11/22/12 - The deaths of two Livingston County residents from Meningitis have raised the number of fatalities from the outbreak to 10 in Michigan. The only other information provided so far by the Michigan Department of Public Health is that one of the latest Livingston County victims was a 75-year-old woman and the second victim was a 50-year-old woman. One of the deaths was reported Wednesday and the other on Monday. As of Wednesday, there were 164 cases of Meningitis in the state. Four of the 10 deaths in Michigan from the Meningitis outbreak have been to Livingston County residents, all of them older women. Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta this week reported 490 cases and 34 deaths in 19 states from the outbreak. New England Compounding Center in Massachusetts has been identified as the source of the outbreak. Michigan Pain Specialists in Brighton has been identified as one of four centers in Michigan that have administered the steroids. Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta this week reported 490 cases and 34 deaths in 19 states from the outbreak. Last week, state regulators approved allowing St. Joseph Mercy Hospital near Ann Arbor to treat more people affected by the meningitis outbreak. The Department of Community Health granted emergency approval for a mobile MRI service there. St. Joseph Mercy Hospital has treated more patients than any hospital in the country. (TT)
Two More Livingston County Deaths Reported from Meningitis
↧
↧
Road Patrols Stepped Up Across State For Thanksgiving Holiday
11/21/12 - The Michigan State Police are encouraging those who choose to drink over the Thanksgiving weekend not to get cooked for drunk driving. The state police will once again be participating in an international effort to increase drunk driving patrols called the Combined Accident Reduction Effort, or Operation CARE, beginning today. The program has been in place for 35 years and involves law enforcement agencies in all fifty states, Washington DC, Canada, and the US territories. Sergeant Jill Bennett with the Michigan State Police tells WHMI that the MSP will put out extra patrols in 20 counties over the weekend and encourage other departments to increase their patrols as well. She says the Wednesday before Thanksgiving is the busiest bar night of the year, and increasing the visibility of patrols will help encourage people to comply with the law voluntarily. Sheriff Bob Bezotte says his department will be contributing to the effort as well with an extra three patrol cars monitoring county roads until 3:00 or 4:00 in the morning every night. Last year in Michigan, seven people were killed by drunk drivers over the course of the Thanksgiving weekend. (TD)
↧
Fenton Police Warn Retailers of Counterfeit $100 Bills Fenton Police Warn Retailers of Counterfeit $100 Bills
11/23/12 - Counterfeit money is circulating throughout the Fenton area lately and authorities warn that more bills will likely be passed during the holiday shopping season.
Fenton City Police believe a heavyset black female in her late 40âs or early 50âs is responsible for intentionally passing a fake $100 bill at a local restaurant and are currently working to obtain surveillance video. Lieutenant Jason Slater says Fenton Township has also received reports of the counterfeit bills, which can be difficult to spot because of a new method that pretty much renders the ink money markers used in stores useless. Slater tells WHMI that the counterfeiters are bleaching five-dollar bills and then superimposing the image of a $100 bill on top. He says local retailers and businesses should pay attention to the specific security features for each bill, most especially that the watermark matches the bill's denomination. Slater says their report and investigation will be turned over to the US Secret Service. (JK)
↧
Midnight Madness at Tanger Outlet Draws Black Friday CrowdMidnight Madness at Tanger Outlet Draws Black Friday Crowd
11/23/12 - Shoppers braved the cold temperatures for Black Friday deals at the Midnight Madness event at Tanger Outlet Center. With stores opening as early as 9:30 and 10 pm last night, the parking lot was packed as well as the stores. Lines of people took up one side of the sidewalk leaving the other half for shoppers to squeeze by. The biggest line was for the Coach purse outlet, which was maintained by two security guards. Most people waiting outside said the lines moved smoothly and quickly. For most stores, the Friday after Thanksgiving can be the highest sales day of the year, especially now that it technically starts Thursday night. For those who hunt for the best bargains on this day which has almost become a holiday on its own, starting it early can only help to check the sought after items off their list. Ashley Young, Bath and Body Works sales associate, tells WHMI that their deals which started at 10 last night are drawing the shoppers in. The stores will remain open until 9pm tonight. (DK)
↧
Attorney Can't Represent Both Women in Synthetic Pot CaseAttorney Can't Represent Both Women in Synthetic Pot Case
11/23/12 - A local judge has ruled that there is a conflict of interest for the attorney representing two women charged with selling synthetic marijuana. That was the ruling earlier this week from 53rd District Court Judge Suzanne Geddis in the case against 41-year-old Ronda Roszak, who owns Smokers Depot on Lawson Drive in Genoa Township. Also charged in the case is the storeâs manager, 27-year-old Melissa Ann Dzierwa of Fowlerville. Both women face a count of delivering or manufacturing a non-narcotic controlled substance. Defense attorney Timothy Corr represents both women, but Judge Geddis ruled that constitutes a conflict of interest because prosecutors have offered a plea deal to one of the defendants in exchange for testifying against the other. Corr previously said there was no conflict because neither woman wanted a plea deal. He has indicated that he plans to appeal the ruling. 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. (JK)
↧
↧
New Howell Board Member's Son Mostly Attends Hartland DistrictNew Howell Board Member's Son Mostly Attends Hartland District
11/23/12 - A newly elected member of the Howell School board says the fact that her son mostly takes classes at Hartland High School is based on what is in his best interest. Deborah McCormick was the top vote-getter in the November 6th election for the four open seats on the Howell School board. The only class her son attends in the Howell district is a culinary arts course. Sheâll begin her role as a board member in January, along Mike Moloney, who was elected to a full term after previously being appointed. His children attend private school. Both McCormick and Moloney campaigned as part of a fiscally conservative slate. The other newcomer to the board is Stacey Pasini, whose daughters are in the district. Also elected in November was former board member Mike Yenshaw, whose children also attend Howell schools. The issue of where school board members choose to educate their children most recently created friction during the tenure of former Howell board member Wendy Day, who home-schooled her kids. State law requires only that school board members live within the district they represent, but says nothing about where their kids must attend school. (JK)
↧
Hartland Examines Sheriff Contract Up For Renewal In The SpringHartland Examines Sheriff Contract Up For Renewal In The Spring
11/21/12 - The Hartland Township Board is preparing to meet with Tyrone Township officials to discuss the performance of the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department before renewing their contract with the agency. The two townships split a $600,000 contract to have 24-hour road patrols from the sheriff in lieu of forming independent police departments. The five-year contract is nearing its expiration, and during its work session last night the Hartland Township Board discussed whether it was getting its moneyâs worth out of the deal. Manager James Wickman tells WHMI the contract is a good bargain for the township, but the renewal will give the board an opportunity to improve it. He says the council has questions regarding the operations and response times of the sheriffâs department that should be addressed, but overall they are happy with the deal they are getting. Officials from Hartland and Tyrone will meet next month to discuss the contract, then schedule a meeting with the sheriffâs department to discuss prices it has put forward. A new contract should be approved before the current one expires in April. (TD)
↧
Holiday In The Park Kicks Off November 30th At Howell City Park Holiday In The Park Kicks Off November 30th At Howell City Park
11/24/12 - The 6th annual Holiday in the Park event is approaching next week. The festivities will kick off on Friday, November 30th at 6pm on the shores of Thompson Lake when the park will be lit up and Santa Claus will make an appearance for photos with the public. Wishes to Santa will also be released by sky lantern and horsedrawn carriage rides will be available. Hot chocolate and cookies will also be served. Right now, the Howell Parks and Recreation Authority is looking for companies and organizations to decorate trees placed around the park. Director Debbie Mikula tells WHMI that the authority is looking for organizations to sponsor and decorate trees for $40 apiece. Organizations can decorate the trees using weather-resistant decorations for the entire month of December. The Authority will provide electricity. To reserve a tree contact the Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority at (517)546-0693. (TD)
↧
Brighton House To Reopen in 2013 as Mediterranean RestaurantBrighton House To Reopen in 2013 as Mediterranean Restaurant
11/24/12 - A local restaurateur has purchased the Brighton House restaurant on Grand River just east of US-23, and plans to reopen it next year. The Brighton House closed in July of 2011 and was recently purchased for $450,000 by Frank Ghnein, the owner of Captain Joeâs Grill & Chill in Whitmore Lake. He says he plans to put about $400,000 into renovations for the building, which will begin next week. The renovations will include gutting and replacing the kitchen, improving the dining area, and creating a glass façade for the restaurantâs patio. Ghnein says the new facility will open in March as Alexanderâs Land and Sea Grill, which will specialize in Mediterranean cuisine. (TD)
↧
↧
Toys For Tots Takes Home Fantasy Of Lights Grand Marshal Award Toys For Tots Takes Home Fantasy Of Lights Grand Marshal Award
11/24/12 - Thousands braved the cold in downtown Howell on Friday for the 29th annual Fantasy of Lights parade featuring dozens of illuminated floats. Fantasy of Lights Director Michelle Tokan says all of the floats, marching bands and units were spectacular and helped brighten up the city for the holiday season. The nighttime parade is hosted by the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation and 12 entries were presented with awards. Cobb-Hall Insurance is the major sponsor every year and President and CEO Mike Hall served as this yearâs Grand Marshal. The Grand Marshal Award went to Toys for Tots while the Best Use of Lights Award went to Cub Scout Pack 365. Heart of the Shepherd Lutheran Church took home the The Spirit of Christmas Award and the Best Animal Entry was the Express Employment Clydesdales. A complete list of this yearâs Fantasy of Lights award winners can be found in the press release below. Photo Credit George Moses (JM)
↧
More Meningitis Patients Returning To Area Hospital For Treatment More Meningitis Patients Returning To Area Hospital For Treatment
11/24/12 - Following the news that two more Livingston County women have died as part of a national fungal meningitis outbreak, the hospital treating patients says more are returning for treatment after being discharged. The tainted steroids have been linked to a national wave of reported cases and fatalities, including a total of four in Livingston County. The most recent deaths were a 75-year-old woman and a 50-year-old woman. St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor Hospital has treated more than a quarter of the nationâs fungal meningitis patients and its in-patient beds have been running nearly at capacity. Ann Arbor.com reports the hospital is seeing a number of previously discharged patients returning for in-patient treatment with epidural abscesses at the site of their injections. The hospital was caring for 49 patients in connection with the outbreak as of Friday, a decrease from Tuesdayâs reported count of 74. Because of around-the-clock care needed, emergency approval was granted by the state to add new beds in a formerly vacant wing at the hospital and additional staff has also been brought in. New England Compounding Center in Massachusetts has been identified as the source of the outbreak while Michigan Pain Specialists in Brighton was one of four centers in the state that administered the steroids. (JM)
↧
Work Proceeding on Planned Brighton Microbrewery Work Proceeding on Planned Brighton Microbrewery
11/25/12 - Brightonâs first microbrewery and brewpub will be opening sometime next year. The brewery will be located in the former Pink Hotel, a historic site at the corner of West Main and First streets in Brighton. The breweryâs owners have plans to brew a large number of craft beers and will have sandwiches and other food items available for sale to the public. Also planned is an outside German-style biergarten behind the brewery, to go between First Street and the railroad tracks. City Manager Dana Foster tells WHMI that the city recently completed the hookups to city water and sewer for what is a major project that he says will enhance the viability and ambiance of downtown Brighton. Work is now proceeding on the interior of the building, which is being gutted in preparation for installing equipment such as copper kettles that is required for brewing beer. The first floor is also undergoing a thorough renovation to establish a brewpub atmosphere with a bar, kitchen, tables and chairs and other amenities. (TT)
↧
Designers Sought For Repurposed Fashion Show Designers Sought For Repurposed Fashion Show
11/26/12 - The 5th annual Runway Repurposed fundraiser will begin on January 5th, and organizers are encouraging local designers to prepare. Event co-chair Nancy Anderson tells WHMI that the work to produce new fashion designs will begin with registration on January 7th and 8th at the Howell Opera House. There, designers of all ages will be provided with raw materials in the form of used clothing which they will use to create their own new designs. The products of their work will be shown off at a fashion show on February 10th and sold off at silent auction. Artists who use recycled materials and vendors are also being sought for this yearâs fashion show. Anderson says the event is an eco-friendly way to encourage creativity and support the Howell Opera House. More information can be found at the Opera House website by clicking the link below. (TD)
↧
↧
Stuff The Bus Returns to Help Local Families in NeedStuff The Bus Returns to Help Local Families in Need
11/26/12 - Collection boxes have gone out and workers are preparing for the annual Stuff the Bus holiday event this weekend. Livingston Essential Transportation Service Operations Manager Katrina Maxwell tells WHMI the program collects goods every year for nonprofits around the county. Stuff the Bus will support 10 local nonprofits this year, including LACASA, The Connection teen center, The Salvation Army, and LOVE Inc. The buses will be parked from this Friday, November 30th to Sunday, December 2nd and collect anything donated so long as it is new, including toys, hygiene products, winter clothing and outerwear. Some nonprofits have provided LETS with wish-lists to accept more expensive items, such as toolboxes, digital cameras, and an air hockey table for the teen center. Those can be downloaded below. In addition to the buses residents can find collection boxes at supporting organizations and businesses around the county leading up to the event. (JK)
↧
Highland Township Murder Trial Resumes TodayHighland Township Murder Trial Resumes Today
11/26/12 - Testimony resumes this morning in Oakland County Circuit Court in the murder trial of a Highland Township man accused of killing his mother. 22-year-old Jeffrey Pyne 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 on Burwood Court. 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 has argued that no physical evidence links Pyne to the killing and the case against him is entirely circumstantial. Testimony last week included that from Pyneâs boss at Spicerâs Orchard in Hartland Township who said he saw wounds on Pyneâs hands the day of the murder consistent with a rope burn or swinging a bat without gloves. 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 more than a dozen times. Pyne claimed to have hurt himself while throwing a wooden pallet while on the job. A co-worker also testified that he couldnât replicate the injury when he tried to throw a similar pallet. If convicted, Pyne faces life in prison without parole. (JK)
↧
Family of Slain Officer Finds Some Comfort in Number 55Family of Slain Officer Finds Some Comfort in Number 55
11/26/12- A Livingston County family still trying to come to grips with the death of their husband and father says the number 55 is bringing them some solace. Why 55? Because that was the badge number of 39-year-old West Bloomfield Police Officer Patrick O'Rourke who was shot and killed in the line of duty in early September. O'Rourkeâs widow, Amy, tells the Free Press for a story today that the family, which lives in Tyrone Township, sees the number 55 often: on a clock, the final cost of a tank of gas or points scored in a game. She says seeing the number mostly makes her and her children smile and feel like he's sending them a message. Other times, it can be painful, such as earlier this month on the 55th day of school for his daughters. Amy OâRourke says that was bothering her 5-year-old, so she decided to make it fun and had the kids come up with 55 things they loved about their daddy. Among the list was that he made really good pancakes and chili, read good stories, sang like Elvis and played guitar. But as the holidays approach, OâRourke says that trying to adjust to a life without him, must include forgiving his killer, 50-year-old Ricky Coley, who police said shot through his bedroom door and hit O'Rourke after he had been ordered out of the house as part of a divorce settlement. He kept police at bay during a 20-hour standoff that ended after Coley committed suicide. Amy says the day after her husbandâs murder she went to mass and felt Patrick sitting with her with a strong urge to forgive Coley, which she has done, telling the Free Press, "Forgiven. It's over." (JK)
↧
Counterfeit Money Passed In The City Of Brighton Last Weekend Counterfeit Money Passed In The City Of Brighton Last Weekend
11/26/12 - First it was Fenton and now, counterfeit money has begun circulating in the City of Brighton. The Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce sent out an email to members at the request of Brighton Police. The department took two reports from local merchants that received phony $100 bills this past weekend. Police say in both cases, the bills were actually $5 bills that had been bleached so they would still feel like currency but then had $100 graphics printed on them. Police say the only suspect description they have currently is that of an African-American male. In the Fenton cases, police believe a heavyset black female in her late 40âs or early 50âs is responsible for intentionally passing fake $100 bills at businesses. Authorities say local retailers and businesses should contact their local police department or 911 if they suspect counterfeit money is being passed. They also remind they pay attention to the specific security features for each bill, which is detailed in the attachment below. (JM)
↧
↧
Christmas Displays Damaged Sunday In Hamburg Township Christmas Displays Damaged Sunday In Hamburg Township
11/26/12 - The Hamburg Township Police Department is investigating the destruction of several Christmas lawn displays at the home of an elderly resident last night. Police say the damage occurred sometime after 9pm Sunday at a home on Strawberry Lake Road, east of Merrill Road. They say an unknown suspect or suspects drove across the front lawn of the home multiple times, damaging displays valued at several hundred dollars according to the 80-year old victim. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Hamburg Township Police Department at (810) 231-9391 or text the information anonymously through its TIP411 program. (JM)
↧
Public Meeting Wednesday On I-96/Latson Road Interchange Project Public Meeting Wednesday On I-96/Latson Road Interchange Project
11/26/12 - Now that prep work has begun for the new I-96/Latson Road interchange, state and local officials will host a meeting to let interested residents and businesses along the corridor know where things stand and how work will progress. The overall project 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, various roads and intersections will need to be widened and reconstructed or relocated. Officials with the Michigan Department of Transportation, Livingston County Road Commission and Genoa Township will host the meeting Wednesday evening. It will begin with a short presentation followed by a question and answer period according to M-DOT Spokeswoman Kari Arend. She says they wanted to give the public an opportunity to find out more about the construction schedule and answer any questions they may have. The project is expected to take two years to complete and Arend says a lot of prep work is being done this winter such as moving dirt and clearing land ahead of the new ramps going in but the public will start to see some work in the median along I-96. Depending on how everything goes this winter, she says major construction should be starting on the interchange in early spring of 2013. The informational meeting will take place from 5 to 7pm this Wednesday at the Genoa Township Hall on Dorr Road. Arend says M-DOT will also have project information available online and there is an email notification system people can sign up for through their website where periodic updates will be sent out. (JM)
↧
Oceola Man Gets Prison Time For Role In Mortgage Fraud SchemeOceola Man Gets Prison Time For Role In Mortgage Fraud Scheme
11/26/12 - A local man charged in connection with a multi-million dollar mortgage fraud scheme has been sentenced in federal court. A U.S. District Court Judge in Detroit recently ordered William Camsell Wells III of Oceola Township to serve two consecutive prison sentences for his guilty pleas to two counts of conspiracy to defraud the government. He will first serve 60 months in prison followed by 42 months, after which Wells will be placed on three years of supervised release. Wells was charged in the scheme with Ronnie Duke of Fenton, along with co-defendants Ryan Zundel and Anthony Peters. They face between 10 to 15 years in prison after having entered pleas to charges of using fake loans to generate cash that was used for travel, upscale homes, expensive boats and even a helicopter. Zundel and Duke will learn their fate in January and February while Peters and his attorney failed to show up for his scheduled sentencing last week. Both have been ordered to appear on December 10th and explain why. Authorities say the fraud triggered losses of more than $100 (m) million and involved roughly 180 homes in the region between 2004 and 2007. Court records indicate Wells recruited so-called âstrawâ buyers, who filed fraudulent loan applications. Duke would then arrange the loans, which ranged in size from approximately $350,000 to $600,000. Wells also admitted to setting up bank accounts to receive the loan dollars, some of which authorities say was used to finance Hardcore Motorsports, a Hartland-based business that he owned. (JM)
↧
More Pages to Explore .....
