3/19/14 - A panel of judges is looking for confection perfection in a search for Michiganâs best doughnut, and two local bakeries are in the running. MLive.com held polls looking for the best doughnuts in 11 different areas around the state. The winners of those polls, and 22 other contenders who were strong local favorites, are now part of a traveling taste test organized by the website. Among the competitors are Crust in Fenton and the Pinckney Bakery, both local favorites who did not win the online polls but were selected for the competition because of their outstanding reputations. The tasters visited Crust on Monday, and today they will be judging the Pinckney Bakery. Each restaurant is asked to provide one plain ring doughnut, as well as three varieties that are their top sellers or personal specialties. The shops will be graded for overall selection, quality of ingredients, and taste. The judges will announce the winners next Thursday. (TD)
Two Local Bakeries In Running For Michigan's Best DoughnutTwo Local Bakeries In Running For Michigan's Best Doughnut
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Grant Application Approved For Improvements To Fillmore ParkGrant Application Approved For Improvements To Fillmore Park
3/19/14 - The county is chasing after hundreds of thousands of dollars in state funding to create new amenities at Fillmore County Park. The County Board of Commissioners approved applying for a $344,000 grant from the state Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund at its regular meeting Monday. Municipalities from all over Michigan are going to be applying for a piece of that grant money before the deadline on April 1st, and Mike Arens from the Parks and Open Spaces Advisory Committee says although the local application is neither a sure thing nor a long shot. Plans for the park include the construction of multi-purpose ball fields suitable for softball, kickball, lacrosse, soccer, and other sports. They also hope to install a drive, parking lot, picnic shelter, waterless restrooms, and a trail through the park, possibly a 5k. Local matching for the potential state grant came with the help of contributions from surrounding townships, the City of Howell, and the Livingston County Foundation, which was set up to manage the finances of county parks. Arens expects to find out if the application was successful sometime in late 2014, and a grant agreement would be put together by early 2015. If the application is approved, construction on the new features could begin as early as mid-2015. (TD)
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Livingston County Residents Could Qualify for Free Home RepairsLivingston County Residents Could Qualify for Free Home Repairs
3/19/14 - Livingston County residents are being encouraged to see if they qualify for home repairs related to health and safety. The Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency and Livingston County are collaborating to rehabilitate low-to-moderate income owner-occupied homes for health and safety reasons. OLHSA is a community action agency and plans to utilize funds from a current Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) grant to help those in need of major home repairs. The grant will allow for repairs to roofs, siding and gutters; the removal of lead based paint hazards, the repair or replacement of heating systems, windows and exterior doors as well as the installation of ramps to help upgrade homes for handicap accessibility. Participants must reside in the Villages of Pinckney and Fowlerville or the Cities of Brighton and Howell to qualify. Depending on how many people live in the household, participants must also have a median household income equal to or less than $72,000. The deadline for applications is April 11th. Anyone interested in more information or to see if they qualify is asked to contact OLHSA at 517-546-8500 ext. 4104. (JM)
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Colorful Bricks Being Collected Prior to School DemolitionColorful Bricks Being Collected Prior to School Demolition
3/19/14 - Alumni of a soon-to-be demolished elementary school have just a couple of days to obtain a memento of their school years. Sarah Jean Meyer is the leader of a group of Latson Elementary graduates who have expressed an interest in obtaining one of the distinctive yellow bricks that trim the building, located on the northeast corner of the Latson Road interchange with I-96. Meyer said because of where the yellow bricks are placed, students often referred to the building as âthe cheeseburger.â Regal Recycling of Howell is in charge of the buildingâs demolition, which is set to begin as early as Monday. However, company officials say anyone interested in owning one of the yellow bricks can have one while they last as long as they contact Howell school officials by Friday. So far, more than 200 requests have been received. The details on how to do that are posted at whmi.com. The school, which opened in 1979, has been vacant since 2011 after the district closed it due to declining enrollment and in anticipation of the interchange being built. The land is now being marketed by the district to commercial developers. Those interested are advised to contact Howell schools official Jean Beckett by Friday at; beckettj@howellschools.com (JK)
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Linden Superintendent; Near-Beer Incident Was Honest MistakeLinden Superintendent; Near-Beer Incident Was Honest Mistake
3/19/14 - The Linden Community Schools district says an incident involving a classroom of fifth graders that sampled non-alcoholic beer as part of a history lesson was a bad decision but an honest mistake made by adults. A teacher at Hyatt Elementary allowed students to sample O'Doul's, which was brought to school by a student March 6th to represent ale common in the 1700âs as part of a lesson on colonial times. The studentâs father checked with the teacher first and Superintendent Ed Koledo says the label clearly stated non-alcoholic malt beverage, so the teacher was mortified to learn it contained trace amounts of alcohol. Criminal charges are not being pursued against the teacher as there was no intent or malice involved but Koledo tells WHMI the incident was not taken lightly. He says the veteran teacher has a great reputation and believes made an honest mistake. Koledo says some parents were under the assumption that the district didnât do anything and stressed appropriate disciplinary action was taken. Koledo says the district began investigating immediately after learning of the incident but due to some snow days and interviews, the investigation it wasnât completed until last Friday when a letter was also sent home to all parents. Koledo says the principal also spoke to the entire 5th grade class to make sure that they knew the mistake was the result of adult decisions and no students were in trouble. (JM)
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Consumers Restores Power Following Fenton Construction ErrorConsumers Restores Power Following Fenton Construction Error
3/20/14 - Hundreds of Consumers Energy customers were without electricity yesterday and today after a construction crew damaged an underground power line. According to Consumers Energy Spokeswoman Deborah Dodd, a contracting crew that was not affiliated with Consumers was doing some underground boring on Skyline Drive, near Silver Parkway, yesterday at about 2:00pm. The crew damaged a large 3-phase wire, knocking out power to about 500 Consumers customers, mostly businesses. Consumers was able to restore electricity to about 150 of those customers quickly, but had to work through the night to restore power to the remaining businesses. That job was completed by about 12:55 this afternoon. Dodd says this is longer than expected, since the Consumers crews had to break through concrete to access the damaged wire. She says the cost of the damage is still being evaluated, but the contractor that caused the problem may be liable for damages. (TD)
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Local Model Sues After Botched Playboy Publicity StuntLocal Model Sues After Botched Playboy Publicity Stunt
3/19/14 - A local model is suing Playboy after she says she was injured in a misplaced golf shot during a publicity stunt. Elizabeth Dickson of South Lyon was selected as the 2011 Girl of Playboy Golf. As part of the position, she agreed to take part in a publicity stunt during the 2012 Playboy Golf Finals. She says the stunt went wrong, resulting in Playboy Morning Show host Kevin Klein striking her in the buttocks with a golf club. She has since filed suit in Los Angeles Superior Court for negligence and battery, seeking $500,000 in damages. She claims the incident left her with pain, suffering, and a large bruise. (TD)
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Hamburg Sends Request For Merrill Speed Reduction To MDOTHamburg Sends Request For Merrill Speed Reduction To MDOT
3/19/14 - The Hamburg Township Board has sent off its latest request for the the Michigan Department of Transportation to reduce the speed limit on Merrill Road, along with the support of the county government. The road bisects Manley Bennett Park, which is the site of many youth sporting activities and can see thousands of young people and their families visit in a single day. Township officials feel the 55-mile-per-hour speed limit poses a threat to those who try to cross the street during these events, and they would like MDOT to reduce it. The township has submitted two formal requests for this reduction in the past, one in 1988 and the other in 1999. Earlier this month, a unanimous vote of the County Board of Commissioners gave its support to the reduced speed limit, and last night the formal request was approved by the township. Township Supervisor Pat Hohl says he is hopeful that MDOT will perform its study of Merrill Road during a youth sporting event so the need for the speed reduction will be understood. He says a similar situation occurred when the township requested a traffic signal at Merrill Road and M-36, which was denied three times before MDOT did a study during times of high use and subsequently approved the signal. Hohl says there is no way to know when the state will begin its study or give the township its decision. (TD)
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Jury Returns Guilty Verdict in Two Brighton-Area RobberiesJury Returns Guilty Verdict in Two Brighton-Area Robberies
3/19/14 - The trial of a Brighton-area man charged in connection with two robberies ended with a conviction Tuesday. A Livingston County Circuit Court jury found 35-year-old David Rentsch guilty on two counts of armed robbery. Rentsch was charged with robbing the 7-11 store in Green Oak Township and a BP gas station in Brighton in March of 2013. He was taken into custody after the BP robbery, when police spotted him near the Brighton Education Community Center building. In both instances, police say Rentsch walked into the business, pulled out a handgun and demanded money before fleeing. Rentsch was also charged as a habitual offender, with prior convictions for armed robbery and home invasion. He was on parole at the time of the robberies. Rentsch faces 25 years in prison when he is sentenced April 24th. (JK)
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Small Fire Prompts Evacuation of BECC Building in Brighton Small Fire Prompts Evacuation of BECC Building in Brighton
3/19/14 - A small fire forced the evacuation of a building within the Brighton Area Schools district. The small fire was reported at the Brighton Education Community Center building on Church Street. Superintendent Greg Gray tells WHMI it happened shortly after 1pm in the maintenance portion of the building. The fire was quickly contained and originated in a dryer. The Bridge Alternative High School is housed within the building along with some administrative offices. Gray says all fire doors and drill processes worked well and staff and students safely evacuated the building. Students were sent home since it was so close to the end of the day already. Gray says there was some smoke damage in that area of the building but they have restoration crews on site and will be open for school tomorrow. (JM)
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BB Gun Causes Police Response To Milford School BusBB Gun Causes Police Response To Milford School Bus
3/20/14 - Milford Police had to respond to a school bus on Monday after a Milford High School student brought a BB gun on board. The situation started after the bus dropped off a student after school. That student informed his father that another student had a gun on the bus, and the father then called in to report the weapon to the districtâs transportation department and the police, according to the Milford Times. The bus driver was notified and pretended to have mechanical trouble, stopping the bus on the side of the road. Police approached the bus, staying close to the sides to remain unseen by the students. They boarded the bus through the back door and ordered the students to put their hands in the air, which they did. Police demanded to know who had the gun, at which time the student came forward and informed them that it was only a BB gun. He said he had spent the previous night at a friendâs house and brought the BB gun in case of intruders. Police verified that it was not loaded. The boy was taken into custody and eventually released to his parents. The student is now suspended, and it will be up to the prosecutorâs office to determine if any charges should be filed. Reports indicate he did not brandish or threaten anyone with the item. Police Chief Tom Lindberg says the reaction to the incident was exactly what would be needed in case of a real threat. (TD)
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Garage Sale to Benefit Memorial Scholarship FundGarage Sale to Benefit Memorial Scholarship Fund
3/20/14 - A community garage sale later this month at Fowlerville Junior High School aims to honor a young boy while also helping raise funds for a scholarship offered in his memory. The garage sale serves as a fundraiser for the Maison Z. Wilkinson Memorial Fund. The 8-year-old boy was accidentally run over and killed by a garbage truck in 2006. His parents started the soccer scholarship fund at the high school about a year after his death and the Fowlerville Junior High Schoolâs Friends of Rachel group stepped in to assist and raise additional funds to ensure the program could continue. English teacher Amy Jarvis is the group coordinator, which was formed in memory of Rachel Scott, a young woman killed in the Columbine tragedy. Jarvis tells WHMI any graduating Fowlerville High School seniors can apply for the $1,000 scholarships, which are awarded to one male and one female student. The only other requirement is that they be involved in the soccer program, which was Maisonâs favorite sport. The garage sale fundraiser will take place on Saturday, March 29th from 9am until 5pm in the Fowlerville Junior High gym. A silent auction, raffle and bake sale are also planned, for which items are also being sought. Fowlerville Mini Storage will be accepting donations for the garage sale this Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 1pm. For more information, contact Maylene Wilkinson at 517-304-3976 or Jarvis at 517-223-6225. (JM)
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Green Oak Board Gives Formal Sendoff For Retiring Police ChiefGreen Oak Board Gives Formal Sendoff For Retiring Police Chief
3/20/14 - Green Oak Township's departing police chief got an official sendoff from the township board last night. Bob Brookins took over the Green Oak Township Police Department in 1992, and since then he has overseen the expansion of the force from 8 or 9 individuals to 14 full-time officers as well as brought improvements to their technology and vehicles. Last night, the township board passed a resolution recognizing the decades of work, time, and excellence Brookins has brought to the department. He was awarded a plaque commemorating the occasion. His successor, Jason Pless, says the ceremony was very appropriate, and that Brookins had taught him a great deal while preparing him to be the new chief. Brookins himself says he was very honored by the board's action, and he believes the department is in excellent hands. He tells WHMI that of all his accomplishments while in office, he is most proud of how his department worked together with other police agencies, fire departments, EMS, and central dispatch to improve the public safety of Livingston County. At the same time as his retirement, Brookins' wife Lesa stepped down from her position as the Green Oak planning and zoning administrator. (TD)
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Medical Marijuana Activist to Run For Lyon Twp. BoardMedical Marijuana Activist to Run For Lyon Twp. Board
3/20/14 - A legally registered medical marijuana caregiver and outspoken cannabis activist has announced his bid for a seat on the same township board he was at previous legal odds against over the issue. Steve Greene says he's already gathered the necessary amount of petition signatures and will be submitting them ahead of an April 22nd deadline to run in the August primary election for an open seat on the Lyon Township Board. Greene says there was an opening and he wants to be the voice representing different sections of the community. Greene tells WHMI he's tried to work with the board on the medical marijuana issue but to no avail so when he learned a seat that carried a partial term was opening up, he decided to run as a pro-cannabis candidate despite it being a heavily conservative and Republican district. Greene has a news and radio broadcasting background and currently hosts an online program titled The Political Twist Up Show. As a result, Greene says he's well versed in how local government operates and other issues of importance such as roads, public safety and guiding planning and building. Greene has founded the Cannabis Friendly Candidates Coalition, saying there's a large wave of candidates either in office already or others running that are friendly to the issue and agree with one or more of the following platforms; medical marijuana, retail cannabis to tax and regulate, decriminalization for possession of small amounts; or hemp farming and production as it's a valued commodity but not legal to grow. (JM)
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Hearing Denied in Appeal of Oceola Double Murder ConvictionHearing Denied in Appeal of Oceola Double Murder Conviction
3/20/14 - A year after being sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison, the appeal process continues for the man convicted in a Livingston County double-homicide. A motion to hold an evidentiary hearing in the appeal of the conviction and sentence of 67-year-old Jerome Kowalski was denied Tuesday by the Michigan Court of Appeals. The court indicated the hearing was not necessary as it could decide the merits of the appeal without Kowalskiâs attorney having to testify. This is just the beginning of the appeal process. Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt tells WHMI that Kowalski still has to file a brief outlining the substantive grounds for appeal. Once that is done, his office will then file a response. Only then will oral arguments be set for the appeal. Kowalski was convicted in January of 2013 on two counts of first-degree premeditated murder and two felony weapons charges for the shooting deaths of Richard and Brenda Kowalski in their Oceola Township home in 2008. Prosecutors said the Warren man was disgruntled about his relationship with his more successful brother and the two had disagreed about how to handle the estate of their mother. One of the issues expected to be a part of the appeal is a previous ruling from Judge Theresa Brennan that barred the defense testimony of an expert on false confessions. (JK)
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Man Cited After Pursuit on US-23 w/ Livingston Uniform Traffic Team Man Cited After Pursuit on US-23 w/ Livingston Uniform Traffic Team
3/20/14 - A team of police officers from multiple jurisdictions that come together to address crime and traffic safety issues across Livingston County accomplished that goal yesterday. The Livingston Uniform Traffic Team made 25 stops, issued 21 verbal warnings and issued 5 citations during Wednesdayâs detail in Hamburg and Green Oak Townships. One of the citations went to an Ohio man following a pursuit on US-23. State Police Sergeant Mark Thompson reports that an undercover LAWNET officer was northbound on US-23 near Lee Road when he was passed by a silver pickup truck traveling at a high rate of speed. He says the undercover officer was able to pace the truck at speeds up to 110mph and radio information to other uniform officers, who were able to stop the silver pickup near Clyde Road in the Tyrone Township area. Thompson says it was occupied by four males on their way to Flint, including one wanted on a warrant for a weapons violation in Florida. He says Florida would not extradite man and he was released but the driver from Ohio was issued a careless driving citation. The Livingston Uniform Traffic Team consists of uniform officers from the Green Oak and Hamburg Township Police Departments, the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department, Michigan State Police - Brighton Post and undercover officers from LAWNET. (JM)
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Local Programmer To Represent America In International ContestLocal Programmer To Represent America In International Contest
3/20/14 - A trio of college students that will compete in an international computer programming competition in Russia includes a local graduate. Eric Rinkus (pictured, left) attended Hartland and Brighton High Schools before moving on to the Michigan Technological University, where he is now a computer science major. He has teamed up with fellow programmers Thomas Holmes and Ryan McNamara to earn an invitation to the International Collegiate Programming Contest that will take place in Russia this June. The annual competition, sponsored by IBM, pits the teams of various countries against one another as they solve programming problems as quickly as possible. If Rinkusâ team is victorious, it will be the first win for the United States since 1991. To prepare for the contest, Rinkus and his teammates are being flown to Chicago on March 26th for the North American Invitational Programming Contest. The national competition will include numerous other universities, and carries with it a grand prize of $4,500. (TD)
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Local Municipalities Take Over Funding Flooding And Water SensorLocal Municipalities Take Over Funding Flooding And Water Sensor
3/20/14 - With the federal government pulling out its support, some local stakeholders are stepping up to provide funding for a device that provides data on flooding and water levels. Flooding in the southern part of Livingston County is largely dependent on the Huron River, and stream gauging stations along the river provide officials with vital information on water levels and patterns. One of them is maintained by funding from Green Oak and Hamburg Townships along with the County Drain Commission. A second one, near Kent Lake, is currently funded by the Huron Clinton Metropark Authority and the US Geological Survey. However, Green Oak Township Supervisor Mark St. Charles says they expect the USGS to pull its funding out of that sensor in the coming year. Rather than lose the data it provides, Green Oak passed a resolution last night to team up with Hamburg and the Drain Commission plan to split the bill evenly with the HCMA, costing each party about $2,550 per year. St. Charles hopes the partners in this endeavor create a 10-year funding plan for the stream gauges so each party would not have to approve funding on a year-by-year basis. The Green Oak Township Board also approved a resolution of support for Hamburg Township, which is petitioning the Army Corps of Engineers to do a hydrology modeling study of the river. St. Charles says this is just one more tool for local officials to mitigate the effects of flooding on the area. (TD)
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Livingston County's Jobless Rate Up Slightly In January Livingston County's Jobless Rate Up Slightly In January
3/20/14 - January jobless rates were mixed across Michiganâs regional labor markets, with Livingston Countyâs individual unemployment rate up slightly. The Department of Technology, Management & Budget released regional jobless figures for January today Thursday and says the weather typically drives up unemployment during the winter months. Livingston Countyâs January unemployment rate stood at 7.8% - marking an increase of seven-tenths of a percentage point. Itâs ranking among Michiganâs 83 counties subsequently dropped three spots to 19th. Since January of 2013, the state says unemployment rates fell in all 17 major regions. One of the largest jobless rate decreases over the year period was recorded in the Detroit-Warren-Livonia region, which includes Livingston County. (JM)
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Area Deputy & Howell Man Charged After St. Patrick's Day ScuffleArea Deputy & Howell Man Charged After St. Patrick's Day Scuffle
3/20/14 - An Oakland County sheriffâs deputy and a local man are facing charges following a St. Patrickâs Day bar scuffle in Hartland Township. Deputy Thomas Knasiak with the Oakland County Sheriff's Office Highland Township substation and co-defendant Andrew Coleman of Howell are scheduled to appear in 53rd District Court Friday for an exam conference. 911 received a report of three men assaulting another man at around 8pm Monday, prompting local authorities to respond. Livingston County Undersheriff Mike Murphy says a Michigan State Police trooper from the Brighton Post was first to arrive at OâMalleyâs Irish Pub on Old US-23 and while talking to the victim, employees pointed out two men allegedly involved in the scuffle to one of their deputies who had arrived. Murphy says their deputy tried to make contact with the men but was ignored so the deputy chased them down outside behind the bar, where a small scuffle ensued. Murphy says the trooper and deputy were eventually able to get the two men in custody. Resisting and obstructing charges have since been filed against both Knasiak and Coleman. Murphy says how everything started is unclear since the victim was pretty intoxicated but no one was seriously injured. Meanwhile, Oakland County Undersheriff Michael McCabe tells WHMI that Knasiak âis in a ânon-deputizedâ position in the Corrections Division. He has had his gun, badge and Identification revoked at this time pending the outcome of our Internal Investigation and the criminal chargesâ. (JM)
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