6/11/14 - A measure sponsored by a local lawmaker to add to the sex offender registry a person who solicits a minor, passed the Senate last week. State Senator Joe Hune says he sponsored Senate Bill 602 because currently, solicitation is only a misdemeanor; a consequence he feels is far too lax. The Hamburg Township Republican says that while the solicitation of any prostitute is wrong, trying to pick up a minor is abhorrent. He added that the penalties for trying something âso appalling should properly reflect the crime and should not soon be swept under the rug.â The measure would make it a felony for a person to engage or offer to engage another person, who was under the age of 18 and who was not the person's spouse, for the purposes of prostitution by payment in money or other forms of consideration. The bill now moves to the Michigan House of Representatives for further deliberation. (JK)
Hune Minor Solicitation Bill Passes State Senate Hune Minor Solicitation Bill Passes State Senate
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Lions Club Looking to Roar Again in Howell CommunityLions Club Looking to Roar Again in Howell Community
6/11/14 - Work is underway to rebuild tradition and renew a community service club in the Howell area. Volunteers will be out canvassing the community this week to help spur interest in reforming the Howell Lions Club and encourage attendance at the first organizational meeting planned next Wednesday. District Governor David Boes represents an area that covers the six counties around Lansing. The Howell area had a long history of having a Lions Club International, which are volunteer organizations. While a principal focus is providing assistance with vision care, Boes tells WHMI they try to help out wherever thereâs a need. He says theyâve been planning and working to form a club in Howell for two years now and are back at it again. There are already Lions Clubs in Brighton, Hartland, and Pinckney but Boes feels one would be beneficial to serve the needs of the Howell community. Next Wednesdayâs organizational meeting starts at 6:30pm at the Howell Carnegie District Library. Boes says anyone interested in finding out more about the Lions Club or those who may be interested in joining if a Howell club is formed should attend. Details can be found in the attached press release. (JM)
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Recreate Pinckney Movement Attracts Crowd, EnthusiasmRecreate Pinckney Movement Attracts Crowd, Enthusiasm
6/11/14 - Pinckney High School hasnât always had the best reputation. The institution has been referred to as âheroin highâ within social media circles. But at last nightâs Recreate Pinckney movement presentation, held in the high school's auditorium, Pinckney Superintendent Rick Todd asked the audience to change their perspective and help the youth in the community who have lost their voices. The Recreate Pinckney movement is beginning with a plan to build a youth center in Pinckney that is within biking distance from the school. Organizers hope the center can help alleviate what they say is chronic inactivity of students when school is not in session. Students currently have little choice in community recreation and often isolate themselves in their rooms, or travel to Howell or Brighton for activities. The Recreate Pinckney team called to the audience for financial and other social contributions to make the vision of the youth center a reality. The presentation was heavily attended, and interest was high as audience members flooded the lobby afterward. There they were greeted by several tables headed by posters created by students, which depicted their hopes for the effort. Attendees had the opportunity to sign up to provide their services in every aspect of the youth center creation process, from help with legal issues to mentoring in music and other fine arts. Recreate Pinckney organizers are actively looking for volunteers of all trades for their support. Those wishing to become a part of the movement can get more information through the link below. (KT/JK)
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Plea Entered in Overdose Death of Handy Twp. ChildPlea Entered in Overdose Death of Handy Twp. Child
6/11/14 - A man has entered a plea to criminal charges filed in the overdose death last year of a child in the Fowlerville area. 24-year-old Jared Kyle Brock pleaded guilty as charged today to involuntary manslaughter and 2nd degree child abuse in Livingston County Circuit Court. In exchange, a charge of being a 4th time habitual offender was reduced and prosecutors agreed to a mid-guideline sentencing cap, which could be anywhere up to 30 years in prison. Should the judge exceed that recommendation, Brock will be able to withdraw his plea. Authorities say Brock and 22-year-old Chelsie Lenee Marme were babysitting Brockâs niece August 31st at his motherâs home in Handy Township when the child is believed to have swallowed a Suboxone pill that belonged to Brock. The synthetic opiate is normally used for treatment of opiate dependence. Authorities say Brock and Marme were twice told to take the child to the hospital, first by friends they had called and then by Poison Control, but failed to do so. They also didnât tell the childâs paternal grandmother about the pill before leaving the home that afternoon. The child died later that night. Marme entered a similar plea last week and will be sentenced along with Brock on July 17th. She retains parental rights to the coupleâ son, while Brockâs parental rights were recently terminated. (JK)
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Mobile Food Truck On The Roll to Help Locals in NeedMobile Food Truck On The Roll to Help Locals in Need
6/11/14 - A new nonprofit organization to benefit local families in need is up and rolling, both literally and figuratively. In 2012, The Torch began serving meals to students free of charge with the help of other students working out of a local church. The program grew by 300% before shutting down after five months. Thatâs when two of the programâs founders, Rhonda Callanan and Sarah Ruddle, fell on hard times as Callanan had to flee an abusive relationship and was homeless with her teenage daughter, while Ruddle, an Army veteran, found herself without a permanent home as well. Callanan says Ruddle came up with the idea of using a food truck, like those often featured on the Food Network, to deliver meals to people across the county in need of assistance. Callanan and Ruddle say the box truck, which has been completely redone inside and out, does make heads turn. But they say thatâs a good thing, especially as the back is painted with the slogan, âFollow the Torch.â They plan to use the truck at various events in the area this summer providing food assistance where needed. Theyâre also gearing up for a week-long end of summer effort to provide those in need with back to school services, including clothing and haircuts. Youâll find details online through the link below. Pictured on top is the truck, with Callanan and Ruddle on the bottom. (JK)
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Township & Owner of Old Liquid Mfg. Site Finalize $257K SettlementTownship & Owner of Old Liquid Mfg. Site Finalize $257K Settlement
6/11/14 - A settlement has been finalized between Green Oak Township and the company that owns the building that previously housed Liquid Manufacturing. Both the township and the Packaging and Distribution Finance Group have signed off of the agreement, which calls for PDFG to pay $257,299 to the township. Green Oak Township Supervisor Mark St. Charles tells WHMI heâs glad they were able to come together and work out a settlement in the best interest of all parties, which allows the township to put this chapter behind them. After years of litigation with Liquid Manufacturing, St. Charles is ready to move on and says he'd rather spend time on fixing roads, building trails and developing a park than legal matters. He added that heâs also looking forward to PDFG finding a new tenant or owner for the building and working with them. Liquid Manufacturing and the township were involved in a legal battle over violations that spanned years and the financially troubled beverage producer eventually closed its doors earlier this year. Some disputes arose after PDFG acquired the property, which led to it filing a federal lawsuit against the township and board members. The settlement reached resolves all claims against the property, including unpaid water and sewer charges for past service and personal property taxes owed. As for the lawsuit pending in Livingston County Circuit Court, St. Charles says itâs expected that the township will ask that it be dismissed based on the settlement. (JM)
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Police Investigate Armed Home Invasion in Oceola TownshipPolice Investigate Armed Home Invasion in Oceola Township
6/11/14 - The Livingston County Sheriff's Department is investigating a home invasion last night in Oceola Township. Undersheriff Mike Murphy says several armed suspects broke into a home around 11:30pm in the 1600 block of North Hughes Road. One of the intruders confronted the homeâs owner and got into a physical confrontation during which a shot was fired from one of the intruderâs weapons, although no injuries resulted. However, Murphy says there were seven other people in the residence at the time of the attack, one of whom was kicked in the mouth and lost some teeth. Some of others managed to flee during the break-in and called authorities. When deputies arrived, most of the intruders had already left the scene, except for one armed with a gun, who was arrested. Murphy says the intruders are believed to have had multiple rifles and handguns, but wouldnât discuss possible motives for the attack citing the ongoing investigation. (JK)
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Brighton Chamber Highlights Fundraiser for Spirit CentreBrighton Chamber Highlights Fundraiser for Spirit Centre
6/12/14 - A Brighton group is raising money for veterans through an ongoing fundraising campaign. The Brighton Chamber Foundation is raising money in support of the American Spirit Centre in Brighton through the Help for Heroes fundraiser. The Spirit Centre is home to the Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 4357, American Legion Post 235, and other veteran-minded organizations. The groups carry out programs that benefit families of fallen soldiers, and assist disabled and other veterans in need. To make a donation, you can write a check payable to the Brighton Chamber Foundation, making note in the memo that the donation is for the ASC Fundraiser. The Brighton Chamber Foundation is a tax deductible, non-profit organization. Contact the Brighton Chamber for details at 810-227-5086. (JK)
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Sheriff's Cadet Summer Academy Taking ApplicationsSheriff's Cadet Summer Academy Taking Applications
6/12/14 - Applications are being accepted for a summer program that offers young adults an up-close glimpse into the world of law enforcement. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Departmentâs Cadet Academy is designed for mature young adults age 14 to 21 with a strong interest in law enforcement and will take place August 25th through the 29th. Cadets will be exposed to real life adult situations and criminal behavior, learn how to process a crime scene, prepare a case for a mock trial, go through a firearms simulator and experience a SWAT team demonstration. Theyâll also hear presentations from police K-9 officers, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Livingston County Dive Team, Medical Examiner Investigator, 911 operations and Michigan State Police. At the completion of the week-long 40-hour academy, cadets will be eligible to join the Cadets Post, which meets regularly throughout the year and takes part in competitions against other posts to test their training and skills. For more information, contact Deputy Neff at 517-540-7984, bneff@livgov.com or go to the LCSD cadet web site through the link below. (JK)
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County Celebrates 125th Anniversary of Historic CourthouseCounty Celebrates 125th Anniversary of Historic Courthouse
6/12/14 - The community is encouraged to explore a historic anchor and architectural jewel in downtown Howell that has withstood the test of time this weekend. Livingston County is celebrating the 125th anniversary of the historic courthouse with an ice cream social and open house this Saturday. The event coincides with Flag Day and has been in the planning stages for months. The building has been spruced up in anticipation - from the marble floors being polished and woodwork cleaned to a tree being planted outside and new benches installed made of a large elm tree that came down during a storm. The courthouse has two historical designations from the state and was built in 1889. Livingston County Elections Supervisor Joan Runyan works in the courthouse, where the county clerk and treasurer offices are located. She says preservation is important so that future generations will be able to enjoy the historic landmark that really is a classic fixture in downtown Howell. Saturdayâs celebration kicks off at 10am with a flag raising and wreath presentation, followed by the national anthem performed by Treasurer Jennifer Nash. An invocation will be delivered and a number of tributes and proclamations will be presented. The keynote speaker is from the Michigan Historic Preservation Office and will address the importance of keeping historical buildings in existence. Music and entertainment will immediately follow the program, with the open house and ice cream social to take place between 11am and 4pm. Docents will also be on hand to explain the different artwork and aspects of each office, the courtroom and hallways for visitors and guests. The complete program is attached below. (JM)
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Rogers Touts School Spending Bill Amid Bipartisan CriticismRogers Touts School Spending Bill Amid Bipartisan Criticism
6/12/14 - Despite criticism from members of his own party, a local lawmaker says budget legislation passed by the House shows the future is bright for children in the state and they continue to be a top priority. State Representative Bill Rogers is chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittees on Education and School Aid. The term limited Republican from Genoa Township talked about Wednesdayâs passage of the stateâs 2015 spending plan for preschoolers, K-12, community colleges and higher education. He says the committee put a focus on closing the equity gap between Michiganâs schools and increased funding to smaller and more rural school districts by over $100 per pupil. But many Democrats and more than a dozen Republicans voted against the education package in the House, which ended up passing on a 60-50 vote. In the Senate, the vote was even closer, with five Republicans joining all the Democrats in opposing the bill, which only passed in the upper chamber 21-17. Critics said the $50 per-pupil minimum hike is less than Governor Snyder proposed and less than the both the House and Senate had approved before final negotiations. They also were upset that lower-funded districts, many of them cyber schools with low overhead costs, were receiving an additional $125 per pupil that many traditional districts were not getting. Rogers says the upcoming fiscal year will be the largest disbursement in history from the School Aid Fund, reinforcing Michiganâs continued improvement. He says the state now also tops the nation in pre-K funding with an increase of $65 (m) million. (JK)
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Zombie Run to Take Over Atchison Park in Lyon Township Zombie Run to Take Over Atchison Park in Lyon Township
6/12/14 - Area runners are being challenged to survive the night and some awesomely terrifying courses as part of an upcoming zombie survival race in Lyon Township. Two different types of zombie 5K runs will take place in Lyon Township this Saturday, June 14th. Participants are being challenged to survive their way through 3.1 miles of obstacles, features and zombies. Organizers say those who think they have what it takes to survive the zombies during an extreme nighttime run can sign up for the Zombie Run: Black Ops - described as a course full of zombie-infested darkness, fire, obstacles and lasers. Everything will take place at James Atchison Park in New Hudson and participants are encouraged to use the special discount code "SOUTHLYON" for 20% off registration. A link and more information can be found below. (JM)
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South Lyon Man Sentenced In Marijuana Growing CaseSouth Lyon Man Sentenced In Marijuana Growing Case
6/12/14 - A South Lyon man has been sentenced to jail time and probation for growing marijuana in his Livingston County home. 35-year-old Bret Allen Van Buren was sentenced last week on a controlled substance charge stemming from a marijuana-growing operation in his basement. He pleaded guilty back in May, and in exchange prosecutors recommend that he only get 6 months in jail. That was the sentence handed down on June 5th, but with 156 days already served Van Buren should be out of jail by August. Co-defendant Rebecca St. Pierre is charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and being a 2nd time habitual offender. The South Lyon Herald reports the pair were growing marijuana in their basement and selling it to people they know to pay their bills. Prosecutors in the case say he acknowledged that he was using the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act for dealing drugs, making a mockery of the law. (TD)
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Duct Tape Prom Clothes Could Get Pinckney Seniors ScholarshipsDuct Tape Prom Clothes Could Get Pinckney Seniors Scholarships
6/12/14 - Two Pinckney High School students are in the running for scholarship money after attending prom decked out in duct tape. Duck Brand tape is holding a competition this year called Stuck at Prom, giving students from around the country a chance to win up to $10,000 in scholarship money by dressing up for prom in outfits made completely from the tape. Pinckney valedictorian Ryan Danko and his girlfriend Gabrielle Farina entered the contest with a pair of black-and-gold outfits that met the requirements while still sticking to the schoolâs prom theme of âThe Great Gatsby.â Their creations have earned them a place among the top ten finalists, and now they are asking residents to go online and vote for them to win the grand prize of $10,000 apiece for college. Every email address can vote once per day, and voting will continue through July 8th. For information on how to vote and see more photos of the coupleâs outfits, follow the link below. (TD)
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Accidental Fire Destroys Putnam Township Home; Three Cats Perish Accidental Fire Destroys Putnam Township Home; Three Cats Perish
6/12/14 - A home in the Pinckney area has been deemed a complete loss following whatâs believed to have been an accidental fire. The Putnam Township Fire Department was called out shortly before 9am to a home on West Main Street for what was originally reported as a stove fire. However while en route, Chief Greg Amburgey says they were informed it had become a structure fire and found flames shooting out of the windows about 15 feet above the home. He says crews were able to knock down the fire within roughly the first 20 minutes but they remained on scene until after noon putting out hot spots and cleaning up. Although the structure is still standing, Amburgey says itâs basically a complete loss and there was significant smoke and water damage. He says the woman who lived there is currently being assisted by the Local chapter of the American Red Cross. Three pets perished in the fire but another pregnant cat was rescued and taken to a nearby animal clinic. Amburgey says the fire was extinguished pretty quickly and there was no other damage or injuries. Itâs believed to have been accidental and Amburgey says the woman had been feeding her animals and bumped against the stove, which turned on a burner and started a cardboard box on fire, which spread very fast throughout the home. There were smoke detectors in the home although they were not working at the time of the fire and Amburgey says they explained the importance of early warning and the use of smoke detectors. Mutual aid was provided at the scene from the Howell, Hamburg, Dexter and Green Oak Township Fire Departments. (JM)
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Purchase of Howell Theater AnnouncedPurchase of Howell Theater Announced
6/12/14 - After being on the market for six months, a downtown Howell fixture has a new owner. Tyler DePerro, the owner of FilmTell LLC in Toledo, Ohio issued a press release saying he closed on the theater Tuesday. DePerro says he has a âunique visionâ for the theater at 315 East Grand River, which he plans to renovate over the next few months. He plans to keep it as a two-screen theater, but wants to make-over the buildingâs facade and lobby to showcase local artwork and host community gatherings. He describes himself as a movie guy with a âdeep and expansiveâ knowledge of film and its history. Howell DDA Director Cathleen Edgerly tells WHMI that DePerro and his partners approached them after looking across the country for a location that best fit what they wanted. She said he came prepared with a detailed plan that will build on the city's existing arts and cultural base. DePerro's plans for the Howell Theater call for an assortment of films offered each week that will be a mix of independent, classics and documentaries, along with silent films and world cinema. He says he wants to bring back the âmagic in movie magic,â with period renovations and thoughtful programming. The theater had closed down last summer after the previous owners failed to make it financially successful. A plan to locate a gourmet restaurant there also fell through, leaving many to worry the theater and its iconic marquee would no longer be a part of Howellâs downtown. Howell Mayor Phil Campbell welcomed the news. "In the modern world of the megaplex, Howell's small, historic theater is best suited for this kind of independent business model. We are all joyful at this development." A price for the purchase was not disclosed. DePerro says he has created a Facebook page for people to follow the progress of the renovations and plans for the theater. Youâll find a link below. (JK)
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New Howell Theater Owner Has 'Unique Vision' for VenueNew Howell Theater Owner Has 'Unique Vision' for Venue
6/13/14 - The Howell community appears to be heartened by Thursdayâs news that the old historic theater will remain just that. Toledo, Ohio-based FilmTell LLC announced that after nearly five years of having only a digital presence residing in the clouds, the company now has a bricks and mortar location with the purchase of the old theater. Howell Mayor Phil Campbell says the Downtown Development Authority was involved in some of the discussions but they tried to keep things quiet until they knew for certain it was a go. Campbell tells WHMI the community is overjoyed the theater is returning and staying in Howell. "In the modern world of the megaplex, Howell's small, historic theater is best suited for this kind of independent business model. We are all joyful at this development." FilmTell owner Tyler DePerro (shown here in picture from the FilmTell Facebook page) says he has a âunique visionâ for the theater and wants to bring back the âmagicâ with period renovations and thoughtful programming to serve the art and film community. Renovations will be taking place over the next few months. The two-screen theater will stay but DePerro wants to make-over the buildingâs facade and lobby to showcase local artwork and host community gatherings. A Facebook page detailing renovations and plans has also been created for those interested to follow progress. A link is available below. DePerro will also be a guest this morning on Mike & Jon in the Morning at 7:45. (JK)
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Kensington Celebrates Flag Day & Summer w/ Fireworks ShowKensington Celebrates Flag Day & Summer w/ Fireworks Show
6/13/14 - The community is invited to start the summer season off with a bang at Kensington Metropark this weekend. A Flag Day fireworks show is begins at 10:10 pm this Saturday and anyone attending should plan on arriving early due to crowd conditions. Metropark officials note that Kensington will not host fireworks around the Fourth of July holiday and anyone visitors coming out this weekend should be aware of some road work. A resurfacing project got underway this week and officials say the much needed paving is taking place along a portion of Route 1 - from the Kent Lake Road entrance to just north of Martindale Beach. Single lane closures are associated with the road milling work. Finally, Kensington Metropark officials ask that the public pardon the dust at Martindale Beach as the parking lot is also being repaved. If necessary, they say police staff will be available this weekend to assist individuals with any parking needs. (JM)
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Project Spells Orange Barrels on Grand River Project Spells Orange Barrels on Grand River
6/13/14 - Good times on Grand River likely wonât be had by those traveling through the Howell and Brighton areas this summer. This week marked the kick-off of a two-mile rehabilitation project along Grand River from roughly Hughes Road to Hacker Road. The Livingston County Road Commission has begun work to update the roadway, which is about 25 years old and just now getting its first facelift according to Managing Director Mike Craine. He tells WHMI itâs a big project and one lane of traffic will be open in each direction on one side of the road or the other until mid-August. Craine says this is probably the most inconvenient phase since they donât have much room to maintain traffic and have only one lane of Grand River open in each direction, which is why the work was postponed until school let out for the summer. The project was actually let out to bid last fall and qualified for some special funding designated by the legislature but Craine says they decided to hold off until construction had wrapped up on Latson Road and the interchange was open, hence why the Grand River job was phased in here. Work involves repairing curbs and some driveways at key points, milling out existing asphalt and then resurfacing. He says driveways will be done part-width, meaning they will not be closing any driveways but rather working on each one-half at a time. When this phase of the project is complete, crews will pick up where they left off and start the same work along Grand River from just east of Hacker Road, down to the I-96 interchange. Since the work is on Grand River, Craine says the detour for Howell and Brighton trips is really the freeway. During the course of the construction this summer, he asks that local motorists mind speeds and be aware of workers and equipment. (JM)
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Downtown Howell Goes Pink For Breast Cancer Awareness
6/13/14 - Thursday night the 6th annual Pink Party event took the streets of downtown Howell. The event is touted as a mini Pink Mardi Gras featured giveaways, sidewalk shopping, food, wine and food tastings. A ragtime band and barber shop quartet performed as pink pirates, pink witches and pups dressed in pink strolled along Grand River Avenue in support of breast cancer awareness. Several groups made their way through the crowd in search of this yearâs Pink Party Queen. Kerrie Martin a 10 year survivor from Howell was diagnosed with Breast Cancer at 22. Martinâs mother is a 15 years Breast Cancer survivor. Martin is the leader of a large group of ribbon wielding hooligans and tells WHMIâ¦her groups Pink About It, Pink About It Too and Still Pinking About It are made up of 27 women, many of them survivors. The group's primary goal is to raise awareness and support the event while having a great time. Master of Ceremonies, Pinckney Pirate Rick Beaudin, crowned Tisha Mackie of Hartland Queen of the Pink Party for 2014. Mackie, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in November, brought 24 friends to the event. The group arrived in a stretch pink Cadillac. The event is held each year in downtown Howell to help raise funds for breast cancer treatment and research. Money raised this year will be used to help purchase a high-tech table for breast cancer biopsies at St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital. (LR/JK)
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