6/16/14 - New technology made to help people who have lost a limb will be displayed at an upcoming event. Genesis Prosthetic Arts in Howell will be hosting a special event aimed for individuals who have lost an upper limb on Wednesday, June 25th. The demonstration will feature the most advanced forms of bionic hand technologies including the i-limb ultra-revolution and i-limb digits. Genesis Prosthetic Arts owner David Van Auker says patients now will have more options that enable them to move individual fingers. The prostheses are operated by the muscles triggered in a personâs residual limb, and mimic the function of the natural hand enabling users to perform many daily tasks. The event is open to anyone who has been affected by upper limb loss or deficiency and their family members. More information can be found through the link below. (AV/JK)
Howell Clinic Hosting Event For Upper Limb AmputeesHowell Clinic Hosting Event For Upper Limb Amputees
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Oakland Deputy & Howell Man Enter Plea in Bar FightOakland Deputy & Howell Man Enter Plea in Bar Fight
6/16/14 - An Oakland County Sheriffâs deputy has entered a plea to charges stemming from a bar fight in Hartland Township. Deputy Thomas Knasiak, who worked out of the Highland Township substation, and co-defendant Andrew Coleman of Howell were arrested on St. Patrickâs Day on a felony count of resisting or obstructing a police officer. Last week, they agreed to plead no contest to the misdemeanor charge of attempted resisting or obstructing a police officer. While thatâs not a legal admission of guilt, it will be treated as such when they are both sentenced in July. The incident began when Livingston County Central Dispatch received a call from OâMalleyâs Irish Pub at about 8pm for a report of a man being assaulted. A Michigan State Police trooper was the first on the scene, and Knasiak and Coleman were pointed out as the two men involved. The pair was subdued by the trooper and a deputy from the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department and taken into custody. Knasiak was placed into a ânon-deputizedâ position with the Corrections Division, and had his gun, badge, and identification taken away pending the outcome of an internal investigation and criminal charges. Itâs not known if his status has changed. Both he and Coleman must also pay restitution of more than $4,600.joint and severally of $4,693.92. (JK)
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Lane Closures Postponed on I-96 at Latson Road Due to Weather Lane Closures Postponed on I-96 at Latson Road Due to Weather
6/16/14 - Lane closures associated with work on I-96 in Livingston County have been postponed for one week on account of the weather. The lane closures are scheduled on both directions of I-96 at Latson Road to allow for work on the interchange. The Michigan Department of Transportation says the closures have been delayed until next week due to current weather reports. The left lane of eastbound I-96 is now scheduled to close beginning at 9am Monday, June 23rd and last through 3pm next Thursday. On westbound I-96, the left lane will also be closed next Monday through Thursday. The westbound closure will be in place daily between 6am and 3pm. (JM)
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New York Man Sentenced for Howell Hotel AssaultNew York Man Sentenced for Howell Hotel Assault
6/17/14 - A New York man arrested after attacking his girlfriend in a Howell hotel has been sentenced. 31-year-old Michael Joseph Turner was sentenced last week 43 months to 15 years in prison following his guilty plea to charges of unlawful imprisonment, assault by strangulation and criminal sexual conduct with intent to commit contact. Turner was arrested by Howell Police December 12th after they were called to the Kensington Inn for reports of a woman banging on doors and shouting for help. Officers say they found the woman badly injured, and learned that she was visiting from New York with her boyfriend. She claims that earlier that night he accused her of cheating on him, which she denied. Police say the argument led to a domestic incident, and that Turner choked the woman, threw her against a mirror, struck her repeatedly, and forced himself on her. Police say they found Turner visiting friends at another nearby hotel and arrested him. (JK)
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Brighton Planning Commission Approves Eberspacher Site PlanBrighton Planning Commission Approves Eberspacher Site Plan
6/17/14 - A site plan was approved Monday night by the Brighton City Planning Commission for the expansion of the Brighton Eberspacher facility. The presentation by the German-based auto exhaust system supplier outlined the benefits and infrastructure of the intended expansion, which will take the Brighton facility on Orndorff Drive from its present approximate 100,000 square feet, to 300,000 square feet. Currently, the facility maintains 260 employees, but the renovation of the plant will allow for the addition of approximately one hundred hourly jobs. The plant will operate on three shifts around the clock, and the new development will provide enough parking for both new and old employees. Other details of the expansion include adding more office space, additional bays for incoming trucks, a training room and a board room that sits on the second floor of a two-story lobby space. In addition to approving the prospective site plan, the Planning Commission also approved a motion for a PUD Amendment to the Summit Pointe Commercial Center and Paramount Industrial Park, which will allow for the expansion of the Eberspacher facility to take place. The commission added to the site plan by suggestion that it offer the current landscaping surrounding the plant to the city. (KT/JK)
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More Suspects Arrested in Armed Home Invasion; One ArraignedMore Suspects Arrested in Armed Home Invasion; One Arraigned
6/18/14 - Two more Grand Rapids men have been arrested in connection with an incident in which intruders armed with multiple handguns and rifles stormed a home in Oceola Township. Both were lodged in Livingston County Jail Monday and 39-year-old Ronald Johnny-Wayne Morrell was arraigned late Tuesday on 26 charges including 1st degree home invasion, unlawful imprisonment, larceny in a building, and various felony weapons charges. His bond was set at $2 (m) million. Several suspects broke into the home on North Hughes Road on June 10th. A physical confrontation ensued and a shot was fired from one of the intruderâs weapons, although no injuries resulted. 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 has not been made public but Livingston County Sheriff Bob Bezotte tells WHMI the home was targeted and it was no coincidence. The other Grand Rapids man arrested Monday is expected to be arraigned sometime Wednesday and face similar charges as Morrell and 28-year-old Richard J. Quam. Quam is also being held on a $2 (m) million bond and faces 28 charges. (JM)
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New Malibu Among Prizes For Youth Baseball Raffle FundraiserNew Malibu Among Prizes For Youth Baseball Raffle Fundraiser
6/18/14 - Tickets are now on sale for a raffle to benefit a local youth baseball association, and the winner will be able to drive home in a new car. The Howell Area Junior Baseball Association is aiming to sell 2,500 tickets between now and the end of June to raise money for its program. Each ticket costs $20, and the grand prize is a brand new 2014 Chevy Malibu LS. The grand prize winner can also choose instead to take a cash prize of $15,000, while the second prize winner will get $1,000 and the third prize winner $500. If less than 70% of the tickets are sold, the raffle will revert to a 50/50, with half of the proceeds going to the association and the other half being split among the top three winners. Association secretary Rick Riesinger says the association is currently looking at improving playing fields with sprinkler systems and dugouts, and that they are currently constructing a new field at Northwest Elementary. He adds that since all of these improvements are to public fields, the proceeds from the raffle will also benefit the community as a whole. The final drawing for the raffle will take place on June 30th on the field at Northwest Elementary. For more information, following the link below. (TD)
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Manager Changes Reflect Past Fowlerville Council PracticeManager Changes Reflect Past Fowlerville Council Practice
6/18/14 - The process to appoint a manager is now in line with current ordinance and better reflects typical practice following a vote by the Fowlerville Village Council on Monday night. Former Village Manager Joe Merucci resigned in April of 2012. Council President Wayne Copeland assumed those responsibilities and was named the part time manager. He also took over the duties of the DPW supervisor when that position became vacant. Despite some confusing votes by Council to change administrative and elected roles and also clarify associated salaries, the current structure stands. Council directed village attorney David Stoker at the last meeting to draft language changes for consideration and possible adoption to clarify the process to appoint a manager. He again noted that Council has always made the decision in appointing a manager but thatâs not how the charter is structured so the changes better reflect typical practice. The ordinance amendment was approved unanimously at Mondayâs meeting, with Clerk Kathy Arledge absent. (JM)
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Mental Evaluation Ordered for Fenton Man Charged in ShootingMental Evaluation Ordered for Fenton Man Charged in Shooting
6/18/14 - A Fenton man facing serious felony charges after shooting his neighbor will undergo psychological testing. 46-year-old Gregory Thomas Johnson of Fenton is charged with three felonies related to the shooting of his neighbor May 26th; assault with intent to murder, which carries a possible life sentence, carrying a weapon with unlawful intent and a separate felony firearm count. Recently he was ordered to undergo a competency and criminal responsibility exam to determine his mental status at the time of the shooting and whether he can meaningfully assist in his own defense. Fenton Police say an ongoing disagreement between the two neighbors culminated with Johnson shooting the 43-year-old victim in the buttocks with a .38 semi-automatic pistol. A review hearing will be held in August to determine the status of Johnsonâs case. (JK)
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Fenton Lions Club Celebrating 50th Anniversary Fenton Lions Club Celebrating 50th Anniversary
6/18/14 - The Fenton Lions Club is celebrating 50 years of service and helping people in the community with a special event tonight. The club was chartered in 1964 and works on a variety of projects in the Fenton community from purchasing eyeglasses and hearing aids for those in need to providing scholarships and helping fund the 4th of July fireworks display. Fenton Lion Melanie Hein tells WHMI from large to small projects over the years, they have quite a bit to celebrate this summer. She says itâs a special time and a significant milestone for the club to have been able to provide service and help in the community for the last 50 years. Hein says the Fenton Lion Club is celebrating the 50th anniversary tonight at the Fenton Winery and Brewery with a pig roast for members, area dignitaries including the mayor and city council, as well as others who have helped out over the years. Also per tradition, members will be barbecuing 350 chickens for the annual Fenton Freedom Festival on the 4th of July, which has been an on-going project for the last 40 years. (JM)
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Residents Complain To Conway Board Of Fracking StinkResidents Complain To Conway Board Of Fracking Stink
6/18/14 - Residents of Conway Township have been telling officials for months that the local fracking operation stinks, but last night they meant it more literally than usual. Several residents spoke up at yesterdayâs meeting of the township board, saying a powerful and offensive odor had descended on their homes Friday as a result of the fracking operation. Fracking, short for hydraulic fracturing, is a process by which water, sand, and chemicals are pumped underground at high pressure to break apart rocks containing oil and natural gas, which can then be collected. It is controversial in large part because of the hundreds of different chemicals that might be used in their process, which some claim could cause long-term harm to the health of residents and the environment. Last night, residents told the township board that a noxious odor came from the Conway fracking site, stinging their eyes and throats as well as sending them into a panic. However, by the time a representative from the Department of Environmental Quality could make it to their homes, it had largely dissipated. Residents say the smell was hydrogen sulfide, a toxic gas, but Supervisor Mike Rife says safety officials claim the smell came from an acidic gel used in the fracking process. However, residents both in the audience and on the board expressed frustration with the DEQ during the meeting, and the board unanimously approved a resolution to submit Freedom of Information Act requests for the results of any emission tests at the site conducted by the DEQ, with enforcement action possible if they exceeded legal limits. Residents say they are in support of this measure. (TD)
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Lakelands Trail Featured In Michigan Trails MagazineLakelands Trail Featured In Michigan Trails Magazine
6/18/14 - A local trail is receiving statewide attention after a recent appearance in Michigan Trails Magazine. The Lakelands Trail was given a two-page spread in the 2014 edition of the magazine published by the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance. The 20-mile non-motorized trail runs from Hamburg to Stockbridge, and was first opened for public use in 1994 after being built on the rail bed of the Michigan Airline Railroad, which ran from Port Huron to Chicago. Putnam Township Treasurer Pat Carney tells WHMI the money being invested in the Lakelands Trail and others across the state is an official push for healthier residents. Carney adds that the trail is a boost to the local economy, and that he would like to see more people use it, a desire fulfilled by Katie Deck of Hamburg, who told WHMI that the Lakelands Trail is the best place for her dogs to go for a walk. Deck said she and her husband were thinking about moving, but âI did not want to move because I love the trail.â The trail includes 8 miles of paved trail, which is designed for biking, hiking, walking and running. An unpaved 12 mile section from Pinckney to Stockbridge is better suited for horseback riding. For more information about the Lakelands Trail, visit the link provided below. (LR/JK)
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Highland Man Accused Of Filming Self Having Sex With MinorsHighland Man Accused Of Filming Self Having Sex With Minors
6/18/14 - A Highland Township man is facing charges in US District Court and Oakland County Circuit Court stemming from accusations that he filmed himself having sexual relations with underage girls. 37-year-old Nino Tanzini is facing two counts of producing and possessing child pornography as well as one count of enticing a minor in US District Court. He is also facing three counts of 3rd degree criminal sexual conduct in Oakland County. Authorities say Tanzini had sexual relationships with two girls beginning when they were 14 and 16 years of age. In both cases, the girls said they started long-distance romantic relationships via email with young men, who then suggested they gain sexual experience by visiting Tanzini. The girls both say they had sexual relationships with Tanzini, who would take photos or videos of the acts. They eventually became aware that their online boyfriends were Tanzini himself, posing as younger men online. He was arrested late last month. Tanziniâs wife, who has since filed for a restraining order against him, turned the contents of his external hard drive over to police, who say they found explicit photographs and videos of both girls. Tanzini is scheduled for an arraignment in Oakland County Circuit Court on June 23rd. (TD)
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Plan Advances to Unite Oak Pointe & Chilson Wastewater PlantsPlan Advances to Unite Oak Pointe & Chilson Wastewater Plants
6/18/14 - Genoa Township hopes to bypass state wastewater treatment requirements with a new project being funded through the sale of up to $6 million in bonds. The township has two wastewater treatment plants, one at Oak Pointe and one on Chilson Road that is shared with Oceola Township. The Oak Pointe treatment plant discharges into the ground, and the excessive sodium in effluent has been causing problems in nearby wells. However, the Chilson Road plant discharges into a stream, and as such it has no sodium regulations from the Department of Environmental Quality. The township plans to make modifications to both plants and run a main between them, allowing the Oak Pointe plant to provide preliminary treatment and act as a pressure pump before shunting the wastewater to Chilson for final treatment and discharge. The project will be let out to bid, and depending on the price up to $6 million in bonds will be sold to pay for the improvements. Township finance employees say these bonds could be paid off within 20 years through the usage fees of customers on the Oak Pointe system, even if no new customers are added during that time. Work on the plants and the new main is expected to begin this fall and should be wrapped up by fall of 2015. (TD)
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Conway Officials To Pursue Charges For Cemetery VandalismConway Officials To Pursue Charges For Cemetery Vandalism
6/18/14 - Officials in Conway Township expressed their regret as they issued a decision yesterday to turn the four young men who vandalized Benjamin Cemetery over to county prosecutors. A total of 11 monuments were damaged by the vandalism over Memorial Day weekend, including some large monuments that were toppled. The young men, all of them recent Fowlerville High School graduates, later confessed to the vandalism, and at yesterdayâs meeting of the Conway Township Board they each apologized and asked for forgiveness. The board went into closed session to decide whether to turn the young men over to the prosecutor for charges or to have them make restitution themselves through repayment and community service in the cemetery. After discussing the issue, the board informed the young men that due to the part-time nature of township employees, they could not adequately supervise any community service themselves. They regretfully said they must turn the case over to prosecutors, but that Supervisor Mike Rife would go to the court dates with the young men to ask the judge to show leniency and sentence the young men to community service. The board also selected a bid by a company that would repair and restore the headstones for a total cost of just under $2,600. (TD)
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Brother-in-Law Enters Plea in 2013 Unadilla MurderBrother-in-Law Enters Plea in 2013 Unadilla Murder
6/18/14 - A Montcalm County man has entered a plea in the local murder of his brother-in-law. 50-year-old Mark David Jackson of Vestaburg plead guilty today as a 4th-time habitual offender to second-degree murder in the death of 52-year-old Jonathan Risinger, who was married to Jacksonâs sister. He faces up to life in prison when he is sentenced August 21st. Risingerâs body was found October 6th, 2013 by authorities who were called to his Berkshire Road residence. Authorities say they believe the actual death took place on October 4th. Jackson admitted in court that he killed Risinger after the two got into a fight. A medical examiner ruled Risinger died of injuries consistent with blunt-force trauma which may even have involved strangulation. At the time of the murder, Jackson was on parole for a 1996 conviction in Livingston County on six counts of 2nd degree home invasion, for which he served 14 years in prison. (JK)
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Howell Schools Lowers Rate for District TaxpayersHowell Schools Lowers Rate for District Taxpayers
6/19/14 - The tax rate for Howell Public Schools will be reduced in the upcoming budget year. The district had a debt obligation property tax of 7.7 mills this year. However, the districtâs 2004 Refunding bonds were recently refunded, restructuring that debt to produce lower interest rates and a more favorable payment schedule. This produced significant savings for the district which, coupled with a small increase in taxable property values, has allowed the schools to reduce the millage on residents. The new millage will be 7.06 mills, a decrease of roughly 8.4% over the previous year. A homeowner with a taxable property value of $100,000 will save $64 per year under the new tax rate. (TD)
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Hunter Road Project Starting Next Week in Brighton TownshipHunter Road Project Starting Next Week in Brighton Township
6/19/14 - A road repair project to rehabilitate pavement and storm drains kicks off next week in Brighton Township. The work is scheduled for Hunter Road between Hilton and Hyne Roads. Brighton Township is funding the project, which involves strengthening the road base, repairing drainage structures, and removing and replacing the pavement. The Livingston County Road Commission says the project will begin with a road closure between Orion Drive and Margo Drive starting this Monday, June 23rd and lasting through Thursday, July 3rd. The balance of work will be performed under flag control. The initial closure is required to reinforce the road base in the area of deep wetland soils, which will consist of removing the existing road and cross culvert and replacing with lightweight fills in accordance with a permit issued by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. The balance of the work involves repairs to drainage structures, removing and replacing short sections of failed curb before milling out existing pavement and replacing it. The entire project is expected to wrap up July 31st. (JM/JK)
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Lack of Quorum Delays Vote on Handy Rezoning PlanLack of Quorum Delays Vote on Handy Rezoning Plan
6/19/14 - The Livingston County Planning Commission heard presentations and citizensâ concerns about a proposed rezoning in Handy Township, but with less than half its members present it could not take any action. The commission gathered last night and heard about a proposal by the township to rezone recently-acquired parcels at the southwest corner of Grand River and Nicholson Road from agricultural residential to general industrial. Township officials told the commission the change is not unique in that area, with three other industrial parcels around Fowlerville, and that it was in keeping with the county and township master plans. The Handy Township Planning Commission voted to recommend the change earlier this month, with selling the property and using the money to help pay off looming sewer debts as one of their stated goals. The county planning commissionâs recommendation is now needed to send the rezoning proposal to the township board for final approval. However, without a quorum of the board present, that recommendation could not be made last night. Residents who live near the parcel told the planning commission they do not want to see their property values decline or the character of the area changed by industrial facilities. They told WHMI they do not mind that he commission could not act last night, which will give its members more time to consider what is being proposed and why. The planning commission is considering holding a special meeting sometime in the next two weeks to be able to act on items on last nightâs agenda, but no such decision has been made. (TD)
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Weather Grounds Balloons, Not Enthusiasm at Media PreviewWeather Grounds Balloons, Not Enthusiasm at Media Preview
6/19/14 - About a 100 fans and sponsors gathered at Howell City Park for the annual Balloonfest Media Night, an opportunity for pilots, sponsors and the media to mingle and preview hot-air balloons participating in the 30th Annual Michigan Challenge. The Michigan Cat balloon piloted by Rick Kerber of Wayland, Michigan is what he called a "77 racing balloon." Kerber tells WHMI the balloon has an envelope capacity of 77,000 cubic feet and could hold 77,000 basketballs. Hosted by the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce, the Challenge will feature more than 40 balloons competing June 28-29. Balloonist Shawn Raya grew up with the sport. Raya said the event is very special to him. He attended the event as a child when his dad flew 30 years ago. Now the Sullair pilot attends the event with his own family. Balloonfest will be held from June 27th to the 29th. For more information on the festival, visit the link below. (LR/JK)
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