Robbery Trial of Brighton-Area Man to Resume MondayArmed Robbery Trial of Brighton-Area Man to Resume Monday
3/14/14 - The trial of a Brighton-area man charged in two different armed robberies that occurred days apart last March has recessed for the weekend. The trial of 35-year old David Rentsch has been ongoing all week in Livingston County Circuit Court. Heâs alleged to have robbed the 7-11 store at Grand River and Pleasant Valley Road in Green Oak Township on March 15th of last year, and then robbing the BP gas station on Grand River in Brighton three days later. Police say both businesses were robbed at gunpoint and Rentsch fled after receiving an undetermined amount of cash. Following court proceedings Friday, jurors were sent home for the weekend. Theyâve been instructed to return on Monday morning. (JM)
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Howell Passes Moratorium On Medical Marijuana DispensariesHowell Passes Moratorium On Medical Marijuana Dispensaries
3/14/14 - With the issue in flux at the state level, the City of Howell has put a moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries. The Michigan Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of a resident of the City of Wyoming who sued that municipality over an ordinance banning medical marijuana distribution centers. That language was also used by the City of Howell, and on Monday the city council approved a six-month moratorium on marijuana dispensaries. That will buy the municipality time to figure out how the decision will impact the law and to adjust its ordinances and regulations accordingly. There is also legislation in the works that would leave the regulation of dispensaries up to local municipalities. Mayor Phil Campbell says these only make a complex issue more difficult to predict, and the moratorium will give city officials time to figure out how these changes will impact regulations. The action was also prompted by a request for information from a third party regarding how the city regulates dispensaries. Earlier this month, motivated by the same supreme court decision and pending legislation, the Green Oak Township board put a moratorium on marijuana dispensaries as well. (TD)
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Brighton Vietnam Veteran to Receive Bronze Medal Brighton Vietnam Veteran to Receive Bronze Medal
3/14/14 - A local Vietnam War Veteran will be commended for his bravery and service during a ceremony Monday. Congressman Mike Rogers will present the Bronze Star Medal to U.S. Army Private First Class Andrew J. Kach of Brighton for services rendered during the Vietnam War. His unit came under heavy mortar attack on August 28th, 1969, to which he responded by engaging the enemy and redirecting their attack. The citation reads that PFC Kach âcontinued to man his guard position until sunrise even though wounded and in severe painâ and that his actions were âin keeping with the proud traditions of the military and reflect great credit upon himself.â The ceremony begins at 2pm Monday at the American Spirit Centre on Grand River in Brighton. (JM)
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Hot Fundraiser Helps Support 4th of July Fireworks in Fowlerville Hot Fundraiser Helps Support 4th of July Fireworks in Fowlerville
3/16/14 - A hot event in the Fowlerville area will help fireworks light up the sky later this summer. The Livingston County/Fowlerville Fireworks Committee is seeking both entries and volunteers for the communityâs 10th Annual Chili Cook-Off. The bare minimum to put on the show is $11,000. Fowlerville Village Councilwoman Mary Helfmann says the municipality feels itâs an important family activity and legally contributes $2,000 while smaller donations are received from a few others and donation canisters. The annual chili cook-off is the major fundraiser though for the 4th of July fireworks. A variety of categories will be judged from hottest to most unusual and best presentation. Between 150 and 300 people attend the event and Helfmann tells WHMI they have everything from standard to hot chili and itâs always fun to taste the different entries because some are really creative. All of the chili entries must be made at home within some guidelines and be pre-registered. There will also be a childrenâs meal, desserts, arts and crafts, 50/50 drawings and a new silent auction. The chili cook-off takes place Saturday, March 29th from 4 to 7pm at the Fowlerville VFW Hall. Helfmann says volunteers are primary to everything they do and are always needed in addition to chili entries. Those wanting more information are asked to call Bruce or Denise Brown at (517) 223-1927 or Butch or Peggy Ogden at (517) 223-3454. Helfmann can also be contacted at MHelfmann@yahoo.com. Complete details can be found through the link below. (JM)
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No More Jail For Man Accused Of Sexual Conduct With Six-Year-OldNo More Jail For Man Accused Of Sexual Conduct With Six-Year-Old
3/15/14 - A Unadilla man accused of criminal sexual conduct with a minor will not be getting any additional jail time. The 41-year-old, who WHMI will not be identifying to protect the identity of the alleged victim, was facing two counts of 2nd degree CSC involving a victim under the age of 13. He has pleaded guilty to accosting a child for immoral purposes and attempted witness tampering as part of a plea deal with prosecutors. That plea carries with it a sentence of no more than one year in jail, and since he has already been held for longer than that he would receive no additional jail time when he is sentenced on April 3rd. Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt says that plea agreement will spare the victim in this case from having to testify. Police say the defendant began molesting the girl when she was just six years old in 2004 and continued to do so until June 1st of 2007. The man was arrested in September following a five-month joint investigation between the Unadilla Township and Pinckney Village Police Departments, with assistance from the Livingston County Sheriff Department's Computer Crimes Unit. (TD)
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Hune Targeted by Democrats After Vote Against Road Funding BillHune Targeted by Democrats After Vote Against Road Funding Bill
3/15/14 - The chairman of the Michigan Democratic Party alleges a local Senator is dragging his feet on a long-term solution for the roads crisis following his recent vote against a road funding bill. Senate Bill 608 included $215 million in funding to repair roads and bridges during the worst winter Michigan has seen in decades. Michigan Democratic Party Chair Lon Johnson targeted Senator Joe Hune in a press release for voting against the supplemental budget bill he says fills a hole in the budget that Michigan Republicans created by failing to give Medicaid expansion immediate effect. Johnson says Republican politicians made road problems worse when they voted to take $1.8 (B) billion dollars and give it to corporations instead of using it to fix crumbling infrastructure. Hune defended his vote by saying that if the Legislature wants to address roads and focus on responsible legislation thatâs not bogged down with special interests and frivolous government spending, heâs all for it. The Hamburg Township Republican says the road money was not the only component of the bill and it included a number of appropriations â one that would have resulted in a significant mandate on county governments as well as pet projects from the Department of Natural Resources Department of Treasury. Hune says it was also predicated on a potential tax increase to fill a shortfall in the Medicaid budget, which if not addressed, will result in over half of the road money being re-allocated away from roads. Senate Bill 608 passed both chambers on a bi-partisan vote Wednesday after coming out of a conference committee. The complete press release that was issued and Hune's response may be viewed in the attachments below. (JM)
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LESA-Based Dog Treat Business Gets Help From Local StudentsLESA-Based Dog Treat Business Gets Help From Local Students
3/16/14 - A dog treat business operated by the special needs students at the Livingston Educational Service Agency has been getting some help from a local youth leadership program. LESA's Pathway School Adult Classrooms provide vocational, communication, and living skills education for students between 18 and 26 years of age. For about six years, dog trainer Beth Duman and her therapy dog Lacey have been making regular visits to the classrooms. Together, they created the Lacey's Love Dog Biscuit Company, which is owned and operated by the students as a way to learn tangible work skills. In October, the program partnered with students from Leadership Livingston Youth, who have been providing marketing, management, and promotion for the business. Since joining the program last year, the Leadership Livingston Youth students have been working to get the dog biscuits on the shelves of local businesses, obtain better equipment for the LESA students to use in making the treats, and even build a website to market the product. A link is posted below. Schiller says the partnership provides his peers with real-life experience operating and promoting a business, and they enjoy helping out the LESA students as well. (TD)
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