5/13/14 - A trial has been set later this year for a lawsuit filed by a former Hartland Consolidated Schools administrator. Tracey Sahouri sued the district in 2012, alleging it violated the Whistleblower Protection Act when it failed to renew her administrative contract and eventually re-assigned her to a teaching position. Following a decision last month by Genesee County Circuit Court Judge Richard Yuille denying a motion by the district to dismiss the lawsuit, a trial date has now been set for October 21st. Sahouriâs attorney, Tom Pabst, claims her removal as principal at Creekside Elementary was in retaliation for reporting ongoing âirregularitiesâ in how the district administered the MEAP tests. The district contends her re-assignment was based on the conclusions of a state report that determined teachers at the school improperly gained access to material from the tests in 2011, which constituted a breach of security, and thus sheâs ineligible for a Whistleblower defense. A three-member legal panel previously recommended the district settle the lawsuit for $525,000, but that was rejected by the Hartland school board, which stood by the decisions that were made in regard to Sahouri, who it says was found to have committed misconduct by both the Michigan Department of Education and the district. Hartland Superintendent Janet Sifferman says the district is prepared to litigate the case. (JK)
Fall Trial Set in Hartland Schools LawsuitFall Trial Set in Hartland Schools Lawsuit
↧
↧
Trial Set in Murder of Former Brighton ManTrial Set in Murder of Former Brighton Man
5/14/14 - Nearly four years after a former Livingston County man was shot and killed, three suspects will go to trial in the case. 53-year-old John Mick of Goodrich was shot to death at the Flint River Village Apartments in August of 2010. Mick, who lived in Brighton for 14 years, had worked as a security guard at the GM Proving Grounds in Milford before retiring to take the security job in Flint. Security footage from the apartment complex captured a newer-model Chevy Impala backed into a parking lot and police had been searching for two suspects, but more than two years passed without an arrest. That changed after two suspects, 22-year-old Floyd Gene Perkins and 20-year-old Kenya Ali Hyatt, were arrested in February of 2011 in connection with another crime in Mt. Morris Township. Flint Police say they were able to obtain information that led to Perkins and Hyatt being charged with felony murder, armed robbery and conspiracy to commit armed robbery by the Genesee County Prosecutor's Office. A third co-defendant, 33-year-old Aaron Williams, was charged in the case last year. All three are scheduled to go to trial June 17th. (JK)
↧
Senate Unanimously Approves Two Pharmacy Regulation BillsSenate Unanimously Approves Two Pharmacy Regulation Bills
5/14/14 - Two bills sponsored by a local legislator to regulate compounding pharmacies have unanimously passed the Michigan Senate. Senate Bills 704 and 904 were sponsored by Senator Joe Hune of Hamburg following an outbreak of fungal meningitis in 2012 that resulted from tainted steroids from a compounding center in Massachusetts. More recently, Specialty Medicine Compounding Pharmacy in South Lyon was shut down after it was discovered that it had distributed tainted injections and was allegedly acting as a drug manufacturer rather than a pharmacy. The bills sponsored by Hune call for compounding pharmacies to have more internal oversight and record-keeping, perform criminal background checks for pharmacy owners, and submit to regular inspections by the state. The bills have been read for the House of Representatives and referred to the Committee on Regulatory Reform. If the bills are approved by the house, they will go to Governor Snyder for his signature. (TD)
↧
State and County To Share Cost Of New Airport Fuel FarmState and County To Share Cost Of New Airport Fuel Farm
5/14/14 - Hundreds of thousands of dollars in grant money and local funds will be spent this year constructing new fuel tanks at the Spencer J Hardy Airport. The countyâs General Government and Health and Human Services Subcommittee approved a resolution at its meeting Monday night for the county to enter a grant agreement with the Michigan Aeronautics Commission, which is providing $563,000 for the project. The local match for the grant money will be just over $180,000. Johnson says this is larger than usual for this kind of project, but the state did not have the funds to make the usual 95% of the cost of the project. A fuel farm includes two storage tanks, each holding 15,000 gallons of different kinds of fuel. The current fuel farm is more than halfway through its operating life and is located at the south side of the airport, far away from the new terminal. The new tanks will be located at the north end. The county will also spend roughly $44,000 on construction oversight and materials testing services, which was also approved on Monday. Construction on the new fuel farm will begin in the next 3-4 weeks, with an expected completion time of four months. However, not all of the work will be visible, since the 15,000-gallon tanks will be constructed off-site and installed later. (TD)
↧
Pinckney High Students Watch Mock Accident Before PromPinckney High Students Watch Mock Accident Before Prom
5/14/14 - Pinckney High School students witnessed a grim display last week as a reminder not to abuse substances or drive drunk around prom. Senior Jordan Tyler, part of the student-led anti-drug group It Stops With Students, arranged for a mock accident to take place at the school on Thursday. The demonstration included two badly-damaged vehicles with student actors pretending to be injured inside. The student body watched as the Putnam Township Fire Department, Hamburg Township Fire Department, Hamburg Police, Pinckney Police, the Sheriffâs Department, and Livingston County EMS responded to the scene and treated it like a real accident, extricating students with the Jaws of Life and declaring two of them dead. A Survival Flight helicopter also responded to the scene and pretended to take another student away for treatment. Tyler says the mock accident was meant to show students the importance of avoiding substance abuse and drunk driving, with prom scheduled for the following day and graduation coming up. She says the mock accident left a big impression on the other students. She adds that no accidents involving Pinckney High School students took place before or after prom. (TD)
↧
↧
Howell DDA To Honor Caretakerss Of Historic BuildingsHowell DDA To Honor Caretakerss Of Historic Buildings
5/14/14 - The Howell Downtown Development Authority will recognize the people who maintain the cityâs image at the eighth annual Historic Preservation and Design Awards tomorrow night. The awards recognize the efforts of building owners in the city to preserve the historic nature of the cityâs downtown and design new developments that are in keeping with that heritage. Anyone can nominate building projects or owners for the awards, but the recipients are ultimately chosen by the DDA Design Committee. This year, nominees will be recognized for outstanding stewardship, exterior restoration or rehabilitation, building interior, sympathetic additions to existing architectural style, and compatible new construction or improvement. The public is invited to the awards ceremony, which will be held at the First Presbyterian Church from 6 to 8pm. More information can be found by following the link below. (TD)
↧
Auction Set Thursday for Closed Green Oak Beverage CompanyAuction Set Thursday for Closed Green Oak Beverage Company
5/14/14 - The remaining assets of a now-closed Green Oak Township beverage maker will be auctioned off both online and on site tomorrow. Hilco Industrial is running the auction for Liquid Manufacturing, a brewer and contract packager of alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages, which closed its doors in February and laid off its workforce after running into financial trouble. According to Hilcoâs website, Thursdayâs auction will allow interested buyers to purchase either the entire facility as a turnkey operation with all production equipment and the nearly 12 acres of real estate, or to purchase individual assets. The firm says Liquid Manufacturing may also have a transferrable liquor license available, although that has yet to be confirmed. Opened in 2003, Liquid Manufacturing expanded operations over the next nine years, adding production of energy drinks and energy shots at the height of that market, as well as pouched, frozen alcoholic beverages. The business also produced beer, wine and vodka, as well as non-alcoholic beverages, including juices and sodas. The auction will begin at 10am on Thursday, with interested parties attending and bidding in person at the facility on Whitmore Lake Road or participating remotely via webcast. Details are available online through the link below. (JK)
↧
Officials Explain Changes in Emergency Weather Criteria Officials Explain Changes in Emergency Weather Criteria
5/14/14 - As the past couple of days have amply demonstrated, severe weather season is upon us again and local public safety officials are reminding the public that the system for emergency notifications has changed this year. When Monday afternoonâs storm prompted a tornado warning for southern Livingston County, it was based on the information generated by the advanced weather radar systems now in place that indicated the conditions were right for a tornado to form, not that an actual funnel cloud had been spotted as had been the standard in the past. In addition, Brighton Fire Authority Chief Mike OâBrian tells WHMI that while the sirens used to sound for only tornado warnings, they will now also sound for severe thunderstorm warnings with sustained winds over 70mph. Also, because the county is now under a unified alert system, all of the emergency sirens will sound during a tornado warning that affects any part of the county. Officials say the goal is to increase the warning time for residents to seek shelter and hopefully prevent injuries or fatalities should an actual tornado touch down. OâBrian and Livingston County Emergency Manager Mike Kinaschuk will more fully explain the new system during WHMIâs Viewpoint this Sunday morning at 8:30. (JK)
↧
The Big Read Will Return To Hartland In 2015The Big Read Will Return To Hartland In 2015
5/15/14 - Once again, the Hartland Cromaine District Library has been chosen to take part in the Big Read next year. The Big Read is a program by the National Endowment for the Arts designed to help nonprofits put reading at the center of community culture and encourage recreational reading. The Cromaine Library was chosen as one of only 77 organizations in the country that will receive grant funding to host a Big Read program between September of this year and June of 2015. Hartlandâs Big Read will take place in April of 2015, focusing on the 2003 novel Old School by Tobias Wolf. The novel focuses on a preparatory school in the early 1960âs where children were encouraged to study literature. It includes among its characters some of the most influential writers of the 20th century, including Ernest Hemmingway, Ayn* Rand, and Robert Frost. Library Director Ceci Marlow says the staff is excited to get Big Read grant money for the seventh time, and they plan to offer quality classes and events to tie into the novel. The libraryâs Big Read event this year was focused on F. Scott Fitzgeraldâs The Great Gatsby, and included events with a 1920âs theme. (TD)
↧
↧
Motorcycle Crash Claims Life Of Argentine Township Man
5/15/14 - An Argentine man was declared dead following an collision between his motorcycle and a truck. Police and fire from Argentine Township were called out to the scene of the crash just after 2pm on Tuesday. 73-year-old Richard Homent was riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle on Lobdell Road near the intersection with Hilltop Drive when he was involved in a collision with a utility bucket truck. According to the Tri County Times, it appears the truck was turning left onto Hilltop when the collision occurred. Homent was unconscious and had sustained multiple injuries when he was transported to Flint for medical treatment. He was pronounced dead at a hospital. Police are investigating the crash to see who was at fault, but they said speed and alcohol do not appear to be factors in the crash. They say Homentâs helmet was found near the site of the crash, but it was undamaged. (TD)
↧
Explosion And Fire Destroy Tyrone Township HomeExplosion And Fire Destroy Tyrone Township Home
5/15/14 - Firefighters responded to the scene of a house explosion in Tyrone Township Wednesday morning. Hartland-Deerfield Fire Authority Chief Adam Carroll tells WHMI the day had begun like any other at the home, with the occupants going about their normal routine and leaving the house as normal. A neighbor a few doors down reported an explosion at the house just after 9am. When firefighters arrived nearly the entire house was on fire, and most of the windows and doors had been blown out into the yard. Firefighters worked to put out the fire, though the house sustained substantial structural damage and is being called a complete loss. It is believed that a propane leak formed and found a source of ignition. Carroll says officials and residents are relieved that the explosion happened while the occupants were away, so nobody was injured in the accident. Firefighters from Brighton, Howell, Highland, and the City of Fenton all assisted at the scene, along with the Disaster Assistance Response Team. Investigators are now trying to find the propane leak and ignition source that triggered the explosion. (TD)
↧
Pinckney Woman Leading Class Action Lawsuit Against GMPinckney Woman Leading Class Action Lawsuit Against GM
5/15/14 - A class-action lawsuit against General Motors over the recent recall of certain vehicle models has been filed by a local woman. Lorie Biggs filed the lawsuit in Michiganâs Eastern District Federal Court on Wednesday. GM issued a recall of specific models in February due to a problem with the ignition system that could potentially be dangerous. Alyson Oliver, the attorney representing Biggs, says her firm believes GM knew about the defect long before the recall, going so far as to alter the design of the faulty part without changing its part number in an attempt to correct it. However, she says GM never told consumers about the problem, allowing them to purchase vehicles that were physically dangerous and economically worthless since they cannot be resold. Oliver says that is the basis for Biggsâ claim, since she purchased a Saturn Ion that she now cannot sell. Other car owners have already joined the class-action suit, including some that claim to have suffered physical injury as a result of the defect. Some of the car owners want the litigation to be moved from Detroit to California, while GM would prefer to hold the proceedings in New York. A hearing will be held in Chicago on May 28th, at which time a panel will decided where the litigation should take place. (TD)
↧
Health Officials Encourage Proper Cooking After Local E. Coli CaseHealth Officials Encourage Proper Cooking After Local E. Coli Case
5/15/14 - Public health officials are encouraging residents to properly cook their food after several people in the state, including one from Livingston County, were diagnosed with E. coli infections. Tainted ground beef has been identified as the culprit in five diagnosed cases of E. coli around Michigan, with the first symptoms having shown up between April 22nd and May 1st. Dr. Don Lawrenchuk is the medical director for the Livingston County Department of Public Health, and he says the disease is usually more dangerous for people with weakened immune systems. However, the one local case was actually diagnosed in an otherwise-healthy young man, and he is expected to make a full recovery. All of the cases are tied to tainted ground beef, though each patient was exposed through a different provider, so no one retailer or restaurant chain is to blame. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says for every case that is officially reported, local health officials can conservatively estimate that 10 cases go unnoticed because the patient either does not seek medical care or is misdiagnosed. Lawrenchuk says his department therefore expects that several other Livingston County residents have been sickened by E. coli during this outbreak. He says food must be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent foodborne illness, and undercooked food always creates a risk of infection. (TD)
↧
↧
Suspected Howell Puppy Mill Raided, Animals RescuedSuspected Howell Puppy Mill Raided, Animals Rescued
5/15/14 - More than 90 dogs and puppies were rescued Wednesday from a suspected Howell puppy mill. Livingston County Animal Control became concerned about the welfare of the dogs after receiving multiple reports and visiting the property. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department served a search warrant on the property and found large-breed dogs and puppies, mainly poodle mixes, living in substandard conditions. Their fur was extremely matted and they were suffering from a multitude of untreated medical conditions, including dental and eye problems. These dogs were allegedly being sold online. Rescuers also found multiple adult cats and at least two litters of kittens. Deb Oberle, director of Livingston County Animal Control said, âWe are concerned about the overcrowding and the condition of the dogs on the property. We are thankful that The Humane Society of the United States was able to assist us in rescuing these animals and joining us in getting them the care they need.â The animals were safely transported to a temporary shelter where they will be thoroughly examined by teams of veterinarians and receive any necessary immediate medical treatment. The HSUS has established a reward program to offer up to $5,000 to anyone who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of a puppy mill operator for animal cruelty. Persons wishing to report a valid tip are encouraged to call 1-877-MILL-TIP and will remain anonymous. Photo: Pam Sordyl/For The HSUS
↧
Student-Built, Energy-Efficient House Ready for the MarketStudent-Built, Energy-Efficient House Ready for the Market
5/13/14 - Among the homes expected to be up for sale in the near future is an energy efficient unit largely constructed by Howell High School students. 46 building trades program students completed most of the work on the house in Conway Township. It will be shown in open house on June 7 and then be put up for sale. Students built the framework, porch and roof, attached siding, and finished the ranch's central bathroom, while occasionally working with professionals on the project. Students have built several houses in recent years, including a 4,200-square-foot home last year in Marion Township. This year's house is 1,545 square feet. The program receives support from the nonprofit Howell Education Foundation. Proceeds traditionally go back to the foundation for future projects. (JK)
↧
Election Workers Sought in Green Oak Township Election Workers Sought in Green Oak Township
5/15/14 - Election season is starting to ramp across Livingston County and one municipality is putting out the call for election workers. Green Oak Township is one thatâs always accepting applications according Clerk Mike Sedlak. He says Green Oak is currently taking applications for precinct chair and co-chair, with paid training being offered to help build up a base of younger workers as election season draws near. Applicants must be a Livingston County resident, over 18-years-old and a U.S Citizen. Applications may be obtained at the Green Oak Township Hall on Silver Lake Road near US-23 or on the municipalityâs website. Youâll find a link below. (JM)
↧
Brighton Library to Host Springfest Celebration Brighton Library to Host Springfest Celebration
5/15/14 - An upcoming celebration marks the start of summer reading fun at the Brighton District Library. The libraryâs Springfest Celebration marks the end of another school year but also officially kicks off the libraryâs popular Summer Reading Program. Springfest , will feature face painting, a climbing wall and clown with petting animals, ice cream treats, and the grand re-opening of the reading house throughout the day. Those interested will also be able to sign up for the summer reading program at the event. Science is this yearâs theme and a variety of programming is offered to different age groups along with opportunities to see live performances, receive free books of their choice and an opportunity to win weekly or monthly prizes. More than 800 individuals and families attended the Brighton District Libraryâs Springfest celebration last year, which is free and open to all ages Sunday, June 8th from 1-4pm. Details can be found in the attachment.
↧
↧
Final Meeting For Hartland Twp. Safer Roads And Pathways Plan Final Meeting For Hartland Twp. Safer Roads And Pathways Plan
5/15/14 - The last of a series of community meetings concerning safer roads for Hartland Township was held this morning. Residents gathered at Hartlandâs Kahuna Coffee to share thoughts on the Safer Roads and Pathways Plan drafted by a 24 citizen task force. A standardized rating system for the condition of paved roads, traffic, and input from the Livingston County Road Commission helped determine what roads were considered those most in need. New paved roads, gravel road improvements, pathways and the bridge over Dunham Rd. totaled out as a 9 million dollar estimated cost for the township. The task force believes the improvements can be funded by a 1.5 mill/ten year tax increase, costing the average homeowner $150 per year. James Wickman, Hartland Townshipâs Manager, says incoming funds from the Livingston County Road Commission are slim after Michiganâs brutal winter. Wickman tells WHMI though the record-breaking weather may have cost us, it was opportune for the proposed project, drawing attention to the road conditions. Wickman says the task force will take feedback from the community meetings into consideration while moving forward with their plan. Their next meeting is scheduled for June, with the hopes of recommending the projectâs funding on the November ballot. More information on the Safer Roads and Pathways Plan can be found at www.HartlandRoads.com. (DK)
↧
Suspected Howell Twp. Puppy Mill Raided, Owner ChargedSuspected Howell Twp. Puppy Mill Raided, Owner Charged
5/15/14 - More than 90 dogs and puppies were rescued Wednesday from a suspected Howell Township puppy mill. Livingston County Animal Control became concerned about the welfare of the dogs after receiving multiple reports and visiting the property on Suntar Valley Road. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department served a search warrant on the property and found large-breed dogs and puppies, mainly poodle mixes, living in substandard conditions. Their fur was extremely matted and they were suffering from a multitude of untreated medical conditions, including dental and eye problems. These dogs were allegedly being sold online. Rescuers also found about 20 adult cats and kittens. The owner of the property, Margaret Komorny, has been charged with Failing to Provide Adequate Care to 10 or More Animals, a felony punishable by up to four years in prison. She has not yet been arraigned on that charge and Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt says she will be presumed innocent until proven guilty. Debbie Oberle, director of Livingston County Animal Control said they were, âconcerned about the overcrowding and the condition of the dogs on the property.â The animals were safely transported to a temporary shelter where they will be thoroughly examined by teams of veterinarians and receive any necessary immediate medical treatment. Additional animals have been found and charges filed in a related case in Ingham County. Photo: Pam Sordyl/For The HSUS. (JK/TD)
↧
Howell DDA Award Ceremony Recognizes Building StewardshipHowell DDA Award Ceremony Recognizes Building Stewardship
5/16/14 - The eighth annual DDA Preservation Award Ceremony was held last night at the First Presbyterian Church on Grand River in downtown Howell. The event was free and open to the public. To be eligible for the awards, historical buildings must be over fifty years old, or be included in the special new development category. The nominations for the awards were open, and the winners were selected from the nominees by the DDA. This yearâs deadline for nominations was March 7th. Awards were presented in three categories: interior design, exterior design and overall stewardship. The award for interior design was given to the J Christopher Salon and the award for exterior design was given to Joe Parker for his work on the Heart of Howell Building. The First Presbyterian Church took home the award for overall stewardship. The church thanked the DDA for their continued involvement in the preservation of the historic district of downtown Howell. The DDA also took this time to acknowledge outreach coordinator Lindsey Wooten, for her work as she prepares to head the mainstreet organization for the City of Wayne. Additional information is available online at downtownhowell.org. (KT)
↧
More Pages to Explore .....
