4/8/14 - The sudden resignation of 911 Central Dispatch Director Don Arbic has one county commissioner questioning what really happened. After 9 years with directing Livingston County's 911 center and more than four decades in public safety, Arbic unexpectedly resigned his post on Friday. It was announced through an email from Administrator Belinda Peters stating Arbic was no longer an employee of the county and his duties would be taken over by EMS Director Jeff Boyd. The email also thanked Arbic for his service and wished him the best in his future endeavors. However, County Commissioner Dave Domas says he was shocked by the description of what happened since Arbic had not expressed any plans to retire. He tells WHMI he believes something else motivated Arbic's sudden departure, and he has requested that the county legal counsel advise him of any specific information that might shed some light onto why Arbic left the county. Domas also praised Arbic's performance as 911 director, saying he was reliable, intelligent, and productive. (TD)
Commissioner Questions Reason for 911 Director's ResignationCommissioner Questions Reason for 911 Director's Resignation
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Crews Begin Demolition of Latson Road Elementary SchoolCrews Begin Demolition of Latson Road Elementary School
4/8/14 - The demolition of the Latson Road Elementary School in Genoa Township has begun. On Monday, crews with Regal Recycling began to tear down the outer structure of the school, which closed in 2011. Built in 1979, the schoolâs closing was precipitated partly by a drop in student enrollment, but also in anticipation of the Latson Road Interchange with I-96 being constructed. Once the building is cleared from the land, the district hopes to sell it at full market price for commercial development similar to that in the plaza across the street that contains Loweâs and Wal-Mart. A proposed change in zoning is in the process of being approved that will allow that kind of development to take place. Howell school district officials say the property has been appraised at $5 million, but that value should increase once the change receives final approval. Meanwhile, any former students of the school who have expressed an interest in obtaining one of the distinctive yellow bricks that trim the building is being advised that they will be piled up in the front parking lot of the school and be available for pickup. (JK)
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Recall Effort Vowed Against Brighton School Board PresidentRecall Effort Vowed Against Brighton School Board President
4/8/14 - The subject of the Brighton Board of Education meeting two weeks ago â when the teachersâ union president corrected the board president on a matter of parliamentary procedure - came up for discussion at Monday nightâs meeting. At the March 24 meeting, Brighton Education Association President Ellen Lafferty spoke out, without being called upon, alleging that a âcall the questionâ motion required a board vote. Board President Nick Fiani said that she spoke out of turn and was incorrect in her assertion. He later threatened to have a police officer at future meetings if Lafferty continued to speak out of turn or be disruptive. In checking later with the districtâs legal firm, Fiani was informed that since there was no âsecondâ, a vote on whether to end debate on the issue at hand was not required. Lafferty acknowledged that at the public comments portion of last nightâs meeting, but maintained that Fianiâs handling of the matter was, a she put it, âover the top.â Fiani again alleged that Lafferty was âout of order,â and âdisruptiveâ at meetings when WHMI spoke with him following the meeting Monday. In addition, Fiani contends Lafferty is stirring up dissension as a prelude to union negotiations, with the BEA contract set to expire this summer. Fiani said that he and the board "will not be intimidatedâ by Lafferty and the BEA. Fiani was also the object of criticism by other members of the public at the meeting. Retired Brighton teacher Millie Quinn claims Fiani is using his position as a âstepping stoneâ for political office. Fiani is a Republican candidate for the 42nd District in the state House of Representatives. Quinn said that petitions are being circulated demanding his resignation from the board. She said the goal is to garner 2,500 signatures and file the petitions on April 22. (TT)
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Donations Sought for 4th Annual Livingston County Diaper Drive Donations Sought for 4th Annual Livingston County Diaper Drive
4/8/14 - A community diaper drive collection is underway across Livingston County to help local parents in need. April is Month of the Young Child and the Great Start Parent Coalition has partnered with Gleaners Community Food Bank and the Howell Kiwanis Club to host the drive. Great Start officials say that one in three Americans struggle to provide their babies with diapers and that in Livingston County, many families who rely on federal programs to get by find that most of those programs do not cover the cost of diapers. To underscore the need, they point out that last yearâs drive collected over 32,000 diapers which were used up in less than two months. While all types of diapers will be accepted, there is always a greater need for size one and larger because children quickly grow out of the newborn sizes. Diapers may be dropped off at LESA, local libraries and various businesses through the month of April. Click the link below for more information and drop-off locations. (JK)
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Hartland Fire Begins Ban On Open Burning Due To High Fire RiskHartland Fire Begins Ban On Open Burning Due To High Fire Risk
4/8/14 - The ground may be muddy from rain this week, but the Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority has instituted a ban on open burning starting today. Typically, residents can burn vegetation, untreated wood, paper, and cardboard. Fire Marshal Michael Bernardin says despite the wet weather, there is still a good chance for fires to catch and spread. He says the ground still has not thawed out after this winterâs deep freeze, so plants have remained brown and dormant. This means they cannot absorb moisture from the rain and remain susceptible to fire. Combined with other factors like low humidity and high winds, Bernardin calls the current conditions a ârecipe for disasterâ when it comes to open burning. He expects the ban to remain in place until vegetation starts to green up, which could take two weeks or more. (TD)
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More Than 50 Employers Set for Michigan Works Job FairMore Than 50 Employers Set for Michigan Works Job Fair
4/8/14 - The annual Livingston Regional Job Fair is set to be held next week in Genoa Township with opportunities for job seekers to connect with potential employers. The fair, which is sponsored by the Michigan Works agency, will be held Wednesday, April 16th from 11am to 3pm at Crystal Gardens in Genoa Township. Organizers say that those searching for work should come prepared to meet with more than 50 potential employers including Kroger, Thai Summit, Cleary University and Livingston County EMS. They will also need to provide a current resume or work history and complete an application. There may also be brief interviews conducted at the fair, which will feature human resources professionals to provide a quick critique of resumes and to conduct mock interviews. Job seekers can register for the fair through the link below. (JK)
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Cohoctah Horse Owner Requests Bench TrialCohoctah Horse Owner Requests Bench Trial
4/8/14 - A judge will decide the case against Cohoctah Township woman fighting animal cruelty charges. 71-year-old Velva Jean Wainscott is charged with abandoning/cruelty to one animal resulting in death and a second count of abandoning/cruelty to 2 or 3 animals. Last week she requested a bench trial, which means 53rd District Court Judge Carol Sue Reader will hear arguments in the case and then render a verdict. Wainscott was charged after an investigation into the death of a horse found lying on its paddock on her Byron Road property January 12th. She was ordered not to possess any horses while the criminal case is pending, and rescue groups aided Livingston County Animal Control in removing the nine remaining horses from her farm on February 6th. Wainscott's horses were previously seized by Animal Control in November of 2012 after she was accused of abandoning or cruelty to 10 or more horses. Those charges were dismissed with prejudice and the animals were returned. The nine horses that were removed recently were transported to Starry Skies Equine Rescue in Ann Arbor and Horsesâ Haven in Howell for rehabilitation. (JK)
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Brighton Schools Want Maintenance Consortium with LESABrighton Schools Want Maintenance Consortium with LESA
4/8/14 - The Brighton Board of Education discussed a contract Monday night that would extend the contracts of 13 district administrators, including principals, assistant principals, and department directors. The deal would extend the administratorsâ contracts to June 30th of 2016 and freeze their salaries at their current level. Director of Operations and Maintenance Matt Marino was not among the administrators included in the extension. The omission sparked criticism from employees and the public, who thought the district may have been planning to fire Marino. However, that does not appear to be the case. Superintendent Greg Gray revealed that he is working on establishing a consortium for maintenance employees at area schools through the Livingston Educational Service Agency, similar to what LESA did with bus drivers. He tells WHMI he has been in contact with LESA about the new consortium with the understanding that the participation of other districts would be required to make it a success. Gray says if the consortium becomes a reality, Marino would likely become an employee of LESA. He adds if the consortium does not pan out, Marino would continue his position within the Brighton district. (TT/TD)
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World-Record Bunny Hop Scheduled For Howell Moon GlowWorld-Record Bunny Hop Scheduled For Howell Moon Glow
4/9/14 - A large-scale bunny hop at this year's Moon Glow in Howell may seem silly, but it could earn the city a place in the record books. The dance will be part of an attempt to take the Guinness World Record for largest bunny hop. The previous record was set in Utah in July of 2007, with a total of 3,841 participants. Howell Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Beth Schrader tells WHMI the world record attempt will fill out the time between the Moon Glow's main events. She says with about 5,000 people attending the Moon Glow each year, the record should be easy to beat. The event opens with a helicopter flyby to drop thousands of marshmallows for participating children to track down. That will be followed by the bunny hop, raffle prizes, and pictures with the Easter Bunny before night falls. Then, children can participate in the Moon Glow Easter egg hunt. Registration is required and only the first 1,000 children will get to participate. More information can be found by following the link below. (TD)
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Ingham County Clerk Out of Race to Replace RogersIngham County Clerk Out of Race to Replace Rogers
4/9/14 - With a filing deadline approaching, Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum says she won't run for the Democratic nomination to run for the 8th District U.S. House seat being vacated by Republican Congressman Mike Rogers of Howell. Byrum announced her decision Tuesday after meeting with political groups in Washington, D.C., last week. She says she can "best serve" Michigan residents in her current role because "partisan gridlock in Congress prevents anything meaningful from being accomplished." Democrats Ken Darga and Susan Grettenberger previously announced they were running for the Democratic nomination. Rogers announced last month he wouldn't seek re-election after seven terms in office. The chairman of the House Intelligence Committee plans to launch a national radio show. Rogers has endorsed fellow Republican Mike Bishop for the 8th District seat. So far, the former state Senate majority leader is facing Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett in the GOP primary, although State Senator Joe Hune of Hamburg Township is still considering a run. The filing deadline is April 22nd. (JK)
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Car Fire Spreads Through Brighton Township Body Shop GarageCar Fire Spreads Through Brighton Township Body Shop Garage
4/9/14 - The garage of a local body shop was severely damaged by a fire that started in a car last night. The Brighton Area Fire Authority was notified at about 9:20pm of a car fire inside the garage area of the Ultimate Body Restoration Shop on Old US-23. When the first units arrived they found the fire had spread to three vehicles inside the garage and was making its way into the attic. The body shop had a fire separation wall dividing the garage from the showroom and office areas, and fire crews were able to prevent the flames from crossing that barrier. However, Deputy Fire Chief Mike Evans says the damage to the garage area was severe, and crews were fighting hot spots more than two hours after the initial call. The building had closed at 6:30pm so nobody was inside to be injured by the fire. One firefighter suffered a minor electrical shock while combating the fire, and was treated and released by Livingston County EMS at the scene. Brighton was assisted by fire departments from Green Oak, Hartland, and Lyon Township at the scene, and the Howell Fire Department covered Brighton's territory while crews fought the blaze. The Disaster Assistance Response Team was also at the scene. (TD)
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Men to Strut Custom Bras at Annual Fundraising EventMen to Strut Custom Bras at Annual Fundraising Event
4/9/14 - The 6th annual Bras for a Cause fundraiser to help fight breast cancer is set for Friday. The event collects donations at the expense of local men, who volunteer to model custom brassieres for a crowd of women. The models collect cash from the audience followed by an auction of the bras, which are highly decorated, many with outrageously funny themes. Proceeds will benefit Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, an organization that helps women with breast cancer and provides funding to research for a cure. The event is sponsored by the Livingston County Chapter of the Womenâs Council of Realtors. Organizer Kim Foster says itâs a fun night with a lot of silly, but clean, entertainment. Bras for a Cause will take place Friday at Cleary Universityâs Johnson Center from 6 to 9:30pm. It will include a 50/50 raffle, appetizers, and a cash bar. Tickets are $40 each and must be purchased in advance through the link below. (JK)
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Toy Store Manager Starts Online Campaign to Save StoreToy Store Manager Starts Online Campaign to Save Store
4/9/14 - A Howell woman is hoping to save a downtown toy store from becoming an empty storefront. Becky Gremore is the manager of Razzmatazz Toys in downtown Howell and is working to raise $40,000 needed to buy the storeâs inventory of merchandise and enable it to stay open. Gremore, who has worked at the store for four years and is known by many as the âToy Ladyâ says she was approached by the owners of Razzmatazz Toys, Laura and Chris Mathews, after they decided to move to California. They told her if she could buy the inventory off of them, she could take over the storeâs lease and keep it in operation. She started an online campaign to raise the money, first on Facebook, and then at Crowdtilt.com, where donors can make pledges but are only charged if the full amount is reached. But Gremore tells WHMI that while the effort has yet to produce any big pledges; it has attracted some others to step forward and discuss possible becoming silent business partners. Gremore says she has until the beginning of May to raise the $40,000 before the inventory will have to be liquidated by the current owners. She says she remains hopeful that it will work out in the end and that it would be a shame to lose the store, which provides a unique alternative to corporate big-box toy stores. For more information, call Razzmatazz Toys at 517-579-2206 visit the Crowdtilt page through the link below. (JK)
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Local Democrat Seeks County Commission District 5 SeatLocal Democrat Seeks County Commission District 5 Seat
4/9/14 - A local Democrat seeking an open seat on the Livingston County Board of Commissioners will be facing off against a familiar opponent. Howell Township Trustee Mike Tipton filed to run as a Democrat for the District 5 seat, which includes Howell and Cohoctah Townships as well as the City of Howell. The seat is currently held by Republican Commissioner Donald Parker, who filed in March. Parker and Tipton faced off for the same seat last year when former commissioner Jay Drick resigned to become a 53rd District Court magistrate. (JM)
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Former Newspaper Man Enters Republican Race for 42nd DistrictFormer Newspaper Man Enters Republican Race for 42nd District
4/9/14 - Yet another Republican has entered the race for an open seat in the Michigan House of Representatives. Rich Perlberg, the former general manager of the Livingston County Daily Press & Argus and Brighton Township resident, announced today that he will enter the Republican primary to represent the 42nd District. The seat is currently held by term-limited State Representative Bill Rogers. In addition to Perlberg, the other Republican candidates that have filed include Brighton Township Treasurer Lana Theis, Brighton Board of Education President Nick Fiani and Teacher Dale Rogers of Hamburg Township. On the Democratic side, Teacher Timothy B. Johnson of Genoa Township has also filed. The 42nd District includes the City of Brighton as well as Brighton, Genoa, Green Oak, Hamburg and Putnam Townships. (JM)
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Howell Fire Dept. Declares Burn Ban Due to Dry Ground ConditionsHowell Fire Dept. Declares Burn Ban Due to Dry Ground Conditions
4/9/14 - The current ground conditions and the high risk of fires to catch and spread has led another local fire department to institute a ban on outside burning. The Howell Area Fire Department has issued a burning ban for its coverage district until further notice. That response area includes the City of Howell, along with Cohoctah, Marion, Howell and Oceola Townships. Howell Fire Chief Andy Pless will continue to monitor conditions and lift the ban once itâs safe to do so. The Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority has also instituted a ban on open burning until further notice. Meanwhile another local community opened its burn season as of April 1st. The Hamburg Township Burn Ordinance stipulates that open burning, except for campfires, may only be conducted during the months of April, May, October and November although there are several restrictions and requirements. The ordinance can be found on the Hamburg Township website. (JM)
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Whitmore Lake Man Killed in Morning Crash on Southbound US-23 Whitmore Lake Man Killed in Morning Crash on Southbound US-23
4/9/14 - Authorities have identified a local man who was struck and killed by a semi-truck this morning while gassing up a pick-up truck on US-23 in Northfield Township. 37-year-old Joseph Michael Logan of Whitmore Lake was killed in the crash that happened shortly before 10am on southbound US-23 near 6 Mile Road. Michigan State Police at the Brighton Post say Logan was filling up a disabled vehicle with gasoline when a semi-truck veered over to the shoulder, crossing over the fog line. The semi-truck struck the back end of the disabled vehicle, simultaneously striking Logan, killing him. Police say Logan was a passenger in the pickup. The driver/owner of the pickup has been identified as Jason Bell of Pinckney. Police say Bell was inside of the pickup when it was hit and was hospitalized in stable condition. The driver of the semi-truck was reportedly un-injured and the crash remains under investigation. The southbound lanes of US-23 between 8 Mile Road and 6 Mile Road were closed for investigation and traffic was also detoured onto Whitmore Lake Road. The crash resulted in significant back-ups in the area for hours before all lanes of southbound US-23 finally re-opened after 2pm. (JM)
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Trail Set For Serial Gas Station RobberTrail Set For Serial Gas Station Robber
4/10/14 - A trial date has been set for the man believed to have robbed the same Lyon Township gas station at gunpoint on three separate occasions. 25-year-old Douglas Duane Austin is charged with three counts of armed robbery for a string of incidents at the Kensington Mobil gas station on Grand River â two last December and the most recent January 12th. He is scheduled for trial in Oakland County Circuit Court on June 19th. Following the robberies, Austin was identified by Oakland County Sheriffâs Deputy Matt Snider, who had responded to an injury accident on January 23rd and noticed that the passenger in the vehicle matched the description of the suspect and surveillance photos previously made public. Austin was arrested on a narcotics warrant out of Flint Township at the scene but then positively identified by one of the robbery victims through a photo line-up. Austin allegedly implicated himself in all three robberies during a subsequent interview, although authorities say the gun and facemask used had been disposed of by the suspect. The Sheriffâs Office says Austinâs criminal background includes fraud, assault, explosives, malicious destruction of property, and drug charges. He remains held in the Oakland County Jail on a $250,000 cash bond. (TD)
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Local Senior Finalist in "Courageous Persuaders" Video Contest
4/10/14 - A local high school senior is a finalist in a nationwide video contest that brings awareness to underage drinking. Howell High School senior Ethan Armstrong is one of 60 finalists named in the 2014 Courageous Persuaders video contest. It asks high school students to create a 30-second commercial that warns middle school students about the dangers of underage drinking. Armstrongâs video is titled âDecisionsâ and his inspiration came from personal experiences, saying he reflected on some past decisions and how they affected others. Armstrong said the hardest part about creating the commercial was trying to get the entire message into such a short video and itâs exciting to make it this far in the competition. Winners of the contest will be announced in May at the Be Courageous Awards Ceremony. The grand prize winner will received a $3,000 scholarship and have their commercial broadcast on television. A fan favorite award will also be presented at the ceremony to the video that receives the most "likes" on YouTube by 5pm on Wednesday, April 30th. Armstrongâs video is also available through the link below. (JM)
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Local School Cheers Robotics Team to State Tournament
4/10/14 - A local school sent its team off to the state championship in style yesterday, with a police-led parade around the school and the student body lined up outside as their names were announced. But this wasnât a basketball or soccer team that was being celebrated, but instead the robotics team at the Charyl Stockwell Preparatory Academy in Brighton, which was the only Livingston County-based team to advance to the state tournament being held this weekend at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti. Teacher and team coach Heather Vingsness says robotics is not something that at first blush seems exciting, but thatâs only for those who havenât experienced the competitions. "There's so much energy. Now I know why people like to watch sports and scream at the TV...It's just so exciting. Everyone's there, everyone's happy and there's these robots the kids have actually physically built. It's cool to see what kids these days are capable of." CSPA Principal Steven Beyer echoes that enthusiasm. "We feel like we're the Hoosiers of robotics. For a school our size to be competing at this level is a dream come true for the kids, their families and our school. And the fact that it's an academic competition and our school is a preparatory school focused on academics makes it all the sweeter." The top 30 finishers at the state competition will advance to the FIRST Robotics World championship later this month in St. Louis, and both Vingsness and Beyer are optimistic they have a very good chance of making that happen. (JK)
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