6/13/14 - A Howell teen is giving back to his former school for his Eagle Scout project, and needs the communityâs help. Jonathan Miller, a Boy Scout from Troop 362 in Howell, is working on his Eagle Scout project at Three Fires Elementary and is in need of funding. Miller will be building a patio and bench for students to sit on as they wait for parents outside of the school. To commemorate Latson Road Elementary School, he will feature yellow bricks in the patio that once circled the recently demolished school. The project costs $461 and Miller is accepting donations from members of the community. He says he chose to do the project because he wanted to give back to the school that gave so much to him. Anyone wishing to donate can contact Miller via e-mail at: millergodziller@yahoo.com (JK)
Howell Eagle Scout Seeks to Benchmark Former SchoolHowell Eagle Scout Seeks to Benchmark Former School
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Anti-Drug Meeting Offers Prevention Plans For CountyAnti-Drug Meeting Offers Prevention Plans For County
6/13/14 - Some specific ideas for drug prevention in Livingston County were identified at the fourth in a series of community meetings Tuesday night. The meetings have been going on since December, organized by the Livingston Community Prevention Project to create a strategic plan for drug abuse prevention for Livingston County. Participants in the series have included normal residents as well as representatives from other anti-drug organizations, like LACASA, the Livingston County Community Alliance, and the Pinckney and Hartland Coalitions. Organizer Karen Bergbower says they have been using data from youth surveys, hospitals, the coronerâs office, and other sources to understand what is actually causing substance abuse locally. Participants on Tuesday worked to propose solutions to address those factors. Their ideas will be presented with all of the other data to the Livingston County Community Alliance, which will begin work on constructing the strategic plan at its August 12th meeting. Once the plan is completed, it will be distributed to local anti-drug organizations to coordinate prevention efforts and reduce redundancy county-wide. The LCCA will also look for ways to fund the plan and its implementation. (TD)
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Hune Compounding Pharmacy Bills Set to Become LawHune Compounding Pharmacy Bills Set to Become Law
6/13/14 - A bill sponsored by a Livingston County legislator in response to a deadly meningitis outbreak is on its way to becoming law. State Senator Joe Hune of Hamburg Township sponsored bills 704 and 904 which passed 110-0 in the House and then again unanimously in the Senate. They are now on their way to Governor Snyder to sign into law. The bills were a response to the meningitis outbreak that occurred after the New England Compounding Center in Massachusetts shipped tainted steroids to Michigan and several other states. 264 infections and 22 deaths occurred in the state, including several in Livingston County. The new laws add four new safeguards to protect against something similar happening. Part one states all pharmacies must have a Pharmacist in charge that is licensed and responsible for ensuring laws are followed. Part two strengthens accurate record keeping procedures. Part three requires all pharmacy owners to undergo a criminal background check, and part four mandates pharmacies and manufacturers be inspected every two years. Hune says while they canât bring back the lives lost in the tragedy, they can put tougher measures in place for compounding pharmacies, which will protect Michigan residents in the future. (AV/JK)
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Marion Township Examining Ordinance To Regulate EventsMarion Township Examining Ordinance To Regulate Events
6/13/14 - Some local mud bogging events helped prompt Marion Township to begin work on an event ordinance to make events easier to track and reduce municipal liability. The ordinance was discussed last night at the township boardâs regular meeting. It was precipitated in part by mud bogging events, which officials say have begun to grow in size and prominence recently. One event on June 6th allegedly resulted in fights and an injury, which are still under investigation by the sheriffâs department. The ordinance being discussed by the township would require events large enough to impact the surrounding community to get approval from the township, which would try to regulate hours of operation, parking noise, and safety concerns. It would require residents holding major events to visit the township, explain the event, provide sketches of the layout, address traffic and safety concerns, and describe the food services and sanitation facilities. Depending on the nature of the event, organizers may also be asked to get in contact with the sheriffâs department, ambulance services, and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. The audience at last nightâs meeting included some mud bog promoters, who discussed the ordinance with the board. They said while they believe they have the right to hold events on their own property, they understood the townshipâs desire to cover itself in terms of legal liability. They also felt being asked to notify the DEQ was excessive. The ordinance has now gone to the township attorney, who will incorporate some minor changes made by the board. (TD)
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Lyon Township Woman Passes Away Following Thursday Crash Lyon Township Woman Passes Away Following Thursday Crash
6/13/14 - A Lyon Township woman has died from what appears to be injuries sustained in a traffic crash. The accident occurred Thursday afternoon on 10 Mile Road, west of Milford Road. 57-year-old Debra Schmeichel of Lyon Township was transported by ambulance to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ypsilanti with what at the time appeared to be minor injuries. The Oakland County Sheriffâs Office says it was notified that she passed away late Thursday night at the hospital. Police say Schmeichel was in a Ford Fusion and traveling westbound on 10 Mile Road when she crossed left over the center line, into the path of a Kenworth tractor-trailer that was traveling eastbound. The Kenworth was driven by a 73-year-old Brighton man, who was not injured. Authorities say he steered sharply to the right, causing the collision between the two vehicles to be angular instead of full head-on. Both drivers were wearing seatbelts and there were no passengers in either vehicle. The fatal crash remains under investigation by deputies with the Lyon Township Substation, who are being assisted by the crash reconstruction unit. (JM)
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Another Weather Warning Siren Being Installed in Pinckney Another Weather Warning Siren Being Installed in Pinckney
6/14/14 - Another outdoor weather warning siren will be going up in the Pinckney area. This will be the sixth weather siren in the community, to be installed at the east end of the Village, right at the Putnam Township line. The Pinckney Village Council approved a request from the Putnam Township Fire Department that the siren be installed on their property near Buschâs and M-36, where the wellhead and pump station are located that supply municipal water service. Fire Chief Greg Amburgey says theyâre making good progress and try to budget for the purchase of at least one new siren every year, since they have an individual price tag of $20,400. He tells WHMI they try to put them in locations where they know a large number of people will be covered. He says the siren will provide coverage on the east side of town and itâs a good location near a big subdivision and busy area by the Lakeland Trail where a lot of people are outside, which is important as they are outdoor warning sirens. Amburgey says at the rate theyâre going along with Hamburg Township, the area will be covered very well and will help forewarn people of any potentially dangerous storms. (JM)
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Man Facing 28 Charges After Armed Home Invasion in Oceola TownshipMan Facing 28 Charges After Armed Home Invasion in Oceola Township
6/14/14 - A Grand Rapids man has been arraigned on 28 criminal charges arising out of an incident last week in which intruders armed with multiple handguns and rifles stormed a home on North Hughes Road in Oceola Township.A $2 (m) million cash or surety bond was set for 28-year-old Richard J. Quam, who was arraigned on the charges in 53rd District Court Friday. The Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office authorized charges of armed robbery, 1st degree home invasion, unlawful imprisonment, larceny in a building, carrying a weapon with unlawful intent, assault with a dangerous weapon and larceny of a firearm. Each charge is also accompanied by a separate charge of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, which carries a mandatory consecutive two year prison sentence. The most serious charge is punishable by up to life in prison if convicted and Quam is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday for an exam. Meanwhile, the investigation being conducted by the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department remains open and anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Marc King. Several suspects broke into the home, confronted the owner and got into a physical confrontation during which a shot was fired from one of the intruderâs weapons, although no injuries resulted from that. One of seven other people in the residence at the time of the attack was kicked in the mouth and lost some teeth. A possible motive for the attack has not been made public. (JM)
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Program Will Train Waitstaffers on Intoxication PreventionProgram Will Train Waitstaffers on Intoxication Prevention
6/14/14 - Employees at local restaurants can get a discount on their alcohol server certification by attending a program later this month. In Michigan, every employee who serves alcohol in a restaurant must complete Training for Intervention Procedures, or TIPS, every three years. The program provides the employees with information and skills to prevent intoxication, underage drinking, and drunk driving by customers. The program typically costs the employees $50 every three years, but this month Livingston County Catholic Charities will offer TIPS training at half off the regular price. The training will be offered at the organizationâs headquarters on Grand River in Howell, and it will fulfill the Michigan Liquor Control Commission requirement. The training event will take place from 11am to 3pm on Thursday, June 26th at a cost of $25 per person. Applicants should register as soon as possible to reserve a spot. To do that, or for more information, contact Kaitlin at (517) 545-5944. (TD/JK)
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Howell Man Heading to Trial in Church TheftsHowell Man Heading to Trial in Church Thefts
6/14/14 - A Howell man will face trial after his case moved to Circuit court in Livonia after being charged with larceny last week. Jeffrey John Bentley was arrested after a hidden camera showed him taking money out of a donation box at St. Edithâs Catholic Church. Church officials notified Livonia Police and said they thought money was being taken out of donation boxes, so a hidden camera was then put in place which caught Bentley in the act. He is also suspected in several other church robberies in the area. The 55-year-old Bentley is charged with larceny in a building and as a habitual offender, which is a 15 year felony. His criminal record includes previous convictions in Livingston County for larceny and criminal sexual conduct. Bentley will be arraigned next week in Wayne County Circuit Court. (JK)
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Discounts Offered For Balloonfest Parking and EntranceDiscounts Offered For Balloonfest Parking and Entrance
6/15/14 - Updated event information and discounts are being offered to help visitors get a jump on planning for the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest weekend. The Michigan Challenge is hosted by the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce, which is offering discounted weekend parking passes for $20 up until June 26th at its Washington Street office. The weekend passes cost $25 if purchased at the event, which takes place on the grounds of the Howell High School campus June 27th through the 29th. Discounted arm bands for the carnival are also available. Both the armband and parking discounts are offered online for convenience, along with updated event information through the new Michigan Challenge website. (JM)
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Wixom Man Pleads Guilty In Theft of Charity Jars In Livingston CountyWixom Man Pleads Guilty In Theft of Charity Jars In Livingston County
6/15/14 - A man has pleaded guilty to stealing three charity collection jars in Livingston County for sick and injured children just months after being sentenced for a similar crime in Oakland County. 39-year-old Chad Lendon Stewart, who has addresses in Wixom and Manitou Beach, pleaded guilty to charges of larceny from a building in three separate cases in Livingston County Circuit Court. The charges stem from the theft of charity jars for the Childrenâs Miracle Network from a 7-11 store and two Speedway gas stations in Livingston County between October 16th and 28th. Stewart will be sentenced for all three thefts on July 2nd. He previously pleaded guilty of stealing another Childrenâs Miracle Network jar from a different Speedway location on South Milford Road. He was sentenced to 90 days in jail in December, with credit for 46 already served. (TD)
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Challenger Elementary To Offer Daily Lunch Program This SummerChallenger Elementary To Offer Daily Lunch Program This Summer
6/15/14 - Howell students will be able to get a free lunch every day this summer thanks to a state-funded program at Challenger Elementary School. Beginning July 7th and running through August 27th, students in the district between kindergarten and the age of 18 can show up at Challenger for a free lunch five days a week. Organizations aimed at fighting hunger in local youth say the summer months are especially difficult for some families because the free and reduced-cost lunch programs at schools are not available. More than 50% of Challengerâs student body takes advantage of that program, which qualified the school for a state grant to offer a daily lunch program this summer. Howell Schools Food Service Director Sharon Lenard tells WHMI the Salvation Army, which organizes the Summer Lunch Bunch program around the county each year, will also be putting together the lunches at Challenger with the help of the Livingston County United Way. Three Fires Middle School also has more than 50% of its students using the free or reduced cost lunch program, but this was not the case in October, so the school does not qualify for the summer lunch program this year. (TD)
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County Courthouse Celebrates 125th Anniversary
6/16/14 - The historic Livingston County Courthouse celebrated its 125 anniversary, featuring speakers, preservationist, classic cars, music and tours of the historic building. Several hundred people gathered on the front lawn to take part in a celebration of history and what officials said was strength, dependability and resilience. Livingston County Treasurer Jennifer Nash performed the national anthem, Boy Scout Troup #367 and Girl Scout Troup #42049 performed the flag raising and wreath presentation. The courthouse was built in 1889 by architect Albert French for $29,000, and listed in the National Registry of Historic Places in 1976. Martha MacFarland Faes, Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer with Michiganâs State Historic Preservation Office complimented the people of Howell on preserving the building, adding it is one of the finest points of architectural expression in the state. An ice cream social followed the tributes and proclamations. (JK)
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Howell School Board Saves Counselors From Staffing CutsHowell School Board Saves Counselors From Staffing Cuts
6/16/14 - The Howell Board of Education needs to reduce the districtâs staffing level next year, but does not want to lose elementary-level counselors to do it. The board discussed a funding gap for next yearâs budget at its most recent meeting. By current projections there will be a significant funding shortfall, and administrative staff recommended a staffing reduction to cover the difference. It was suggested that the board cut a total of 8.5 positions from across the district, including two elementary-school counselors. A motion to that effect was made by Trustee Mike Moloney, but failed with only two votes. Other members of the board were against reducing the counseling staff at elementary schools, and a motion by Board Secretary Kim Witt to eliminate the positions while keeping the counselors was approved with four votes to three. However, Associate Superintendent of Finance Rick Terres tells WHMI this does not necessarily mean layoffs will take place. A total of 14 teachers are either retiring or going on leaves of absence, so the district can simply leave some of those positions unfilled to meet the required reduction in staffing. Terres says insufficient funding from the state and declining student enrollment are to blame for the budget shortfall. (TD)
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Fowlerville Man Gets 25 Year Sentence for Exploiting MinorFowlerville Man Gets 25 Year Sentence for Exploiting Minor
6/16/14 - A Fowlerville man has received a lengthy prison sentence after sending sexually explicit photos to an 11-year-old girl. 30-year-old Matthew Lewis Colston was recently sentenced to 25 years in prison by a U.S. District Court judge. He earlier pleaded guilty to seven counts of manufacturing child pornography and two separate counts of enticing a minor and transferring obscene material to a minor. In handing down the punishment, the judge recommended that Colston be sent to a federal facility that has sex offender treatment program. He will be listed on the sex offender registry and once he serves his time, Colston will have ten years of supervised release and restrictions on any use of computers. Prosecutors said Colston used a cell phone to persuade a child to engage in sexual activity, and that he also used the phone to send hundreds of sexually explicit photos to a child. The victimâs parents told State Police that Colston, who owns an IT company based in Williamston, sent their daughter over 500 explicit photographs, which they discovered by using a cell phone app installed on her phone. The parents reportedly became concerned after their daughter started receiving multiple late-night messages. (JM)
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Brighton Teacher Selected for Congressional FellowshipBrighton Teacher Selected for Congressional Fellowship
6/16/14 - A local teacher is one of two in Michigan and 58 nationwide to have been selected for a summer fellowship program. Brighton High School teacher Michelle Holowicki has been selected as a James Madison Congressional Fellow. She'll be interning in 1st District US Representative Dan Benishek's office and qualified to apply based on a previous fellowship she received in 2010. The fellowship funds up to $24,000 of each fellows course of study toward a masterâs degree, and requires concentration on courses on the history and principles of the United States Constitution. Holowicki says interning in a congressional office will help her have her own firsthand learning experience, just as students in her government class receive when traveling with her to Washington DC as part of a Close Up Program. She says she's anxious to be stretched to new heights by a different working environment, which she believes will enrich and invigorate her perspective on the inner workings of the legislative branch. Holowicki has taught AP U.S. History and U.S. Government as well as Economics at Brighton High School since 2006. She says she plans to blog about her experiences this summer as a means of conveying the importance of the Congressional process to her current, former and future students. (JK)
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Local Vet Convenes Panel to Discuss VA Reform & LegislationLocal Vet Convenes Panel to Discuss VA Reform & Legislation
6/16/14 - A panel of area veterans is being convened later this week to discuss ongoing issues with health care at VA facilities. Retired Army Staff Sgt. Sean Knudsen is one of the organizers of the gathering, which he hopes will lay bare the ongoing issues with veterans obtaining timely and accurate heath care through the Veterans Affairs health care system. Knudsen, who served for more than 17 years including a combat tour in Iraq, says the recent scandal involving falsified wait times at VA facilities is just the tip of the iceberg. He says there are also ongoing complaints and issues with lack of care and treatment and diagnosis issues. Knudsen is no stranger to fighting bureaucracy. In 2007, he was finally awarded a Purple Heart for shrapnel injuries he received in Iraq (pictured) after publicly battling the Pentagon that he and other combat vets were being denied the award due to a combination of bureaucratic inefficiency and efforts by officials to keep the official casualty count low. Among the reforms Knudsen would like to see implemented are locating Inspector General desks at all VA hospitals in Michigan at main entrances for veterans to file formal complaints regarding their care and treatment should the need arise. And while he says most VA health professionals are caring and competent, heâs also demanding the VA identify all employees that have been found to have violated patientsâ rights, or have been involved in corruption, fraud and negligence. Knudsen says they will also be working with elected officials like state Senator Joe Hune to draft legislation that will hold healthcare officials accountable by prosecution through state courts should veterans well-being, health and medical care be intentionally delayed, hindered or denied through corruption fraud or negligence by health care officials and administrative staff at VA health care facilities in Michigan. The veteranâs panel will be held Friday from 9am to 1pm at the offices of the Brain Injury Association of Michigan, 7305 Grand River, Suite 100, in Brighton. Knudsen says any local veterans who canât physically attend can be teleconferenced in. For more information, contact the Brain Injury Association of Michigan at (810) 229-5880. (JK)
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Howell DDA Picks New Outreach Coordinator
6/16/14 - A new outreach coordinator has been chosen for the Howell Main Street DDA. At a special meeting on Wednesday, the DDA Board unanimously chose Kate Litwin to take up the position. Director Kathleen Edgerly tells WHMI the position mainly interacts with volunteers and community stakeholders, requiring experience and comfort with working with volunteers, running recruitment, generating excitement for DDA projects, and telling the story of the downtown area to local residents. Although Litwin has not worked directly with the DDA in the past, Edgerly says she is experienced at working with local nonprofits on fundraising and volunteerism initiatives. She says Litwin should do an outstanding job managing the DDAâs volunteer base and social media presence. The position is for 20 hours and week at $15 per hour, and reports directly to Edgerly. Litwin is expected to take up the post on June 23rd. The previous outreach coordinator, Lindsey Wooten, left the city to take over at the City of Wayne Downtown Develioment Authority. (TD)
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Red Cross 'Everyday Hero' Nominations Due on FridayRed Cross 'Everyday Hero' Nominations Due on Friday
6/16/14 - A nomination deadline is approaching to honor ordinary individuals who have acted in extraordinary ways. The Livingston County Chapter of the American Red Cross is again soliciting nominations from the community at large for its annual âSalute To Everyday Heroesâ celebration. Set for September 25th, the event honors local residents who have gone out of their way to help someone in need. Red Cross officials have been asking the public to nominate individuals in several categories for recognition including workplace, first responder and law enforcement heroes, an individual who has dedicated their life to serving others, good neighbors and even animal heroes that have reacted in a significant way to help and assist in an emergency. All nominees must live or be employed in Livingston County or have performed an act of heroism in the county. Nominations must be submitted by this Friday, June 20th and forms are available for download below. (JK)
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Group's Mailing in Support of Treasurer Allegedly Abuses ResourcesGroup's Mailing in Support of Treasurer Allegedly Abuses Resources
6/16/14 - A local political candidate says a tea party group is abusing public resources after sending out a mailing advising to contact his opponent, the Brighton Township treasurer, at her work office. The tea party group Americans for Prosperity Michigan sent out a mailing that encourages voters to support Republican Lana Theis in her campaign for the 42nd District State House seat. It directs phone calls to her office at the Brighton Township hall during normal business hours. Democrat Timothy Johnson, who is running against Theis for the open state house seat, says tea party groups have done a lot of complaining about government waste and abuse but is now abusing municipal resources by helping Theis campaign from her taxpayer-supported municipal office. He issued a press release requesting that Theis ask the group to stop including her office number on mailings. Theis responded to say that although her concerns on issues are accurately reflected, she had nothing to do with the flyer and had no knowledge of it prior to receiving calls. Theis says she did contact Americans for Prosperity upon receiving it in her mail box and was told that as an elected official, it was appropriate for information of concern to residents to be relayed to her work phone. Theis says she provides her cell phone number on campaign literature and to be certain that no township resources are being used, she has asked the tea party group to not use her work phone in the future. (JM)
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