5/16/14 - A federal lawsuit filed by a former Brighton man who spent more than 15 years in prison for murder is on hold while an appeal is heard from one of the defendants. The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in Detroit in 2012 by 47-year-old Daniel Albert Newman, who was convicted of murder in 1992 for the shooting death of Harvey Chappelear in his Hamburg Township home. Authorities contended that Newman killed Chappelear in the course of a robbery. But in 2008 a federal appeals panel ruled that because there was no eyewitness or direct evidence that could place Newman at the murder scene, there were not sufficient grounds to sustain a conviction, and he was eventually released. The suit originally targeted Hamburg Township and two former police officials; Officer Patrick Debottis and Lt. Eric Calhoun. But in a ruling last month, the township and Debottis were removed from the lawsuit, leaving Calhoun as the sole defendant. Court records show that an order was recently entered staying the lawsuit, while Calhoun pursues an appeal with the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati. Heâs seeking a decision on whether or not he has qualified immunity in the case as he maintains that there was probable cause for Newman's arrest and that he acted in good faith. Newman's lawsuit alleges Calhoun violated his Constitutional rights when he failed to disclose evidence to the prosecutor's office, including work boots found at his home that were larger than a shoe print found at the murder scene. He also alleges that authorities ignored a failed polygraph exam of another man who was asked about his involvement in the murder. (JK)
Former Hamburg Police Official Appeals Ruling in LawsuitFormer Hamburg Police Official Appeals Ruling in Lawsuit
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Brighton Takes Further StepToward Approval of PSD AssessmentBrighton Takes Further StepToward Approval of PSD Assessment
5/16/14 - The Brighton City Council unanimously approved a resolution Thursday night which incorporates lowered property assessment rates for the proposed Principal Shopping District. The PSD Board is asking that the city approve an SAD for the downtown district so that it can promote downtown Brighton as a destination for shopping, dining and recreation. Two weeks ago, council approved the map for the proposed SAD. At a recent meeting, the PSD voted to approve reduced assessment rates for properties in the downtown district of 14 cents per square foot for the main floor in zone 1, and down from 14 cents a square foot to 12 cents for the main floor of parcels in zone 2. The basement levels and upper floors would also have reduced rates under the revised plan. With the lowered assessment rates, the SAD would produce about $70,500 per year, compared to $81,500 under the original scenario. However, City Manager Dana Foster says that wonât be a problem, since the city will at least temporarily assume the expense of staging the annual holiday lighting display, which was a $15,000 PSD expense. Foster tells WHMI a second public hearing will be held at the June 5th meeting, after which a final vote will be taken to confirm the assessment roll. The revenues generated from the SAD would be used for radio, billboard and print media advertising to promote the downtown. The Principal Shopping District has been funded for the last few years by the Downtown Development Authority, but - faced with a reduction in revenues - the DDA can no longer afford the expense. With Thursday nightâs vote, the proposed assessment roll will be on view at in the city clerk's office for public examination and notices will be mailed to all affected property owners. Itâs hoped the assessments can go on property ownersâ summer tax bills to expedite the revenue stream. (TT)
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Thursday Fire Destroys Hamburg Township RestaurantThursday Fire Destroys Hamburg Township Restaurant
5/16/14 - The cause of yesterdayâs fire that destroyed a Hamburg Township restaurant remains under investigation. Roadies Roadhouse and Saloon on M-36 was destroyed in the fire, which Hamburg Township Fire Chief Mark Hogrebe says was pretty well established once they arrived on the scene, so the decision was made to keep the fight defensive and not send firefighters into the structure. He says a passerby has indicated that nothing was amiss at the business at 5:15 this morning, so the fire must have started sometime after that and when they received the call around 8:15am. Hogrebe says there were no injuries related to the fire and that while a cause remains under investigation, it does not appear to be suspicious in nature. In all, five departments battled the blaze, using up to 250,000 gallons of water to get it under control. M-36 had to be closed for nearly four hours and only reopened to traffic shortly after noon on Thursday. (JK)
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New Riders Academy To Be Constructed in Brighton Twp. New Riders Academy To Be Constructed in Brighton Twp.
5/16/14 - A new instructional academy aims to give new bike owners an edge on how to safely ride motorcycles. A project to expand the Brighton Harley Davidson and construct a new rider training academy will be moving in two phases following a recent meeting of the Brighton Township Planning Commission. All of the necessary approvals have already been granted including site plans for an expansion of the existing facility on Whitmore Lake Road and the new riding academy called Riders Edge. A bond has already been posted for the entire project but an inspection escrow and other fees must be paid up front before work on the training facility and landscaping can begin. The biggest reason for the delay with the building expansion is disagreements over some of the charges associated with connecting to the municipal water system but discussions are continuing at the township level. A representative for Brighton Harley explained that the business is currently served by a private well but must hook into the municipal water system as part of the addition and expansion. It was also noted during the meeting that the dealership site is located in both Brighton and Green Oak Townships, but officials in the latter would be comfortable with whatever decision was made about phasing. Complete details about the new riding program can be found through the link below.
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Howell Area to Host Michigan Libertarian ConventionHowell Area to Host Michigan Libertarian Convention
5/16/14 - Livingston County will serve as the host this weekend for a political partyâs state convention. The Livingston County Libertarians will host the Libertarian Party of Michigan Convention Saturday at Cleary Universityâs Johnson Center in Genoa Township. The party plans to nominate 2014 Libertarian candidates for office representing Michigan as well as delegates to the partyâs national convention next month in Columbus, Ohio. Entry to Saturdayâs convention is $40, with an extra $10 charge for lunch. Additional charges apply for the banquet dinner and a concert performed by Tatiana Moroz, who has performed at previous libertarian events. Her music is described as a mix of acoustic & electric Rock infused with Blues, Country and Soul with a strong liberty and anti-war theme. Youâll find details through the link below. (JK)
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Water Line and Pothole Repair Work Set for Brighton Streets Water Line and Pothole Repair Work Set for Brighton Streets
5/16/14 - Crews will be working to repair a Brighton city water line that goes down Rickett Road on Monday. City Manager Dana Foster tells WHMI the work will take place north of the CSX railroad tracks and will involve some unavoidable traffic delays for motorists, with the roadway reduced to a single lane. Foster says the work will involve permanent, long-term repairs and will take place between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Foster also says that city crews will be out early next week filling potholes that developed during the harsh winter at several locations throughout the city. Those who want more detailed information on the repair work can go to the cityâs website of brightoncity.org. and search under press releases and notices. (TT)
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Howell Twp. Dog Breeder Refutes Cruelty ChargesHowell Twp. Dog Breeder Refutes Cruelty Charges
5/16/14 - A Howell Township woman is refuting allegations she mistreated animals after authorities removed nearly 100 dogs and cats earlier this week. The Humane Society of the United States and veterinarians assisted Livingston County Animal Control and the Livingston County sheriff's department Wednesday with removal of the dogs from the Suntar Valley Drive property of Margaret Elaine Komorny. Investigators found large-breed dogs and puppies living in what Animal Control and the Humane Society say were substandard conditions at the Raisin Tree Farm. The 76-year-old Komorny says the dogs weren't in overcrowded cages and got care daily. Sheâs set for arraignment May 29th on the animal cruelty charges related to circumstances at her farm in April, although charges have yet to be brought related to Wednesday's removal. (JK)
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Cohoctah Horse Owner Convicted of Animal CrueltyCohoctah Horse Owner Convicted of Animal Cruelty
5/16/14 - A trial has ended in the conviction of a Cohoctah Township woman on animal cruelty charges. District Court Judge Carol Sue Reader handed down the verdict Thursday against 71-year-old Velva Jean Wainscott of Cohoctah Township following a bench trial. She was charged with cruelty to one animal resulting in death and a second count of cruelty involving two other horses who were malnourished. Livingston County Animal Control officers went to Wainscott's Byron Road farm on Jan. 12 (pictured) after a 911 caller reported seeing a dead horse. Witnesses testified that water for Wainscott's horses was frozen and their hay was filled with feces and urine, making it inedible. Wainscott testified that her horses had adequate water and feed. She says she fed them twice a day and if she was unable to do it, she had many friends who helped her. 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. Sentencing on Thursdayâs conviction is set for June 18th.
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Flood Warning Continues in Effect for Huron River in Hamburg Twp.Flood Warning Continues in Effect for Huron River in Hamburg Twp.
5/16/14 - According to the National Weather Service at White Lake, a flood warning remains in effect for the Huron River near Hamburg, until further notice. At 5 p.m. Friday, the stage was 6.7 feet and slowly rising. Flood stage is 6.5 feet. The NOAA weather office says minor flooding is occurring in some yards along the Huron River and at Ore Lake. The flood stage is expected to crest at around 6.8 feet Saturday afternoon. However serious flooding doesnât occur until the water reaches the 7-foot stage, which is not expected to happen. WHMI will give updates on the flooding situation in Hamburg Township as they develop. (TT)
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Township Police Seek Public's Help in Identifying Fraud VictimsTownship Police Seek Public's Help in Identifying Fraud Victims
5/17/14 - The Green Oak Township Police Department is asking for the publicâs help in identifying all of the victims in a series of incidents in which restaurant customersâ credit cards were overcharged. The fraudulent activities occurred at Johnny Carinoâs Restaurant at the Green Oak Village Place mall at US-23 and Lee Road. So far, two cases have been uncovered in which patronsâ credit cards were deliberately overcharged. Restaurant management has reviewed all of the credit card purchases handled by the employee and identified many other transactions that were also fraudulently handled. The restaurant has been working with police in trying to identify all of the victims. Police would like anyone who patronized the restaurant between Feb. 22nd and April 19th and may have been over-charged to contact Officer Alicia Montes. The number is 810-231-9626, X- 243. (TT)
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Mark Schauer Rallies Supporters At Annual Winans DinnerMark Schauer Rallies Supporters At Annual Winans Dinner
5/17/14 - Mark Schauer, a Howell native who is running for governor, provided the keynote address at the 31st annual Winans Dinner. About 320 Democratic Party members gathered at Lakelands Golf and Country Club to support Schauer and other candidates running for office this November. Schauer, who graduated valedictorian from Howell High School in 1980, believes one key to success is investing in Michiganders. âSend the message that we are a high wage high skill state, rather than low wage low skill state...Thatâs not the Michigan that I envision.â Schauer brought the crowd to its feet several times saying, âThe road to Lansing starts in my home county, Livingston County!â Mike Tipton, who is running for a seat on the Livingston County Board of Commissioners, says Schauer is on the right side of many issues, especially education reform. Tipton said education is vital for jobs, for growth and a better life in Michigan, especially in Livingston County. Schauer told those in attendance that he and his running mate, Lisa Brown, will wake up every day and fight good jobs and a strong middle class. (LR/JK)
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Green Oak Twp. & Trustees Sued Over Liquid ManufacturingGreen Oak Twp. & Trustees Sued Over Liquid Manufacturing
5/17/14 - The company that owns the Liquid Manufacturing Co. building and site in Green Oak Township has filed suit against the township and its trustees, individually. Packaging and Distribution Finance Group, or PDFG, filed suit last week in U.S. District Court in Detroit against the township, Supervisor Mark St. Charles, Clerk Michael Sedlak, Treasurer Susan Daugherty and four trustees. The suit alleges that they have violated both the U.S. and Michigan constitutions in their enforcement actions against Liquid Manufacturing. Until February of this year, the company made energy drinks, beer, wine, flavored vodkas, frozen alcoholic beverages and non-alcoholic drinks. The company opened in 2003 on Whitmore Lake Road and later expanded operations to increase and diversify its products. At one time, the company employed over 200 people. Ultimately, it ran into financial difficulty and PDFG foreclosed on the property on Feb. 19th. Liquid Manufacturing clashed with the township on numerous occasions during its 12 years in business, mostly over problems experienced by the Hidden Lake Sewage Treatment Plant involving discharges resulting from the alcohol fermentation and related processes at the plant. The township was also under the gun by the Department of Environmental Quality for an excess of sodium at its plant, mostly caused by the distillery. In its lawsuit, PDFG is asking the court to order that all fees, fines and charges assessed by the township be rescinded and to award the company damages and attorney fees. St. Charles says if PDFG wins the lawsuit and is awarded all of the damages it is seeking, it could cost the township half a million dollars. He says that by law, the money could not be taken from the general fund, but would have to come out of the sewer fund. Since thatâs an enterprise fund and therefore must be self-sustaining, the legal bill would fall on the shoulders of residents and businesses connected to the sewage treatment plant. St. Charles denies allegations by PDFG that the townshipâs actions have amounted to an unconstitutional taking of property, violated the equal protection clause of the Constitution or denied due process. Rather, St. Charles says, the township bent over backwards to work with Liquid Manufacturing so that it could come into compliance while continuing operations at the facility. He also says the township came very close to an agreement with PDFG recently that would have resolved the issues and says he is very surprised the company resorted to legal action. PDFG officials could not be reached for comment on the lawsuit. (TT)
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Huron River Crest Expected Sunday at 6.9 FeetHuron River Crest Expected Sunday at 6.9 Feet
5/17/14 - A flood warning remains in effect for the Huron River near Hamburg. The National Weather Service issued the warning on Friday after the river rose above its 6.5 foot flood stage. As of 6:15 this morning, the river was at 6.7 feet and continuing to rise. Minor flooding is expected to continue along the Huron River and at Ore Lake. The flood stage is expected to crest at around 6.9 feet Sunday and remain there through the day until it begins to recede on Monday morning. Serious flooding, involving crawl spaces and foundations, doesnât usually occur until the water reaches the 7-foot stage, which is not expected to happen. Stay tuned to WHMI or check WHMI.com for further weather and flooding updates. (JK)
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Fenton City Council Lifts Ban On Sunday Morning Liquor SalesFenton City Council Lifts Ban On Sunday Morning Liquor Sales
5/18/14 - Michigan law allows licensed businesses to sell beer, wine and spirits starting at 7 a.m. on Sunday. However, in 2010 the city of Fenton banned the sale of alcohol before noon. Owners of two local party stores previously requested the council consider reversing the ban on packaged liquor, citing it cost their businesses $30,000 to $50,000 in revenue annually. Assistant Director of VGâs Grocery, Christopher Palmer tells WHMI the losses at his stores on Silver Parkway and North Leroy are between $200,000 and $250,000 annually. Council member Cheryl King added many restaurant patrons want a Bloody Mary with their Sunday breakfast. Taking local restaurants into consideration, the council also repealed the ban on Sunday morning consumption at Fenton restaurants. City attorney Steve Schultz says the new resolutions will be sent to Lansing within the next two weeks. Once they are state certified, Fenton businesses who purchase a special permit from the Liquor Control Commission will be permitted to conduct liquor sales before noon on Sundayâs. Photo credit: AP (LR/JK)
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Cornerstone Church Building for Brighton FutureCornerstone Church Building for Brighton Future
5/18/14 - The Cornerstone Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Brighton Township will be undergoing some improvements following last Monday nightâs planning commission meeting. The church is located on Hilton Road between Grand River and Old US-23, where two additions will be constructed on the west side of the current building and a pole barn added for storage. A special land use permit was required for the project since the church is located in a residential area. It was granted while a preliminary site plan review was also conducted. During the public hearing, some residents in an adjacent subdivision raised questions about ongoing drainage and standing water problems, which may or may not have anything to do with the church property but will be investigated. Officials stated that nothing will be changing dramatically and the traffic impact is expected to be very minimal since the church is not adding extra services or changing times but rather shuffling staff and office space for increased functionality. The Cornerstone Christian School will not be impacted and it was also agreed to work on increasing landscaping plans with the church administratively, preferably along Hilton and Hunter Roads. All of the final approvals and construction plans will be handled administratively with township staff. The proposed building plans for the Cornerstone expansion project may be viewed on the churchâs website. Youâll find that link below. (JM)
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Volunteers Sought For Family Court Volunteer ProgramVolunteers Sought For Family Court Volunteer Program
5/19/14 - Residents who wish to become directly involved in the countyâs family court system will have that opportunity through a program run by LACASA Center. The Court Appointed Special Advocate is now accepting applications for its summer volunteer training program. CASA volunteers are specially trained to serve as advocates for children from Livingston County who are in the foster care system or the family court system. The 30-hour training program involves a combination of in-person classroom sessions and online course work. Training begins on Thursday, June 12, and runs through July 10. Upon completion of the training program, volunteers are appointed to the CASA program by a Livingston County Family Court judge. CASA volunteers represent children who cannot return home because it is not safe. These volunteers collaborate with attorneys and the foster care system, write evaluations, issue recommendations, and advocate for the best interest of the child they serve in all court proceedings. The deadline to submit applications for the CASA summer volunteer training program is this Friday, May 23. To learn more about the requirements and responsibilities of a CASA volunteer, visit lacasacenter.org or contact CASA Program Director, Sara Applegate at 517-548-1350, ext. 225. (JK)
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Rec Fees Expected to Rise After Failed Pinckney MillageRec Fees Expected to Rise After Failed Pinckney Millage
5/19/14 - Officials in the Pinckney School District are deciding how much to raise recreation fees now that a millage to help cover costs has been rejected by voters. The new recreation millage was put to vote this month, with the aim of providing funds to help the deficit district operate and maintain recreational facilities like the swimming pool, open gym, and community football and baseball fields. All of those facilities already have fees for users, but they are not enough to fund the operation and maintenance of the facilities, with the balance coming out of the districtâs operating budget. However, the millage was turned down by voters, and now the district must evaluate all of its services and determine how to adjust the user fees in its 2014-2015 budget. Superintendent Rick Todd tells WHMI users will see prices go up, but the district still has to figure out how much those increases will be. That will depend on the level of per pupil funding received by the state next year, which is expected to get a $100 increase but will not be known until sometime in June. It will also depend on how much the districtâs student body grows or shrinks, which can be estimated but will not be known for sure until October. The recreation millage may be offered to voters again in November, but Todd says it will not appear on the August primary ballot. (TD)
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County Mounts Cyber Attack Prevention ProgramCounty Mounts Cyber Attack Prevention Program
5/19/14 - The county is embarking on a new campaign to prevent cyber-attacks that rely on human error and malice, rather than technology, to damage internal systems. Rich Malewicz is the countyâs chief information officer, and he says the human element of modern organizations has become the biggest vulnerability when it comes to cyber-security. He says a new high-impact security awareness campaign will be undertaken in Livingston County to give employees the information they need to prevent potentially costly or dangerous breaches of security at home, at work, or while traveling. The educational program will include dozens of units, each only a few minutes long, covering a wide variety of behaviors and situations that county employees must be able to recognize in order to prevent a security breach. These range from avoiding suspicious emails and creating strong passwords to recognizing the threat of malicious behavior from people inside the network. The initial round of training will go through March, but Malewicz says this program will be ongoing for employees and contractors with the county. Local townships that would like to improve their cyber-security may also be able to take advantage of the program. (TD)
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Judge Orders County Jail to Deliver ACLU Mail to InmatesJudge Orders County Jail to Deliver ACLU Mail to Inmates
5/19/14 - The Livingston County Jail must deliver mail to inmates from the American Civil Liberties Union according to an order from a federal judge. The ACLU filed a civil complaint in U.S. District Court in late March challenging the constitutionality of the Livingston County Jailâs policy of restricting most incoming and outgoing mail to postcards. U.S. District Court Judge Denise Hood on Thursday granted an injunction filed by the ACLU, ordering that the mail sent by the ACLU to the inmates noted in the complaint must be delivered. It follows a temporary injunction she granted last month. The lawsuit names Livingston County, Sheriff Bob Bezotte and Jail Administrator Tom Cremonte. Legal mail is considered exempt from the policy but the ACLU claimed the defendants were not delivering mail sent by their attorneys to specifically named inmates, and in at least one case opened and read a letter addressed to a former inmate, which was then sent to attorneys representing the former inmate in a case involving Prison Legal News. That publication filed a separate lawsuit against the county and Bezotte in 2011, also claiming that itâs free-speech rights were being violated because authorities wouldn't distribute the publication and other correspondence to inmates. County authorities previously said that in many cases the publication was being sent to inmates without first being requested. Livingston Countyâs attorney filed an emergency motion on Friday to stay the injunction in the ACLU case pending an appeal, although a court date has yet to be set. (JK)
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Cohoctah Home Destroyed By FireCohoctah Home Destroyed By Fire
5/26/14 - A family has been left homeless by a fire which destroyed their home on Bohm Road, between Cohoctah and Lovejoy roads in Cohoctah Township. The Howell Fire Department responded at 9:20 p.m. Sunday night to what was initially a garage fire. However, when firefighters arrived, the fire had spread from the unattached garage to the house, which was engulfed in flames. It took 45 minutes for firefighters to get the blaze under control. The family was home at the time, but managed to get out safely. The Fowlerville and Hartland fire departments assisted Howell firefighters at the scene, along with the Argentine and Burns Township fire departments from Shiawassee County. The fire is believed to have been accidental in origin, but the cause is unknown at this time and investigation continues. (TT)
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